Austin, Texas

[lemming-clone-]

Hey, everyone.
I'm considering moving into the Austin Texas area in few months and am wondering if anyone can give me any opinions or advice about the city.

The reasons that I'm thinking of Austin are that (first and foremost) it seems that have a pretty active art community. The land also seems relatively cheap (by comparison to other cities like San Francisco anyways), and there are a lot of businesses moving into that area. Good Mexican food is always a plus, too.

Any input would be amazing!
Thanks everyone!

[Hamsta]

Austin was a great place to live, and all of the pluses you mentioned are true.
I moved out because I couldn't find a job, and felt it would serve me best to expand my network, knowing the game was different for me because I'm on a non-immigrant visa.

The locals say that one of the downsides is that Austin is surrounded by Texas.
There's also the heat, cedar fever, and the homeless keeping it weird.

The art scene is great, better than the bay area in my experience.
Sketch night every Wednesday with industry people, $5 figure drawing sessions, The Art Dept., etc.

[Ian Barker]

Lived in Austin almost a year now, really liking it so far. Tons of free music downtown. Not really sure where the sketch groups are though. I've gone to TAD's on the weekends but it's a bit too pricey for me to go every time.

[lemming-clone-]

Thanks a lot for the input! I really appreciate it!
Hamsta ->Thanks for the info on figure drawing! I'll definitely check it out!

Ian Barker -> Awesome! Good to hear! Ahh I see. Sucks that it's expensive. It sounds cool though!

Thanks again!

[tmbritton]

I'm digging living in Austin. Here's a page that lists figure drawing groups in town:

http://www.meetup.com/figuredrawing-188/

[donm]

Lived in Austin for 4 years.. Recently moved back from Seattle a month ago for financial reasons. If you don't mind the heat, it's the only good part of Texas. There are more artists and instruction now than a few years ago which is great. TAD, Gemini School of Visual Arts, and Sketchgroup on Wednesday at Conan's Pizza with a few professionals are to thank for that. Unfortunately, I have to live 2 hours away with some relatives, but try to make it there at least once or twice a week.

[velderia]

I don't live in Austin, but like Dallas, the summers are insanely hot, and in the winter, even if you know how to drive carefully on black ice, someone else might not.