Denver vs Austin ? Thinking of moving to Austin.
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Hi Guyz,
Any one from IBM ?
I went through the entire recruitment process and got selected for IBM ISL. Now I am being told by the HR that they are unable to release offer as there is a hiring freeze.
Can any one please tell me if its correct or just an excuse not to give me offer. If its true, when will this freeze be removed?
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Go to Denver. It’s a movie. Enough said
Denver has higher cost of living AND higher quality of life. You have access to the mountain and so much more than anything you will find in Austin.
If no outdoor activities is for you, so is Austin! Also, enjoy the smothering heat!
Pro
I don't know that Denver is that much more expensive.
I'm a new Texan and love it here. But my vote goes to Denver. Austin is a little too trendy and isn't great for the long term. But Denver is all about the outdoors and there's nothing trendy about mountains.
Rising Star
Denver for mountains. Austin for brisket.
Rising Star
Denver! Grew up in Colorado (over in Boulder), and it’s a truly lovely state. I do think Boulder has more character and “lifers” than Denver (might have more of the hip Austin vibe too, from what I hear - I have not been to Austin) if there’s any ability to be flexible.
I’m sure Austin is great too but Denver is just my personal vote. Denver is hot too, just dry heat in the summers. You get cold winters but there’s skiing and plenty of culture indoors (museums and music) for those who like staying busy off the slopes.
I would also consider job opps and politics in your decisionmaking to an extent, as that will have impacts on your career and kiddos.
Rising Star
I live in Colorado, all of the above is true but to provide some cons to Den: zero diversity, exit opps are tough not quite the tech hub that Austin has become, local salaries are low, Denver itself is still finding its soul as a city (it’s relatively young, food scene is up and coming, etc.) Prices continue to rise as Texans and Californians re locate here.
Rising Star
However, the pros are awesome: you’ll never be bored.
Rising Star
Denver is an amazing city, I actually moved here from Austin about 2 years ago. Everything said above captures it great- but I will add one con -
If you’re a POC, I’ll caution you that Denver severely lacks diversity. It’s not unusual to walk into a bar, restaurant, or shop and be the only POC in there. That being said, I haven’t really ever had any racist encounters here, but you can definitely feel like the odd one out sometimes.
Did my UG in Austin and can’t recommend it enough, although I have to agree with others around long term viability. There’s lot of outdoors stuff to do in Austin as well, tho not to the degree of Denver, but there’s plenty of state parks and hills in the area (within driving distance). Food is great, culture is awesome, and people are very friendly.
Love living in Denver but agree it isn’t very diverse. I’ve been debating heading back to the South but think I may be too used to not having to deal with roaches and mosquitoes and every other bug the South has to offer. Ha
I’ve lived in both cities. Overall, I like Austin more. While Austin isn’t really “weird” anymore, it is a bit more vibrant and indie/alternative than Denver. Denver feels like a bit of a cultural vacuum whereas Austin has an interesting mix of Texan/Southern/Southwestern cultures. I found people to be friendlier and more interesting/engaged in Austin. My partner and I have had much better luck finding jobs in Austin than we did in Denver, although pay in both places falls pretty far below cost of living.
That said, Austin is ideal for people in their 20s. Now that I’m older, I’m finding the super hip things about Austin less charming and interesting, and I really wish there were more to do here besides day drink and swim. There’s a pretty severe housing shortage which makes living in central Austin difficult and expensive. Public transportation is awful (Denver has a somewhat nascent train system). Austin is more diverse by the numbers but is extraordinarily segregated by race and income. Denver has more arts and entertainment infrastructure. Both cities are kind of in the middle of nowhere but at this point I’d rather have access to the Rocky Mountains than the rest of Texas. Summer in Austin is MISERABLE but winter in Denver is pretty heinous.
So, I like Austin more but it’s kind of a toss up based on what you’re looking for. If you’re younger and want permanently-on-spring-break vibes, Austin is great. If you’re a bit older and want more outdoors/things for adults, Denver might be a better match.
I 100% disagree with many of your points.
I grew up in Colorado & Oklahoma (summer vs winter residents) and even my Oklahoma therapist agreed people in the south are fake. That “friendliness” is fake, and it shows in how they vote against expanding Medicaid, fighting against LGBT rights, and who they elect like Ted Cruz. Friendly behaviour isn’t saying “hello” it’s a lot of other actions that southern states lack in “bigly”.
Denver is substantially better for your 20’s in the fact there’s recreational weed, there’s more bars, and like you said, more culture! Not to mention shrooms are legal too! Many people there are from CA, to the east coast. And yes, some Texans, which locals consider rude, bad drivers, and hostile. There is more liberal attitudes in Denver, and more opportunities to make real lasting connections with people.
I’m still friends and talk with my Colorado friends. I cut the toxic Texan/Okie southern people out of my life the minute I left!
Really culturally, you gotta know yourself. People transferred from my family’s law office in Oklahoma to Denver and couldn’t make it. They had to move back because they were lonely and miserable. So if you’re in that culture, I understand how for you, it’s better. And your points are valid and right in that regard! But if this OP is anything other than southern, I’d highly recommend not going.