Austin tends to attract people looking for that “change in latitude, change in attitude” experience. With plenty of job opportunities from all of the major company headquarters established here, a treasure trove of entertainment, and an incredible food scene, it’s not hard to see why.
Read on to get the inside scoop on living in Austin from a local.
Related: What Is the Cost of Living in Austin, TX?
What Makes Living in Austin the Best?
Friendly Locals
When you move to Austin, you’ll quickly discover how friendly Austin residents are. Everyone will happily lend a helping hand or word of advice to new locals. Austinites also enjoy giving recommendations for the best food around. You’ll feel welcome in no time.
“Keep Austin Weird”
Keeping true to its motto, Austin takes pride in its status as one of the most unique cities in the US. The city wears its intrinsic creativity in the form of colorful murals clothing its walls, and it hosts exciting artsy events throughout the year. You can’t find a reason to complain about boredom while living in Austin.
Impressive Companies Call Austin Home
As Austin exploded in popularity early this century, it became a hub for several well-known companies, such as Yeti, Indeed, VRBO, and Kendra Scott. With powerhouse companies like these setting up their headquarters here, the city provides exciting job opportunities in a myriad of industries.
The Weather
It’s no surprise that Leon Bridges wrote a song about the “Texas Sun.” You’ll find beautiful sunny weather in Austin for the majority of the year. With so many clear 75-degree days, you’ll want to spend a lot of time outside. Indeed, locals love to head to the great outdoors for activities like hiking, kayaking, and mountain biking.
So Why Doesn’t Everyone Live Here?
The Weather
Although the majority of the year remains comfortable, living closer to the equator than any other state makes the summer months gruesome. Residents like to beat the heat by taking a dip in an apartment pool or a swim in one of the many bodies of water around the city. After a quick refresher, you’ll feel ready to soak up the sun again in no time (repeat the process as needed, and don’t forget sunscreen!).
The Traffic
Just like any growing city, you’ll run into traffic during peak times of the day, but with a little patience, a good playlist, and the gorgeous scenery of the city and surrounding hills, you’ll realize the few extra minutes of traffic wasn’t so bad after all.
Things Locals Know That You Might Not
How We Beat the Heat
As we mentioned, you will need a way to cool down on summer days. Our favorite method is hanging out on the water, and Austin contains plenty of watering holes to choose from. Grab a group of friends and rent a boat. Swing by one of the many paddle board and kayak rentals on trails along the water, and then spend a day on the river. When the sun gets too hot, you can jump right in and take a nice cool swim.
Visit a Local Park (Other Than Zilker)
One of the best ways to spend a sunny day is at a local park. Although we do love Zilker Park, the most popular spot for sports, picnicking, and sunbathing, we enjoy visiting a variety of local parks around the city. One of our favorites, Butler Metro Park, offers a less crowded space with a fantastic view of downtown Austin.
Where to Go on a Night Out
We know that spending a night out on the infamous 6th Street appeals to many people. Although we love 6th Street as much as anyone, we recommend also heading to other local spots for a great time. For an upbeat experience with plenty of outdoor space, check out Rainey Street, where many of the bars operate inside converted historic buildings. Head north a bit to the Domain for a delightfully bougie night on the town, or venture south of the city and spend a mellow night at one of the many beer gardens.
Must-Haves
How to Look Trendy in Austin
The biggest trend in Austin? Anything goes. Step out of your comfort zone and explore your creative side when it comes to fashion. Don’t know where to start? Check out one of the many vintage and thrift shops throughout the city and pick out anything that speaks to you. Try something new, reinvent yourself; it’s all welcome in Austin.
Maintain a Positive Attitude
To live in Austin, it’s important to keep a positive and accepting attitude. You’ll meet people from all over the globe and encounter new activities. Welcome new connections and experiences with open arms; you won’t regret it.
Favor – Our Favorite Delivery App
Use Favor to get food and essentials delivered right to your door, usually in under an hour. With daily deals and a small delivery fee, locals use this service as our go-to for delivery.
The Housing Scene
Newer Construction
Austin wasn’t always the bustling and expanding city it is today. Prior to the 1960s, it was a fairly small town, so a lot of the housing we see today looks relatively new with more buildings going up frequently. As a result, you’ll find luxurious, spacious apartments with plenty of natural light, including many with views of the city or surrounding Hill Country.
Residential Neighborhoods
Austin doesn’t feel like the typical big city. It contains an impressive downtown area, but take a short drive around, and you’ll find many quaint residential neighborhoods. Sunset Valley, Cedar Park, and Bee Cave, for instance, offer beautiful homes and apartment options.
Apartment Demand
As the city grows, it works to keep up with demand. Renters encounter some competition for apartments, but because the housing and rental market continues to expand, new residents don’t have trouble finding the perfect place to live, especially with AptAmigo’s help.
Check out our top picks among the city’s best luxury apartments.
Find your Dream Austin Apartment
Now that you know the inside scoop on living in Austin, are you ready to call it home? Reach out to AptAmigo for a stress-free apartment hunting experience. Simply tell us your criteria, and let AptAmigo do all the hard work for you. Sit back, relax, and enjoy your move to Austin.
Up Next: Austin Apartment Spotlight – River Junction
* The original version of this article was first published on February 18, 2021.
