What to Know Before Moving to Austin, TX
If you enjoy great food, friendly people, comfortable weather, and a lively culture, consider moving to the Lone Star State Capital. Austin is one of the most unique cities in Texas, and, arguably, in the entire US. Thus, you’ll embark on a completely new cultural adventure when relocating here. Read on to find out what you need to know before moving to this quirky city.
Once you decide Austin is the right place for you, let AptAmigo help you find the perfect apartment with expert advice and knowledge!
What is Austin Like?
Austin, one of the most fun American cities, hosts a steady stream of incredible festivals and concerts year round. Lively bars and amazing restaurants permeate the city landscape, and impressive companies look for leaders in their industries.
Known as the Live Music Capital of the World, visitors can feel Austin’s active and creative energy pulse throughout the city. Many of the welcoming and friendly locals are themselves transplants from other states interested in meeting new people.
Another bonus: this part of Texas has beautiful weather most of the year. It snows, on average, once in a 100 years in Austin, making the winters incredibly mild and even enjoyable outside.
When summer arrives, you will experience higher temps and more humidity, especially in July and August. Luckily, you can cool off with a dip in the pool or one of the area’s many bodies of water. Spring and Fall see occasional rain showers, but otherwise deliver comfortably warm temperatures.
Things to Know About Austin: What to Do in ATX
You’ll never experience a dull moment in Austin. Austinites love to beat the Texas heat by getting out on the water, whether that means renting a boat on Lake Travis with some friends, or spending the afternoon on a paddleboard in the middle of Lady Bird Lake.
Downtown and its outskirts overflow with unique breweries and wineries, and the famous Deep Eddy Vodka even calls Austin home. You can visit this distillery just outside of town.
Austin also hosts many festivals throughout the year. You can attend big name concerts, like South by Southwest and Austin City Limits, as well as several smaller, but just as impressive events for every season, such as the annual Pecan Street Festival.
Austin is the perfect place to get out and socialize with a new event happening almost every weekend.
Sound fun? With our help, you too can Tour Austin Like a Local! Just don’t forget to fill up on brunch and coffee first…
Things Locals Know that You Might Not
The great weather and amazing opportunities draw people to Austin. And, while most people have heard the phrase, “keep Austin weird,” most of them don’t realize the true extent of Austin’s quirkiness.
From secret speakeasies, to bars hosting chicken sh*t bingo, the city offers unique experiences you can’t find anywhere else. Creativity flows throughout Austin and manifests on the vibrant murals that line the city’s buildings.
In the summer months, people gather along the Congress Avenue Bridge to watch 1.5 million Brazilian free-tailed bats emerge from the bridge and take over the night sky. Austin really is one of a kind.
The Capital City is also incredibly pet friendly. Nearly every restaurant allows dogs on its patio, and you’d be hard pressed to find a restaurant without a patio. With many parks, bike trails, and hiking areas throughout the city, you’ll discover plenty of activities to do with your furry companion. Many of Austin’s bars even allow dogs!
Finding a Job
Austin is sometimes referred to as the “Silicon Valley of the Southwest” because of the growing tech industry here. Many big-name companies like Dell have called Austin home for a long time, while others prep for big expansions.
Companies like Tesla, Google, and Amazon arrive in pace with the large influx of people relocating to the area. Now, more than ever, amazing jobs for Austinites steadily proliferate, so don’t worry about moving to Austin without a job.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Austin has increased in recent years. Still, it remains more affordable than other major cities in the US, such as Los Angeles and Washington D.C. To live comfortably, we would recommend a salary of $51,000 or more. Utilities, on average, cost around $170 per month.
Groceries for a single person will likely hover around $200 a month, and monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment will average around $1,500. Plus, don’t forget to set aside some funds for entertainment purposes.
For more budgeting advice, read “What Is the Cost of Living in Austin, TX.”
Things to Know About Austin: The Austin Housing Scene
A wide variety of homes fill Austin’s neighborhoods, representing the full spectrum of historical to modern construction. As in most cities, the competitive housing market in Austin can make it challenging to buy a home.
Luckily for new Austinites, beautiful apartments, including many luxury options, operate throughout the city. Newly constructed buildings go up daily, all with their own unique amenities for tenants. No matter what part of the city you prefer, you’ll have no trouble finding the perfect place for your needs.
Now that you know all about moving to Austin, we’re sure you’ll love this city as much as we do. Use our Austin Neighborhood Guides to discover your preferred location. Then, when you’re ready to make your move, contact AptAmigo to make the transition as effortless as possible.
* The original version of this article was first published on August 2, 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.”
