Moving to Austin is an exciting next step! Austin is the capital of Texas. It is known for its funky vibes and booming career opportunities. It has plenty of events, restaurants, and activities to fill the downtime. If you’re new to Austin, you may not know exactly what to expect, so here are a few things you may want to know before signing on the dotted line for your new home or apartment.
Moving to Austin: The Basics
- Cost of Living—As with most major metropolitan areas, the cost of living is going to be higher than in rural areas. Austin’s cost of living is higher than the average cost of living throughout Texas but still falls slightly below the national average overall. Austin is an excellent choice if you want the big city life but don’t want the prices.
- Housing Market—Expect to find a competitive housing market in Austin, as it is a fast-growing city that draws newcomers from all over the country. If you are looking for something more economical, check out the outskirts of town and surrounding suburbs. You won’t have to sacrifice much in terms of amenities, but you may have to face more traffic when you want to visit downtown.
- Employment Opportunities—Austin’s job market is strong, with an especially robust tech industry. Many major companies have their headquarters in Austin. As home to the University of Texas at Austin, there are also lots of opportunities in education and research.
- Climate—Austin summers are hot. There’s no way around it. Thankfully, there are many places to cool off, with the river being a major attraction in the city. Winters are generally mild, but you can expect a few sporadic, super-cold bursts or freezes each year.
- Transportation and Traffic—This is a big one. Regardless of the time of day, traffic is bound to be in the city. Going from one end of Austin to the other could take significant time, especially during rush hour. If you commute to work, plan for extended travel time. If you don’t enjoy sitting in traffic, consider places that are close to the office. The city has public transport options, but most people will find having a vehicle essential!
- Cultural Scene—Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World” for a reason! There are so many events and festivals throughout the year that you are sure to have plenty of diversion to keep you busy. The cultural diversity is vast and rich, with an unofficial “Keep Austin Weird” slogan, making Austin a major draw for creatives.
- Education—Austin is home to several colleges and universities, excellent private schools, and excellent public schools in many areas.
- Growth and Development—Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. Rapid growth brings innovation, changes, development, and career opportunities. Austin is the perfect fit if you’re looking for a fast-paced, never-a-dull-moment kind of life!
Choosing the Right Neighborhood
A quick Google search will overwhelm you with neighborhood choices, each with its own vibe and personality. Rural areas and surrounding suburbs are great for families and a more relaxed environment, while downtown and artistic districts typically skew younger and more energetic. If you’re looking for something specific, check out the amenities of each neighborhood on your list of considerations so you can find a place that fits your needs.
Moving Preparations
Hiring a moving company can help a lot when it comes to navigating the new city. With Austin’s traffic and expansive nature, a company that knows the best times and days from planning your move will be an invaluable asset. If you have some flexibility in your move, you can get the best bang for your buck by moving in off-season and cooler weather months. Summertime is the busiest season for movers, so you can expect to pay a premium during warm weather. Regardless of the time of year, you can always aim for the best price by shooting for the middle: midday, mid-week, and mid-month.
Moving to Austin: Call AB Moving & Storage
Once you’ve decided that moving to Austin is the right choice for you and your new home is ready and waiting, call AB Moving & Storage! With over 25 years of experience across Texas, our Austin moving experts will take on the heavy load so you can enjoy settling into your new space and life’s chapter. Call us for a free quote today!
