The Ultimate Guide to Moving to Austin, TX [2024 UPDATE]

Home to Live Music, panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country, numerous parks and greenbelts you can visit, and a dynamic and vibrant event scene. In the past years, Austin has been named one of the Best Places to Relocate in America due to its quality of living, affordability, and thriving job market.

Austin is a great place for students, young professionals, families, and retirees. If you are considering moving to Austin, this Ultimate Austin Relocation Guide will navigate you throughout the wonderful Texas capital.

What’s it like living in Austin?

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Austin has grown faster compared to other large metropolitan areas in the United States. The Texas capital boasts itself for its livability, employment opportunities, attractions, event scene, and desirability.

• Top Rankings: Over the past five years, Austin has consistently ranked among the Best Places to Live and Best Places to Relocate in the nation.
• Population Growth: According to the 2020 decennial census by the U.S. Census Bureau, the Austin metropolitan area had the highest growth rate among the top 100 metros in the United States from 2010 to 2020, with a population increase of 567,082 individuals and a growth rate of 33%.

With Austin being one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation, it is undeniable that the city is also one of the best places to live in America. The job opportunities and quality of life are some of the factors that make Austin an ideal place for families, young professionals, young and old, and students to live in. If you are a fan of live music, exciting nightlife, and delicious locally-owned restaurants, Austin is the right place for you.

Austin Neighborhoods

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Each Austin neighborhood has its own unique setting and characteristics.

• Downtown Austin:
  • Center of lively lifestyles, arts, and culture
  • Entertainment hub with residential skyscrapers
  • Vibrant nightlife scene on Sixth Street and Rainey Street
  • The urban core of this Texas capital
• North Austin:
  • Scenic views
  • Proximity to downtown and the University of Austin
• South Austin:
  • Trendy and hippie region
  • Funky homes and quirky shops
  • Urban landscapes
  • Home to Zilker Park, which hosts large music festivals
  • Features the 3-acre Barton Springs Pool, a popular recreational outdoor swimming pool
• East Austin:
  • Older section of the city
  • Historic homes and established neighborhoods
  • Diverse communities
• West Austin:
  • Amazing natural scenery
  • Top-notch schools
  • Highly desirable neighborhood to live in

Austin’s diverse neighborhoods offer something to suit every lifestyle. The city’s vibrant culture, combined with its strong sense of community and variety of attractions, makes it a unique and appealing place to call home.

Finding an Austin Neighborhood to Relocate To

When it comes to choosing an Austin neighborhood to relocate to, there are a couple of things to keep in mind:

• Budget: Understand your budget and familiarize yourself with the local prices of homes.
• Amenities: Consider the amenities in the surrounding area.
• Proximity: Check the proximity to essential services and employers.
• Walkability: Evaluate the walkability of the neighborhood.
• Safety: Research the safety of the area.
• Schools: If you’re living with children, look into the great schools and independent districts in the neighborhood.

Some of the best neighborhoods in Austin include:

• Barton Hills:
  • Quiet and charming neighborhood in South Austin’s 78704
  • Ideal for families with children
  • Accessible to local attractions while offering a serene environment
• Clarksville:
  • Located just a few minutes away from Downtown Austin
  • Relatively affordable homes with a wide range of styles
  • Ideal for those seeking proximity to downtown without living directly in it
• Hyde Park:
  • Perfect for young professionals and those living near the university area
  • Quiet neighborhood with a historic charm

The city’s commitment to sustainability and innovation is evident in its numerous green spaces, bike lanes, and tech industry growth. With a welcoming atmosphere and a plethora of activities to enjoy, it’s no wonder people from all over are flocking to Austin to experience its distinct and dynamic way of life.

Cost of Living in Austin

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Based on the US average of 100, where anything below 100 is cheaper than the US average, Austin’s cost of living score is 129.1. According to BestPlaces.net, the cost of living in Austin is 29.1% higher than the national average. However, this cost can vary based on different factors such as career, salary, and the real estate market of your neighborhood area.

• Housing Expenses: 89% higher than the national average
• Utility Prices: 0.9% lower than the national average
• Grocery Prices: 4.3% lower than the national average
• Transportation Expenses: 9.9% higher than the national average (including bus fares and gas prices)

Despite some higher costs, such as housing, the lower utility, grocery, and transportation expenses can help balance the overall cost of living in Austin. This variation makes it important to consider your specific situation and needs when evaluating the affordability of living in Austin.

Renting Home in Austin

When considering renting, the cost of a residence primarily depends on the size of the home. These are typically the following:

• Studio: $1,330
• One-bedroom: $1,470
• Two-bedroom: $1,720
• Three-bedroom: $2,210
• Four-bedroom: Up to $2,560

Buying a Home in Austin

Thinking of buying a home in Austin, TX? The cost of a single-family home can vary greatly depending on the location:

• Median Home Value: $551,906 as of May 2024
• Waterfront Homes and Downtown Condos: Can be significantly more expensive, with prices reaching for more than $4 million.

Remember that home prices greatly depend on the area or neighborhood, so to give you an idea of homes within these price ranges or a specific price range within your criteria, check out our home search!

Austin’s Job Market

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One of the reasons why people are moving to Austin is because of the employment opportunities available in the area. Austin has one of the strongest job markets, with the tech sector thriving and earning the city its nickname, Silicon Hills.

• Tech Sector:
  • Thriving in the area, influencing various industries
  • Austin is home to numerous tech companies, big and small, contributing to its dynamic job market
• Large Tech Companies in Austin:
  • In 2020, Tesla constructed its Gigafactory in Del Valle
  • Other notable tech companies have also expanded or moved to Austin, including:
    • Apple
    • Google
    • Facebook
    • Amazon
    • IBM
• Medical and Education Sectors:
  • Continuously growing, providing additional employment opportunities
• Diverse Job Market:
  • Even if you’re not in the tech field, Austin offers a great city to work in
  • Tech’s influence extends across various industries, providing them with a cutting-edge wherever you work

Austin’s diverse job market, coupled with its vibrant culture and quality of life, makes it an attractive destination for professionals across various fields. Whether you’re in tech, healthcare, education, or any other industry, Austin offers ample opportunities for career growth and development.

Major Employers in Austin

Technology, business, professional services, healthcare, education, and government are the top employment sectors in the Austin area. There are many corporations headquartered in Austin, especially tech companies. Large corporations headquartered in Austin include Ascension Seton Healthcare, Dell Technologies, Oracle Corporation, Samsung Austin Semiconductor, Indeed, and Whole Foods Market.

Major employers in Austin include Apple Inc., whose new campus expected to open in 2022 will accommodate 5,000 employees and have the potential to grow up to 15,000. Dell Technologies employs over 13,00 employees. 

Notable Employers:

• Apple Inc.: New campus opened in 2022, accommodating 5,000 employees with potential growth up to 15,000
• Austin Independent School District: Employs over 12,000 individuals
• Tesla: Gigafactory in Del Valle planned to hire 5,000 people; Headquarters moved from California to Austin, TX.
• SpaceX: Expanding presence in Austin, contributing to the city’s growing tech sector in Bastrop.

These major employers contribute significantly to Austin’s economy and job market, offering opportunities across various sectors and industries. With its vibrant tech scene and diverse employment options, Austin continues to attract professionals from around the world.

Things to Do in Austin

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Austin is a paradise for people who are fond of music, entertainment, and outdoor attractions. You’ll never run out of entertainment and relaxation places to visit too. Austin is a city renowned for more than just its music scene, with quirky coffee shops, food, parks, greenbelts, seasonal activities, and annual music festivals.

Events and Activities

There are plenty of events and activities in Austin. Watch the sunrise and sunset at Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin. This outdoor destination located downtown offers kayak, paddleboard, and canoe rentals as well as a 10-mile hike and bike trail.

Austin’s music scene is one of the city’s highlights, offering an immersive experience for music enthusiasts of all kinds.

• Live Music Everywhere:
  • From the airport to grocery stores to entertainment districts in Downtown Austin, live music permeates the city.
  • Austin is renowned for its diverse music genres, catering to every taste.
• Events Venues in Downtown:
  • ACL Live at the Moody Theater: Hosts the longest-running music series on American TV and is a popular venue for live performances.
  • The Contemporary Austin – Jones Center: Features contemporary art from around the world in a 5,000 sqft museum with multiple exhibitions.

Murals

Austin boasts vibrant street art and murals that are perfect for Instagram-worthy photos. Some popular ones include:

• Hi, How Are You
• Don’t Mess with Texas
• i love you so much
• Greetings from Austin

RELATED: Landmarks and Murals in Austin, TX (Map Included)

Museums

• The Blanton Museum of Art: Features European paintings and contemporary American and Latin art.
• Bullock Texas State History Museum: Located across from The Blanton, showcasing the history of Texas.
• Texas Memorial Museum: Austin’s first science museum, featuring dinosaurs, fossils, and science exhibits.

Outdoor Activities

Austin is known for its outdoor lifestyle and abundance of recreational opportunities:

• Health and Fitness: Austinites value health and fitness, with numerous workout options available.
• Natural Attractions: Explore incredible natural attractions such as Barton Springs, McKinney Falls State Park, and Hamilton Pool in Dripping Springs.
• Events: Enjoy major events like South by Southwest (SXSW), Austin City Limits, and Trail of Lights in Zilker Park.

With its vibrant music scene, diverse cultural offerings, and abundance of outdoor activities, Austin provides a rich and dynamic experience for residents and visitors alike.

Eat and Drink in Austin

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Foodies will absolutely love Austin. Whether it’s the traditional BBQ, farm-to-table sourced ingredients, Tex-Mex, Asian fusion, or specialties by top chefs and personalities in the kitchen, you can find everything you’re looking for in Austin.

Restaurants in Austin

From food trucks to fine and casual dining, Austin is a certified foodie-approved city. Aside from BBQ, there are plenty of restaurants in the area that offer fusion cuisine. Experience outdoor dining at its best in Austin and enjoy the natural views it has to offer. The city also has a massive number of food trucks making it convenient for those that are always on the go!

Must-Try Restaurants

• Patika: Brunch out at this popular spot.
• Loro: Experience Asian-fusion cuisine in a unique setting.
• Odd Duck: Visit this popular restaurant serving seasonal fare on a modern patio.
• Launderette: Enjoy award-winning New American cuisine at this cafe.
• Ramen Tatsu-ya: Indulge in hot authentic soul food of Japan.
• Blue Dahlia: Dine al fresco while sipping mimosas at this charming eatery.

Austin is a paradise for food enthusiasts. Explore new flavors, or seeking innovative dishes, Austin’s food scene promises an unforgettable dining experience.

Coffee Shops

Nothing beats a hot or cold cup of coffee any time of the day. When it comes to finding the perfect blend, you have plenty of options in Austin. Find locally roasted organic coffee and espresso, fresh paninis, and delicious salads at Mary’s Cafe. Quack’s 43rd Street Bakery, an old-fashioned bakery, and coffeehouse can be found at Hyde Park in Central Austin. 

Get your coffee fix at Cosmic Coffee and Beer Garden and check out their raised garden and chicken run, you can also get some delicious eats with the food trucks nearby. After snapping a photo from the iconic i love you so much mural, grab an Iced Turbo at Jo’s Coffee. Head over to Easy Tiger for some scrumptious pastries and some oh-so-good coffee to get you hyped up throughout your day.

Breweries

Zilker Brewing Company offers a wide variety of beers and a nice selection of both classic and experimental varieties.

At St. Elmo Brewing Co., you’ll find plenty of delicious local beers for all. Along with a bar, beer hall, and beer garden for visitors, it’s where you can enjoy live music with your friends or community pint nights! 

At Jester King Brewery, they make wild ales and fermented beers that reflect the unique characteristics of the Texas Hill Country location. Why not indulge in a tasty, hot pizza at Austin’s Beer Garden Brewing Co. while having a good pint of beer with your friends? 

Take a sample of Austin Beerworks’ core four beers where you’ll find your taste buds refreshed any time of the year. From brewpubs to breweries, there are plenty of options for beer lovers in Austin.

Austin Nightlife

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Nothing beats Austin’s nightlife from Downtown to East Austin. The nightlife in South Congress, Rainey Street, and the famous 6th Street are some places you’ll want to first visit for the true Austin nightlife experience. There are plenty of bars, clubs, and music venues that can be found in the area. There’s definitely no shortage of nightlife wherever you go.

• Warehouse District:
  • Offers everything from food and live music to dancing and more, making it a top destination for nightlife enthusiasts.
• Rainey Street:
  • A block of bars and restaurants, Rainey Street has seen rapid growth in recent years, becoming not just a nightlife hotspot but also a popular residential area.
• Sixth Street:
  • Home to numerous bars, restaurants, theaters, and music venues, catering to a variety of tastes and preferences.
  • Offers options for both music lovers and those seeking a clubbing experience, with venues playing everything from live music to hip-hop and electronic beats.
• Nightclubs:
  • If you’re looking to dance the night away, Austin has a plethora of nightclubs to choose from, offering an electrifying atmosphere and top-notch DJs.
• Live Music Venues and Bars:
  • For those craving live music and drinks, Austin’s live music venues and bars scattered throughout the city provide the perfect setting to unwind and enjoy great tunes.

With its lively and eclectic nightlife scene, Austin offers something for everyone, whether you’re seeking live music, dancing, or simply soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of the city after dark!

Schools in Austin

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Austin is a great place for families to live and raise their children. Many public, charter, private, and home schools can meet the needs of any family. The highly acclaimed school districts and education in the area are also one of the reasons why families are moving to Austin.

The Independent School Districts in Austin serve about 50,000 students from preschool to twelfth grade. The three largest Independent School Districts in Austin Independent School District, Round Rock Independent School District, and the Leander Independent School District. Austin Independent School District is the largest school district in the whole state of Texas has more than 125 schools and a total of 82,000 students.

The University of Texas – Austin is one of the best universities and is ranked among the top 50 universities in America. There are also other colleges like Austin Community College, St. Edward’s University, and Huston-Tillotson University.

Driving and Transportation

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Driving around ATX is mostly done by driving through public transportation is also another way to get around the city. From the airport, there are plenty of car rentals in the area or you can also book an Uber or Lyft.

The CapMetro is Austin’s public bus system with over 3,000 stops and 53 routes. There may be traffic in the city where your 30-minute drive can turn into an hour during rush hour.

Weather and Climate

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Compared to Houston and Dallas, Austin has more moderate weather. You can relatively expect moderate temperatures although come July and August, temperatures can reach up to 100+ degrees.

Some fast climate facts about Austin from TripSavvy: Hottest Month: August (97 F / 36 C), Coldest Month: January (62 F / 16 C), Wettest Month: May (5.0 inches).

Utility Providers in Austin

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As you move to Austin, don’t forget to make sure you’re familiar with the different utility providers to ensure that you have what you need in your new home. Here are some of the utility providers in Austin, TX.

Electric and Gas Service Utilities

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Residential Telephone Service

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Water

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Internet and Cable

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Are you ready to make the move?

If you’re looking for a new place to call home that holds ample opportunities, diverse culture, and abundant things to do, Austin will be the best place for you!

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