Oh my, here we go again... we may be moving (NM or TX)

[preshi]

This time it's to Albuquerque, NM or the Austin, TX area.

I told Dh we needed to get out of here and he's taking me up on it. So looks like next summer if they need him somewhere we are outta here.

Ok so who can help me with these two areas?

Crime Level? How Good are the schools? Towns nearby to these area that could be good choices? Natural Disasters to worry about? Anything else I may have to be concerned with?

I work in Relocation real estate and can look up statistics easy but I'd like to hear from people who actually live there.

Let me give you a quick rundown of where I come from...

Crime Level - virtually non existent.
Schools - Good, I personally think they could be better.
Natural Disasters - Earthquakes... but that is nothing to me
Other - Our population here (bay area suburb) is about 40, 000 I'd like to move into a similar area

DH is talking to their relocation lady tonight ro sometime this week to give us a better idea of where we could be going. Although I know it's either NM or TX. Thanks everyone for any help...

 

[CBRorBust]

Come to TEXAS!



Sorry I can't help much about Austin Stats, except I know that there are a lot of Universities/Colleges in that city.

 

[Rajah]

With that info, I'd say Austin would be your better bet. The crime rate is pretty high in several (maybe even most?) areas of Albuquerque and I don't think the public schools are highly rated (not sure on that). Austin is low crime, a bit larger than 40,000 now (5 years ago it was 40,000), and I think the schools are better rated (again, not sure since I don't have kids ).

Earthquakes (VERY rare, usually below size 3) and possible volcano eruption (unlikely) are the biggest natural disaster concerns I can think of in Albuquerque, though drought is pretty high too (I just don't consider that necessarily a *disaster*, it's just a feature of that area).

Austin, the most likely thing you'll have is flooding. They consider it a disaster if there's a hard freeze and snow.

In Albuquerque you'll get snow (small amount) in the winter, hot and dry in the summer. But if you want *more* snow, it's not far to get to some great skiing etc. Very fascinating area, and they're really doing a good job of beautifying the city. It's really big on the Native American culture with a dash of Mexican culture thrown in -- I find that fascinating and love it. My DH found it a bit odd, but after a week long conference there, he fell in love with it too. Food is fantastic if you like Mexican. And the view is a stunning desert. There's lots to go see and do if you're an outdoorsy-type and/or history-buff. Close to the mountains, too.

In Austin the weather will be a bit more even through the year. Hot and humid in summer, humid and cool in the winter. Cools rarely go below freezing. Spring is beautiful in Austin. A decent amount of stuff to do around there if you're outdoorsy, a good club strip if you like bar-hopping, some good shopping. I loved Austin.

Albuquerque has a big airport, Austin has a medium-sized one (last time I was there anyway. I left just after plans were announced to build a bigger one.)

If you go for Albuquerque, you want in the newer areas on the outskirts of town to get the lesser crime areas. Stay away from downtown or the UNM area after dark, it's crawling with apparently homeless people. Some are perfectly friendly and good, others can be dangerous. I personally wouldn't even feel that comfortable walking around those areas by myself during the day, but I'm fine with others.

If you go for Austin, I'd recommend the northern part of town. There are a lot of historical houses in central-Austin that are really full of charm, but really really expensive. The northern area has had a growth spurt that was starting when I left.

I love both Albuquerque and Austin and if it were up to me, it'd be a hard choice for myself. The culture, size, location, and activities of Albuquerque are a huge draw for me, but I loved living in Austin too.

Good luck!

 

[ckmommy]

I've only lived in Tx for almost 2 years, but I LOVE it!!! We live in Houston, my only complaint is the very hot summers (have a pool build in your yard or a house that has one already there). But, I take the heat over a very long and cold Wisconsin winter.
Austin is a college town (University of Texas). Housing is a steal down here!! You will not believe the house you are able to afford. I would definatly look at new vs. pre owned. We looked at over 100 pre owned and decided to build. The build time down here is super quick (3-4 months).
The schools down here are rated. Look for an area that has a ememplerary (I know I spelled that wrong) rated schools.
Have fun looking at the real estate!!

 

[phamton]

Housing costs and electricity in Austin are some of the highest in the state. My parents and 2 of my grown kids live there and they love the area. It is a beautiful city. The cost of living is less in Albuquerque than Austin but if I had to choose between the two, I'd choose Austin.

 

[cuterlt]

I've lived in Albuquerque since 1979, and I love it!!! There is crime, BUT as Rajah pointed out so well, there are areas to live and areas not to live in, as well as places to not go. Everything is close - we have a population of (I think) 250,000 or so, but there are some smaller communities close to town - within 10 minutes or so depending on where you want to live. There is lots to do within close proximity from skiing to hiking to water sports, although it's quite a drive to the ocean. We do have pretty good schools - again, you'd have to look at the particular area.
Please PM me if you have more specific questions. I would be more than happy to help!!

 

[Pop Daddy]

why do you need to get out of Cal

 

[minniecarousel]

Meagan - how 'bout before you leave town - we finally get together for coffee? Knowing housing prices, I know you know how much more house you'll get! (You'll most likely see a profit on your house here - how long ago did you buy in SR?) Good luck on the research. Our summer heat is tolerable - but Texas gets HOT!!

 

[slimplaw]

Austin population is way past 40,000. The University of Texas alone has about 40,000 students, if not more. I travel to Austin about once a year for meetings and always enjoy it. One big plus, you can fly out of Austin to Orlando nonstop on Southwest(can't do that in Dallas). You would be close to some very nice areas of Texas, such as San Antonio, New Braunfels and about 3 hours from Dallas.

 

[cuterlt]

I forgot that important point slimplaw! you can also fly out NONSTOP from Albuquerque to Orlando (and lots of other places).

 

[phamton]

The population of Austin, as of April 1, 2002, was 680, 899.

 

[Jeff in BigD]

Whatever you do, make sure you get your fill of In-N-Out before you move!

 

[Dan Murphy]

No Chicago??

 

[KathyFP]

There are some really nice areas close to Albuquerque that have wonderful school districts.

 

[Rajah]

Originally posted by phamton
The population of Austin, as of April 1, 2002, was 680, 899.

*blink*

When they said Austin has had a population explosion in the past 5 years, they meant it!! Woah!!!

 

[phamton]

Originally posted by Rajah
*blink*

When they said Austin has had a population explosion in the past 5 years, they meant it!! Woah!!!

Rajah, are you sure you weren't confused with the 40,000 figure? It hasn't been 40,000 since 1920. My parents moved there in 1971 and the population was already at 252,000. Maybe you meant it was 400,00 five years ago. (amazing what one little zero will do.) The population was already at 465,622 in 1990.

 

[preshi]

Oh my goodness!!

Thank you everyone for the information. I'm hoping that there are some smaller towns that they are opening stores in.

Dan- Sorry no Chicago. I can barely stand the 40º I don't think I'd do too well there.

Julie - We just bought our house... like in August. There is going to be alot of talking going on around here before we actually decide to move.

My biggest thing is going to be crime rate. I refuse to live somewhere that isn't comprable to here. I know thats sheltered and all but I just know I'd panic all the time. I do think we have decided that Texas would be better than New Mexico. This is a huge decision and with a new baby coming next May, I'm not sure if I'll be ready to move in August.

I appreciate all the info...now we just have to see where they are actually going to put the stores in those states

 

[Rajah]

Originally posted by phamton
Rajah, are you sure you weren't confused with the 40,000 figure? It hasn't been 40,000 since 1920. My parents moved there in 1971 and the population was already at 252,000. Maybe you meant it was 400,00 five years ago. (amazing what one little zero will do.) The population was already at 465,622 in 1990.

You're right, I was confused -- it was the UT campus number I was remembering. But I still don't think it was 400,000 when I was there.

 

[luvmarypoppins]

I would definetely pick TEXAS. We had to move from NY to TX and now we can't wait to get back to TX. We lived closer to Dallas. Austin is midway between Dallas and San Antonio. They have great outlet malls in San Antonio, the alamo, sea world, fiesta texas (owned by six flags) and in Dallas they have the state fair, six flags in Arlington, Wet and Wild water park and the great ballpark, now our favorite place to fly in and watch the NY Yankees. We moved to texas when 2nd ds was only 2 months old. We had professional movers and packers thanks to ds job (govt.) and he set everything up the way I told them. They had a great program down there for young moms. never have seen it anywhere else in the country. It is run by many local churches. Its called Mothers Day Out. They all do it like twice a week and take them at a few months if you want. Its like 9-2. It was cheap compared to NY standards and it helped me keep my sanity, even met dh for lunch a few times. Also met alot of other moms with young ones. Texas all the way. Good luck. Definetely get a house with a pool. We rented one before buying, thank heavens we didnt buy because dh got transferred back to NY.

 

[CBRorBust]

I'll second the Mothers Day Out thing! It is wonderful for stay-at-home mom's!