So, is Texas’ quirkiest city a good place to live? The short answer: absolutely! For the long answer, keep reading. The people in ATX are some of the happiest in the world, and plenty of reasons explain why so many non-Texas natives from all walks of life choose to call Austin home.
Whether because of the nearly 9-month long summer, the creative atmosphere, the countless activities keeping residents busy, or all of the above, every day more and more people decide to relocate to this trendy metropolis.
Once you finish reading, you’ll want to make Austin your home too. When you’re ready, let AptAmigo take away all of the stress and hassle of apartment hunting. The team at AptAmigo offers expert-level knowledge of the city, apartment locating services, and answers to any questions you have throughout the process. We make finding a new home effortless and maybe even a little fun!
Related: Get the inside scoop on living in Austin to discover more reasons why it’s a great place to live.
Austin Quality of Life
Take a stroll through any of Austin’s hip neighborhoods, and you’d be hard-pressed to find an unhappy person anywhere among this positive, fun-loving crowd. Austinites will happily lend a helping hand, offer a word of advice, or exchange stories over a drink. You can step out of your comfort zone without reluctance in this progressive and accepting space.
Austin also provides an unparalleled feeling of security for such an urban location. Locals report feeling safe almost anywhere within the city limits. Feel free to explore the city on foot, or rent an electric scooter, because you’ll feel at home when you stumble into any Austin neighborhood.
One of the best parts about living in Austin is how easy it is to meet new people. Since many residents came from other places, they understand what it feels like to be the newbie in the city looking to meet people. Hop on an app like Bumble BFF, join one of the many Facebook groups for new locals, or go old school and head downtown or to Rainey Street to spend the day socializing. Austinites are incredibly welcoming.
Things to Do in Austin
Austin isn’t known as the Live Music Capital of the World for nothing! Every night of the week you’ll find venues offering all sorts of live music, from local artists to big-name stars. Head down to 6th street into one of the many bars hosting live bands for a perfect night out on the town, or go to one of the many local beer gardens for a more relaxed experience. You may even stumble upon the next Willie Nelson!
Speaking of live music, don’t forget to check out one of the many festivals taking place in Austin throughout the year, such as Austin City Limits (ACL) and South by Southwest (SXSW). ACL takes place annually in October at the beautiful Zilker Park.
Music groups representing every genre, from folk and rock to country and hip hop, share 8 stages at the festival. Concert-goers can also find plenty of food & drink options at the ACL food court, art markets, and other activities for the whole family. There’s truly something for everyone at this event!
At SXSW (locally known as “South By”), you’ll find some of the most creative and talented minds in the country. This all-purpose event, part music festival, film festival, conference, and trade show, began in 1987.
It has since grown to be a place of expansion for all things technology, film, and music, taking place every year in March. SXSW has brought some impressive speakers to town in the past, including Ryan Gosling, Nicholas Cage, Amy Schumer, and our local favorite, Matthew McConaughey.
Austin also takes pride in its fabulous vintage and thrift shopping scene. Check out the shops on South Congress for unique clothing, accessories, and gifts. Then, head north to swing by some great secondhand clothing shops, like Buffalo Exchange and Pavement.
Moreover, you’re not in Texas if you don’t spend time outdoors soaking up the sun! The perfect summer day in Austin includes a picnic in one of the many parks (our favorites are Zilker and Butler) and renting a paddleboard or kayak to spend an afternoon on the water. Then, hike one of the many trails around the city, such as Wild Basin Nature Preserve or Mount Bonnell.
Related: Tour Austin Like a Local
Austin Cost of Living
If you’re wondering whether the cost of living in Austin is expensive, the answer depends on where you live now. Most likely, Austin will be more expensive than living in a small town in the Midwest.
Remember, though, that salaries in Austin will probably be higher than a small, Midwestern town, and the city will have more job opportunities available. However, moving from a big city like San Francisco or New York may lower your cost of living. Thinking about where you will move from will help put the cost of living into perspective.
Austin Job Market
As the city grows, the job market in Austin grows in pace with it, and many companies endlessly advertise new positions. Notable places, such as VRBO, Yeti, Indeed, and Tesla either call Austin home or maintain a branch within the city.
No matter your industry, from technology and sales, to photography and event planning, you won’t have a hard time finding opportunities to advance your career or find a new passion.
How to Find an Austin Apartment
Austin truly is a cool place to live. If you’re ready to “Keep Austin Weird,” contact AptAmigo to start your moving process today! Check out our favorite luxury apartments, learn how to prepare for the move, then tell us some of your preferences when it comes to your home specifications, location, and more, and our team will take care of everything!
* The original version of this article was first published on June 28, 2021.
Brett Hayden is a native Wisconsinite turned Texan who loves exploring Austin and beyond. She has a passion for writing and traveling, which she showcases on her blog, “by, Brett Nicole.”
