Moving to Austin, TX

 

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Planning a move to Austin? SpareFoot can help. Use SpareFoot to find special deals and discounts on Austin Moving Truck Rentals. If you need a storage unit as part of your move, SpareFoot makes it easy to find storage units in Austin too.

This guide was updated in August 2022 to reflect current trends and statistics.

Thinking of Moving to Austin?

Well, you’re in good company. Although Austin city proper is no longer one of the fastest growing in the country, surrounding suburbs top the nation’s list. Famous for its sunny weather and laid-back vibe, Austin is a popular destination for visitors. And many like it so much that they never leave. The saying I wasn’t born in Texas but I got here as fast as I could rings true!

Cost of Living in Austin

As the city’s occupancy continues to rise, so does the cost of living. Rent prices have shot up and the housing market is very competitive. In fact, in June 2022 the median home price in Austin topped $650K, a nearly 20% increase compared to 2021, with median rent prices coming in just over $1,800 per month. The good news is that Austin is building new condos as fast as it can to make room for all its new inhabitants, the downtown skyline is ever changing. For better or worse, the major construction has become a fact of life for city-dwellers.

Austin Traffic

If there’s one thing that unifies the people of Austin, it’s complaining about traffic. The rate of growth has become a strain on the city’s infrastructure. Rush hour commutes can be tedious and the major highways can be gridlocked at random times of day or night. But the city is making progress with expanded bus lines and a light rail for those who live in the suburbs. Those who prefer to ride their bicycles have dedicated bike lanes all over the city.

Austin Weather

Texas ranks as one of the hottest states in the US, so Austin can experience extreme temperatures in the summer months. But 100+ days don’t stop people from swimming, sipping margaritas, and finding other ways to keep cool. And the rest of the year is pleasantly warm, enabling people to enjoy outdoor activities to their heart’s content.

Summer average (June – Aug): 95 F high, 74 F low
Winter average (Dec – Feb): 63 F high, 43 F low

Austin Economy

Austin’s tech sector is an important piece of its economy, which is also bolstered by retail, real estate, government, and labor. Recent growth in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies has put the city on the map for those sectors as well. Job creation grows at a steady rate, with most new job opportunities being tech related. Many tech companies are expanding with offices in downtown Austin and the Domain, drawing many to relocate for the influx in job opportunities.

Major employers include Whole Foods, Indeed, Tesla, Meta (formerly Facebook), Google, Dell, and H-E-B Digital.

Unemployment rate: 2.5% (as of May 2022)
Average weekly wages for all industries: $1450 (2020)

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Austin Nature

Austin boasts miles of open water in the city and surrounding areas, making paddle boarding, kayaking, boating, and waterskiing all popular activities. A large stretch of greenbelt offers hiking trails and outdoor rock climbing in an expanse of beautiful hilly forest. Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool, is the largest natural swimming pool in an urban area.

The unique geography of the city means the best of all worlds, with hills, flatlines, and diverse flora and fauna that thrives in each. Austinites love being outside and take pride in the natural beauty of the city. It’s not just people that love the city; 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats make Austin their home each year under bridges and emerge at night to eat insects.

Austin Food Scene

In the last decade or so, Austin has become as famous for its growing restaurant industry. Whether your budget allows for fine dining or food trucks, the quality and creativity of the food is impressive. The city is known for outstanding Texas barbecue and tacos. Neither disappoints, nor will the craft cocktail and beer scene. The city is home to dozens of breweries within the city limits, and many others in the adjacent hill country, like the beloved Jester King Brewery. The restaurant selection is as diverse as its residents, so there’s something for everyone: vegans, brisket-lovers, and everyone in between.

Austin Nightlife

Downtown Austin is hopping every weekend with each neighborhood offering a different vibe. Sixth Street alone features three distinct areas, West Sixth (trendy bars for young professionals), East Sixth (laid-back hipsters) and nestled between the two is Dirty Sixth (shot bars). Rainey Street is another bar-laden street with craft beer joints, cozy martini bars, and stylish watering holes that hit the spot for locals and tourists alike.

Austin Live Music Scene

Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World for good reason. During the annual music festivals Austin City Limits and SXSW, tens of thousands of music lovers descend upon the city for weekends filled with live music. The city is also home to the ACL Live Moody Theater where tapings of the TV show of the same name occur. In addition to the music festivals, the city is home to many live music bars and venues like the famed Stubb’s Ampitheater and off-the-beaten-path Historic Scoot Inn.

Austin Culture

Austin’s culture is a unique one, and the old saying Keep Austin Weird still describes many places. The influx of new residents has brought a new diversity that’s evident in the spirit of the city from the public art to the changing culinary landscape. Austin takes pride in its smart and creative residents and is welcoming to the many new faces (and businesses!) that seek to be a part of the magic.

Austin Neighborhoods

As Austin has grown and transformed many neighborhoods have as well. Some of the most popular neighborhoods for young and single residents are the South Lamar (SoLa), South Congress (SoCo), and East Austin neighborhoods. Families and young couples flock to the new Mueller district, Windsor Park and North Loop. Historic neighborhoods Clarksville and Hyde Park, west and north of downtown respectively, boast some of the most expensive real estate in the city limits. Check out our guide to the best neighborhoods in Austin for more details.

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