For more than a few decades, Austin, Texas has been famous for its rich culture alongside the eccentric tech industry, and an overall friendly and chill vibe. For someone who is relocating his/her/their work, school, or just looking for a change of view, Austin does welcome everyone. But like every other new city, Austin has its neighborhoods, housing market, cost of living, available jobs, and a certain lifestyle, all of which are important to get familiar with prior to moving day. Hence, here is everything useful about moving to Austin.
Why Move to Austin?
There are several reasons why moving to Austin is one of the best decisions someone could make. Austin’s best tech companies include Apple, Google, and Tesla among several others which helps bolster its thriving job market. Moving to Austin for work is not only one of the best decisions you can make as job opportunities are abundant, but the eclectic music scene, classic food culture (especially BBQ), and jubilant festivals like South by Southwest (SXSW) make it all seamless.
Living Expenses in Austin
Although Austin’s living expenses are less than several prominent cities from both the West and East Coast, they have been escalating continuously. Conversely, housing expenses have been increasing as well, which means you will most likely pay more for rent or mortgage than in other cities in Texas.
Austin does have an expanding public transport system, so public transportation can be convenient. Nonetheless, Austin is a large city, so a large number of people still prefer driving. While gas prices are quite reasonable, traffic can be a big issue, especially during rush hour. Unless you live in close proximity to the downtown area where public transport is more readily available, moving to Austin may mean that you will need a car.
If you are a foodie, then dining out in Austin is sure to evoke pleasant memories, especially for taco, BBQ, and craft beer lovers. The city contains stupendous restaurants, whether they are high-end or budget-friendly which makes Austin paradise for food. You may have to spend only a nominal amount to enjoy culturally diverse festivals, outdoor concerts, and various free activities. However, the prices for big name concerts or events can be quite expensive, and the same goes for other costly interests.
Employment Opportunities
There is no doubt the technology industry is growing in Austin and there are many job opportunities available for those moving to Austin for work. The city is home to Apple, Dell, Google, Tesla, and many other businesses that have established a technological presence in this city which has led to the creation of thousands of technology based job positions. Because of the migration of large, established corporations and new, emerging businesses, Austin’s status as a “Silicon Hills’ is on the rise and it has become a perfect hometown for all the techies.
Austin is also home to many other industries such as healthcare, education, government services, and entertainment, which makes the economy more diverse. The University of Texas at Austin along with various state and local government offices are some of the big employers. Moreover, Austin’s cultural festivals and music make it a vibrant city, which is why the arts and entertainment industry is also flourishing here.
Having a target job is a good idea when moving to Austin, but make sure to have a search strategy ready so you can spring into action. While many companies in Austin are known for their relaxed employee relations, one must also mentally prepare for competition, especially in the high demand sectors like IT and technology.
Neighbourhood in Austin
Austin is a city made of neighborhoods, each possessing its distinctive personality and appeal. Austin is known for its food, culture, and general vibe including Rainey Street’s nightlife and West Lake Hills’ serene nature. Depending on your budget or lifestyle, Austin caters to all preferences and has every type of neighborhood to choose from.
While sophisticated parts of town have beautiful buildings, the beautiful apartments, plethora of restaurants, retail shopping stores, and lively night part of Austin make it picturesque which is great for young urban-filled lifestyle professionals.
Zilker:
This neighborhood is a work-in-progress, but being close to Zilker Park, Lady Bird Lake Trail, and Barton Springs Pool makes it desirable. It is perfect for active people wanting to be around nature. Prices for housing are lower in comparison to some of the more developed areas.
North Austin:
For those who prefer more space and a quiet suburban setting, North Austin offers low-cost housing, decently-rated public schools, and is within commuter distance to large industries such as the new Apple campus.
Transportation in Austin
While public transport options are very limited, more services are becoming available. Buses are available throughout the city and the Capital Metro MetroRail commutes between North and South Austin. If you live near downtown, it is possible to go to work without driving, but a lot of people still do.
Quality of Life in Austin
Austin has a high standard of living and is considered a good choice for many people to move to. The city has a favorable economy along with good cultural, food, and leisure activities appealing to many new residents.
Conclusion
Moving to Austin, Texas is viewed as a wonderful experience due to its offerings which are well aligned with the needs of residents. Austin’s job market is also booming. The city has well maintained neighborhoods and a diverse cultural scene making it a popular city among people from all walks of life. In case you appreciate the music culture, city’s tech scene, or outdoor activities, it does not matter what your interest is, Austin will cater to them all. Therefore, if you wish to moving to Austin, prepare ahead of time and start planning in order to make the most out of the move.
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