Born and raised in Houston Madison is a content writer who loves traveling. She has lived in different states and is always eager to share her knowledge with others.
How would you feel about living in Austin, Texas, where live music, delicious food, and different entertainment opportunities make every day exciting? Becoming Austinite will mean being a part of a vibrant community where finding work and gaining knowledge is as easy as breathing. However, to fit in easier, you should know exactly what life in ATX is like. Check out what you should expect when relocating cross country to the Live Music Capital of the World.
While ATX might not have a professional sports team, it features a lot of live music venues
Is Austin, Texas a Good Place to Live? Compare It With the Other Cities to Find Out
When you decide to pack up your bags and move to the second-largest US state, long before hiring a long-distance moving company, carefully pick the place you’ll call home. There are 25 metropolitan areas in TX, each of them has something unique to offer to newcomers. Start by going over the pros and cons of living in Austin, Texas. Then also check out what other areas have to offer. Only when you compare ATX to bigger cities will you know if it’s worth it to become Austinite.
Is Austin Texas Affordable to Live In – Compare Cost of Living With Other Cities
One of the main things to consider when moving to Austin is the amount of money you’ll need on a daily basis to afford to live there. That’s why when going over the relocation budget, take some time to compare the city’s costs with expenses in Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio. The numbers will tell you if you made the right decision about the relocation.
To make things easier for you, we made a table comparing the costs of utilities, food, and transportation in all four cities. Check out the table below and see if settling in ATX will be good for your savings account.
Location
Utilities per Month
Monthly Transportation Pass
Meal for two in Mid-range Restaurant
Austin
$140
$45
$60
Dallas
$165
$95
$65
Houston
$145
$40
$55
San Antonio
$175
$40
$60
Before Researching Cross-Country Moving Companies, Know That the Housing Market Majorly Impacts the Cost of Living in the City
After comparing all the data about cities, you’ll be completely sure that becoming Austinite is the right decision. However, before you get to reap the benefits of the location, you should go house hunting. This is when you’ll learn that the value of homes has gone up approximately 42% (according to Zillow data) over the past year.
This means that the cost of living in ATX is majorly affected by housing prices. If you opt for renting in the metropolis, which is something 55% of residents do, know that the median rent price is $1,280. On the other hand, if your dream is to become a homeowner, be prepared to pay $337,400, which is the median home value in ATX.
Nevertheless, if you think these numbers are too high, don’t worry. There are plenty of neighborhoods in the city with more affordable housing options you can settle in.
There Are Plenty of Different Neighborhoods You Can Choose to Live In Before You Hire Cross-Country Movers
A huge part of ATX charm is its diverse and unique neighborhoods, and there are plenty of them. The metropolis is officially divided into nine geographical regions, each split into numerous smaller areas.
Whether you are looking to rent or buy a property or are in pursuit of vibrant and quirky spots, ATX has something for everybody. However, as a newcomer, you might be overwhelmed by the number of options. To help you find a home faster, we selected some of the best neighborhoods you should consider settling in:
Brentwood – If you are relocating with kids, you’ll need a tight-knit community where they can grow up peacefully. Brentwood is just that. Located seven miles north of downtown, it gives a small-town vibe while still being a metropolis. Housing is mostly affordable, and there are more than a few private schools your kids can attend.
South Congress or SoCo – This is one of the most vibrant locations in ATX. Home to some of the best restaurants and shops, this hip community is ideal for young professionals looking for both work and entertainment opportunities.
West Campus – Students looking for an apartment should consider West Campus, as many of its properties have pre-furnished bedrooms. Meaning you can scratch many items off the college packing list. Settling here means you just have to pack books, and you’ll be good to go.
Hyde Park – If you are relocating with a dog, Hyde Park might be the perfect spot for both of you. Not only is the area filled with pet-friendly coffee shops and restaurants, but it is also very walkable. This means you’ll get to explore the neighborhood streets with your furry friend and enjoy it.
If you want to know a bit more about Hyde Park, check out the video below.
Living in Austin, Texas Will Bring You a Lot of Job Opportunities
Finding a new job when relocating shouldn’t be hard if you opt to settle in ATX. The metropolis is not only a major tech hub, but it’s also a home of many companies in the defense industry sector.
This is the metropolis where you’ll find major high-tech enterprises such as Apple, Amazon, eBay, Nintendo, PayPal, and many others. The number of tech companies has led to the nickname “Silicon Hills,” which also spurred the development of ATX.
When considering how to get a job in another city, you are not only restricted to the tech industry. ATX is a hub for biotech and pharmaceutical companies as well. After all, the city has more than 80 of them. Furthermore, Foods Market has its headquarters here, and other companies such as Golfsmith, Tito’s Vodka, and YETI all have offices in ATX.
With an unemployment rate below the national average and the recent job growth, lending a dream job won’t be that hard. You just have to start networking and sending resumes before the move itself.
Living in Austin, Texas Pros and Cons Include the Fact That the Salary Will Vary Depending on Your Job
Are you wondering, “How much money do you need to live comfortably in Austin?” The answer to this will depend on many factors, such as your needs and lifestyle. However, since the average salary in ATX is $73,000 a year, you’ll have more than enough money to cover the expenses. Keep in mind that the amount you earn will depend not only on your career choices but also on your position in the company. After all, senior job positions are always paid more.
According to the website PayScale, the most popular occupations are in engineering and those pay between $43,000 and $132,000 annually. Also, occupation, marketing, and account managers are at the top of the list, with annual earnings varying between $38,000 and $99,000.
People that are career chasers will thrive in ATX
Hiring a Long-Distance Moving Company to Move Here Is Worth It, Because It Is a Great Spot to Gain Higher Education
Besides being a haven for career chasers, ATX is also a dream come true for young people pursuing knowledge. Since over 43% of Austinites over the age of 25 have a bachelor’s degree, the metropolis is ranked among the best US cities when it comes to higher education.
Those pursuing knowledge can enroll in the University of Texas and attend classes with more than 40,000 undergraduate and 11,000 graduate students. If this institution is not up to your liking, there are also Huston-Tillotson University, Concordia, Austin Community College, and many others.
UT library holds around ten million volumes, making it the seventh-largest college library in the US
Before You Arrive With a Cross Country Moving Company, Know That ATX Is Very Car-Dependent
When organizing the move, make sure you hire a cross-country moving company to ship your car to ATX because you’ll need it. Residents here are pretty car-dependent which means around 70% of them commute alone to work. The metropolis also has a lower-than-average percentage of households without a vehicle.
Try to figure out how car shipping works and bring your four-wheeler along for the ride to ATX before relocating. Keep in mind that the city has a well-connected network of roads and highways, so you’ll be able to reach every part of ATX when behind the wheel.
Public Transportation Leaves Something to Be Desired
The Capital Metro provides public transportation services to the locals. There are buses and commuter rail. However, the system is not as efficient as the one in other big cities. So if you are moving from Boston, let’s say you’ll be left annoyed and frustrated by the lack of lines connecting downtown with the rest of the metropolis. The inefficient public transportation explains why only around 4% of all residents use it to commute.
What are living in Austin, Texas pros and cons - traffic can be one thing that can go on both lists
There Are Many Pros and Cons of Living in Austin Texas, but the Highlight Is That It’s Home to Many Different Music Festivals
Everybody knows that ATX is the Live Music Capital of the World. With that kind of title comes great responsibility, and the city fulfills it perfectly. Here you will find some of the most popular festivals in the whole US. Whether you like pop, rock, or country, there will be more than a few concerts or festivals you can visit throughout the year.
As a music lover freshly settled in the metropolis, you should treat yourself with an outing (especially after the long unpacking process you had). Luckily, there is always a live show somewhere in the area, no matter the time of the year. From Area Jazz Festival and Celtic Festival to City Limits Music Festival and Reggae Festival, music lovers will have a blast.
ATX has more music venues per capita than any other metropolis in the US
Before You Hire Cross Country Movers, Keep In Mind That Austinites Are Serious About Their Foods
If you by any chance don’t pack up dishes when moving, you won’t stay hungry for long. ATX is such a foodie paradise that even the pickiest eaters will find something to gush about. After all, this is TX, so you should expect a lot of Tex-Mex and barbecue since they are local favorites. From Churro Co which serves traditional churros and those with funky flavors, to Arlo’s vegan cheeseburgers, there is something for everyone in ATX.
Food trucks have become very popular lately, so you can grab a bite of delicious food even when you are in a hurry for work in the morning. However, if you are not a huge fan of BBQ and Tex-Mex, don’t despair. There are more than a few food trucks that serve Venezuelan and Hawaiian dishes.
Lately, the number of new food trucks in ATX has increased by 600%
Investing in Long Distance Moving Services and Moving Cross Country Will Bring You Plenty of Benefits
No matter what your reasons to move are, whether you are looking for job opportunities or pursuing knowledge, in ATX, you’ll surely find what you need. After all, the city is affordable and rich with entertainment opportunities, making it almost irresistible to newcomers.
That being said, you should not hesitate to hire cross-country movers to help you make your dream of becoming an Austinite a reality. With the right long-distance movers, you’ll avoid all the relocation stress but also the heavy lifting. Use cross-country moving services and let the professionals handle everything from packing boxes to storing them in storage units. You won’t have to lift a finger. Just grab your phone and start reading about ATX, make a reservation in a few restaurants, and purchase a few concert tickets, and you’ll become local in no time.
FAQ
What Is the Cost of Living in Austin, Texas?
The cost of living in Austin, Texas can vary depending on a number of factors such as housing, transportation, food, and entertainment. Overall, Austin is considered a relatively affordable city compared to other major cities in the US. According to Numbeo, a website that collects user-contributed data on the cost of living in cities around the world, the cost of living in Austin is about 1% lower than the national average in the United States.
What Are the Best Neighborhoods to Live in Austin, Texas?
Austin has many great neighborhoods to live in, each with their own unique character and appeal. Some of the most popular neighborhoods in Austin include Downtown, which is known for its vibrant nightlife and cultural attractions, and South Congress, which is known for its trendy shops and restaurants. Other great neighborhoods include East Austin, which has a growing arts and culture scene, and Tarrytown, which is known for its beautiful homes and scenic views. The neighborhoods of Zilker and Barton Hills are popular for their proximity to Zilker Park and the Barton Creek Greenbelt, which offer outdoor recreation opportunities. Ultimately, the best neighborhood for you will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and lifestyle needs.
What Is the Job Market Like in Austin, Texas?
The job market in Austin, Texas is generally considered to be strong and growing. The city has a diverse economy with a mix of industries including technology, healthcare, education, and government. Austin is often called the “Silicon Hills” due to its thriving tech industry, which includes major companies like Dell, IBM, Apple, and Google, as well as many small startups. The tech industry has been a major driver of job growth in Austin over the past few decades and continues to be a significant source of employment opportunities in the city.
In addition to the tech industry, Austin has a strong healthcare sector with major employers like St. David’s Healthcare and Seton Healthcare. The city is also home to the University of Texas at Austin, which is a major employer and a source of jobs in education and research. Overall, the job market in Austin is strong and growing, with low unemployment rates and high demand for skilled workers in many industries. However, like in any city, job opportunities and salaries can vary depending on your experience, qualifications, and field of work.
What Are the Best Schools in Austin, Texas?
Austin, Texas is home to many great schools at all levels of education. Here are some of the best schools you can choose from:
Eanes Independent School District – This top-rated school district serves the west Austin area and consistently ranks among the top school districts in the state of Texas.
Austin Independent School District – The largest school district in Austin, AISD offers a wide range of programs and schools to serve the diverse needs of students in the area.
St. Stephen’s Episcopal School – A private school in Austin, St. Stephen’s is known for its rigorous academic program and commitment to community service.
University of Texas at Austin – One of the top public universities in the United States, UT Austin offers a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields ranging from engineering to the arts and humanities.
Concordia University Texas – A private liberal arts university in Austin, Concordia offers undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as nursing, education, and business.
These are just a few of the many great schools in Austin, and the best school for you or your child will depend on your individual needs and preferences.
What Are the Top Attractions and Things to Do in Austin, Texas?
Austin, Texas is a city with a rich cultural and historical heritage, and a wealth of things to see and do. Some of the top attractions and activities in Austin include visiting the Texas State Capitol and its beautiful grounds, exploring the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and other local parks, experiencing the live music scene on Sixth Street, and enjoying the city’s many museums, including the Bullock Texas State History Museum and the Blanton Museum of Art. Other popular activities in Austin include taking a dip in the Barton Springs Pool, watching the bats emerge from the Congress Avenue Bridge at sunset, and enjoying the many food and drink options available in the city’s thriving culinary scene. Whether you’re interested in history, nature, art, music, or food, there’s something for everyone in Austin.
What Is the Climate Like in Austin, Texas?
Austin, Texas has a humid subtropical climate, which is characterized by hot summers and mild winters. The city receives plenty of sunshine throughout the year, with an average of around 300 days of sunshine annually. During the summer months, which typically last from May through September, temperatures in the city can be quite hot, with average highs in the mid to upper 90s Fahrenheit (32-35 degrees Celsius) and sometimes reaching over 100°F (38°C). Humidity can also be high during the summer, which can make the heat feel more intense.
Winters in Austin are generally mild, with average highs in the 60s and 70s Fahrenheit (15-25 degrees Celsius) and lows in the 40s and 50s Fahrenheit (5-15 degrees Celsius). While snow and ice are rare, the city does occasionally experience freezing temperatures during the winter months. Overall, the climate in Austin is warm and sunny, with hot summers and mild winters, making it a great place for outdoor activities year-round.
What Is the Food Scene Like in Austin, Texas?
The city is particularly well known for its thriving food truck and trailer scene, which offers everything from barbecue and tacos to gourmet burgers and vegan fare. In addition to food trucks, Austin also boasts a wide variety of restaurants, ranging from casual diners to high-end establishments. Some of the most popular cuisines in Austin include barbecue, Tex-Mex, and Southern comfort food, but the city also has a growing reputation for its international cuisine, with great options for Vietnamese, Korean, Japanese, and more.
Austin is also known for its craft beer and cocktail scene, with many local breweries, distilleries, and bars offering unique and creative drinks. And for those with a sweet tooth, Austin has plenty of great options for desserts and baked goods, including local favorites like kolaches, breakfast tacos, and gourmet ice cream.
What Are the Transportation Options in Austin, Texas?
There are several transportation options to help people get around the city. Public transportation is provided by Capital Metro, which operates a network of bus routes and a commuter rail line. In addition, ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft are widely available in the city. Austin also has a bike-sharing program called Austin B-cycle, which offers over 60 stations where users can rent bicycles to get around the city.
For those who prefer to drive, there are several car rental companies available, as well as options for car-sharing and carpooling. The city also has a growing network of pedestrian-friendly areas, including the hike-and-bike trail around Lady Bird Lake, which is a popular destination for walkers, runners, and cyclists. With a range of transportation options available, getting around Austin is generally easy and convenient.
What Is the Music and Arts Scene Like in Austin, Texas?
The music and arts scene in Austin, Texas is a huge part of the city’s cultural identity. The city has a rich history of live music, and is often referred to as the “Live Music Capital of the World”. It hosts a number of annual music festivals, including South by Southwest (SXSW), Austin City Limits (ACL), and the Urban Music Festival, which draw large crowds of music lovers from around the world.
In addition to music, the city also has a thriving arts community, with many galleries, theaters, and other cultural institutions. It’s home to the Blanton Museum of Art, which houses an extensive collection of works by modern and contemporary artists, as well as the Mexic-Arte Museum, which showcases Mexican and Latin American art and culture. There are also a number of independent theaters and performance spaces in Austin, including the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, which is known for its combination of movies, food, and drinks.
How Does Austin, Texas Compare to Other Cities in Texas and the United States in Terms of Quality of Life?
Austin, Texas is widely considered to be one of the most desirable cities to live in in the United States. In terms of quality of life, the city consistently ranks highly in national surveys and studies. For example, US News & World Report ranked Austin as the best place to live in the United States in both 2019 and 2020. Compared to other cities in Texas, Austin has a more liberal and progressive culture, with a strong focus on arts, music, and outdoor recreation. It also has a relatively high standard of living, with a strong job market, high salaries, and a relatively low cost of living compared to other major US cities.
In terms of specific quality-of-life factors, Austin has a strong education system, with high-quality public schools and several top-rated universities. The city also has a diverse and thriving food scene, a strong healthcare system, and a range of recreational activities, including hiking, biking, and water sports. Overall, while there are many great cities in Texas and the United States, Austin is widely considered to be a top choice for people seeking a high quality of life.
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