Living in Austin Texas, why I am so spoiled

April 12, 2007

When I relocated to Austin many years ago, I remember being so impressed with the energy I could feel, even when sitting on MoPac making my way home. I immediately fell in love with the 3pm happy hours on Thursdays, the fact that you could see folks running or walking in almost any Austin neighborhood at any time of day or night. I was amazed at how Austin’s 6th Street could go from a hustling downtown street, to completely shut down, only to be filled with 1000s of college students, Austin natives and the like. Walking around on a Friday night enjoying a giant slice of pizza and visiting with new friends was often a highlight of my week.

I truly began to wonder over the first six months I lived here if all Austin had to offer was the downtown and lifestyles scene. At that time, I had not yet ventured into the world of Austin Real Estate. I did not have a guide to the city; I only had my daily commute down Hwy 183, Hwy 620, and MoPac. That was essentially my knowledge of Austin. Soon however, that would change. One day, Hwy 183 South was shut down for whatever reason and I would have to commute down Hwy 2222 to get to Hwy 360. I had never taken 2222 before, but that one day would seal my lifelong commitment to Austin Texas. Coming over the big hill before descending into the valley at 7am after a night of rain created the most beautiful moment I had ever experienced in Austin. The valley of trees had a cloud of fog sitting heavily between each tree. I could not believe my eyes! Had I woken up in California? Where had this been for the past six months? How had I never managed to find my way down 2222. This was the exact moment I decided that I would raise my children here and even retire here. I committed myself to learning all there was to know about Austin.

Within the year, I had started hiking and biking in the Austin Hill Country, touring all of the edges of the Hill Country, experienced every festival, and that still wasn’t enough. I soon learned that Austin was not a place just to live- it is a place to experience. There was no way I could possibly experience everything in just a year. In fact, I can safely say that if you can live in Austin and say you’re bored, you’re nuts! Pick up a Chronicle and read about the multitudes of live bands playing at any given moment, or drive down any street in Austin and try out any of Austin’s hole in the wall eateries! Tex-Mex, barbeque, interior Mexican food, steak, burgers, fish; you name it, someone here specializes in it. And while you’re at it, have a beer- it seems to flow like water!

There is no way in the world I could take this awesome city for granted; on so many levels it beats any other city I have visited. The main reason is the energy I mentioned above. The energy you experience is the people. How many places in the United States can you say that flip flops are an appropriate choice for the workplace? In fact, one of the brightest minds I know showed up for work every Monday in his bathrobe holding his giant coffee mug (obviously this was not while in real estate). The guy simply worked best in his comfort zone. I remember when I moved here thinking the service here is awfully slow in some of its restaurants. It wasn’t slow, I was too fast! One waitress pointed out to me (as I looked at her impatiently for my food) to look around me, enjoy the view, enjoy my friends- that’s what their restaurant (and Austin) is all about. She was right. From that day forward, I learned the value of taking it easy and experiencing the moment. Life since then has been much more relaxed, and my personal quality of life has improved greatly.

I’ve only scratched the surface about what there is to do in Austin, so I’ve decided to have a weekly spot for all things Austin. Check back weekly for events and reviews!

Happy Living

That Real Estate Guy

Posted by Benn, Single Pointe CEO | Filed Under About Austin, Blog, Buying, Other Stuff 

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