Well, it's official. At the start of next month, I'm finally, after 5 miserable years in Manhattan, moving back to Texas to attend business school. I gave my 2 weeks notice on Friday (oh God, how that felt good) and found an apartment (near the Arboretum). To quote Quagmire, "Alllllll right!" Now, here's where I need help: 1) Moving service. My wife and I have to move our crap across the country, and I need to find a company to help me. Does anyone have any suggestions? I've heard all sorts of horror stories, and I really want to find a reputable service. I don't want my nice TV to end up in Guatemala. 2) Cheap cars. I plan on leasing 2 cars in Austin for my wife and I. Suggest a car for us (decent gas mileage would help). For example, I hear nice things about the Mazda 3. Please help me. I haven't had a car in 5 years. 3) Car insurance. Who do you use? What do you pay? Can I trust that damn CGI lizard? 4) Best route from the Arboretum to UT campus. Take Mopac? I-35? Mopac in the morning and I-35 in the afternoon? Vice versa? 5) Best tex-mex restaurants. I've been cooped up in NY for 5 years, so naturally, I need to make up for lost time. My wife is sympathetic. 6) Places to eat around campus. Yeah, there's a cafe in my school building, but what else is there? I'm sure I have more questions, but I can't think of them right now. #1 is the most pressing at the moment. Thanks in advance. ... Oh, and BTW, I'll actually be in a position to meet you freaks now. I'll buy the first round! You can buy the next 5.
I don't live in Austin, so I can't help you there. Plus, I drive a truck, so I don't know what good gas mileage is. I use Farmer's Insurance, and they've been good to me. The main point of my reply is... WELCOME TO BACK TO TEXAS!!!
Never had to move a really long distance with lots of stuff, so can't help you there, sorry. In response to some of the other questions: (ummm, didn't people say "leasing" cars was a bad idea? but I don't have any experience with it) 4) Mopac, probably. 5) I liked places like Chuy's and Baby Acapulco. Your mileage may vary. They have multiple locations, some less crowded than others. 6) The thing I miss most about Austin and UT is actually the food... there's lots of good cheap stuff along the Drag, etc. I always went to Dobie Mall, and there are SO many things I still miss from that food court, but on the other hand I was a science student. I wasn't one of those upwardly-mobile business school people who dress up to go to class. Y'all probably have higher standards and expect something else. Congratulations on getting back to Texas!
Eh, stay away from O's. IMO, it's overpriced, not all that good. I'm a student worker at the business school and I resist the urge of convenience. I'm not a big fast food person, but I'd rather have the Burger King that just closed. I actually have it on pretty good record the BK was closed because it was attracting students of lesser caliber from other schools into the business school area, and the professors didn't like the appearance of that. If you want to venture to the drag, Madame Mam's is pretty good, pretty cheap Thai food. Slices and Ices is a good pizza place right there also. Baja Fresh and Chipotle are a little closer, but I'm not a fan of either (Chipotle doesn't hold a candle to Freebird's). The union has a bunch of little fast food places like Taco Bell and Wendy's. I really like the pasta place in there (I go there twice a week, and still couldn't tell you the actual name)- only when Tony's doing the cooking, though. This coming from an undergrad though...I couldn't tell you what the all powerful MBA students do.
1) You're probably best off going with a big name company like North American, but I think they're owned like franchises, so you can't just trust the name alone. Try to get at least two estimates, ideally three. 2) I know nothing about the car you suggested, but I enjoy driving Hondas myself. 3) Call around. Quotes will vary. Know that you want a blend of a good rate, but not at the expense of claims service. I think these insurance companies are rated (like bonds). State Farm, GEICO, etc. usually have good ratings. 4) Haven't lived in Austin in like nine years. I thought there used to be a bus route that went from "Far West" near the arboretum area to campus if you don't mind mass transportation (assuming you didn't sour on it in NYC). 5) Last place I ate at there (which again, was quite some time ago) was Matt's El Rancho. It was delicious. 6) I ordered Double Dave's for pizza and went to Players for burgers. Ate ice cream from Amy's. Welcome back, hope that helps and isn't too dated.
On a related note, I start my first UT classes tomorrow morning. I just moved in to UT this weekend, and since I am part of program (Preview) for incoming freshmen, I take some courses in for 5-6 weeks, get 1-2 weeks off, and then come back up for my fall semester. So some of this info in nice to have for me as well. I checked out the food court in Dobie yesterday and I was fine with the food there. I had some pizza that was better than some of the stuff I've had elsewhere; sorry, but that's the best comparison of the food quality I can give. The cupcake I had from a vending machine was average at best though. Most of my meals so far have been provided for, so I haven't had a chance to check out the food places. Wonder how useful Google Earth is for something like this?
As far as movers, Allied is the most reputable of the major ones. More expensive than the others, but probably worth it if you're worried about your stuff. You can also look into a company called The Mi Group. Whatever you do, make sure you opt for 100% insurance coverage and make sure you have some people to watch over when the actual movers come to your place to take everything. Have at least 6 eyes there to make sure that every item gets recorded on the inventory. Over the years, I have had quite a few valuable items go missing, some of which the moving co's contend that there was never any box # for. I've always been fully reimbursed due to the insurance coverage, but there are just certain things you have (ie art, etc) that can never be replaced.
i was liberal arts and the crappers in the history building were disgusting and hadnt been remodeled since the 30's. i used to always hit up the poopers on the 3rd floor of the buisness building. they were cleaner than the one at my own house. and that manly, powerful flush action! quality. you buisness schoolers dont know how good you have it. i dare you to poop in a liberal arts bathroom. as far as traveling to campus, you should be able to easily get to the far west shuttle (its free for students). dont know about much mexican food in your part of town, but central we have curras (my favorite - less tex-mex and more interior cuisine), guerros, mi madres (great breakfast tacos), ciscos (eastside!)
Sure, if you dream of low pay and no upward mobility. Besides, I can only pick so many Beltran-in-a-Mets-jersey images before I get the "shakes" and gag. I deserve hazard pay for that. Thanks for the suggestions, all, and keep 'em coming!
Just one more suggestion regarding the movers.....you can (generally) tell how safe a mover is by the rate they quote you for the insurance. The lower the ins premium, the less claims that typically get made against them. For your move, depending on how much stuff you have and what type of building you live in NYC (elevator/street access for movers, etc), I would expect your total move to Austin to be about $4k. Insurance should be about $100 for each $10k worth of goods.
First off...welcome back. Currently with AllState. Their price was decent and they dropped it further when I switched my home over to them. The Gekko wasn't all that good for me. I shopped 5 different companies so a little effort may save you some $. I'm in The Arboretum area and used to work downtown at 7th and Brazos. For many months, I used MoPac and then a co-worker suggested I35. I was very sceptical but it proved faster. IMHO, it's about how many traffic lights you'll encounter before getting onto the highway. NIKE and some of the UT folks can give you better around campus recommendations. Around The Arboretum, there's a Manual's on Jollyville and a Chuy's at Research and Duval. I really like Antonio's on Jollyville because it has a neighborhood bar atmosphere. Southern hospitality is alive and well...just maybe not that well. Journey well
Welcome to Austin. I've lived here for 7 years now. You're going to love the Arboretum area. I'm just down the road off 360, and it's a pretty scenic area. 2. Regarding cars, I would recommend the Saab 9-3, as GM is practically giving them away. You'll fit in nicely in NW Austin. 4. As far as getting to campus, there's a Capital Metro bus that leaves from the Barnes and Nobles, and drops you off at 24th and Guadalupe, right next to the Union/UGL. If you do have to drive, enjoy scouring for one of the few parking spots in the C lots, otherwise, try North Campus. 5. Living in the Arboretum, you'll be right next to Z-Tejas, which is pretty damn good Southwestern grill. Down the street at 360@Stonelake is Iron Cactus, which has a nice ass setting but the food is hit or miss. Of course, Chuy's and Trudy's are really popular, and you can't really go wrong with either. Berryhill's on 360@Westlake has great fish tacos, and the Hula Hut on Lake Austin is great if you don't mind the 1+ hour long wait. 6. Around campus, you can check out Madam Mam's Thai Cuisine on Guadalupe and 26th. O's in the ACES building has some decent sandwiches if you want to go healthy. Make sure you eat at the Wendy's at the Union once a week, if for no other reason that to see "The Wendy's Guy," a highly eccentric Indian cashier. There's a kickass eggroll stand by the 6-pack, and also by the engineering buildings that is perfect if you've only got 2 bucks. Kismet Cafe on 24th and Guadalupe is decent, as is Longhorn Po-Boy on Medical Arts and Dean Keeton. Tuesday's are 2 for 1 pizza rolls at Double Dave's, which are all over. Crown and Anchor is a great place to chill between classes and enjoy a pitcher and cheeseburger. Ditto Posse East, both off San Jac and Dean Keeton. And of course, you have the standard fare of Chipotle, Baja Fresh, etc. on the Drag.
I work for a company that runs United and Mayflower agencies in Arizona. My advice on moving, go with a reputable company. United, Mayflower, Atlas, North American or Allied. Check the better business bureau for complaints. Save some money and pack the things that aren't too fragile yourself. Make sure you spend the time to truly examine the moving company's inventory of your goods before signing off on it. Like someone else said, go with full valuation coverage. You didn't say how big your TV was, but if it is really big, consider spending the money to have it professionally crated. The movers can help with this 3rd party service. Take any unreplaceable, sentimental items with you if possible. Clean out all of your junk. I have moved across country twice and it is always the perfect time to throw away all of your useless crap.
4) Mopac or bus. 5) Z Tejas, Trudy's at Burnet and 183, Chuy's is good. Churra's is the best for tamales. 6) Double Dave's is cheap on Tuesdays. Picolo is a nice Italian Place. Milto's is pretty good as well. Mangia's has chicago style pizza. Spider House has the best coffee. 7) Best Places for beer not in the downtown area...Draught House on Medical and 42nd.
