Moving to Austin: Everything You Need To Know | Wan Bridge

Moving to Austin: Everything You Need To Know

Flag of Texas with Austin, Tx downtown in the background

In recent years, the amount of people moving to Austin, TX, has experienced incredible growth and for a good reason. With a unique blend of big-city excitement and small-town charm, Austin is a dynamic city with something to offer just about everyone. 

Whether you consider yourself a fanatical foodie, an outdoor adventurer, or a lover of arts and culture, you can find many things to do, see, and experience in Austin. And if you’re thinking about making a move to the Texas capital city, there’s a lot to look forward to. 

What to Know About Moving to Austin

  • Located on the outer edge of Hill Country, Austin is an urban community in central Texas. 
  • For the past few decades, Austin has frequently appeared on lists of the best places to live in the U.S. 
  • It’s the fourth-largest city in Texas and one of the top 15 most populous U.S. cities, and Austin’s expansion shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. 
  • According to the most updated Austin Chamber of Commerce information, the diverse population now exceeds the 2 million mark. 

Austin Job Market, Business, & Employment Opportunities

In Austin, the economy is thriving. For two years running, the city was named the hottest job market in the country (The Wall Street Journal) based on job growth, wage growth, and other vital factors. 

As a whole, Texas has consistently been considered a state with one of the nation’s most favorable business climates. This consideration is thanks to a competitive, regulatory environment and low tax rates – so a long list of businesses, corporations, and national organizations are eager to set up shop here. 

Austin is a hub for the tech industry, as well as a major home base for companies in the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Hospitality is another growing sector, bringing in a wealth of job opportunities in retail, dining, and more. 

Significant employers in Austin include:

  • Apple
  • IBM Corp. 
  • Dell Technologies
  • The State of Texas
  • The University of Texas at Austin
  • Austin Independent School District
  • City of Austin
  • Samsung
  • The Federal Government

Cost of Living in Austin

In Austin, the cost of living is relatively on par with the U.S. Austin’s overall cost of living index is 101.8, compared to 100 as the nationwide average. 

  • Housing and healthcare in Austin tend to be slightly more expensive than the U.S. average, though more affordable than many other large metropolitan cities.
  • Groceries and utilities have a lower-than-average cost.
  • Transportation in Austin is significantly more affordable than the U.S. average.

Neighborhoods & Places to Live in Austin

Austin is a growing city with notable diversity, so it makes sense that there are many different communities throughout the city. If you are looking for homes for rent in Austin, here are some of the top neighborhoods across the city limits.

Downtown Austin

When you’re in Downtown Austin, you’ll find yourself in the heart of the city’s art, music, dining, and nightlife scenes. You’ll also be near many of the city’s major employers, making a conveniently short commute.

Rainey Street Historic District

The Rainey Street Historic District includes about 3 square blocks of historic buildings on the east side of downtown Houston. The district was added to the National Register of Historical Places in 1978 and designated a local landmark in 1990. Most of the structures are bungalows built around 1920, several of which were converted into restaurants, bars, and performance spaces. 

Waller Beach at Town Lake Metropark is popular for riverfront picnicking, fishing, and kayaking, especially during the summer months. 

Second Street District

The Second Street District is a collection of restaurants, boutiques, breweries, and coffeehouses along the Colorado River banks, just south of Downtown Austin and east of the University of Texas campus. This area is known for being a hub of activity during SXSW week each Spring. In addition to the many great coffeehouses is some of the best places to shop in the Austin area, including the South Austin Flea Market, the Eastside Farmers’ Market, and the Downtown Wine & Food Festival.

Red River Cultural District

The Red River Cultural District stretches from Downtown to Lady Bird Lake. This area includes Waterloo Park, Moody Amphitheater, the Red River Arts District, and the University of Texas campus. The district is home to many events throughout the year, including the annual Bluegrass Festival, the International Folk Art Market, the Red River Jazz & Blues Festival, the Red River Balloon Rally, and the Red River Fine Arts Festival.

The Warehouse District

This historic district is one of Austin’s largest and home to some of the city’s most popular nightlife destinations. Centered around Republic Square, there are plenty of great places to eat, drink, and dance. You’ll find everything from dive bars to high-end cocktail lounges, craft breweries, wine bars, and a year-round, weekly farmers’ market. This area is filled with unique shops and art galleries. And it’s just minutes away from downtown.

Austin’s Warehouse District offers stylish condos and lofts converted from formerly gritty industrial and office buildings, for those who want to live in buildings with a fascinating history.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park is among Austin’s most beloved residential districts, with tree-lined streets, restored Victorian homes, and a charmingly traditional ambiance. Its central location makes it an excellent option for both young professionals and families, while its walk-friendly design makes it easy to get around on foot. 

North Austin

North Austin has welcomed an influx of new residents in recent years, primarily due to the arrival of many mixed-use developments and major tech employers. It has an active nightlife scene, fantastic dining, and beautiful residential streets dotted with towering oak trees. Less than 30 minutes north of Austin, the community of homes for rent in Georgetown, TX, also known as the “Most Beautiful Town Square in Texas,” is a perfect place for new residents looking to rent single-family homes. 

North Loop

With a funky, friendly vibe and a location near the University of Texas campus, the North Loop area is home to families and college students alike. The area is impressively pedestrian-friendly and very close to the city’s major freeways for a quick commute. Here, you can browse the best vintage stores in Austin, indie coffee houses, record stores, and bookshops.

South Austin

The south side of Downtown Austin is home to some of the city’s most diverse neighborhoods. From the historic district along Guadalupe Street to trendy bars and eclectic shops, there are plenty of reasons to explore the area. The south part of town is home to some of Austin’s most unique neighborhoods, ranging from modern apartment buildings to historic bungalows, offering residents various housing options.

South Austin is host to numerous landmark restaurants and boutiques. Visitors to the area will find the scenic Zilker Park, Zilker Botanical Garden, and the ever-refreshing Barton Springs Pool on the area’s west side. 

South Congress

When many people think of Austin, they envision the postcard-worthy hot spots of South Congress. Famous for its street art murals and eclectic personality, South Congress hosts Austin’s best shopping, eating, drinking, and nightlife. Also known as “SoCo,” short for South Congress Avenue, this lively area is packed with local businesses, trendy shops, and unique eateries. And there’s plenty to do outside of the storefronts, too — like bike rides along the river, concerts at the nearby Scoot Inn, and lots of places to grab a drink.

Crestview

The area is known today as Crestview was developed in the 1950s and 1960s and was designed to serve as a planned community where residents could live without having to commute. The neighborhood was originally built on a dairy farm and retains that small-town feel.

Residents walk and picnic in neighborhood parks, including the historic Crestview Park, which features a playground, basketball court, tennis courts, baseball field, soccer field, and volleyball court.

Look for a laid-back assortment of coffee shops and family-friendly eateries. Some favorites include Top Notch Hamburgers, which serves burgers and fries, as you might have seen it in movies like “Varsity Blues” and “Dazed and Confused.”

East Austin

Austin’s east side is growing quickly. In fact, it’s one of the fastest-developing areas in the entire city. And while some parts of the neighborhood are still being built out, there are already plenty of options for residents looking to rent a home. The East Austin neighborhood is located near the University of Texas campus and close to downtown. There are many restaurants, cafes, and coffeehouses nearby, but residents say what makes East Austin unique is the neighborhood’s diversity.

East Austin is well-known not only for its murals but also for its beautiful parks, such as Sparky Pocket Park, where you’ll see sculptures made by Berthold Haas. 

East Cesar Chaves

You’ll find the East Cesar Chavez neighborhood just east of Downtown Austin. This established East Austin neighborhood boasts beloved dive bars, family-owned restaurants, shops, and art galleries. The neighborhood honors the labor activist of the same name and celebrates the rich heritage of the area’s Latinx population.

The nearly five-mile-long Tejano Walking Trail features 24 sites designed by the national park service, including the Texas State Cemetery, the San Antonio River Walk, and the Alamo. 

North Lamar

North Lamar is one of the most popular neighborhoods in Austin. Located just north of Downtown Austin, it is bordered by Interstate-35 to the east, Greenville Avenue to the west, Southmoreland Road to the south, and Belt Line Road to the north. This area is known for being one of the best places to live in Austin because of its affordability and proximity to major employers.

North Lamar is a diverse neighborhood where you’ll find everything from large apartment complexes to small houses, townhomes, and condos. In addition to housing, there are many amenities, including schools, churches, parks, grocery stores, pharmacies, hospitals, and more.

South Lamar

South Lamar is a fresh and inviting urbanite dream that blends the arts, fashion, and down-to-earth restaurants and bars. There are newer gathering places opening often, offering fantastic views of local scenery like Barton Creek. This area attracts artists, musicians, professionals, and families with housing options like cozy bungalows, new apartment complexes, and condos. 

Old West Austin

Also known as the “Old West Austin Historic District,” the Old West Austin neighborhood is one of the most exclusive communities in Texas, boasting many colonial mansions and antebellum plantations on the National Historic Register. Its old-fashioned charm attracts residents looking for peace and quiet. In addition to its historic architecture, Old West Austin offers gourmet dining and luxury shopping.

Starting just west of Lamar Boulevard, toward the hill country, this neighborhood hosts upscale resorts and waterfront restaurants, along with the beauty of the Mayfield Park and Preserve.

Pros of Moving to Austin

  • A great job market: With a higher-than-average median income, a low unemployment rate, and a rapidly expanding economy, Austin offers job seekers a diverse range of opportunities. 
  • A distinctly eclectic vibe: The city’s unofficial motto is “Keep Austin Weird,” the perfect way to describe Austin’s unique way of life. Austin is host to a creative, innovative, and dynamic population, making it one of the most original places to live in the U.S.
  • A hub for live music and fabulous food: On any given night, you can find more than 100 live performances in Austin across its 250-plus music venues. And of course, with a reputation for the best barbecue, tacos, and international cuisine in the state, Austin is also the perfect place for foodies.
  • A metropolitan city with generous green space and scenery: In Austin, you can go from strolling down skyscraper-lined city streets to exploring scenic nature trails – and you won’t have to travel very far. 

Cons of Moving to Austin

  • Increasing rental and home purchase costs: Like any city that’s become an incredibly desirable place to live, Austin has seen increases in rent and home prices over the last several years. Even so, the average rent in Austin is lower than that of other in-demand metro areas, so it may still fit your budget.
  • Summers can get hot: If you’re used to mild summers, it might take you a few years to get accustomed to the heat of an Austin summer. That being said, central air conditioning is a staple in just about every home and business, and the warm summers are offset by beautifully mild winters.
  • Traffic can be tricky: Because of the way Austin’s major freeways are set up, they can often get jammed with cars – especially during rush hour. Luckily, various public transportation options can help you avoid traffic backup. 

What’s it Like to Live in Austin?

Weather 

During fall, winter, and spring, Austinites are the envy of many other cities in the U.S. The mild weather and sunny climate make it an ideal location for anyone that appreciates the outdoors. Summers can get hot and humid, but significant weather events throughout the year are rare.

Culture

The culture in Austin is decidedly local-centric, with an astoundingly diverse assortment of businesses and people. Austin is part of the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, active, enthusiastic, and creative. The city’s personality is both modern and bohemian, creating a unique place where just about anyone can feel right at home. 

Shopping, Dining, and Entertainment

Famous for its barbecue and Tex Mex cuisine, Austin is a city that never runs out of new places to eat. You can go from a casual food truck breakfast to a hip lunch eatery, then make your way to an upscale, five-star restaurant for dinner. You can enjoy a great mix of local boutiques and major retailers in terms of shopping. For entertainment, there’s no question that Austin is a mecca for live music. However, many kid-friendly activities, sports, and outdoor experiences also exist.

Education

Austin is served by the Austin Independent School District and several adjoining districts. The area’s public education, including primary and secondary schools, has been rated exceptionally high-quality. There are dozens of charter schools in Austin and more than 100 private school campuses.

For higher education, students can attend the University of Texas at Austin. There are also numerous smaller colleges and universities and career and technical schools. 

Healthcare

Austin healthcare is comparatively affordable to other large cities, and there are many different healthcare facilities throughout the city. In addition to private practices, residents can seek care from facilities operated by St. David’s Healthcare, the State of Texas, and the Seton Family of Hospitals. 

Public Transportation

Public transit in Austin consists of the MetroBus, MetroExpress systems, and MetroRapid (a rapid transit bus service). The Capital MetroRail is also a commuter rail that serves downtown and many nearby neighborhoods.

Also, rideshare services are plentiful throughout Austin. Many parts of the city are incredibly pedestrian-friendly, and bikes are also popular. 

Is Moving to Austin Worth It?

If you want a personality-packed city with a booming job market, a one-of-a-kind culture, and no shortage of things to do, ATX is the place for you. And with a relatively affordable cost of living in Austin and a wide variety of residential options, including build-to-rent communities, you can easily find the right home for you.

Explore Homes for Rent in Austin from Wan Bridge

Austin can be an exceptional place to call home, and our Georgetown Heights community is the perfect neighborhood for Austinites in the making. With a convenient location, luxury townhome residences, and a long list of amenities, Georgetown Heights offers upscale living near one of the most desirable places to live in the U.S. For more information about our Austin homes for rent, contact us today!

Sources:
https://www.austinchamber.com/economic-development/austin-profile/population/population-density

https://www.wsj.com/articles/austin-nashville-rank-at-top-of-hottest-u-s-job-markets-11582545600

https://www.austinchamber.com/economic-development/austin-profile/major-employers

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