This guide goes over cost of living, job opportunities, neighborhoods, schools, transportation, and tips on selecting a reliable moving company to help you plan your move with ease.
Quick Facts About Austin
Population: ~1 million (Metro Area: ~2.4 million)
Median Home Price: ~$500,000
Median Rent (1-bedroom): $1,600–$2,000/month
Unemployment Rate: Below the national average
Key Industries: Technology, Healthcare, Education, Government
Famous For: Live Music, Food Trucks, Tech Startups, Outdoor Lifestyle
Cost of Living and Job Market
Austin's cost of living has skyrocketed, mainly driven by the expansion of tech industries and the ever-growing demand of urban living.
Housing: Median home price ~$500,000 | Rent: $1,600–$2,000/month
Utilities: Manageable; however, it is prone to energy bill increase during summer
Transportation: Owning a car is necessary.
Groceries & Dining: Slightly above national average
Highlights of Job Market:
Key Employers: Dell Technologies, Apple, The University of Texas at Austin
Key Industries: Tech, Healthcare, Education
Growing trend for remote work.
Mover's Tip: Check out tech and healthcare-they make up most of Austin's job market.
Pros and Cons of Living in Austin
Pros:
Thriving tech job market
Thriving cultural and live music scene
Warm weather for those who love spending time outdoors.
Diverse and eclectic neighborhoods
Cons:
Rising housing costs
Heavy traffic and lack of public transportation
Hot and humid summers
General rising cost of living
Mover's Tip: Schedule your move during spring or fall to avoid the hottest summer months.
Education in Austin
Austin offers excellent public, charter, and private schools, alongside higher education options.
Top School Districts:
Eanes ISD: Known for academic excellence.
Round Rock ISD: Family-friendly environment
Austin ISD: Diverse programs and schools
Higher Education:
The University of Texas at Austin: World-class research institution
St. Edward's University: Renowned liberal arts programs
Mover's Tip: Research school districts if relocating with children—they can influence housing choices.
Healthcare Facilities in Austin
Austin is home to top-tier healthcare facilities:
Dell Seton Medical Center
St. David’s HealthCare
Ascension Seton Medical Center
Mover's Tip: Check your health insurance for Austin's top hospitals.
Culture and Outdoor Recreation
Austin combines art, music, food, and outdoor recreation seamlessly.
Festivals:
SXSW: Technology, music, and film festival
Austin City Limits (ACL): The most iconic music festival
Texas Book Festival: A literary festival
Outdoor Gems:
Lady Bird Lake: Kayaking and hiking trails.
Zilker Park: Perfect for picnics and festivals
Barton Springs Pool: A natural spring-fed swimming hole
Mover's Tip: Take advantage of outdoor activities early in the mornings or evenings when it's summer.
Sustainability and Green Living
Austin is an eco-friendly city with:
Bike-share programs.
Recycling and composting programs
Green building incentives
Mover's Tip: Look for bike-friendly neighborhoods if sustainability is your concern.
Best Neighborhoods in Austin
There are neighborhoods to suit every lifestyle in Austin:
Downtown Austin: Urban feel, nightlife, walkability
South Congress (SoCo): Artsy neighborhood, trendy eats
Zilker: Close to outdoor parks
Hyde Park: Historic homes, quiet streets
The Domain: Modern high-rises, upscale amenities
Mover's Tip: Visit neighborhoods in person before committing to housing.
Getting Around Austin
Austin is largely car-dependent with limited public transport.
Driving: Preferred mode of transport
Public Transit: Capital Metro buses and limited rail lines
Biking/Walking: Downtown is pedestrian and bike friendly.
Mover's Tip: Choose housing close to your workplace to avoid long commutes.
How to Choose a Reliable Moving Company
A smooth move starts with a trusted mover:
Research Online Reviews: Yelp, Google, BBB
Verify Licenses & Insurance: Make sure they are compliant!
Get Multiple Quotes: Compare at least three options!
Ask About Hidden Fees: Clarify costs upfront!
Choose Local Expertise: Local movers know Austin well!
Mover's Tip: Book movers in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Final Thoughts on Moving to Austin
Austin combines economic opportunities, cultural vibrancy, and regional hospitality, making the place irresistibly engaging. So, whether you are considering a new career opportunity, outdoor fun, or just enjoying the unique charm of a city like Austin, it offers you all.
Plan, decide on the best area, and team up with a reputable relocation service to guarantee a hassle-free move.
Welcome to Austin, where adventure awaits!