Located in Central Texas between the Hill Country and the prairies of East Texas, Austin is one of the most desirable places to live in for most individuals. Aside from being the Live Music Capital of the World, the city is known for its natural attractions, employment opportunities, top-rated education system, and cost of living. Austin has an outstanding track record of being the “best of” many lists! In 2019, Austin ranked #1 as the Best State Capital to Live In, Best City to Visit, Most Pet-Friendly City, and Best Places to Start a Career. Ever wonder what else makes Austin an ideal place to live in? Continue reading and discover on why Austin is definitely a one of a kind city.
1. Quality of Living
Austin offers a quality of life that is unmatched. The city is a great place to live in with an excellent rating when it comes to business freedom and healthcare. Austin also has a growing startup scene, a thriving tech industry, fast internet access, a booming economy, and environmental quality. It’s no doubt why there are many people flocking to Austin. Over the past decade, Austin has grown by an average of 55,500 per year according to the U.S. Census Bureau. Some have come from the metros within Texas followed by New York, California, and Florida.
2. Cost of Living
Compared to the national overall and other cities that offer big city amenities and a small town feel in their neighborhoods, Austin has a lower cost of living. The average cost of buying a home in Austin MSA is $327,500 while the average rent is $1,364.
3. Schools in Austin
The quality of education in Austin is as important as its growth. It is fully supported by the community and nonprofit organizations to maintain each school district when it comes to various resources. Several schools located in the Austin-area were ranked best in the state. Meridian School in Round Rock, Kipp Austin Collegiate, Westlake High School, Lake Travis High School, and Round Rock High School are some of the public-private schools that ranked within the Top 50 Schools in Texas with a graduation rate not less than 90.
Austin is also home to outstanding colleges and universities. University of Texas – Austin is one of the largest schools in the nation with a total undergraduate enrollment of 40,804 (2019-2020). Southwestern University, Texas State University, and St. Edwards University are also among the best universities in the Austin area.
4. Neighborhoods
Each neighborhood in Austin has its very own unique charm and character. There is a place for everyone that will suit their lifestyle and needs. From luxury home with waterfront views, high-rise condos in Downtown, to single family and multi-family homes, there will always be a right Austin neighborhood for everyone. Some neighborhoods in Austin with beautiful views are Allandale, Tarrytown, Westlake Hills, Zilker, and Barton Hills.
Master-planned communities are also popular in Austin. Each master-planned community offers close proximity to schools, grocery stores, public transportation, and also showcases amenities and some golf courses for the use of their residents.
When it comes to the walkability, the surrounding areas of the University of Texas – Austin and Downtown are walkable alongside to being bike friendly. Some examples of the walkables neighborhoods in Austin are Bouldin Creek, East Cesar Chavez, Holly District, and Old West Austin. These neighborhoods make Austin the best place to live in.
5. Outdoor Attractions
Right in the heart of Austin, Texas, popular outdoor attractions can be found. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the parks and greenbelts around Austin. Lady Bird Lake is a perfect destination for families and individuals where they can rent a kayak or cruise on two wheels. Not too far you can choose to hike or bike at the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail. Spend a day flying a kite or picnic at Zilker Park. Cool down from the hot Texas heat at the Barton Springs Pool.
Note that there are more than 30 swimming holes in Austin, including Hamilton Pool, which features gorgeous limestone formation,s and the Deep Eddy Pool. Barton Creek Greenbelt is also one of the best spots that families visit especially during the weekends. The Greenbelt has seven entry points and activities such as hiking, biking, and mountain climbing.
6. Ideal for Singles, Young Professionals, and Families
Austin is named one of the Best Places for Singles. Take advantage of the entertainment districts all around Austin. The nightlife scene is something you shouldn’t miss! The city is also home to young professionals who are looking into career growth, especially in the business and tech industry.
Startups in Austin also has a high success rate as the city is active in promoting local business. Families and/or couples that are looking for a place to settle down are also moving to Austin due to the best schools offered by the highly-acclaimed independent school districts. And let’s not forget about the retirees! Most retirees in Austin settle for the gorgeous outdoor setting, entertainment scene, and the warm climate!
7. Employment Opportunities
Austin has now earned the nickname of Silicon Hills because of the cluster of companies in the Austin metropolitan area. The city has an unemployment rate of 3.1% which remains low since August 2018. Employment opportunities attract newcomers to reside in the area. Aside from being number 1 in the best places to live in, Austin is also the Best Cities for Job Growth.
From startups to large established companies, industries are thriving, especially tech. Dell’s headquarters are located in Austin, other tech companies in Austin include Apple Inc, Google, Facebook, PayPal, IBM, Amazon, Adobe Inc., Indeed, Electronic Arts, and Intel Corporation. In the next 5 years, the tech industry in Austin is expected to grow by about 15%. The recent construction of the Tesla Gigafactory in July 2020 and the announcement of software giant, Oracle Corporation’s relocation from California to Central Texas are signs that Austin remains to be a hot and thriving area for the future of technology.
If you are looking into moving to Austin, it is ideal to visit the area to get a better look into the popular destinations, restaurants, and properties. Visit out Move Concierge to know more how to make your stay in Austin more comfortable and convenient.
