Austin is very nice - I grew up here - left in my 20's and just moved back. Bought 10 acres outside of Austin and I am loving life.
The tech trade is picking back up after a big slump - but hasn't rebounded completely.
Austin is the liberal hotbed of Texas, tho. There is a good network of homeschool families in our area and in Austin, in general.
If you can get past the liberal yuppie/hippie/postmodern punk-a$$ twirps - its a great place and worth your consideration.