My journey to Austin Texas in Nov 2019

After 2 short days of visiting Houston, we drove two and half hours to Austin TX to check out the city and the real estate market.. If Houston is more for retired people due to it being most of traditional industry, Austin is more for younger crowds. Not only it is home to numerous Tech Giants from the silicon valley, Facebook, Google, Apple, Samsung to name a few, it is also the capital of live musics, having average 200 shows per night, making Austin one of the hottest Air BNB market in the nation. And don't forget , UT Austin is one of the best public schools in the nation for Tech while Texas A&M is also a top school for biochemistry, which is not too far from Austin.

--- Homes we saw in Austin ----

The homes we saw in Austin are around the apple and samsung campus, some are for corporate rentals and some are duplexes (i was told to stay away from 4plex there). The price in Austin seems to be a little higher than Houston (again, i haven't fully studied both markets yet) but they are still very affordable from Bay Area perspective. The rental income is about the same and property tax is actually much lower, only 2.2%, compare to Houston's 2.7% to 3.2%..

According to the Agent, Texas's rental law is pro-landlord, making it much easier to manage and less potential cost compare to California. Downtown Austin's condo's are about $1M, but the technology parks are all over the city, so you don't have to stay in downtown unless you like the night life. In turns of bad neighborhoods, i was told that on highway I-35, anything on the east side are a little bit sketchy but they are getting gentrified, so for now you can stay away from there but in the future who knows. My guess is as good as anybody else's..

Okay, enough real estate, what have I done for food?

--Austin food---

The 'worst' BBQ in Austin. without a doubt, if you are a carnivore, you gotta try this place when you are in town!

Taco Cabana -- Best TexMex Tacos! All their tortillas are hand made in front of you.

---Night life and activities---

Since Austin is the Capital of live music, we were told about Esther's Follies, which is a comedy and magic show that we can't miss. Now without a doubt, this exceeded my expectation, it is hilarious!!

--6th st--

Austin's nightlife is mostly concentrated on the 6th st in downtown. This is where all the pubs and live performance take place and it is reflecting how young and vibrant the city is. Though crowded, people are very chill and friendly.

--Lake Travis, Austin---

The largest restaurant in the west half of America is called The Oasis, they say it can host more than 3000 people at once and during the summer, it is often fully booked. The view of lake Oasis is magnificent, and the food is without the doubt, DIVINE! Specially the pork rib! OMG!!

---Return Home--

It's been a great journey and adventure. My first trip to Texas was awesome. I have met some great friends and formed some great connections there... Got to enjoy the cities and food (I am a foodie no doubt), and open my eyes. There is a saying, traveling bring people together.. I definitely think this is more than true, travel opens one's heart..

Enjoy the holiday season and I am raising my glass to all of you. God Bless!