Why is Everyone Moving to Austin?

Are you thinking about moving to Austin? You're not alone. In the past decade, Austin has become one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. But why is everyone moving to Austin? In this blog post, we'll explore 9 secrets that no one told you about this amazing city.

Did you know that in 2021, Austin, Texas was crowned as the #1 Best City to Relocate to in the World? This is based on Money.co.uk’s Relocation Report which consists of different factors such as the housing market, population growth, weather, salaries, activities, and more. From the food to the music to the friendly locals, there's a lot to love about Austin. If you're thinking about making a move, read on to learn more about what this vibrant city has to offer.

Weather is Amazing 

With over 228 days of sunshine all year round, people who prefer clear weather and warm temperature will love it here. You don't have to worry about damp, grey winter days as the weather here has an average temperature of 70F with about 35 inches of rain a year which is three inches less than the national average.

Here are some average temperatures in the following months in Austin, TX:

• Warmest Months - July and August (between 95 to 102 degrees)

• Coldest Month - January (low temperatures hovering around 38 degrees)

The best time to visit Austin for outdoor activities is during March, April, October, and November. You get to have pleasant skies and enjoy more activities and amenities outdoors.

Low Cost of Living Compared to Major Cities

Austin’s low cost of living and no state income tax are a few reasons people are flocking to the city. Californians and New Yorkers make up the largest percentage of migration to Austin after Texans. Compared to many other big cities such as New York, Boston, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego, California the cost of living in Austin is pocket-friendly.

This proves to be an attractive option for individuals and families looking to establish a home without breaking the bank. Home prices may have increased but still remains to be affordable in contrast with other major cities in America.

The overall cost of living in Austin is 19.3% higher than the US average, while major cities such as New York is 68.6% higher, San Diego at 60.4% higher, and Boston with a 53.4% cost of living, is higher than Austin and the national average. Many individuals and families choose to live in the Texas capital despite the minor difference in cost of living compared to its neighboring cities Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio.

Living in Austin allows you to enjoy some of life's luxury within your means, giving you more bang for your buck in this booming city.

Sense of Community

Austin, Texas is the fourth largest city in the Lone Star state. It continues to draw more and more people from across the country each month because of its strong sense of community. Locals will say that it's the welcoming atmosphere, neighborly attitude, and abundance of fun and unique activities that make Austin such a great place to live.

Whether you're eating at some of the trendiest restaurants in town or enjoying nightly activities in Austin's entertainment districts, there's no shortage of places to meet new friends and join in on conversations with locals. It's easy to understand why Central Texas has become such a popular destination for those looking for close-knit communities and a truly exceptional experience.

Great Place to Start a Family

Located in the Texas Hill Country, Austin has become an increasingly popular city to call home, and it's easy to understand why when you consider how great it is for families. From various local parks, trails, and wildlife areas, there’s plenty of opportunity to enjoy nature together. There are plenty of family-friendly Austin neighborhoods and master-planned communities with pocket parks and playgrounds.

Some of these communities are Easton Park, Barton Hills, Travis Heights, and Bryker Woods. North Austin suburbs including Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, and Pflugerville are on top of the list of the best places to raise a family within Greater Austin.

Families can also take advantage of a range of educational opportunities from universities including the University of Texas - Austin, top-rated school districts, and even tech programs for kids. The city offers amazing food options with cuisine from around the world and convenient access to public transportation so your family will never get bored.

Thriving Job Market

Nicknamed “Silicon Hills”, Austin has become a major hub for the tech industry in recent years. The Texas capital is known for being home to Dell Technologies and Oracle Corporation and has become a destination for tech workers looking for job opportunities.

Tech giants Apple, Meta, Google, SpaceX, and Tesla have moved their headquarters and expanded operations within the area. While downtown Austin has over 20 new skyscrapers both residential and commercial buildings on the rise in the upcoming years.

There are more tech companies investing billions of dollars in building their campuses in Austin including KoMiCo Technology, BAE Systems, and Micron Technology. This brings in more job opportunities for Austinites and people who are considering moving to the Austin area.

Outdoor Activities

Whether you’re looking for thrilling outdoor activities or a night filled with live music and delicious food, Austin has something for everyone. Hikers and bikers flock to the city to enjoy its trails and scenic views of the Colorado River, while those who want to up the ante can try paddleboarding or kayaking in Lady Bird Lake. Beat the heat at Barton Springs in south Austin during hot summers or enjoy indoor activities during the rainy season.

Unwind listening to some tunes at one of many local live music venues and an electric nightlife at ACL Live, Stubb’s, and Antone’s before indulging in some of the city’s acclaimed eateries.

Food Scene

Austin has a vibrant food scene, with everything from classic Texas barbecue, Tex-Mex classics, to innovative food trucks and trendy restaurants. Austin's food scene is a draw for foodies with most restaurants focusing on local and farm-to-table ingredients. There’s a wide variety of selections with every restaurant, food truck, brewery, coffee shop, and winery offering a diverse dining and drinking experience.

You can find various best places to eat in Austin, Mexican restaurants, outdoor dining options, and even restaurant choices if you choose to dine near Lake Austin. Some of the top-rated restaurants in Austin are Uchi, Interstellar BBQ, Suerte, and Perla’s.

Creative Community

The popular phrase Keep Austin Weird still remains to be real and relevant to this day. Austin has a thriving creative community, with artists, musicians, writers, and filmmakers all calling the city home. The city is a great place for creatives looking to collaborate and push boundaries with a focus on innovation and experimentation. Austin is home to a diverse range of people with different backgrounds and perspectives. This has helped foster a wonderful culture in the creative community. 

Writers, filmmakers, and artists have a strong presence in Austin that could be dubbed as the next entertainment capital. In 2021, Netflix rented 20,000 square feet of space in East Austin while HBO rented 110,000 sqft of space in Kyle Crossing.

Live Music Capital of the World

The city’s reputation as the live music capital dates back to the 1960s to 1970s. This was during the time when iconic musicians including Willie Nelson and Stevie Ray Vaughan emerged from Austin’s music scene. Austin, Texas earned its reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World because of its vibrant and diverse music scene and the wide variety of musical styles and genres represented.

Today, Austin is home to a number of live music venues and some of the country’s largest music festivals throughout each year including South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits Festival. These festivals attract thousands of musicians and music lovers from all around the world and open opportunities for new artists to showcase their music to a wider audience.

Moving to Austin, Texas

Are you considering making the move to Austin? With a strong sense of community, a thriving job market, and plenty of outdoor activities, Austin is a great place to start a family or launch a career. The city's vibrant food scene, creative community, and reputation as the Live Music Capital of the World offer endless opportunities for entertainment and inspiration. If you're looking for a place that truly has it all, Austin may just be the ideal destination for you.

Frequently Asked Questions about Moving to Austin

Why is Austin a popular place to move to?

Austin is a popular place to move to due to its thriving job market and lower cost of living compared to other major tech hubs like San Francisco and New York City. Additionally, Austin is known for its world-renowned live music scene, festivals, outdoor activities, and unique local cuisine. The city has also attracted a lot of entrepreneurs and startups.

What is the cost of living like in Austin?

The cost of living in Austin is lower compared to other major tech hubs like San Francisco and New York City. As of 2021, the median home price in Austin is $400,000.

What is the job market like in Austin?

The job market in Austin is thriving, with over 1 million jobs and a low unemployment rate. The city is home to large tech companies like Apple, Google, and Facebook, as well as numerous startups.

What are some of the unique features of Austin?

Austin has a world-renowned live music scene, with over 250 live music venues. It is also known for its festivals, like SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, and the Texas Book Festival; outdoor activities, like hiking and swimming in Barton Springs; and a unique food scene with a variety of local cuisine.

Is Austin a good place for startup businesses?

Austin is a great place for entrepreneurs and startups due to its affordable cost of living and vibrant culture. The city has attracted a lot of entrepreneurs and startups, and it has numerous accelerators, incubators, and networking opportunities available.