Salt Lake City, UT vs Austin, TX

[Sue T.]

Hi,
I'm trying to decide where to focus my investment efforts. Both cities appear to be experiencing good population and job growth, but everyone I've spoken to thinks Austin, TX is the better buy...which actually makes me think Salt Lake City, UT may be better b/c it may a little more "under the radar". The thing that worries me about TX is the high property tax, high insurance rate, and higher risk for natural disaster. Since the property taxes are so high, I'm worried this would mean that there would be little appreciation in TX? What do you guys think?

Thank you for reading and I appreciate all opinions.