went from chicago to austin — except i stayed — for almost ten years now. None of your points are wrong - and I always tell people austin is great, but don't move here for the music or nightlife. Austin is giant, somewhat hip suburb. Nothing more. But its also half day drive from some great cities with a lot more culture (SA for history and proper downtown, dallas for art and sports, houston for nightlife and art). Its also stone throws away from hill country and some fantastic back country. not far drive from NM or Colorado. The coast is ok, not great, but not doable. Overall, central texas is great place...

...for a family.

thats the real difference. Good luck raising a family in Chicago unless you make two commas or more. And relegating yourself to the suburbs is borderline hell. All the hassles of chicgao and winter, with none of the culture or attraction. Its also surrounded by shit except for Lake Michigan coast, which is almost always cold.

so yeah the city itself is not that great compared to larger, more walkable cities, but its fairly affordable and cool place to raise a family.

other factor that differers from any new transplants - we got here right before housing crash which made austin very affordable to buy a home - would hate to be shopping for home now - so overpriced!