Every year in March, my wife and I go to South Congress Cafe and have a couple of drinks during the SXSW festival. They have this cool bar in the hotel that has a big window where you can watch people walking by. People-watching in Austin during SXSW is an interesting thing to do. I’m not sure if I’m too old (mid-40’s) or if the hipster youth of America is fashionable and I just don’t know it. Some of the things they wear are shockingly unfashionable. Oh please be the first!
At any rate, Austin, Texas has a lot more to offer than just hipster people watching. My wife and I moved here around the year 2000 and I have heard so many people talk about the way it “used” to be. I think you hear that with anything that is changing. I’m here to tell you that living in Austin is better than it’s ever been before. There is something for everyone here and almost every price range.
Best Place for Singles
If you are young and haven’t started a family, take advantage of Austin’s multiple entertainment districts which are now all over downtown, south Austin, and The Domain, where they were primarily centered in Downtown before. Austin has also been named as the Best Place for Singles multiple years in a row.
Austin Nightlife
Venture into the nightlife scene at the heart of downtown Austin. Sixth street is one of the places you shouldn’t miss. This historic district is complete with everything you are looking for, drinks, live music, and dancing. It even shuts down the traffic on specific nights. Rainey Street is another entertainment district with a unique personality where you can find some of the best bars in town. And Warehouse District, from former warehouses, this area is home to award-winning hotels, bars, and restaurants with live entertainment.
Moving to Austin With Your Family
If you are looking into living in Austin with family in search of master-planned communities with schools inside the neighborhoods. Austin has several of these around the city with many of which have high-ranking elementary schools. These are mostly on the edge of the city or communities just outside the city and while many, many, many, people will complain about Austin traffic, if you compare it to major cities on the West Coast, it’s really not that bad. You can get to downtown Austin from almost anywhere inside of 45 minutes on most days.
Work in Austin
If you are in the tech industry and looking for employment, Austin has been named one of the best places for tech jobs several years in a row. The city is also one of the Best Places for Job Growth. Startups and small businesses are thriving, while large tech companies such as Google and Apple have now called Austin their new home. In a recent article, Austin was named the third largest tech employer, falling right behind Seattle and San Francisco. But when you factor in our cost of living, we are the most affordable of the three.
Retire in Austin
Are you thinking of retiring? We have you covered there as well. Austin has been named one of the best places to retire in America. This is because of its livability, walkable neighborhoods, warmer weather for the seniors, especially for those that are sensitive to cold climates. Living in Austin also offers low tax rates, affordable housing, and engaging leisure activities. Did you know that the University of Texas-Austin offers six tuition-free credit hours per semester for seniors age 65 and older? It’s never too late to learn if you are interested in going to university.
Outdoor Activities
If you are into exercise and outdoor activity, Austin is one of the healthiest places in America. There are more than 19 hike and bike trails such as the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail located at Lady Bird Lake. Shoal Creek Trail, one of the oldest trails that offers natural beauty and abundant recreational activities. Austin is also a network of protected greenbelts such as the Barton Creek Greenbelt. One of the most popular greenbelts with seven entry points which makes it easier for locals and tourists to access the greenbelt.
Restaurants and Coffee Shops
Foodies will love the Austin food scene. Nothing beats local Austin dishes made with fresh, homegrown ingredients that are enjoyed by everyone. You’ll keep on coming back to the taste of your favorite dishes by local business owners and award-winning chefs. Coffee fuels the town too. Whether you are grabbing coffee before heading to work, class, or people-watch at the shop while lounging under the shade of an oak tree, you shouldn’t miss a cup of the locally made coffee in Austin.
Live Music Events
As the Live Capital Music of the world, music is everywhere, wherever you go. From landing at the airport to shopping centers, grocery stores, restaurants, coffee shops, bars, clubs, live music is always present. I think that there isn’t a day where music sleeps in this dynamic city. Austin is also home to large music festivals such as South by Southwest popularly known as SXSW and Austin City Limits Festival. Attendees and artists in and out of Austin gather to experience these two major festivals that promote each and everyone’s love for music.
Transportation in Austin
Driving, or people using their own cars, is the number one means of transportation in Austin. The state even has a motto–“Drive Friendly”. Although public transportation is readily available for everyone around the city. Capital Metro Bus System serves more than a million in its system of more than 1,600 bus stops and 82 routes. MetroRail, a train that stretches all the way from Leander to Downtown Austin, serves nine stations in between. Ride-Hailing apps such as Lyft and Uber are also available at any time of the day. Are you visiting Austin and looking to rent a ride to get around the city? Check out our move concierge!
Austin has something for everyone. The city’s slogan “Keep Austin Weird” which was used for local businesses now encourages everyone to be express themselves, their creativity, and what they believe in. Living in Austin will be the best decision you will make as the city has everything you meet your lifestyle and needs. Are you ready to move to Austin? Let us know what you think!
