Why Moving to Austin Could Be The Best Decision for You

Thinking about moving to Austin? You've got company—lots of it! Austin's not just growing; it's booming, making it one of the hottest relocation spots in the U.S. 

Why, you ask? Well, let's dive into the secrets that make Austin the place to be.

When scouting for a neighborhood in Austin, you’ll want to keep a few key factors in mind: your budget, local housing prices, available amenities, proximity to essential services and workplaces, walkability, safety, and if you've got kids, the quality of nearby schools.

Looking for the best spots? Barton Hills offers a peaceful, family-friendly vibe and sits snugly in South Austin. Clarksville, just a hop away from Downtown, blends affordability with charm and is super accessible to local hotspots.

Then there's Hyde Park, a haven for young professionals and university folks seeking a calmer place close to the action. Each of these neighborhoods has its own unique flair, making Austin a city with a place for everyone.

Austin's cost of living index sits at 129.1, meaning it's a bit pricier than the US average. But remember, this can vary depending on your job, salary, and where in the city you decide to lay down your roots.

Even though housing costs in Austin are 16% above the national average, it's not all pricey news. You'll save some cash on the basics like utilities and groceries, and getting around town costs 7% less compared to the rest of the country. So, while your new pad might be a bit more, filling your fridge and tank won't break the bank!

1. Music Festivals: If live tunes are your thing, you can't miss Austin City Limits and SXSW, where the city truly lives up to its reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World!
2. Local Tours & Brewery Tours: Check out Austin Detours for everything from corporate fun to bachelor bashes. And for beer aficionados, don't skip the brewery tours on East 6th, especially Lazarus Brewing.
3. Sports: Get into the local spirit with a University of Texas football game, whether you're there for the touchdowns or just the tailgate parties.
4. Outdoor Activities: Austin's outdoor scene is buzzing with activities. Run the nature trails, kayak on Lady Bird Lake, or take a swim in the Greenbelt for some sun and fun.
5. Paintball & Axe Throwing: Need some adrenaline? Hit up Austin Paintball & Axe Throwing in Dripping Springs.
6. Golfing: There is such a wide variety of golf spots in Austin from a BYOB course to high-class greens. Top Golf is a popular destination and offers a fun atmosphere to practice your swing.
7. Go Kart Racing: For speed demons, K1 Speed in North Austin offers indoor kart racing thrills. Or, take it up a notch at Circuit Of The Americas and race around the actual F1 track.
8. Comedy Clubs: For a night of laughs, Capital City Comedy is the place to be with top-notch stand-up acts guaranteed to leave you in stitches.

Austin is a family favorite for putting down roots, thanks to its stellar education options. Whether you're eyeing public, charter, private, or even homeschooling, there's something here for every learner. 

The city's top-notch school districts are a big draw for families. And for higher education? The University of Texas at Austin ranks among America's top 50 universities. Not enough? Austin also has gems like Austin Community College, St. Edward’s University, and Huston-Tillotson University, making it a hub for academic excellence.

Austin's weather plays nice compared to its Texas siblings, Houston and Dallas. You'll enjoy moderate temperatures most of the year, but brace yourself for July and August. Thermometers can soar past 100 degrees. 

Here's a quick weather rundown: August is the hottest month, hovering around 97°F. January is the coolest, a mild 62°F, and if you're visiting in May, pack an umbrella. It's the wettest month, averaging about 5 inches of rain.

It's hard to pinpoint exactly what boosted Austin’s foodie fame. Maybe it was the epic music festivals complete with food trucks, the legendary BBQ, or those Iron Chef victories.

Whatever the reason, Austin’s now a top spot for fantastic eats and craft brews. From mouth-watering BBQ to crave-worthy tacos, there’s something here for every palate.

To spare you from reading a novel on Texas cuisine, we've got the inside scoop on the must-try spots:

Matt’s El Rancho – A local favorite for Tex-Mex.

El Alma – Where the flavors pop as much as the vibrant décor.

la Barbecue – Get ready to queue, but it’s worth it.

Next time you're in town, dive into these spots; your taste buds will thank you!

Austin's nightlife is unbeatable, stretching from the buzzing Downtown to the vibrant East Austin. Start your night on the town in hotspots like South Congress, Rainey Street, or the iconic 6th Street to dive into the true Austin after-dark experience. Whether you're into bars, clubs, or live music venues, you're covered in Austin.

Austin lives up to its reputation as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” drawing in crowds eager for its dynamic music scene. But there’s more to this city than just great tunes. Step outside and take in some open-air art at places like the UMLAUF Sculpture Garden in Zilker Park, or explore a variety of Mexican and Latin American art in its galleries and museums. 

Want something a bit more refined? Austin also boasts its own symphony, opera, and ballet company. From music to art, Austin offers a rich cultural mix to satisfy all tastes.

Here’s a financial perk of moving to Austin: no state income tax. 

This is especially sweet if you’re coming from high-tax states like California or New York. But don’t get too comfy; Austin’s sales tax sits at a hefty 8.25%. That includes a 6.25% state tax plus a 1% local city and another 1% for transportation. If you’ve seen the growth around here, you’ll probably find that last 1% for transit is money well spent. 

So, for those coming from places like Oregon or New Jersey, where sales tax is a foreign concept, brace yourselves, it’s a bit of a budget adjustment.

Sports lovers take note: Austin may not have pro teams, but it's big on college sports and tailgates. Plus, this is Texas, friendly faces and warm welcomes are part of the package. Just dive into the community vibe and you'll feel right at home in no time. After all, who needs the pros when you've got killer BBQ and live music to win you over?

"Keep Austin Weird" isn't just a catchy slogan, it's practically a way of life here. Coined in 2000 by the Austin Independent Business Alliance, it was meant to spotlight the city’s quirky local businesses, and boy, did it stick. 

Why? Because let’s be honest, Austin does have its wonderfully odd traits.

One of them being it’s the Texas capital yet it feels nothing like the rest of the state. Originally a college town, Austin's roots in the University of Texas have brewed a distinctively liberal vibe in this otherwise conservative part of the country.

Diving deeper into Austin’s “weirdness,” consider this: Tacos aren't just for lunch; they’re a breakfast staple. Their best bars often double as coffee shops, perfect for both night owls and early birds.

Considering laying down roots in a new city? Austin could be your perfect match. 

This dynamic Texas capital caters to families, foodies, nature lovers, and culture enthusiasts alike, making it an ideal place for many to call home. We hope this article played a part in starting your next chapter in Austin.