Moving/Relocating To Austin: 6 Facts That Only The Locals Know

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Are you planning on moving to Austin?

But you don’t know where to start?

Here’s the good news!

We’ve rounded up simple tips for moving to Austin, especially for you.

There are many reasons why Austin is the most livable city in Texas.

People are moving to Austin for the glorious weather and endless sunshine, the heartwarming friendliness of the people, rich history, one-of-a-kind culture, and especially, the promising and thriving tech market.

What’s more to ask?

A desirable place to call home, and that is for a good reason.

Austin is the capital city of Texas, and it can be found on the Balcones Fault and the Colorado River.

People have often said that once you have stepped inside this city, it feels like a whole other country, and that is where “Larger Than Life” came.

When you start moving to Austin, do not forget to include in your list exploring Town Lake and experience completing 10 miles of biking-and-hiking trails. You can also find runners, cyclists, joggers, and water trail users at just about any hour of the day.

The first thing that you will discover when relocating to Austin, TX, is how everyone from the locals to the transplants is friendly and takes pride in their environment and culture. Including the adage Austine has become known for, which is the “Keep Austin Weird.”

Whether you are moving to Austin, Texas,  for a new career opportunity or family reasons, or you simply want to experience life in Austin, the capital city is waiting for you!

Here are 6 simple moving to Austin tips you absolutely must know.

1. General Things You Should Know About The Life In Austin At A Glance


Image credit: Pexels

Austin is the capital of Texas and on the 11th spot for the most populous city in the U.S. with over 2.25 million Austinites and the second-most populous state capital city.

About 32% of the Austinites population speaks in a foreign language, higher than the national average of 21.9%. These are composed of the following languages; Chinese (Cantonese/Mandarin), Spanish, and Hindi.

Since its founding in 1837, Austin has come a long way and become a diverse hub of different industries. You will also see government officials, tech workers, students, remote workers, and musicians as part of the Austin scene.

Moving to Austin can give you a lot of opportunities. The art, culture, and the killer Austin Music Scene.

There are a lot of things this city can offer you!

The city is home to South by Southwest. It has regional offices for multiple Fortune 500 companies, including 3M, Apple, Facebook, Google, and Whole Foods Market. The rising tech industry in the city has led to it being nicknamed “Silicon Hills.”

On top of this, the city has excellent weather, with over 300 days of sunshine per year!

If you consider moving to Austin, you will be able to experience all these perks. From the fantastic weather down to the prosperous economy of the city!

2. Austin’s Cost Of Living Is Lower Than The National Average

As the population increases, it usually drives up the cost of living, and Austin is no exception.

The city is on the expensive side compared to other major cities in the U.S. However, Austin is still a bargain over other bustling cities like Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and beyond.

PayScale stated that the cost of living in Austin is 3% lower than the national average. But the housing costs are 2% higher.

As reported by PayScale, here is an idea of how much things cost when moving to Austin:

  • Rent in Austin dipped to $1,396 for a one-bedroom apartment and $1,71 for a two-bedroom apartment
  • Energy can cost up to $147.04
  • Public transportation pass: $60
  • Dozen of eggs: $3.23
  • Loaf of bread: $2.92 and;
  • A gallon of gas for $2.44

But there is a piece of good news for you when you consider and start relocating to Austin.

As reported by the Austin Chamber of Commerce, the median income in Austin is a healthy $76,925. In comparison, the median household income is $60,629 in the rest of Texas.

3. There Are Many Job Opportunities In Austin

In terms of job growth, Austin and other hubs far from the East and West coasts emerged as a beacon to job seekers and businesses during the pandemic.

The city ranks second among the top 50 metro areas in the U.S.

You will be welcome to a thriving job market with a booming and growing tech industry. Austin is home to many tech companies like Facebook, AMD, Google, Paypal, Intel, and much more.

Even if you are not specializing in tech, the city also offers jobs from the top-bosted industries such as business services, government, health services, and education.

You will experience the entrepreneurial drive, and it feels like anything is possible when you start living in Austin.

4. Foodie-Approved Food Scene

Image credit: Unsplash

Experience the food paradise in Austin, from the local and favorite cuisines such as Barbecue, Tex-Mex to the most highlighted and world-famous Franklin Barbecue.

There has never been any good BBQ within the city borders of Austin. Fortunately, Franklin Barbecue has changed all of that. Today, people wait for hours to get a taste of Franklin Barbecue’s delectable brisket. Even Jimmy Kimmel, Anthony Bourdain, and President Barack Obama have all praised Franklin Barbecue.

There are also dedicated food trucks you can enjoy, parks to entice a lively palate to all the locals and tourists.

5. Be Prepared For The Humid Weather In Austin

You will get used to the heat when moving to Austin.

The humidity in Austin and central Texas is notoriously unpredictable. The air is relatively dry when the wind comes in from the desert to the west; the air is considerably more humid when the wind blows from the Gulf of Mexico to the east.

The warmest season usually occurs during August. The temperature is around 98°F and can rise well above 100°F. The hottest record of the city is over 112°F. On the other hand, between December and February, the winters are mild, ranging from 40°F to 60°F.

Thankfully, the metro will somewhat experience mild weather throughout the year.

6. Austin Public Transportation And Driving

Driving is still the norm in Austin, despite its reputation for traffic. It is on par with big cities like New York, Los Angeles, and San Francisco. However, it still depends on where you live in Austin.

There are choices if you want to live without a car, but getting to the city will take some preparation and additional time. The city is spread out over 271 square miles, surrounded by suburbs and bedroom villages, making biking or walking to more distant facilities difficult.

Austin Capital Metro is the city’s public transportation system. A system of scheduled buses, a 32-mile rail line, and even vanpool ridesharing are among the services targeted at reducing automobiles on the road. Austin BCycle, the city’s bike-sharing program, offers rentable bikes at 75 various docking stations across the city.

Things You Can Do When Moving To Austin

Austinites like to boast about the entertainment scene in Austin whenever they can. It is one of the best in the world and even going so far as labeling itself the “Live Music Capital of the World.”

There are a lot of activities you can do in the city. We have put together a few recommendations you will surely love!

Music Festival

A fan of live music? You will love Austin local festivals, Austin City Limits Music Festival, and SXSW!

Sports

An exciting football game at the University of Texas stadium is waiting for you!

Outdoor Activities

There are many outdoor activities you can choose from. From running along nature trails, kayaking, to swimming!

Bar Hopping

Enjoy your nightlife at 6th street and the area around it, composed of the majority of the downtown bar scene.

Local Tours

Find a local tour company and experience all sorts of cool stuff, from corporate events to bachelor parties!

Conclusion About Moving To Austin

Whatever your reason may be for relocating to Austin, the moving process can be stressful. That is where we come in.

Sanelo makes moving easy. We will help you at your convenience!

Let’s get moving! Contact us and request a quote today!

You can also check out our guide on moving to Houston, Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving To Austin, Texas

Do I Need A Car When I live In Austin?

Yes, you will need a car in Austin. Moving to Austin means you are moving to a driving city.

How’s The Traffic In Austin?

According to Austin Texas Insider, the traffic in Austin is not the best. If you don’t want to be caught in traffic, it’s best to find a  workplace near your home.

How Much Does Moving To Austin Cost?

Keen to know what the cost of moving to Austin might be like?  More importantly, you want that cost in a binding quote or a not-to-exceed estimate; otherwise, you leave yourself open to surprises on your final bill. Here are some valuable resources:

What Are The Liability Options If I Were To Engage A Moving Company When Moving To Austin?

Ask the company what kind of level of liability coverage they are providing to make sure your possessions are covered in case of an accident during the move. Usually, moving companies offer at least two liability options:

  • Full Value Protection
  • Released Value Protection

That’s why at Sanelo, we offer shipment protection designed to cover just about everything. Learn more about our Shipment Protection.

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