This has NOT been my experience as a relatively recent resident. Literally the first questions anyone you meet asks is (A) when you moved here, (B) from where, and (C) why. One of the first people I met practically spat in my face when I told her I moved for work in tech, possibly saved only by the fact that I didn't move from CA.
I don't blame them for the hostility, they're being priced out of their homes thanks to the property tax situation, but you can't call them "friendly" when everyone sees you as an invading barbarian to be discouraged at all costs.
I've lived all over, and Austinites are by far the most actively hostile people I have ever encountered. (Followed by the Maastrichtenaar, who also didn't much care for foreigners.)
The governor of Colorado at the time was a native of Wisconsin, and had a generally anti-growth platform.
- High heat and humidity for 8 months out of the year
- Mosquitos that make the few nice days out much less nice
- Surprising ice/snow storms in the middle of the few months of nice weather
- Having to drive everywhere in heavy and hostile traffic
- Risking your life if you want to walk or bike somewhere
- Being surrounded by an expanse of suburban sprawl that's very ugly
- Having surprisingly few cultural institutions / resources close by
- Property taxes are eye-poppingly high so if you plan to buy a place be warned that you can afford less than you think
That said if you love strip malls and want to live in a place where people equate quality of life to quantity of stuff, then you'll love it!