Austin, TX, has become a magnet for newcomers, drawn in by its enticing cost of living and dynamic culture. But before you commit to relocating to the Live Music Capital of the World, there are vital insights you should consider, especially when it comes to finding the ideal rental property. Here are 12 essential things about Austin that will shape your renting experience and help you decide if this city is the right fit for you
Related: Decluttering Tips Before You Move
What is Austin most known for?
Austin proudly claims the title of the “Live Music Capital of the World” because it has a lot of places where you can enjoy live music. People from all over the world know about events like South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits (ACL) Music Festivals, which bring in diverse and exciting music acts.
You’ll find plenty of music venues all around Austin, especially in areas like 6th Street, Central East Austin, the Red River Cultural District, the Warehouse District, the University of Texas, South Congress, and South Lamar.
Austin is A Tech Hub
Austin is becoming known as the “Silicon Hills” because of its growing tech industry, which is like a new version of Silicon Valley. Many companies here are leading the way in hardware, software, AI, and other tech areas. These developments are important for industries like healthcare.
Big companies, including Tesla, are setting up headquarters or offices in Austin. Tesla is even building a huge manufacturing hub called Gigafactory Texas. This hub will cover 2,500 acres and make the Cybertruck.
Plenty Of Job Opportunities
Many people are drawn to Austin because of its diverse job market, which offers plenty of opportunities, particularly in the technology sector. Big names like Tesla, with its new Gigafactory in Del Valle, and TikTok, located downtown, are among the tech companies making their mark in the city.
Other industries such as health, education, and manufacturing are also experiencing significant growth in Austin. Top employers like IBM, Apple, the University of Texas at Austin, and St. David’s HealthCare Partnership are major contributors to the job market, each employing over 6,000 people.
If You Like Good Food You’ll Love Austin
In Austin, you’ll find a bunch of great restaurants serving up all kinds of food, not just Tex-Mex and barbecue. People here love eating outside, and because the weather is nice most of the time, almost every restaurant has a patio. That’s also why many places are dog-friendly, with misting fans to keep you cool in summer and heaters to keep you warm in winter.
Even though there aren’t as many food trucks around as before, you can still find a bunch of them, especially in food truck parks where they’re all grouped together for easy exploring. Plus, Austin throws some awesome food festivals like the Austin Food & Wine Festival and the Texas Monthly BBQ Fest, where you can try all sorts of tasty treats.
300 Days of Summer a Year
If you love sunshine, you’ll be happy with the great weather in the Texas hill country, which shines for about 300 days a year. Summers in Austin can be hot, but they’re not as extreme as in other Texas cities like Dallas and Houston. To stay cool, look for a place with air conditioning and maybe a pool. If you don’t have a pool, don’t worry—you can visit Barton Springs near Zilker Park, a big pool with fresh spring water where you can rent kayaks, paddleboards, or even retro boats for a fun day on Lady Bird Lake.
Even in winter, Austin has its charm. The city is often called the “Violet Crown City” because of the lovely purplish light that fills the hills during winter evenings.
Related: Not Decided Where To Move in Austin Yet? We Ranked The Top 5 Neighborhoods in Austin
Expect A Higher Cost Of Living
Source: Cost of Living in Austin, TX
Living in Austin has become pricier than ever, with real estate and rent values soaring alongside the city’s popularity. Many newcomers from more expensive cities are even buying houses above asking price with cash, which has sparked controversy and is pushing out locals. Rent prices are also on the rise.
Before making the move to Austin, it’s crucial to research different neighborhoods to find housing that fits your budget.
While Austin’s cost of living is higher than many other cities in Texas, it’s still lower than in cities across other U.S. states. For instance, the median rent in Austin is $1,638, compared to $2,168 in Seattle-Tacoma.
The amount of money you’ll need to live comfortably here depends on your family size. Excluding rent, a family of four typically requires an average of $4,255 per month, covering transportation, clothing, leisure activities, groceries, utilities, and dining. Meanwhile, a single person needs around $1,393.
Despite the higher cost of living, the average annual salary in Austin is $60,260, which is approximately $2,000 more than the national average. This helps offset the increased expenses associated with living in the city.
Related: Cost Of Living in Austin Texas
Austin Is Not A Walkable City: You’ll Need A Car
Austin is known for being heavily reliant on cars, and many neighborhoods lack high walkability scores, meaning you’ll likely need to commute to work if you’re not working remotely.
However, if you don’t have a car, there are other transportation options available. Ride-sharing services like Uber and Lyft are popular choices, as are e-scooter rentals.
Austin’s Capital Metro system provides bus services and the MetroRail commuter rail line for those looking for public transportation options. Additionally, biking is becoming increasingly popular, thanks to the city’s growing cycling infrastructure in recent years.
Related: Steps to Get Your Kitchen Organized After a Move
Austin People Are Also Very Active
Austin isn’t just about parties—it’s also a city that loves staying healthy. People here enjoy being active, whether it’s biking, jogging, or trying out other fun activities.
One of the most popular spots is the 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail downtown. It’s used a lot by cyclists and joggers alike. Plus, there are social bike rides happening throughout the week, where people ride together and explore the city.
Apart from biking and jogging, you’ll find folks paddleboarding on the water, climbing at local gyms, or playing games like pickleball and bike polo. If you’re new to the area and want to meet people, check out the Austin Sports & Social Club. It’s a great way to make friends while playing sports and doing other fun stuff.
Related: 7 Benefits Hiring A Moving Company For Your Business Move
Austin, TX is A Dog Friendly City
Moving to Austin, TX with your four-legged friend? You’re in luck—our moving company even has a dog as its mascot, so we understand the importance of pets in the family!
Austin is renowned for being incredibly dog-friendly. You’ll notice that you can bring your furry companion almost anywhere. From restaurants and bars like the Dog House Drinkery, which cater to both humans and dogs, to a plethora of dog parks and pet-friendly trails such as Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park, there’s no shortage of places to explore with your pup.
Moreover, don’t miss out on exciting events like the Mighty Texas Dog Walk and the Pecan Street Festival, where dogs are embraced with open arms.
Next: 17 Hidden Costs of Moving in Austin
Nightlife
For those seeking nighttime excitement, Sixth Street is the place to be, considered one of Austin’s most renowned nightlife districts.
With around 250 live-music venues scattered throughout the city, Austin caters to various music tastes, from rock and country to indie. In addition to its lively and diverse music scene, the city has seen a surge in craft cocktail bars offering unique and inventive drink menus.
Austin’s Sixth Street stands out as a must-visit destination for nightlife, boasting an array of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues. What’s more, the fun isn’t confined indoors—residents and tourists alike can enjoy live music on rooftop bars while taking in the breathtaking Austin night sky.
Related: The Ultimate Guide About Living in South Austin, TX
Austin’s Population is Growing Fast
or the past eight years, Austin has been the fastest-growing major metropolitan area in the US. Between 2009 and 2019, the population here surged by more than 30%, with over 100 new residents arriving each day.
People come from all over, including cities like Los Angeles and San Francisco in California, as well as northeastern cities like New York and Boston. While Austin offers a lower cost of living compared to these cities, housing prices are on the rise due to the influx of newcomers.
Some long-time Austin residents may feel a bit disgruntled about all the changes, but overall, people here are friendly and welcoming to newcomers. Are you one of the many people moving to Austin? If so always remember to give us a call for any moving related questions. As the top rated Austin Movers for the past decade we will move you will ease and expertise.
Read Next: Tips When Moving With Pets
