>On my trip to Austin a couple of years ago it'd got really expensive.

That's Austin & life in the 21st Century, friend.

I grew up ATX-style in the 90s, and cannot afford to live there anymore. But also chose not to years before then.

There're still a few regions where living hasn't gotten life-prohibitive, yet (my answer: anywhere there is a Cookout and/or Pal's fastfood restaurant).

But nothing is cheap, anymore.