Thinking about relocating to Austin. I've researched a little bit, but would like to hear from some locals on a couple of things. First, how hot are the summers there? I've heard alot about the dreaded dry heat vs. humidity debate with some conflicting answers. Living in s. Florida for years, I would think I'd be well prepared but don't really know. Also, what is the music scene really like? I've heard all about the " live music capital" title an all, but how accurate do you think that is? I've heard that it used to be cool but that now it's alot of wannabes' and cheasey cover bands.Like I said, you can only research so much. Looking forward to hearing from Austinites. Thanks!

Cheasey cover bands? Tell that to the thousands who flock to 6th Street each night (more on Fri & Sat) especially when school is in session (50,000+ Longhorns). I guess it depends on your age and what you're looking for. The street shuts down to traffic and literally every storefront is a nightclub, playing jazz, blues, country, rap, alternative, and everything in between. Ever been to or seen SXSW? That's coming up during spring break.

As far as humidity, it's nothing like Houston or Florida, nor is it dry like Arizona. It's a nice medium between the two. Hot? Yes, July and August. But then, that's when the lakes and rivers are their best!

Good luck!

Hey kopp! How's it going? Did'nt mean to imply " cheasey ", like I said, just something I heard. Just goes to show how different peoples' tastes are. Being in S.Florida,where the live music scene is pretty much non existent, I'm sure Austin would be like paradise to me! Tell me,is it easy to get around either walking or biking,or is it essential to have a car? Thanks for the response. Take it easy.

Yogi -

I think kopp is trying to say there aren't a lot of cover bands; but that there is every type of music going on all the time.

I used to live in S FLA, so I know what you are talking about. Everybody plays in Austin. SXSW is huge; something like CMJ (if that still goes on in NYC).

Lots of people bike and walk - depends on where you want to live. Remember...Austin is a college town also, so it's friendly transport wise. Re: the heat - spring-fed pools are the best on those hot days.

BTW - there are cheezy people and cover bands wherever you go; but the likelyhood is that you won't be hangin' in the same spots.

I've heard that it used to be cool but that now it's alot of wannabes' and cheasey cover bands............

Oh, that would really be sad, if that's the way it is. I'm not a local of Austin, Texas but can tell you last time I was there (a few years back) I absolutely fell in love with the place. I'm from Wailuku, Maui and if I had to move any other place in the world, Austin, Texas would be my choice. I loved it and felt VERY comfortable. Good luck.

hey kolohegirl - and I absolutely love Wailuku! Wish you could have been here tonight for smoked ribs & chicken--no sauce, just smoke!! Yum, yum!

And yogi, be prepared for some mighty fine bbq when you come. It's everywhere! There's even places 'round these parts that change your oil while you're chowin' on bbq.

And don't worry about people being cheasy. After all, our town slogan is "Keep Austin Weird". That's the way we like it!

Live music scene-awesome! There is a wide of array of bands that play here and probably only part of them are cover bands. I for one love Bob Schneider. If you want to hear some good original stuff, 6th Street is probably not the best place. Some popular places are Stubb's, Antone's, Saxon Pub. SXSW is a multimedia festival that is opened to the public, but seems to be more for the business people trying to find new talent in the ARTS. A fairly new festival is the ACL Fest held in September. It is really well done and you have 3 days to see many well known and local acts on at least 6 different stages. As for transport, you really need a car. Bicycling and walking is done mostly in Central Austin(for transportation simply because that is where it is most user friendly. They are parks all over the area, but the beloved park in Zilker Park which is in the heart of Austin. Cost of living is average compared with the rest of the country, but higher compared to other Texas cities. If you can handle Florida heat then Austin shouldn't be a problem. Yes it is more humid than New Mexico or Arizona but it isn't muggy like coastal areas. If you have other questions, just post. The best way to find out if this is a place you'd like to live is to come for 6 or 7 days and see for yourself. Everyone's ideas cannot replace your own experiences. Good luck.

Thanks everyone for all your input. ilovetulips, thanks for the info. I don't think the weather will be a problem for me and those springs do look awful inviting! SXSW sounds awsome. I'd definitley be a kid in a candy store. I'm a music junkie! Sounds like I'm going to the right place. When exactly do they have SXSW? I want to be sure I'm there for it. Also, having stayed up many a night watching Austin City Limits, I've dreamed of seeing a show there. How hard is that? BTW; I've heard of Bob Schneider, but don't have anything by him. Do you recommend a certain disc? Also, Hot Club of Cow Town. I've heard their awesome. Thanks again everybody.

SXSW is March 11-20. Get a hotel NOW if you want to go. My favorite - Austin Motel - is probably sold out, but there are many others to choose from.

Oh-yeah.... SXSW.com

March 16-20 for music at SXSW.

Austin is a terrible place to live. Don't move here!

Seriously, although we have a good bus system (mostly around Central Austin), you'll probably need a car. And yes, it does get REALLY hot here, but not too humid.

That doesn't keep Austinites from enjoying the hiking, biking, canoeing, and other outdoor activities.

As you can tell from our unofficial slogan, Austin celebrates the unusual. Some people believe that Austin is becoming a victim of its own "funkiness" - a lot of the cool places get popular because they're so cool, and then because they're too popular, they're not cool anymore.

Hi yogi- Bob Schneider has both solo albums as well as albums with the Ugly Americans and the Scabs. I just got into his music pretty recently so I have his last 2 albums- Lonelyland and I'm Good Now. They are both wonderful. I guess you could say it is Pop/Rock but so many of his songs have various influences. Going to see Austin City Limits is all about timing. I think you can get tickets but you have to be at the right place at the right time. The ACL Festival, however, has tickets to purchase and it is well publicized so you can decided if you want 1,2 or 3 day passes. And our slogan is "Keep Austin Weird". You will find that most apparent in central and South Austin. The northern part of Austin and the suburbs are much like any other major city. We live north of Austin in Georgetown.

Austin is a large college town and has a very liberal buzz to it, similar to Gainesville in FL.

Although free, ACL tix are pretty difficult to get. Besides SXSW, other music events to consider are Kerrville Folk Festival (starts Memorial Day weekend, lasting for 20 days) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival in September.