My point about Christmas should not go overlooked, nor be the focus of that point; I favor embracing differences rather than sanitizing everything. People are different, we have different beliefs, we have different holidays, we have different orientations. That’s what I want my kids to learn and I favor an environment in which Christmas is Christmas, and yes, some people will be left out. Hanukkah is another time of the year that America celebrates, and some people will be left out. Ramadan is another time in America that is celebrated, and some people don’t. Where Christmas songs are often sung now, they are only non-religious – you can’t celebrate Christmas religiously and if you can’t celebrate it religiously, nor should any of the other religious holidays be mentioned. That’s the sanitization. I prefer they all be embraced; I don’t fault California’s culture for doing that, it’s what people there desire; it’s just not for everyone.

For the rest of you, I was Paul’s next door neighbor in Silicon Valley for the last 4 years before he moved. I’m a California native, and I have lived in LA, San Diego and mostly the Bay Area. So here’s my take:

Commute and cost of living – hands down Austin wins.

Weather – So Cal wins. SF weather is much too cold and windy, but what Paul failed to mention is how nice the weather is in Los Gatos (where we were neighbors). For those who don’t know, even though it’s only 42 miles away, the San Jose area weather is much more pleasant than SF. So Austin vs San Jose might be a draw. Austin if you never want it too cool, San Jose if you never want it too hot.

I don’t agree that liberals are less willing to discuss politics with an open mind. I think both sides are way too entrenched and that’s the problem. Don’t pick a side. Study the issues and go with your feeling about it regardless of what your party says.

I’m disappointed Paul went with the “you cant celebrate Christmas” in California schools. That’s such a old cliche. It’s true that they are trying to make sure no one feels excluded. Freedom of religion is a principle the country was founded on. The Christmas choir show at our school sings both generic winter songs and traditional Christmas songs.

I’m sure some California and Texas neighborhoods are not very welcoming, but as Paul knows, ours was. Our little townhome community was and is very tight. I couldnt ask for friendlier neighbors!

Lastly, I think it’s great if you and your commenters have found home. This was already home for me. All my old friends and my parents are all here. It’s an easy choice for me. If I was unthethered, I’m not totally sure where I’d go, but it sounds like Austin would be worth a look.

What I think you’re going to love about Austin is that people are incredibly friendly. Unable to fit something from Home Depot in your car? In all likelihood, someone walking by with a pickup will offer to help you out. Looking for something to do? There are more meetups, networking groups, and social events here than anywhere. Work? Employment here is solid, coworking is king for home based professionals, and entrepreneurship is supported here FAR more than California.

BUT the other part of your question is about beliefs, politics, etc. The other thing I LOVE about Austin is the characterization that it’s a liberal island in a sea of conservatism. That, combined with the sense of independence inherent to the DNA of Texas and you’ll find it’s truly a place where everyone believe, “to each, his own.” The government stays out of your business and the slightly liberal attitude here isn’t overwhelming (as it is in the Bay Area) because there is just as much conservatism that everyone just gets along – no matter what you’re belief. What’s refreshing here though is that you don’t have to keep quiet about it here (or fear admonishment); here, people welcome the differences, expect them, heck, enjoy them. A fast friend here once told me, Austin is the only place where you’ll be at an outdoor concert and make friends with the cowboy on your left, the guy in a suit on your right, a family behind you, and a hippie in front.

Need proof? Drop me a line when you get here, I’d be happy to connect over drinks

I’ve had some of the following apprehensions about relocating in general: traffic (I commute all over N. CA, 15-20 hrs/wk in car easy), weather (I lived in Fresno, avg= 98-115 in summer), and politics (I’m a dedicated libertarian who is afraid of being open about it here)… These concerns as they relate to the Austin area have been quelled by your article.

I do have an important question for the writer/readers. Biggest remaining concern (childish as it seems) is making new friends. When my wife and I moved to Oakland, the inability to make new friends (mostly… & my wife working for crazy Berkeley USD) casued us to move out after 8 mos.
I suppose the question is, as two late 20′s married couple w/o kids from CA who are neither specifically conservative or liberal and not especially religious; what steps should take (generally speaking) in the Austin environment to build an enjoyable social group of like minded friends?

I know that seems like a really loaded question without anyone knowing who we are, but any advice is welcome. Our specific demo seems to be particularly difficult to place socially so help is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

Lots of energy, everyone seems “youthful.”

We love it here.