I moved my family from California to Austin, Texas, and regretted it

While it is unfortunate this person have not liked the move to Austin. I personally moved from the Bay Area to Austin early 2010s. I can finally have a reasonably affordable place to raise a family. Summers are bad yes. But, i grew up in even hotter place before. For a mid 30s guy like myself, i think I made a right move by moving here. Don't get me wrong I love the Bay area. But family life and simple life triumphs any other benefits for me. Which I have plenty here in Austin. If you are thinking about moving to Austin, it really is a good place.

So all the things he mentions hating about Texas culturally are the things I enjoy. I think this may further drive the point home about how much we differ culturally in each state. I have had family in Austin since the 70's and they are not fans of all the 'California rain'. [Then again- when parts of my family left Oklahoma for California during a huge egress caused by the Oklahoma dustbowl (1930's) I am sure the people in California were just as displeased at all these damn okies invading their state.]

The USA could easily be a small number of nations each with its own rich cultural heritage. The author mentions lack of outdoor activities- yet I did not read about him getting a hunting or fishing license- yes I know that is very likely something he is not interested in- but that is my point.. I love guns, so Texas and I get along pretty well- the state did not have his activities so he gave up. Trust me there is plenty to do in Austin- but if you move from Cali you can't arrive there and be suprised its not Cali!

Also on the heat, I would hear the same thing when I was in Kansas City from California transplants- they could not stand the 'extreme' cold/hot. The only thing I can say to them is there is a reason coastal property has always been so in demand. My buddies in San Diego talk about going jogging before work- if you do that in Austin, depending on the season, you are going to be covered in sweat as soon as you walk out the door. It's not as bad as San Antonio but it's also not got anything close to a coastal breeze.

I wish someone local would have helped this dude plug into Texas and adapt to his new surroundings- it's never going to be California. IMHO it's better. But again I am one of those gun toting redneck hillbillies who likes fishing and hunting. I don't need to move to California to know it would be torture for me.

I can confirm that Yelp is not reliable here in Austin. My experience with Yelp indicates that it may not be reliable anywhere outside of certain enclaves in California.

If you come to Austin and predicate your entire life on how reliable Yelp is here, then you are likely to be unhappy and disappointed.

I can also confirm that Austin is full. Visitors are welcome, but the housing market is definitely driving out the locals.

"This story is available exclusively to Business Insider subscribers. Become an Insider and start reading now."

I can confirm that Yelp does not work well in Austin. In fact, I would be surprised if it worked well outside of certain small enclaves in California.

Someone who moves to Austin and expects to build their entire life around Yelp is likely to be extremely disappointed.

That said, I am a member of the “Austin is full” crowd, so y’all are welcome to come visit, if you like. But housing costs are rising rapidly and the locals are getting priced out of their own city.

"Water is also shockingly expensive."

"Austin is wet, getting almost 90% as much rain as Portland, Oregon."

Hmmmm. Gotta wonder where that rainwater goes. Into a huge underground storage, right? No?

Anyway, Richard Linklater, you left out some things didncha?

Let's not link to articles that require registration to read.

TLDR: Yelp is not reliable in Austin because of one bad experience OP drove 45 mins for.