r/askaustin

Looking for any open water swim groups, Lake Travis etc. Missing my time in the ocean swimming for hours each week and need to find some friends who want to throw on a pair of fins, some goggles and go for it for an hour a few times a month.

I've heard that the enclosed area at Hippie Hollow is a safe open water option and many folks go in tri suits. Anywhere else and anyone else out there?

Me, former triathlete and competitive open water swimmer back before I had two babies in my mid forties and now basically just a mermaid in need of some water reconnection and outdoor health!

(Note, married. Legitimately an exercise buddy post. Please don't flirt.)

Hi yall I’m about to turn 21 on May 30th WOOP WOOP, and I wanna be surrounded by actual austinites who are also just as crazy and loving about this city as I am. Yall I miss the random aliveness this city used to be filled with. I believe our spirit still lives in small pockets around this town. I want to host it on the last day of the Month at Pease Park right by the parkway entrance where that field is. Pease park holds many special memories for me from my youth and high school so I want to create an even awesomer memory for the start of my legal adult life (ya I don’t count that 18,19,20 year old bullshit cause I still couldn’t do shit). Anyways I want it to be a fun and games type potluck event where we can all hangout watch the sunset and tell stories with each other. Open to all ages all peoples but of course social guests will be the May babies my Taurus and Gemini brothers and sisters. Please give me feedback about where else I could promote this I’d love to make it a new tradition for my friends and family and hopefully the greater Austin heartbeat. Would love to know what everyone thinks thank you!!

Does regular air duct cleaning really help with air quality and HVAC efficiency? Is it worth doing?

8-10 police cars, 2 ambulance and more

hi all i rented a gorgeous strapless dress from rent the runway for a wedding. the wedding is out of the country and i leave tomorrow at 5am, dress arrived yesterday. fits perfectly except a bit big in the bust area and im having a hard time finding sticky bras or inserts to fix it. so far ive been to two ultas, nordstrom rack, and target in southpark meadows. didn’t think it would be this hard to find a sticky push up bra! any recs?? i only have today to get this figured out. thanks!! preferably in south austin!

update: just noticed holes in the dress so it looks like i’ll be going with a back-up instead. I will be remembering petticoat fair thanks to yalls replies for future needs!

Hi guys.

Divorcing, and I am looking at a house rental in Holly - a temporary landing spot from Michigan. It's just a bit west of Chicon street on Holly street just a few blocks from the Chicon street entry into the park and Lady Bird trail system and the lake and river. This is important to me as I have a dog to walk.

The walkability to all the local restaurants and bars/entertainment to the north is great, while not being on top of all that action, and having some seclusion, overlooking a parcel out back with big mature trees that won't be sold or developed on.

It's a new 2021 build. It's a two floor 1000sf at $3500 a month which is a lot, but I might just do 6 months to acclimatise and see how it fits, and to get to know Austin's areas. Importantly it has a fenced in back yard which is crucial for my dog without me always needing to get him out for an extended walk.

The only thing I don't like is the single open garage overhang. I have a car, and two motorcycles, that I hope to be able to put out back behind the fencing out of view. The alley worries me a little. Not sure about crime in the area?

I will be able to eventually purchase a home for maybe up to 800k, but this might not be the area for that given how pricey everything seems.

I would really enjoy and appreciate any of your feedback or experiences.

Thank you!!

Hi everyone, I’m moving from NY state. My job will be around Lamar blvd near this zip: Austin, TX 78704. I might have to leave my current car here because it is not much honestly. I am thinking to find a good spot not too far, maximum 30 mins with commute with public transportation or even closer luckily. But I want to know what areas will be great to live in. I have never lived there or been there. Please share with me like how is the public transportation there. What would be a straight bus line or metro? Just gathering final knowledge. I am
Open to having roommates for now, studios apt and 1 bedrooms at least I want to budget under a 1000.

Thank you

Hi everyone!

I was looking for advice on the Zilker/Barton Hills area. I am moving to Austin in the summer (yes, I am prepared for the humidity) and was hoping to get some insight on the Barton Springs neighborhood. I have been through South Lamar and the Zilker area, mainly just through South Lamar Blvd. I'm in my early 20's and love to try new places and be outdoors, so I thought this would be a great fit.

I've been looking at a few properties off of Barton Hills Dr and wondering how that area is? I'd be living alone as a young female, and safety is a huge thing for me. If anyone can lend me some insight, that would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

This guy interviewed a bunch of people on 6th Street and no one trusted the mainstream news

I have been trying to find good property management company and it feels impossible to tell which places are actually managed well vs just marketed well online. Mainly looking for company that are responsive with maintenance, communicate clearly, and keep the property in good shape after you move in. Would appreciate any recommendations from people who have had a good experience.

I'd think we were getting ready to be annihilated again but its clear skies after this.

What are some events or activities going on for Memorial Day weekend? Coming down for my boys Bach trip. We’ve got comedy shows down, lake Travis down…

What recommendations yall have? A rodeo would be cool to see, brunch ideas, rooftop parties/bars, other fun social things to do. Recs for Concerts too, hip hop/rap/pop/country. Nightlife recs too, we’re younger so we don’t mind if it’s too crazy.

We have a rental car as well so we’d be down for a 30 min-1 hr radius around Austin.

Any other tips and recommendations would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!

Hi everyone. My wife got a new job in Austin so looks like we are moving there from NYC. I am a native New Yorker but funnily enough, my dad grew up in Austin during the 60/70s lol. We will be moving in August, which I’m aware is hell on earth season.

This very brief background being said, I want to learn as much about the city as possible. At some point I’ll also need to figure out a place for us to live, but that’s a later issue lol. I have been to Austin a few times given the family ties, but have only really ever done the touristy things.

Few basic questions I have right now:
- Where else are the walkable parts of the city? Besides downtown and parts of Zilker. I hate driving and am used to walking everywhere. I know I will have to buy a car but, I would still like to be able to walk to places as well
- Where are the young (25-30yr old) hot spots to live, that aren’t super influencer infested?
- What are some local businesses to check out/prioritize shopping at? (All the places my dad have mentioned are gone besides 1 or 2)
- What are some random cultural/Austin specific events to be on the look out for
- What are some unique spots to check out? Preferably nature or art oriented
- I know 0 people outside of random family members in Austin. What’s the best way for making friends out in Austin? I’m planning to heavily attend Austin FC games so I’m assuming that will help a bit
- What is the best outdoor bar? The concept of a fully or mostly outdoor bar seems amazing

Lastly, I have seen how transplants can come into a city, want to change it into wherever they came from, and just take from the city’s culture while giving nothing in return (and make rent mad expensive). I do not want to New York your Austin, so any tips on how to embed ourselves in true Austin culture would be greatly appreciated

Thank you all!

Hey everyone! Finally graduated and got very lucky to land a good job near the area. I am 21 M, and was hoping to lease a Private Room Private Bath in the Wells Branch area since it's exactly in the middle of 2 locations that matter most to me.

If anyone had any recommendations (or any if any landlords are lurking here) please let me know. I don't mind house sharing wherein I lease only 1 room and the other rooms are leased by other folks.

Also open to nearby areas outside of Wells Branch!

Hello everyone!

Allow me to give a small introduction, I moved to Austin from Poland this year's March, it did take me a while to settle in. But I do figure I'm ready to start keep it going further.

Back home I grew up around weaponry so I do have a jist, was even a licensed gun owner back home which is not that easy. If anyone or anywhom would know if there's any place that could hire a entry-level gunsmith or know a place where to start such, I'd greatly appreciate. I say entry level because I do know things but I would not dare to name myself an expert, I'm aware there's definitely a lot more things to learn! But I'm lacking sources or people here, was supposed to get into Mcbride's thru family and friends but I'm aware it has been just recently sold.

Anyways can leave a comment, even if it's not much details I appreciate any leads! Feel free to reach out to me as well for any further information from my end!

Thanks y'all, -M.

Coming into town in a couple weeks for a conference that I'm unable to get out of. Going to be spending a couple days kicking around and then at the conference Mon-Wed. This will be my first time in your city.

I looked at the local events calenders and nothing is jumping out at me. What are some local hideouts that normally have some decent live music? Enjoy most music outside of Country Pop, Pop and would rather it be chill.

I have my eye on the Sahara Lounge to potentially post up. I'll be staying downtown with no vehicle; happy to Uber. Appreciate any advice!

Hey everyone.

I’m looking for apartments in Austin and will be moving from out of state. I will be commuting to the Domain 3 times a week and will be working a 9-5. Ideally want my commute to and from to be 20-30 mins.

Things I want in an apartment:
Walkable with restaurants and bars near by
Base rent less than 2000 a month
1bd/1ba or studio with 600+ sq ft
Would like it to be quiet during night time. It would be nice to have an apartment facing a courtyard

I was thinking about living in East Austin at places like The residence at satillo, amli east side, corazon, since they are very walkable and close to downtown and the river. Does anyone know what my commute during 8-8:30 and 5-5:30pm would be if I lived there?

Do you have recs for similar apartments in the domain that are walkable?

I’m moving to Austin after a breakup. I’m a 35M and just ended my LTR. She was great but didn’t want kids and I decided I did want kids.

I workout regularly and am in good shape. I have a career that I’ve put a lot of effort into (180K, project management). I enjoy playing board games with a club currently and want to establish the same in Austin. I don’t drink or smoke. Love to travel.

I’m curious what the single ladies in Austin are like, in their own words. Are your careers important to you? How important is healthy eating and lifestyles? Do you want kids? Are you very social, or enjoy being at home? What are your life goals? Do you see yourself in Austin long term? Do you drink/smoke?

Hi! we are deciding on moving to a city within Florida or Texas and visited Kissimmee, Orlando, recently (downtown Kissimmee) and fell in love with the lake & park & small walkable downtown along with the major diversity! However there weren’t many Mexicans at all and for family related reasons would like to find a place that may have more of that.

Have also considered Texas such as Austin but not sure if the vibe of a college town is for me; Houston & Dallas seems to have an older crowd vibe that might align more but don’t think they have the beautiful water and greenery Orlando had when we visited. Does Austin have any nice suburbs that have lots of racial diversity, not so many college kids, and also a walkable area not super far from the suburb?

Thank you so much in advance for your advice and insight.