Moving to Austin,Tx?

Travel Info
I am moving there from Norman, OK, (Moved to oklahoma city from Los Angeles, CA). I am torn between Austin and L.A. ( I know the cost of living is way diff.). But what I am wondering is this...I have no one there, I will be moving by myself, and am wondering about crime rates, etc. I have checked out rents they are not too bad. I know I need a car. But is it safe for a single woman?

Travel Tips

Austin vs. LA?

I'm originally from San Francisco, so yes I'm biased, but there is no comparison. Do you want to live in a city that is hip, clean, manageable, friendly, beautiful.... or LA?

Austin has among the lowest crime rates in the US. I never even think about it. Even the neighborhoods that people call "high crime" aren't that bad at all-- and actually have quite beautiful neighborhoods.

Austin doesn't take long to get to know people. You can go on to Craigslist to find out if there are activities that you particularly like and then join. There are singles groups like Hill Country Outdoors. There are also UT classes in areas such as Salsa.

You will need a car, but if you move to neighborhoods in town (like Travis Heights), you won't have to drive that much or that far.

Others
I have never been there, but I have heard nothing but wonderful things about it. I know there's a big music scene there.
Austin is way safer than LA and much cheaper to live. There are lots of fun things to do and yes it is safe to be single there. Just stay away from the east side. Anything on the west and most of the North side is the nicest part.
Like she said anything other than east is good. South is more a family friendly and north is a little techie and west out toward the lakes is $$ but beautiful. Its a great place to live.
LA is a more urban place, with more people, so of course,it has a higher crime rate. I am a single woman who moved to Austin from NYC about 9 or 10 years ago. And to answer your question, all I can say is that if a woman is smart, alert and aware, she can be safe anywhere. Austin is a beautiful place with a relatively low crime rate, but it does exist. And if you don't pay attention or put yourself in dangerous circumstances, then the chances of a problem will increase. There is also a lot of nature here, which can pose it's own threat, as it gives people places to hide. So if you're using common sense - not out running alone at 4am, leaving your car and apartment doors and windows unlocked, or walking through a dimly lit parking lot in the middle of the night - there isn't a whole heck of a lot to worry about.