So I went to Austin for a few days this past weekend. I checked out UT Austin on Friday, then hung out on the weekend. Unfortunately, I didn’t have too much time to see the city, but I did make time for an all-important cupcake tasting at Hey Cupcake (see picture below) on Congress before I had to go to the airport.
Based on my very limited view of Austin, I’ve come to the conclusion that I like the place and the people, but I’m not smitten (ducks and covers!), which I had been expecting to be after all the wonderful comments about the city. But I wouldn’t be surprised if like evolves to love if I come to live in Austin for extended periods of time.
The real highlight of the trip was the new friend that I’ve made. She is wonderful, and I am so happy that we met in person and had the chance to hang out for a few days. It still blows my mind that she was willing to take time out of her very busy schedule to help me out with transportation, host me at her apartment, and, just, well, being awesome.
Speaking of apartments, I’ve realize what a low cost of living Austin has. The apartment I stayed in was absolutely GORGEOUS and in a great downtown location. It would’ve gone for $400 to $700 more had it been located in a metropolitan area in California.
One of the really interesting thing I saw was that traffic lights are hung horizontally in Austin instead of vertically as in California. Very cool. 
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hahahahha @ cost of living. Austin is expensive compared to rest of Texas
I grew up in Cali and now live in Austin. The street lights are like that because of hurricanes… they don’t blow down at easy if there are horizontal! I’m glad you liked the city… it takes a little while for it to fully grow on you. There’s a very northern California like attitude here that I love.
It’s okay that you didn’t fall in love with Austin in just a few days.
It took me a few years actually! It also totally depends on how long your visit is, what you do and where you go. I’m glad you had a good time! Next time you need to try Sugarmama’s cupcakes – they are 10000x better than Hey cupcake!