View of downtown from Congress Bridge |
I have been horribly behind on my blog because as some of you know, I have picked up my life, packed whatever I could into my little Rav-4 and drove off to Austin, Texas. I was in Los Angeles for only about five years, but I felt that a change was needed. I have always wanted to live in another city before settling down, but I didn’t have the guts to do so. Sure enough, somewhere along the last six months, I grew those guts and well, here I am in Austin.
I know half the people are thinking, “What in the world? Texas???” Yes, I know. I might be crazy, but we will soon find out. In case some of you were wondering, here’s why Austin…
First, it is a young town with an endless amount of things to do. There is a big scene for healthy, active and outdoorsy people. I’ve heard about lots of biking and hiking trails, biking groups, and fun intramural sports teams. There’s Lady Bird lake for paddle-boarding and kayaking, the river for floating, and springs and swimming holes to relax at.
Andrea Miehls Photography- Lady Bird Lake and the bats! |
Barton Springs |
Second, the food scene is unreal. I am talking major food heaven. Of course there is a lot of Tex-Mex and BBQ places, which is what I have mostly been eating, but I have heard there are a lot of great healthy restaurants and it is a vegetarian friendly city (in Texas? Shocking, I know!). Not to mention, Whole Foods is headquartered here. You haven’t been to a huge Whole Foods until you’ve been to the one here. Between the hot food stations, pizza stations, beer alley, antipasti bar, olive bar, juice bar, salad bar, and wine tasting… you could have a field day!
Iron Works BBQ- Pork ribs plate! |
Third, this is a fun. freaking. town. I haven’t gotten to explore the active lifestyle yet, but I can say I have experienced the fun of this place. 6th street is full of people who are just down to have a great time. Not only on 6th, but all around the area are cool bars with rootops and live music. Of course, I am dying to go to the country bars and sing and dance all night. It seems like there are always people willing to go out and great happy hours!
Fourth, sports. This city loves the UT Longhorns more than anything. I went to my first UT game and my goodness, it’s a sport fan’s heaven. Tailgates full of good food and drinks, seas of orange, and packed with hard core fans. Now, the stadium is something else. I am used to the Rose Bowl which is amazing, but the UT stadium builds up, so it seems massive. You have the Austin skyline in the distance, and there doesn’t seem to be an empty seat. It was incredible!
UT Game! |
Lastly, what really made a difference for me was the people. These people are just so darn nice, you can’t help but be a nicer person yourself. It’s sad to think that meeting genuinely nice people is so shocking… you would think that people should be nice all of the time, but we all know that’s not the case. I get such a great vibe from the people I’ve met so far. It doesn’t appear that they have an ulterior motive, they really just want to say hi and chat.
Of course I’m going to miss California. I love the sunshine, the beach, the markets, UCLA football games and I’ve got some of the greatest friends there, but it was time to go out on a limb. I don’t have any good friends in Austin, but I love meeting people and making friends. What better way to make friends than by moving to a city where you don’t know anyone?
There are so many activities I want to do, but when I was in LA, I was content with my daily routines. Just content. I hope that this move will force me to get out of my comfort zone and allow me to explore difference activities and find my passions.
My heart is still with people and places that are not in Texas, but I know there is always more room in my heart for new friends and adventures ahead. I have so many emotions running through me. I’m excited, scared, overwhelmed, relaxed, happy, sad and everything in between. I know there will be ups and downs, but for now, I am just focusing on future explorations of this town. Keep posted for more!
8 Comments
Unknown
September 10, 2012 at 11:52 pmI am thinking about picking up and moving to Austin too! The living is sooo much cheaper than SF, but I do love this city! Good luck :)
Kristin @ thefreshfind
September 11, 2012 at 4:51 pmThank you so much! Please let me know if you decide to make the move. It’s an exhilarating feeling!
Neo
February 20, 2013 at 2:00 am6 months later — how are you liking Austin?
Kristin H
February 20, 2013 at 2:25 amHi Neo, I am loving it and couldn’t be happier. It has been one of the best decisions I have made. Where in Texas are you?
Wanderlust
July 30, 2013 at 2:18 pmFound your page randomly. Austin is awesome, the people are so easy to talk to and I feel that openness is lacking in CA. I am in Los Angeles and went to UCLA. Glad you took the leap.
Stephanie Drazich
May 8, 2014 at 1:36 pmAhh reading this makes me want to move there too!! Miss you, love! P.s Clearly I’m blog-stalking you :)
Kelsie
June 6, 2014 at 11:43 amI just found your blog and love it! I’m an Austin-native and love living here! I have a blog as well, http://www.runningathousandmiles.com, and enjoy working out and eating healthy around here. If you have any questions about the city or need a workout buddy, let me know!
thefreshfind@gmail.com
June 6, 2014 at 12:57 pmHi Kelsie, I am so glad you contacted me! I love your blog, I was reading through your no meat May and other things. I love it! I’m going to send you a separate message, we should definitely hang out! :)