Austin, TX vs Santa Clara, CA

If you had a choice to accept a job in either location which would make sense for an obsessed climber? Trad/multipitch climber? The afterwork climber? For weekend trips?

I currently live in Boulder so I am prepared for some serious changes. I know Yosemite is weekendable for Santa Clara so I am almost sold, but maybe I am wrong?

Is this even a question or is it a joke? Texas sucks, Texans just have this bullshit pride thing going so they won't admit it.

eli poss wrote:Is this even a question or is it a joke? Texas sucks, Texans just have this bullshit pride thing going so they won't admit it.

I had the same Texas reaction initially, but my gf pointed out the the South Bay of Cali really sucks, and that Austin is the coolest city in Texas. Would be interested to hear from people who actually live there

In my opinion the decision isn't even close. Of course there are pros and cons to each. I have lived near the Bay Area and have visited Austin a few times.

California: The Bay Area is much more expensive as far as cost of living is concerned. The Bay has some nice climbing gyms and access to some great areas. Obviously Yosemite is close but there are areas even closer though they may not be as classic. The Bay has much cooler weather and is overcast with some wind most of the time. Obviously a lot larger population and it comes with more traffic and the like. Lots of public transportation.

Austin: An up and coming area of Texas. Younger crowd with a college town feel. Univ of Texas is close by with a great football team and a large pull in the community. Cost of living in the downtown area can be expensive but nothing compared to California. The weather is hot and humid for much of the year. The climbing gyms are there but not as nice as the Bay. There are some classic areas to climb in Texas but nothing is that close to Austin and would not compare to Yosemite in my mind. The airport is close by and transportation is also easy.

Multi pitch Trad in Cali can be found in the Valley, Tahquitz, the Sierras (Whitney, Bishop, Mammoth etc), and Tahoe. All weekend trips from the Bay.

+ one for California. If you mostly climb trad, you can't beat Yosemite and the eastern sierras whenever the 120 is open for all the Norcal/Bay area guys

Well, Texas doesn't suck, and yes, we do have pride.

The jobs are here. The standard of living is much easier here. There is much money to be made here. You can travel from here to other places.

If you want to climb multi all the time Texas may not work for you, but there is climbing here. The climbing is mostly very short pitch or single pitch.

There is climbing in Austin and less than two hours outside.

Check the location link on this site and see what you find.

Everywhere has pluses and minuses. It is up to you to determine your future.

If you make it out this way I'll be happy to show you what is here.

CA has lots of annoying big cities that suck... but also has amazing climbing / mountain areas. You got Yosemite and Joshua tree... 2 completely different climbing areas and tons of other great areas around that are beautiful.

From Santa Clara you could make a day trip climb half dome and drive home if you really wanted to! Long 24 hour day but hey you know.

TX is hot...

A couple of the few Texans I've known swear Austin is not a part of Texas. The Texan I know best, and who is one helluva climber lives in Sacramento and climbs in the Valley. Me? I wouldn't leave Boulder if I was you, but then I love Eldo.

If you're in the market for a home, real estate is way more affordable in the communities around Austin (Round Rock, Cedar Park, etc.) than in Santa Clara. And, in my limited experience, the people of Austin are friendly.

For climbing, hands down California over Texas.

Seems like more than just climbing would factor into the decision, but that's what you asked about!

I grew up in San Jose and learned to climb there. There are crags; castle rock, pinnacles, etc. And there is the Sierra. There is no such thing as after work climbing as in Boulder. There used to be some ok sandstone bouldering right in San Jose (aka the Mazzones), but a golf course bought the land and they ticket trespassers last I heard. Most of your climbing will probably be indoor. Crags will typically be 2-4 hours away, and 'real' climbing will be 4-5 hours away.

I lived in Boulder for 17 years. In my opinion, you will hate the Bay Area after living in Boulder, although both are very expensive. Don't know much about Texas other than the rules at Hueco Tanks are strange and that El Paso sucks. Never been to Austin.

I would look for work in CO personally...