Paging @FGD135
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Yeah, there are pros and cons IMO. Yes, it’s much, much more expensive. Housing is insanely expensive now - more expensive than Portland, maybe more than Seattle even. You’d think traffic would be worse but with the road improvements, it’s actually much better now. Notably, that’s the theme of the pros - Bend itself is much better now. Across the board, Bend went from a nice, cheap, somewhat seedy below-the-radar resort town to just a spectacular small city. Everything but prices has improved. Food, hotels, breweries, infrastructure, parks, accessibility - you name it, it’s better even though it costs more. I used to spend my weekends there in the late 90’s when I had much lower income. I’d stay in cheap motels or just camp when the weather allowed; hike, paddle, and fish until I had to rush home to be able to crash and get to work on Monday morning. But I like it more now.
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No it isn’t, the trouble is everyone knows that and it can still be busy but not rammed.
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Or just a passport. It’s bulkier but why support their “papers, please” bullshit?
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REAL ID is called STAR ID in Alabama. It’s a drivers license with additional “verification” requirements beyond a normal drivers license. It’s still less of a headache than getting a passport, but the big benefit is that renewals and replacements are processed through any local drivers license issuing authority.
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I don’t recall the process for getting the real ID in TX having been particularly ornery but it was quite a while ago so its likely i’ve forgotten entirely what a pain it was.
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It is a must for me since work sends me to a lot of secure spaces.
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So i have friends from out of state visiting Austin and we’ll be hanging on 4/20 (huhuhu). I have some ideas on things to do, possibly take them to some cool thrift stores, maybe explore the different Asian stores by 99 Ranch off of Airport Blvd, and go check out Pinballz. Open to other recs and ideas
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Sure, but if one already has a passport, why spend the extra money (like $80 here) to get the Real ID?
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To have an easily replaceable ID.
If I lose my passport, I’m SOL for any air travel (and access to federal workspaces, which doesn’t apply in my case but is for others like @FSogol) for as long as it takes to replace it. Closest emergency passport office to me is a 4-hour drive away.
If I lose the REAL ID drivers license, I can go to any license office/agency for a replacement that same day.
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Fair enough.
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The backup ID is why I planned to get a passport card instead of REAL ID. However, I don’t fly so the airport restrictions wouldn’t affect me. Staying in hotels that wanted to hold my passport always made me nervous, and that would minimize my concerns.
https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/travel/passport-card-vs-book
The language in the article @ObakeBakaNeko posted had me doing a double-take:
Under this legislation, in order for citizens to enter federal buildings or travel within the country, they will need a valid REAL ID.
The law goes into effect on May 7, 2025. After that date, a valid REAL ID will be required and passports cannot be used as an alternative option.
(emphasis mine)
Wait, wut? I just got my license renewed last year and skipped REAL ID because I have a passport! Gotta confirm on an official website.
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US State Dept website says a passport is “accepted as a REAL ID for domestic flights.”
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As are Global Entry and Green Cards.
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Well, if you get a federal jury notice, this would be one way of getting out of it. 
If you don’t have a passport or a Real ID, you cannot get into a federal courthouse. Or enter a Social Security office, if there are any still open. This is why the Real ID is rather stupid.
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But….i need my social security card to get my real id!
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Pro tip: cut through all this red tape by sourcing your passport from an independent service.
Not only does it save time, you also get to choose the name that’s in it.
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