Texas Members

[Ben H]

The Mrs. and I decided that we are going to move to Austin Tx. This is closer to home for her (she is from Houston), and will allow us to get a nicer home for the price (instead of CA prices). No real job relocation, just a desire to leave the liberal politics, and idiocracy of California. To get to where it is green year round, rivers that don't dry up, and locust that chime at night. The decision has been made, and we plan on moving this time next year.

I have been to Austin on a few occasions, but only to party on 6th St. We don't know where the nice areas are around Austin. We are looking for a couple of acres, thats within 30 miles of Austin. Any pointers as to which location is the best to look into? Which areas should we avoid? Are there any good rivers around there? I know that is around hill country, the more hillier the better.

The only downside to this move is that I will lose my Sierra Mountains. If I could put a personal value on these mountains, it would be around $100,000. So I need to know what kind of wheeling is around Austin, even drivable to in about a day. I was stationed in El Paso for a couple of years, and know that there is good wheeling there. I lived in Lafayette LA, for a couple of years and know that there really isn't much there but mud. What kind of wheeling is around Austin within 7 hour drive?

Where do you all wheel? What do you love and hate about Texas?

Any input would be great.

Thanks,

Ben H.

[gregg75]

I really like austin. You can get to the big bend region in about six hours or so. land is expensive, but probably not near where you live now. Even the small towns way out of town are high dollar just because. proximity to the beautiful hill country is a plus. rivers are great there too. you have the frio, comal, guadalupe, medina, blanco, etc. all limestone bottoms.

[Ben H]

We have floated the Guadalupe on a few occasions, love that river.
Property values are no where near what they are here. We found a place in Kyle, 4 bedroom, pool, and a guest house on one acre with no neibors for 245k. A home like that in CA would be 3x or more. In fact it is hard to find house for 245k here. We are pretty excited about it. Is there decent wheeling in Oklahoma?

[gregg75]

um dont know much about oklahoma. i would venture to say there is good stuff up there though. kyle is down there close to buda correct? on the way to san marcos i believe? Thats a nice area. growing rapidly about like everywhere else. sounds like a great house too.

[Ralph]

I lived in the Austin area for a long time. FYI, Texas is not known for rivers with water in them or for being green all year. Also, wheeling in riverbeds has been illegal for several years now. There is wheeling in the area, but it's on private land. You'll have to get with a club to gain access. There are no areas really convenient to Austin. There is a little wheeling in San Antionio (trails and a little rocks) There's some good wheeling around San Angelo (trails, hill climbs and rocks) Barnwell Mountain near Gilmer is a lot of fun (trails and hills) Padre Island National Seashore (beach) I've heard Clayton OK is a lot of fun, but I've never been there. It's about a 7 hour drive. I haven't been to the Big Bend area either. Acording to Mapquest, it's about 7 1/2 hours away.

Keep in mind that the housing market is cheaper than California, but the pay scale is also lower. Traffic is also as bad as anywhere. I lived 18 miles from work and it took 45 minutes to an hour to get to and from work every day. There are good and bad areas all over. Find a good realtor and go exploring.

[Ben H]

http://katemcyrocks.com/trails.html

found this place online, looks pretty good.

[Ramsey]

The good thing about Texas is your that much closer to me :D