5 Reasons to Move to Austin, Texas
Austin is one of the fastest-growing city in the US with nearly 150 people moving to live here every day. The city’s population has almost doubled over the last decade and it’s still growing due to its welcoming community, promising job market, and one-of-a-kind culture.
Of course, with all this growth comes some challenges. Traffic, housing prices, cost of living, but we think there are many more reasons to move to Austin than not to. Austin has some of the best schools, incredible weather, great music, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in the country.
Located three hours south of Dallas, Austin is a city that’s incredibly easy to get around. But it doesn’t hurt that Texas has no income tax, and there are many jobs in the area, especially tech jobs.
If you’re moving to Austin, it is important to understand what to expect and be prepared. Here are the top five reasons people are moving here and even other parts of Texas.
Austin Offers Low Cost of Living
If you’re a bit concerned about the cost of living in Austin, TX, don’t be. Austin consistently ranks as one of the most affordable places to live in the country. When you consider the low cost of living in Austin, it’s not surprising that it’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the US.
According to our cost of living calculator, you can get a year’s worth of groceries for $2,708 in Austin compared to $5,096 in Dallas. Restaurants are cheaper, utilities are more affordable, and rent is way less expensive.
Along with a low cost of living, Austin residents enjoy and high-quality life living in Austin. There are tons of art galleries, public parks, and performing arts centers. If you want to live Downtown or near Downtown, housing will likely be your most significant expense. The median rent for a one-bedroom is $1,100/month, but that’s still less than Dallas ($1,356) or San Antonio ($983).
If you’re buying your first home in Austin, Texas, expect to find a booming market with median home values of $579,595. In the current seller's market, homes are not staying on the market for long meaning those looking to buy will not want to wait. A reliable, local realtor is a sure way to find a great home for a great price in Austin.
Austin is an Enterprising City with a Global Entrepreneurial Ecosystem
Entrepreneurship is rising in Austin, thanks to its enterprenurial spirit and cost of living. Right now, the city is home to over 1500 startups. There are also over 300 tech companies in Austin employing more than 50,000 people. Top employers in the city include Apple, IBM, Rackspace, Dell, and Amazon.
Tax-wise, Austin is a great place to start up a business because there’s no state income tax, and you can save up to 75% on property taxes.
Austin is constantly developing new ways for local entrepreneurs to grow their businesses. The Texas city has a rich startup culture and hosts many conferences, workshops, meetups, and events. There are also wonderful co-working spaces like Capital Factory that offer mentorship programs from successful business leaders.
Austin is becoming known as a hub for entrepreneurs of all industries to come and develop innovative ideas. It’s the perfect environment for businesses largeand small to thrive in.
Austin Offers Great Education
If you have school-going kids, then Austin is a great place to consider moving to. Austin Independent School District (AISD) is one of the best school districts in Texas. The district has 40 schools with over 32 thousand students, which leaves plenty of opportunities for kids to interact with one another and participate in clubs or sports.
Austin is also home to many private schools, making it easy to find an educational option that matches your child’s learning style. The city offers the best value for education, with private schools being the most affordable in Texas.
As far as higher learning goes, Austin is home to some of the best universities in the state. The University of Texas at Austin is consistently ranked as one of the top public universities in the nation with over 50,000 students. Other notable colleges in Austin include St. Edwards University, Concordia University, Huston-Tillotson College, and Austin Community College.
Austin Has Incredible Neighborhoods to Live In
Austin is made up of many different neighborhoods. Some are safer than others, but most offer a unique quality to the people who live there. If you’re thinking about moving here, visit the neighborhoods and get a good feel for each one.
Downton is considered one the best neighborhoods in Austin among those looking to enjoy a busting cit lifestyle. Located near the state capitol, this neighborhood is excellent for people who like to be within walking distance of their favorite venues and activities. It’s also close to many major employers in Austin as well as popular local attractions.
Another great Austin neighborhood is Clarksville, which is located west of Downtown. This historic district one of the most affordable neighborhoods in Austin and offer plenty of local amenities, along with a low-key pedestrian feel. Throughout the neighborhood you will find charmingly modest bungalows and beautiful leafty streets.
West Lake Hills, another Austin neighborhood offers stunning lake views, as well as nice hilltop clubs. Set just west of town, you can enjoy the quietness of this neighborhood while still being close to Austin’s entertainment scene.
If you like to live in a more suburban area, then give Northwest Hills a try. It’s away from most of the city noise, but it still has plenty of activities for residents to get involved with. A lot of people who move here find that it’s a fantastic place to raise a family .
Great Weather and Plenty of Nature
Texas is known for its warm temperatures and Austin is no exception. Austin’s weather is fairly mild most of the year. However, the most significant deciding factor when it comes to weather is whether you like warm or cool temperatures. The summers here can be very hot, so if you prefer cooler weather then Austin might not be the place for you.
If you appreciate nature, then you’ll no doubt love Austin. There’s a lot of green land here, which is excellent for people who enjoy hiking and biking on trails. The Austin trail system has over 250 miles of multi-use and single-use trails that wind throughout the city.
There’s nature to appreciate in each season, so no matter what time you visit Austin, it’ll be a good opportunity to get outdoors and enjoy any one area that interests you. There are parks and lakes for boating and swimming, along with plenty of outdoor activities in the city that will keep you busy on warm days.
Bottom Line
As the live musical capital of the world, Austin's vibrant scene is a compelling reason to make the move to the heart of Central Texas. Nestled between the breathtaking Colorado River and the serene Texas Hill Country, Austin offers a thriving job market, especially in Silicon Hills, a tech hub rivaling San Francisco. The Lone Star State's housing market presents an opportunity for new residents to explore eclectic neighborhoods like East Austin, where the motto to "keep Austin weird" resonates in the local culture.
Beyond the bustling urban life within Austin city limits, you can find relaxation and adventure in places like Barton Springs Pool or the numerous hiking trails that showcase the natural beauty of the area. Whether you're drawn to the unique culture, robust economy, or the lush landscapes, moving to Austin promises an exciting and diverse experience. Embrace the opportunities and charm of Austin and discover why so many are choosing to call this vibrant hub in Central Texas their new home.
If you’re moving to Austin and looking to buy a house, check out some of the best neighborhoods in Austin to live in. SimpleShowing can help you find some of the best homes here that suit your needs and preferences. Contact us today, and let’s help you buy a great home in Austin, Texas.