For millions of years, this part of Texas was under water. Much of Austin is a thin layer of dirt on top a a bed of limestone. Limestone is a relatively soft ro

For millions of years, this part of Texas was under water. Much of Austin is a thin layer of dirt on top a a bed of limestone. Limestone is a relatively soft rock, but it isn't nearly as soft as dirt and clay. Boring machines can cut through it, but I'm sure it raises costs. I lived in the south SF bay for 20 years before moving to Austin 17 years ago. One plus is the dramatic lightning and rain -- it is quite a treat compared to the milquetoast weather of San Jose. One negative that many Californians might not be ready for is the heat. I hope you like sweating and damp underwear. Before moving here, spend a week in July or August to figure out if you really want to spend 3 or 4 months of the year like that. The food situation here has improved a lot while I've been here, but it isn't anything like San Francisco.