Why Should I Not Move to Austin? The Realities You Need to Know.

, Jan 19, 2024

Welcome to Austin, Texas! A city that has been garnering attention for its dynamic mix of Southern charm and urban sophistication. But is it all sunshine and tacos? In this blog post, we’ll delve into the realities of living in Austin and explore the challenges alongside the many perks that make it an attractive destination. So, why should I not move to Austin? Let’s find out.

Key Takeaways

Experience the sunshine and outdoor activities of Austin, TX despite its heat
Enjoy a thriving economy with higher household income than the national average & exciting job market opportunities
Benefit from Austin’s highly educated population, vibrant festivals, and wonderful food options

Traffic Troubles

Austin has seen a dramatic rise in population over the past few years, causing strain on its infrastructure and roadways. Traffic jams may be familiar to new residents looking for life in Austin, who are often met with congested roads and insufficient public transportation options. Despite this situation, there have been positive changes observed of late, which can make getting around much more bearable compared to larger cities such as Los Angeles or New York City.

Living close to work or within city boundaries is also recommended when it comes to having an easier commute through Austin streets daily. But if you’re wondering whether cars are necessary here, then yes, they sure come quite handy during trips that require exploring what the town’s nightlife scene offers, including music venues, special events, and other places worth visiting along your stay here at any given time, so don’t let traffic discourage you from moving into the area! Residents will find out that car ownership proves very useful overall, although local public transport is still deficient comparatively speaking.

Unrelenting Heat

Life in Austin brings with it the heat of a long summer. Temperatures typically hit over 100°F. This Texas city has something to look forward to 228 days of beautiful sunshine every year! During these milder months, people living in and around the hill country can take part in outdoor activities such as kayaking or even just lounging on Lake Travis. Residents are encouraged not to shy away from enjoying Barton Springs Pool located at Zilker Park while trying their best to stay cool during those hot summer nights. With all that said, there is no shortage of fun things available for one who calls Auston home, regardless of whether it’s winter, fall, spring, or summer they are experiencing!

Cost of Living Concerns

Due to Austin’s growing appeal, the cost of living there has become less affordable for those with lower incomes. Property taxes and other housing costs are high. Even renting a one-bedroom apartment can be pricey, at $1,400 per month on average. To save money on transportation expenses such as car ownership fees, residents might consider using public transportation like buses instead. Despite these added expense concerns, Austin offers unparalleled opportunities in terms of quality of life and personal and professional development, which makes it worth considering when choosing where to live.

Allergy Alert

Living in Austin may be a challenge for people with allergies due to the high presence of allergens from trees and plants. The common sources of discomfort among residents include pecan, elm, oak, ash, and cottonwood trees. Bermuda grass, Timothy grass, as well as sweet vernal grass. Ragweed plus cedar trees (the cause behind Cedar Fever), hackberries, and willows also mold together with dust mites. In order to minimize its influence on daily life during the summertime, when this type of allergy is more likely to affect individuals adversely, it’s essential that all who reside there take proper precautions.

Why Should I Choose to Live in Austin, TX?

Living in Austin, Texas, is a fantastic choice for many reasons, especially if you’re someone who enjoys a vibrant and diverse community. Austin is renowned for its unique blend of cultures, making it a melting pot of music, arts, and culinary delights. This city is often referred to as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” offering an abundance of live performances ranging from country to indie rock, jazz, and more. The music scene here isn’t just a background detail; it’s a vital part of Austin’s soul. Plus, if you’re a foodie, you’ll be thrilled with the city’s array of dining options, including its famous barbecue and Tex-Mex cuisine. Austin’s culinary scene is a delightful exploration of flavors and experiences.

Another great aspect of living in Austin is its strong emphasis on outdoor activities and fitness, which aligns well with a lifestyle that values health and wellness. The city offers numerous parks, lakes, and trails, making it easy to enjoy activities like cycling, hiking, and water sports. For instance, you can explore the scenic trails of Zilker Park, paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake, or hike in the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Austin’s temperate weather means you can enjoy these activities almost year-round. Moreover, Austin’s economy is booming, particularly in the tech sector, making it an ideal place for entrepreneurs and professionals seeking exciting career opportunities. All these features combined make Austin not just a place to live, but a place to thrive and enjoy life to the fullest.

Educated Population

Austin, Texas, is a city where the population has exceptionally high levels of educational attainment. As evidence, 55% of individuals over 25 have achieved at least bachelor’s degree-level qualifications—above that expected nationally. 91.9% also possess a high school diploma or higher, and 73.8% hold some form of college education, promoting Austin’s intelligent population profile.

To help create this culture in an area renowned for learning, universities like The University of Texas at Austin, Southwestern College, and St. Edward’s are helping to cultivate creativity within the region, which attracts knowledgeable people, both academically inclined students and experienced professionals alike, who benefit from the lifetime study possibilities inherent there with its stimulating atmosphere.

Amazing Festivals

Austin is recognized as the ‘live music capital’ thanks to its vibrant festivals that celebrate different interests, such as film, food, and culture. The city’s most renowned events include Viva La Vida, Front Fest, and Austin Oyster Festival, which draw in thousands of visitors annually. Meanwhile, Rodeo Austin and ABC Kite Fest add a cultural component, while Squirrel Fest incorporates fun activities for residents throughout the city. Moontower Comedy hosts unique comedy shows alongside more well-known festival experiences like South by Southwest (SXSW) or Austin City Limits Music Festival, two gatherings that bring millions into local sectors of the economy each year, creating lasting impressions from both those living there locally and newcomers alike! Participating in these dynamic happenings allows attendees an opportunity to take part in what makes this place so special – its energy-filled vibes along with its community-based atmosphere full of artistry & musical expressions provide insight into why many love calling “The” ATX their home sweet home.

Wonderful Food Options

Austin is the ideal destination for foodies with its city-wide array of delectable dining options. From classic BBQ and Mexican cooking to various Asian flavors, everyone can find something that tickles their taste buds in this hub of culinary creativity.

The flourishing taco truck scene is one highlight among many that really sets Austin apart as a food paradise—it’s renowned by locals and visitors alike as being the leading destination when it comes to mobile eateries!

When seeking some good Tex-Mex cuisine, there are multiple places worth considering, such as Matt’s El Rancho or Tamale House. Chuy’s restaurant would be another fine option, while Torchy’s Tacos or El Arroyo should definitely not get neglected either. Food lovers won’t have any trouble finding an amazing meal here, thanks to all these fabulous choices!

Booming Economy

Austin’s economy is faring exceptionally well when compared to other cities of its size in the US. Its household income exceeds the national average, and it boasts a lower unemployment rate than places like San Diego. This city has been identified as one of America’s most dynamic hubs for economic growth.

The bustling pharmaceutical and life sciences industries are key drivers behind this success, along with several retail services, leisure and hospitality centers, health care facilities and an array of creative arts and culture projects led by major companies such as Google and IBM Oracle Indeed, Dell Technologies Whole Foods Market, Resideo AMD Hanger Inc., Seton Healthcare Network, etc. Austin will be adding 52k jobs to their labor force within 2022 alone. Next year’s predictions indicate at least 45,000 additional job opportunities were created there too! Despite some existing challenges they may face ahead, overall hope for their financial future remains bright!

Amazing Job Market

Austin is an attractive destination for people looking to explore new opportunities due to its vibrant job market. The city has a wealth of employment options, particularly in the technology, healthcare, education, government, and entertainment sectors. Young professionals as well as creative entrepreneurs are all welcomed by the flourishing Austin community, which provides vast outdoor activities such as hiking trails, biking paths, or canoeing trips that can be enjoyed right from within the city’s limits.

Residents have access to abundant resources when living here, including excellent career prospects but also plenty of recreational amenities, so they enjoy balanced lifestyles to their fullest potential with no shortage of opportunities offered either professionally or recreationally. In conclusion, Austin offers limitless possibilities where those seeking them will find what they’re looking for, whether young individuals hoping for success in their professional goals or citizens seeking fulfilling social lives.

Summary

For anyone considering a move to Austin, Texas, there are various advantages that this city offers. It has an educated population, and the job market is strong, with many festivals for entertainment as well as diverse food options. It’s important to keep in mind certain challenges, such as traffic congestion and heat, plus an increased cost of living, which may be concerning due to allergies.

If you’re willing to take on these issues while also enjoying what the unique culture brings, then Austin could certainly prove itself worthy of your new home away from home!

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the downside of living in Austin, Texas?

Residing in Austin is difficult at times because of the extreme traffic congestion. This affects any route one could take, so plan ahead and factor in plenty of time when making a journey. Living here has its difficulties due to frequent gridlock on all roads within Austin’s borders.

Is it a good idea to move to Austin?

Austin has a thriving community, making it the perfect destination for families and individuals who want to live and work in an exciting city full of job opportunities. Not only is there a vibrant music scene here, but there are also amazing culinary delights that people can enjoy. This makes Austin truly unique. No other place offers such great chances for success coupled with stunning entertainment options like this one does!

Is Austin no longer the best place to live?

Despite dropping in the rankings, Austin has plenty to offer potential residents looking for a home: a thriving culture and robust economy that make it an attractive destination. Though no longer topping lists of the best cities to live in, its many desirable qualities are sure to attract those seeking somewhere new.

How bad is the traffic in Austin?

Austin’s traffic can be a bit of an obstacle due to its fast growth and lack of resources, yet it is still not as stressful compared to other big cities.

How hot does it get in Austin during the summer?

In the summer, Austin can be scorching hot, with thermometers showing temperatures higher than 100°F. Thus, it is important to have air conditioning in order to stay comfortable.

Categories City Guides Relocation Guides

About the Author

Last updated: 01/19/2024

2300+ Client reviews!

Sarah Byers

My realtor was Tammy and we had a great experience. It felt that she wanted us in the home that is the best fit for us and felt that she was authentic and honest with us. We benefited from her experience and advice in avoiding places that wouldn’t have worked for my family and finding the place that checked off all our boxes. Thank you Tammy!

Caasi Lamb

I cannot speak highly enough about the outstanding service we received from Kasey Gilliam and Kim Jowers with Bramlett Residential Real Estate during the recent sale of our home. They are a fantastic team! From our initial consultation to the successful closing, Kasey proved to be an invaluable asset, guiding us through every step of the process with expertise and professionalism. Kasey demonstrated an in-depth understanding of the local market dynamics and economic headwinds. Throughout the entire process, Kasey was proactive, communicative, and always available to address any questions or concerns we had. She provided regular updates and feedback that kept us informed and reassured, making the selling experience remarkably smooth. I wholeheartedly recommend Kasey to anyone looking for a top-notch real estate agent who truly prioritizes her clients’ needs!

Elli Overton

Tara McGuire recently sold our house in Circle C and did an amazing job. She is so easy to work with, knowledgable, and responsive. I believe she got us top $$. Highly recommend working with Tara and her team at Bramlett! Their service was all inclusive with staging, marketing, etc. No nickel and diming. Just great service.

Anwesha Dhillon

It was pleasure working with Tammy Costello from Bramlett Residential Real Estate in finding our home. We could not have imagined the process to be as seamless and easy as it was! As first-time home buyers, Tammy walked us through the process and guided us through each step. She is meticulous, has great communication and negotiation skills. With her help and years of experience, we were able to find our dream home. Thanks for making it so easy, Tammy!

Ryan Goodbary

I had the pleasure of working with Vicki Duran and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. From the very beginning, Vicki demonstrated deep knowledge of the market and a genuine commitment to understanding my needs. Her communication was exceptional – always prompt, clear, and informative. Throughout the process, Vicki went above and beyond, negotiating on my behalf, explaining the process/each step along the way, and ensuring every detail was taken care of. Her professionalism, dedication, and personalized approach was exceptional. She truly cared and I felt like I was working with a close family friend (having never met her before the process began). I can’t emphasis enough how seamless she made the process for me. People have the perception that buying a house is an extremely stressful process. My experience could not have been farther from the truth. I joked with her at times how smooth/easy buying a house was, all because of Vicki!

I could not have asked for a better agent. I’ve already referred a few friends to Vicki and will continue to do so in the future. Thanks again, Vicki!

Brad Henry

Blessed to have connected with Kristen! I can’t say enough great things about Kristen. Her professionalism, market knowledge, and communication were beyond compare. She was incredibly patient throughout our home search. We looked at a countless amount of homes (we are very picky), and never once felt she was trying to push us in to something that wasn’t the right fit for the sake of a sale. We always felt she had our best interest in mind. Couldn’t recommend her more!!!

Taylor Constantine

Sally was referred to me via a business network when I first moved to Austin in 2022. She helped me understand the area, evaluate my options, and find the perfect spot in a tough market. Sally has been a joy to work with because she creates partnerships + friendships with her clients!

Scott

I was impressed by Sally’s expertise in selling both my investment property and my primary residence, and in helping us buy our dream home. At our initial meeting, we found Sally knew the real estate market, but found even more impressive her emotional quotient in understanding and navigating the differences between my partner’s and my very different personalities. For my investment property, she timed the showings and sale perfectly and created a helpful Excel spreadsheet comparing the many offers. She was also savvy enough to suggest we pay the tenants a fair amount of money to make the property available for viewing from 9am – 5pm on the first weekend to make it as easy as possible for potential buyers to get through, and we let her deal directly with the tenants because we could tell her people skills would serve us well

We got multiple offers by the deadline on Monday afternoon with one outlier that was $150K higher than what we had unsuccessfully listed the property for (with a different realtor) a year earlier!

When it came to selling my primary home, Sally’s expertise in the luxury market, and in historic homes in particular, truly shone. She understood that selling a high-end property, with various restrictions, required a different approach. Sally crafted a listing for the home that perfectly captured its unique character and premier location. Her marketing strategy was well timed and appropriate for the more limited market, attracting the right buyer pool and creating a sense of exclusivity around the property. She suggested listing it on the private market for a week or two before sending a message that it would be listed on the MLS. She organized private showings that allowed buyers to experience the warmth and charm of the home and the neighborhood, which I believe was instrumental in securing a sale.

The pricing and marketing strategy Sally recommended was spot-on, and we sold the home at a price that far exceeded our expectations. Sally helped thread the needle perfectly.

Sally is also accessible. We found more well-known realtors would respond to our email days later, whereas she was always available right away to answer my questions, and provided us with regular updates, making sure every detail was handled with care. Selling a high-end property can be a stressful experience with fewer potential buyers and some downtime inherent in waiting for the right buyer, but Sally made it a smooth and surprisingly easy process encouraging us to be patient while giving us enough information on what was happening to satisfy both me and my partner. In the end, we were thrilled with the results

Sally’s rep of us as sellers could not have been more professional, but her work repping us as buyers is the most memorable. We were trying to be our dream home in an overheated market, and Sally gave us advice that at each turn proved invaluable. She recommended offering just the right amount above the offer price for us to make it to the next round of offers. She handled a very difficult appraisal process by advising us on financing sources, even offering to help us put down a higher amount by loaning us money herself! We were able to finance the home without taking her up on that offer, but how many realtors make that kind of offer to their clients? In the end, we closed on the house ontime and ended up with the home of our dreams, thanks to Sally’s world-class advice and service.

We cannot say enough good things about Sally’s technical knowledge, people skills, and responsiveness. You won’t find a better realtor in Austin.

lucille wood

I have lived here in Austin for more twenty-five years, and have bought and sold several homes and rented others during those years. I have worked with five realtors during that time. SALLY IS BY FAR THE BEST OF ANY IN TOWN. Her work ethic is simply unmatched. She hides her competitive streak underneath a layer of Austin hip and friendly, but she will absolutely get you the best home, the best deal, and stop at NOTHING to get your home sold as well!

Sally loves real estate. She has a genuine passion for Austin, too, and for her client’s well-being. She took time to understand my needs and was always available to answer any questions and provide me with honest and insightful advice.

We toured many homes in Barton Hills and settled on a great home that was hotly contested by builders and homeowners. Sally understood how we could be the preferred buyer without getting into a bidding war. She knew the motivations of the Seller and we maneuvered and negotiated the contract and secured my dream home.

Furthermore, at the 11th hour, the day before we were set to close, our lender said we needed to put a fence around the pool before they would release the funds. The seller was not inclined to extend the closing again. We were out of town. Sally saved the day by racing to Home Depot and getting the largest tarpaulin available and then securing it over the pool at the house. Sent pics to the lender and we were set to close.

In short, Sally will work harder and smarter than anyone. She’s simply the best.

Daniel Carroll

Sally is incredible! She spent nearly 2 years with us – understanding our very specific preferences and needs – to help us find our dream home. She was the first agent to reach out when the home was listed and negotiated the contract astutely so that we secured the home. The home was only in the framed stage, still had a few months until completion. Once it was completed, however, our plans had changed and we needed to get out of the contract. We were expecting to have to relinquish our very considerable deposit. But Sally spent the entire weekend working on a way to get us out of the contract AND get our deposit back. Everyone we have spoken to about this extraordinary outcome has been surprised that Sally managed to get our deposit back for us. Thank you Sally, we can’t recommend her highly enough.

Amit Melwani

Sally is reliable, diligent in her research, prompt on exchanges, creative in deal making, and has a tremendous work ethic. She is the sole reason we were able to close on our primary residence, which has been our dream home and a fantastic investment. From there, we’ve gone on to close on multiple rental property purchases in Austin together. Thanks to her astute analysis, we’ve passed on many deals as well, which has proven just as valuable. I cannot recommend her highly enough.

Dom Chapman

I highly recommend Kiel if you’re looking to rent a place in Austin. We originally met him to look around a particular unit, and when it was not to our satisfaction, he was able to quickly take us around many more units that day. He also set up a whole day of viewings for the very next day! Within 48 hours we had done enough viewings to be confident in choosing a new home. The landlord accepted our offer and Kiel handled all of the paperwork, even stopping by our hotel to pick up the needed checks. We couldn’t be happier.

Kiel is highly organized and unlike some realtors in the Austin area, he is responsive and ready to move quickly. We were always able to contact him and never left waiting.

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