Moving To Austin, TX: Everything You Need To Know
Whether you’re moving for work or BBQ, Austin, TX is one unique city. Though, it’s more of a big small town than it is a city.
Locals in Austin will tell you there’s no place like it. Even though it resides in Texas, Austin is supremely different than other Texas cities.
Austin has something to offer for everyone. You just have to find your niche (which shouldn’t be very hard).
We’re going to give you the inside scoop about moving to Austin, TX. Keep reading to learn why people love Austin so much, all the details of choosing a place to live, and how auto transport and shipping your belongings to your new home is best handled.
Article Overview
Why People Are Moving to Austin, TX
There is no one reason why someone chooses to move to Austin. One thing might draw them in, but it’s many things that make people stay. Let’s outline some of the best parts about living in Austin, TX.
Live Music Capital of the World
No matter what day or time it is, you’ll find live music in Austin. The city prides itself on being the live music capital of the world and does everything it can to live up to that title.
Head over to 6th street and you’ll find an entire city sector dedicated to drinks and live music (mostly country music, mind you). You’ll also find countless tourist attractions and college students.
On east 6th street, AKA the “hipster” side of 6th street depending on who you ask, you’ll find up-and-coming artists of all genres and craft cocktails and beers for every taste.
Music Festivals
Austin City Limits is one of the biggest music festivals in the country, actually in the world. People come from all over for two weekends of live music from the most popular musicians. You’ll find rising talent and established artists, regardless of your music taste, at ACL.
Filmmakers, tastemakers, and music makers come together for mass collaboration and showcase at the SXSW festival each year in Austin. This festival is unlike other arts festivals because it takes place at over 50 venues across the city and over several weeks. Check the SXSW schedule and you’re sure to find at least one show you won’t want to miss.
No matter what your preference for music festivals, Austin has one for you, whether you’re into Reggie music, psychedelic music, or old-time country music.
Outdoor Activities
Whatever the season, people love spending time outdoors in Austin. During the summer, everyone wants to beat the heat. So, they head to the many lakes and rivers for some cooling off. Kayaking, canoeing, and swimming are all popular summer activities.
During the colder months, don’t expect it to get that cold. Enjoy hiking along the many park trails, bike riding, and BBQ cookouts (well, you can expect that all year.)
Foodie’s Paradise
Meat-eaters know that Texas is for BBQ, and Austin doesn’t disappoint on that front. But, Austin has more to offer than smoked meats and comfort foods. Since the town is a convergence of so many cultures, it’s no surprise that you can find just about any genre of food.
Tacos are a staple among locals, and Austin natives love Asian cuisine just as much as any other metropolis.
What You Should Know About Austin, TX
Ok, we’ve covered all the fun stuff. What about the nitty-gritty about living in Austin, TX? There’s more than music festivals and tacos all year. Here are some of the details about living in Austin you should know before moving.
The Weather
Even though we touched on this subject a little bit when talking about outdoor activities, it deserves more than one mention. Your first summer in Austin might shock you. It’s hot.
During the summer, temperatures can get up to 100 degrees. So, drink lots of fluids and remember to cool off when necessary.
You might sweat out all your toxins during summer, but you gain extremely temperate winters and fall. Expect cool mornings and evenings, but warmer days. It’s best to dress in layers because you’ll most likely have to shed a layer or two as the day goes on.
Safety
Thankfully, when it comes to safety, Austin is the 8th safest city in the United States. Austin crime rates are significantly lower than the national average. You shouldn’t have to worry about being in a bad part of town because there’s not a true bad part of town.
If you’re extra concerned about safety, Montopolis is the worst part of Austin, though you do receive a lower cost of living in return. But, crime, in general, isn’t a big concern when moving to Austin, TX, even in Montopolis.
Cost of Living
The cost of living in Austin, TX is steeper than in the rest of Texas in general. Rent prices in Austin mirror other metropolitan areas. Even though the rent may be more expensive in Austin, people in the city typically make more money there than outside of the city. So, depending on how you look at it, one could say it evens out.
The average apartment rental price in the city center is $1,684 for a one-bedroom. Outside of the city center, you can rent a one-bedroom apartment for around $1,091. Even though rent is more expensive, the average household income in Austin, TX is about $76,000 (which is higher than the state of Texas’s average income).
The higher income rates in Austin are likely due to the number of tech jobs in the city. Many large tech companies and tech startups reside in the city, which makes it a mini Silicon Valley.
Austin Neighborhoods
Like most cities, Austin is made up of several smaller sectors that each have their personality and resident-type. Depending on what Austin experience you’re looking for, you’ll want to consider each neighborhood carefully.
North Central Austin
North Central Austin is just north of Downtown, but not quite north enough to be considered suburbia. Even though you’re not at the heart of the city, there are still plenty of bars and shops to entertain you. Also, this part of town is not quite as expensive as more central Austin locations.
East Austin
To call someone “weird” in East Austin is a compliment. This neighborhood is the most walkable part of town. Bars and music venues line the streets of East Austin. Walk less than a mile and you’re likely to find a coffee shop or a food truck on the corner.
East Austin has evolved in the past two years, so it’s still a little bit of a town secret. If you’re into being at the heart of activity, move in before the prices get too high.
Downtown Austin
Downtown Austin is the location for anyone seeking a more refined living experience. The price tag for living downtown is high. But, with it, you get the luxury and amenities of living downtown. Not to mention, you can experience the bats fly out from under the Congress bridge every night.
South Austin
Like East Austin, South Austin prides itself on being “weird.” There’s no shortage of hip cafes, breweries, bars, and restaurants in the neighborhood. South Austin the most sought-after zip code in the Austin area because of its status as “SOCO” (South Congress). Because of that, expect higher rent prices and more traffic.
West Austin
If you’re not interested in city life, and you’d rather live in rolling hills on a lake, then West Austin the neighborhood for you. The neighborhood has many expensive manors and estates, but renters can find affordable prices. People move to West Austin for the schools and the scenery. If you have kids, West Austin may be the quaint, scholarly place for you.
No matter what you’re looking for, sophistication, bustling nightlife, or beautiful scenery, there’s a neighborhood in Austin for you.
Moving to Austin, TX
Once you’d decided you’re moving to Austin, and you’ve found the perfect neighborhood, it’s time to start moving your things. Moving is stressful, no matter how excited you are about it.
The most cost-effective way to move your belongings is to rent a U-Haul truck, fill it up, and drive it to your new home yourself. (Note: Austin, TX requires a parking permit for moving vehicles, so don’t forget to grab one ahead of time!)
A car shipping company can help you to move your vehicle from one location to your new home. These companies will come to pick up your car at your current home and drop it off at your new home. If you’re already driving a U-Haul truck, this makes it easy to transport both your belongings and your vehicles in one trip.
American Auto Shipping Is Here to Help You Move
Moving is a big step, and the more help you have the better. You’ve made all the considerations on location, you have the perfect job lined up, and you’re ready to go.
American Auto Shipping helps people move their vehicles with ease, taking one stressful factor off your shoulders.
Take a moment now and get your cost to transport a car with a personalized vehicle shipping quote for moving to Austin, TX hassle-free.
Since 2007 Dave has written all the content and blogs for American Auto Shipping and during this time added the duties of customer support and transport logistics.
He currently resides in Washington with his three kids and their mom and cat. A fan of Marvel movies and good stories, when not shipping cars Dave can be found working on his novel, enjoying a good book or playing some tournament HALO.
- When to go with an Enclosed Transport - October 2, 2023
- Understanding California’s EV Mandate - August 1, 2023
- Top Reasons Auto Shippers Are Delayed - January 9, 2023
