Are you considering relocating and wondering what living in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas, is like? We’ve got you covered!
Whether the booming tech scene attracts you, the lively arts and music festivals, or the natural beauty of Central Texas, this comprehensive guide will provide you with all the essentials you need to know if moving to Austin.
At eXp Realty we can provide you with detailed information about the Austin real estate market and one of the experts in our agent directory can help you find your dream home in this bustling city.
Austin, Texas at a Glance
Austin, the capital of Texas, is an exciting mix of college-town vibes, a thriving job market, and a vibrant cultural scene. Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” the city offers various entertainment options, from world-class music festivals like Austin City Limits to trendy restaurants, coffee shops, and an incredible food scene.
Here’s a quick snapshot of Austin:
- Population: Austin has a population of around 1 million, making it one of the major cities in Texas and the United States.
- Cost of Living: While Austin is one of the more expensive cities in Texas, it’s still more affordable than major cities like San Francisco. The cost of living is driven mainly by housing prices, but residents also enjoy no income tax, which can offset this expense.
- Climate: Austin is known for its hot summers, often soaring above 100°F. However, winters are typically mild, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.
- Major Industries: Often called the “Silicon Hills,” Austin is a booming city for tech companies. The city also has a thriving arts scene, contributing significantly to its economy.
- Sports Teams: Austin is home to the University of Texas Longhorns, and football is a big deal here. The city also has its professional soccer team, Austin FC.
Austin Neighborhoods
Austin has an eclectic mix of neighborhoods, each with its unique vibe and charm. Whether you’re looking for a neighborhood with bustling nightlife or a peaceful community with beautiful parks, you’re bound to find one that suits your lifestyle. Here’s an overview of eight neighborhoods in Austin:
Travis Heights
Nestled in South Austin, Travis Heights is known for its historic homes, winding streets, and close proximity to lively South Congress, filled with various trendy restaurants, shops, and bars. The median home price here is relatively high due to the neighborhood’s popularity and its prime location near downtown Austin.
East Cesar Chavez
East Cesar Chavez, located east of downtown Austin, is a vibrant and culturally diverse neighborhood. The area has undergone significant gentrification, with a mix of refurbished bungalows and new modern homes. It’s just a short walk to the bustling Sixth Street, renowned for its music scene.
Clarksville
Clarksville, west of downtown, is one of Austin’s oldest and most desirable neighborhoods. It’s known for its historic charm, excellent schools, and the popular Fresh Plus grocery store, a local favorite. Prices of real estate in Clarksville can be high, reflecting its location and the quality of life it offers.
Cherrywood
Situated in East Austin, Cherrywood is a residential neighborhood known for its charming, tree-lined streets and mix of homes, from updated bungalows to modern new-builds. The neighborhood is home to several coffee shops and food trucks, and it’s just a quick bike ride away from the University of Texas.
Bouldin Creek
Bouldin Creek is an eclectic, laid-back neighborhood in South Austin. It’s conveniently located near Lady Bird Lake, Zilker Park, and the popular South Congress shopping district. With a mix of old cottages and modern homes, the housing market in Bouldin Creek can be competitive, reflecting its prime location and popularity among residents.
Govalle
Govalle, located in East Austin, is a neighborhood in transition. Once a largely industrial area, it’s becoming increasingly residential, with new housing developments. The neighborhood is also home to the Southern Walnut Creek Bike Trail, making it an attractive choice for outdoor enthusiasts. Home prices in Govalle are more affordable than in other parts of Austin.
Hyde Park
One of Austin’s oldest neighborhoods, Hyde Park is known for its historic Victorian homes, tree-lined streets, and a strong sense of community. It’s home to the University of Texas campus, making it popular among academics and students. Hyde Park also boasts several parks, local boutiques, and charming antique shops. Despite its central location, Hyde Park retains a peaceful neighborhood feel, making it one of the most sought-after areas in Austin.
Onion Creek
Onion Creek, located in Southeast Austin, is a sprawling, natural neighborhood with plenty of space to hike, bike, and explore. The park is divided into north and south sections, connected by a greenbelt that lies along the creek. The neighborhood offers a mix of nature trails, pavilions, picnic areas, and an off-leash dog area. Home prices in Onion Creek are moderate, reflecting its distance from downtown and its rural feel.
How To Find an Austin Neighborhood for Relocation
Finding the perfect neighborhood to call home in Austin depends largely on your lifestyle preferences and needs. Start by assessing your priorities—do you prefer a quieter residential area like Hyde Park, or does the vibrant culture of a district like Bouldin Creek appeal more?
Consider your commute times, proximity to amenities, housing budget, and the local community culture. Remember to explore the local food scene, with a wide variety of trendy restaurants, food trucks, and even breakfast taco outlets. Each neighborhood offers unique culinary experiences.
Use online resources like our custom home search at eXp Realty to understand housing market conditions and prices in different Austin suburbs and neighborhoods.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Austin is slightly above the national average. While it’s more affordable compared to major cities like San Francisco, it’s considered one of the more expensive cities in Central Texas.
The median home price in Austin is significantly higher than the national average, which reflects the city’s thriving job market, driven by tech companies and a booming city culture. Texas also has no state income tax, which can balance out the higher costs in other areas for many residents.
Austin Home Prices
Home prices in Austin have steadily risen due to the city’s growing popularity. The median home price in Austin is around $500K, though this can vary significantly by neighborhood. Areas like Hyde Park and Bouldin Creek are more expensive, while neighborhoods like Govalle offer more affordable housing options.
What’s It Like Living in Austin?
Living in Austin offers an experience that beautifully marries a small town’s charm with a big city’s vibrancy. Known for its music scene, Austin is the host city of the Austin City Limits Music Festival and has an array of live music venues, such as the Empire Control Room on 6th Street. The city is also an outdoor lover’s paradise, with places like Zilker Park, Lady Bird Lake, and Barton Creek Greenbelt offering ample hiking, biking, and kayaking opportunities.
Moreover, the city offers a flourishing job market, particularly for tech professionals. The presence of major tech companies has earned Austin the nickname “Silicon Hills.” Despite the hot summers, Austin’s thriving arts scene, coffee shops, outdoor recreation opportunities, and its sense of being “Austin Weird” make it one of the most desirable cities.
Keep in mind that Austin is a car-centric city, and while it does offer bus services and some areas are bike-friendly, many residents find having a car the most convenient option.
Jobs in Austin
Austin is a booming city with a diverse and thriving job market, making it an attractive destination for job-seekers. The city is well-known for its robust tech sector, often called ‘Silicon Hills’, hosting many leading tech companies such as Dell, IBM, and Apple. The influx of tech companies has led to a surge in job opportunities and has significantly boosted the city’s median income.
Furthermore, Austin also has a burgeoning startup scene and is home to many successful entrepreneurs. The city has a diverse and innovative economy, with more than 5,500 technology companies and over 50 incubators and accelerators. Aside from the tech industry, other key sectors include healthcare, education, the University of Texas and Concordia University being major employers, and government, with the state capital in Austin.
The city’s job market is flourishing, with a lower-than-average unemployment rate than the national average. This and no corporate income tax in Texas make Austin appealing for professionals considering relocation.
Things To See and Do After Moving to Austin
One of the advantages of moving to Austin is the vibrant culture and wide array of entertainment options the city offers. Austin has something to offer you, whether you’re a music enthusiast, food lover, or outdoor enthusiast.
Music Scene
Austin’s music scene is legendary. Known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” the city is famous for its music festivals, such as Austin City Limits and South by Southwest. Venues like the Empire Control Room and historic 6th Street are hot spots for catching live performances daily.
Outdoor Activities
For outdoor enthusiasts, Austin doesn’t disappoint. The city’s natural beauty offers a range of outdoor recreational activities, from hiking trails in Barton Creek Greenbelt and swimming in Barton Springs Pool to paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake. Furthermore, Zilker Park is a popular spot for picnicking and outdoor concerts.
Coffee Shops
Austin’s coffee shop culture is strong. Whether you’re after a robust espresso or a relaxing ambiance to catch up on some reading, there are endless cafes to choose from. Every neighborhood has its share of beloved coffee spots, from the hip hangouts in South Congress to the cozy nooks in Hyde Park.
Restaurants in Austin
From trendy restaurants serving fusion cuisine to roadside taco trucks, Austin’s food scene is both diverse and innovative. South Austin is known for its wide variety of culinary offerings, while East Austin is recognized for its delicious food trucks. Don’t leave Austin without trying a breakfast taco – a local staple!
Breweries
Austin is also renowned for its thriving craft beer scene, with many breweries offering unique beers on tap. North Austin and the East Side are popular areas for brewery tours, and many breweries also host events and tastings.
Nightlife in Austin
The city offers a vibrant nightlife scene, from the iconic bars on 6th Street to the speakeasy-style lounges in downtown Austin. Whether you’re into live music, dance clubs, or quiet rooftop bars, Austin’s nightlife has something for everyone.
Transportation
Austin is primarily a car-centric city. However, it does have public transportation options, including bus service and a commuter rail line. Additionally, downtown Austin is quite walkable, and the city has been increasing its bike lanes for cyclists. Check the dicey road conditions before planning your commute or a fun outing in Austin.
Frequently Asked Questions: Moving to Austin
Before deciding to move to Austin, having your pressing questions answered is always helpful. Here are some common inquiries potential movers often ask:
What salary do you need to live in Austin?
The salary required to live comfortably in Austin largely depends on your lifestyle and housing choice. However, considering the median household income and the cost of living, a salary of around $70,000 to $80,000 can generally provide a comfortable lifestyle for a single person in Austin.
What to expect when moving to Austin, Texas?
When moving to Austin, you can expect a vibrant culture, warm summers, a thriving job market, and a booming food and music scene. The cost of living is higher than in other parts of Texas but still affordable compared to major cities like San Francisco.
What is the best thing about living in Austin?
The best thing about living in Austin varies from person to person. Some might say it’s the lively music scene or the city’s rich natural beauty, while others might point out the food scene, full of trendy restaurants and food trucks. The no-income tax policy and thriving job market also draw many people to Austin.
Should I move to Dallas or Austin?
The decision between Dallas and Austin depends on your preferences. While both cities offer thriving job markets and a vibrant culture, Austin is often preferred for its live music scene and outdoor activities. Dallas might be more attractive for those looking for a more metropolitan lifestyle with high-end shopping and dining.
Does Houston or Austin pay more?
Salaries can vary significantly depending on the industry and job position. However, on average, salaries in Austin are slightly higher than in Houston, particularly in sectors like technology and education.
Final Thoughts
Moving to Austin presents many opportunities, from job prospects in flourishing industries to abundant cultural and recreational activities that make everyday living more enjoyable.
Austin’s vibrant culture, solid job market, and diverse food and music scene make it an attractive city for many. Whether you’re a tech professional, an outdoor enthusiast, or a music lover, there’s something for everyone in Austin, Texas.
If you’re considering relocating to Austin, explore the range of properties available at eXp Realty. To further assist in your move, contact a local eXp agent who can provide expert advice and assistance tailored to your needs. The beginning of your journey to Austin can start with only a few clicks.
