OK..need some help. I am seriously thinking about moving to Austin from Chicago. While I think that Chicago is a great city, but the weather makes it hard to keep spinning year round.

Has anyone done this move before? I am 34, enthusiast cycler. Is Austin the best place??? Someone else told me to check out Seattle...but the lack of the Sun makes it another tough choice.

Thanks for the insight.

Regards,

Mo

As long as you aren't too attached to Winter time, don't mind a little heat and wind and of course, the hills don't bother ya, you should do just fine.

BTW, not everyone in Illinois has air-conditioning. Don't even think about that for a second. You will need it here so don't "skimp" he..he.

I hate winter. I love the heat. Hill are my friend.

Thanks for the advice.

M


As long as you aren't too attached to Winter time, don't mind a little heat and wind and of course, the hills don't bother ya, you should do just fine.

BTW, not everyone in Illinois has air-conditioning. Don't even think about that for a second. You will need it here so don't "skimp" he..he.

Mo, I moved from upstate New York to central Texas in '81. It's worth it--provided you can find work. But the economy here has always been better than where I came from. I've had many fun times here, made more money than I ever thought I would earn, done some terrific rides and accumulated numerous riding buddies.
Yes, you CAN bike all-year round, except for a handful of nasty winter days. Summer afternoon temperatures can reach 100. I ride in the mornings or evenings when that happens.
For a typical listing of local rides, check out http://www.austincycling.org/rides.html
I'm a ride coordinator and I know these rides well. I suggest you visit here, participate in a ride and strike up a conversation. You'll get an earful more.

OK..need some help. I am seriously thinking about moving to Austin from Chicago. While I think that Chicago is a great city, but the weather makes it hard to keep spinning year round.

Has anyone done this move before? I am 34, enthusiast cycler. Is Austin the best place??? Someone else told me to check out Seattle...but the lack of the Sun makes it another tough choice.

Thanks for the insight.

Regards,

Mo

I've lived in Austin since '82. Though the city has grown a lot (traffic, 'burbs - ugh) during my time here, it's still a great place to live and bike. The cycling community is strong (ACA, Violet Crown, Austin Tricyclists, etc).

Other have commented on the weather, both good and bad. I agree with 'em, so I won't repeat what's already been mentioned.

Another Texas city to consider is just a ways south of us: San Antonio. Just like Austin, the Texas Hill Country is just west of the city. Lots of ride options in either city.

The only other place I'd be interested in moving to for cycling reasons is San Diego, but man, it's outrageously expensive to live there. It's way cheaper to live in central Texas, FWIW.

I've lived in Austin since '82. Though the city has grown a lot (traffic, 'burbs - ugh) during my time here, it's still a great place to live and bike. The cycling community is strong (ACA, Violet Crown, Austin Tricyclists, etc).

Other have commented on the weather, both good and bad. I agree with 'em, so I won't repeat what's already been mentioned.

Another Texas city to consider is just a ways south of us: San Antonio. Just like Austin, the Texas Hill Country is just west of the city. Lots of ride options in either city.

The only other place I'd be interested in moving to for cycling reasons is San Diego, but man, it's outrageously expensive to live there. It's way cheaper to live in central Texas, FWIW.

I live in San Antonio, love the heat, hate winter (snow). this past wednesday it was 85 sunny, low humidity, i did a 20 mile ride in the afternoon. SA is a great place to live except finding a high paying job (above $50K) might be a problem. if your not in the military, civil service or connected to the medical profession it will be difficult. the city is very affordable because of the high number of low income people. Check out http://www.sawheelmen.com/rides/index.htm one of the local bike clubs.