Trade cramped space and high taxes for sunshine, a bigger home, booming tech jobs, and no state income tax. Here’s how to move from New York City to Austin — including timelines, neighborhoods, budgets, and checklists included.

Why Austin Wins for New Yorkers

• Lower overall cost of living: Housing and everyday expenses typically stretch further than in NYC, and Texas has no state income tax.
• Space & lifestyle: More square footage, backyards, garages—plus hike-and-bike trails, lakes, and year-round outdoor time.
• Career momentum: Fast-growing economy with strength in tech, creative, health, education, and public sector roles.
• Vibe: Friendly, forward-thinking, entrepreneurial. Live music, food trucks, barbecue and tacos, festivals, and a thriving coffee scene.
• Time back: Shorter commutes (depending on where you live), easy airport access (AUS), and a strong remote-work culture.

How to move from New York City to Austin (30-Second Plan)

• Pick your Austin “equivalent”
  • Brooklyn feel: East Austin, Mueller, South Austin (78704), Crestview/Brentwood
  • Upper West/Upper East calm: Westlake, Tarrytown, Northwest Hills
  • Young professional hub: The Domain/Domain Northside, South Congress (SoCo), East Riverside
  • Family suburbs with top schools: Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Lakeway, Dripping Springs
• Decide rent vs. buy: Get pre-approved (buy) or lock a 12-month lease to learn the city first.
• Ship smart: Move less, replace more—Austin furniture/housing dimensions differ from NYC apartments.
• Vehicles & logistics: You’ll likely want a car; register it in Texas within state timelines after you establish residency.
• Taxes: No state income tax; plan for property taxes if you buy.

How to Move from New York City to Austin: Step-by-Step Timeline for a Frictionless Move

60–90 Days Out

• Define your budget (rent or mortgage + car + utilities + daycare/school if applicable).
• Research target areas (see “Where New Yorkers Land in Austin”).
• Begin employer transfer or start applying locally; set Austin address timing for offers.
• Get 3–4 moving quotes (full-service, hybrid, or POD).
• Audit belongings. Sell/donate bulky items that cost more to ship than replace.

45–60 Days Out

• Schedule movers or a container. Reserve flights and temporary housing if needed.
• If buying, connect with a local agent and lender; if renting, line up tours (virtual or in-person).
• Gather official documents (IDs, titles, medical, school records, pet vaccines).

30 Days Out

• Lock in housing; confirm move-in date and elevator/parking logistics.
• Set up Austin utilities (electric, water, internet) to start on move-in day.
• Book car shipping (if not driving).
• File USPS change of address and update key accounts.

14 Days Out

• Pack essentials; photograph electronics hookups.
• Confirm mover COI (if your NYC building requires it).
• Line up Austin-day needs: air mattresses, basic kitchen kit, pet care, first grocery run.

Move Week

• Final walk-through; collect keys/fobs/garage clickers.
• Keep a “first 48 hours” bag (docs, meds, chargers, snacks, sheets, towels, tools).

First 10 Days in Austin

• Vehicle inspection + registration + Texas driver license (book appointments early).
• Update insurance (auto/home/renter).
• Register to vote.
• Explore neighborhoods at different times; test commute patterns.

Where New Yorkers Land in Austin (By Lifestyle)

Urban + Creative (walkable, food/music, character)
East Austin: Bungalows, new townhomes, murals, coffee roasters, live venues.
South Austin (78704): SoCo, Zilker Park access, Barton Springs, indie shops.
Mueller: Master-planned, parks, farmers’ market, modern homes/condos.

Quiet & Leafy (established, central-calm)
Tarrytown & Clarksville: Minutes to Downtown/Lady Bird Lake, historic charm.
Northwest Hills: Hill country views, mid-century homes, strong schools.

New & Convenient (amenities, newer builds, mixed-use)
The Domain/Domain Northside: Dining, retail, offices; easy to live/work/play.
East Riverside Corridor: Major redevelopment, proximity to Downtown and airport.

Suburban + Schools (space, yards, community pools)
Round Rock / Cedar Park / Leander: Master-planned communities, commuter rails/bus options improving.
Lakeway / Bee Cave: Lake Travis, golf, marinas, top-rated schools.
Dripping Springs: Hill Country living, wineries, acreage options.

Housing Strategy for Ex-New Yorkers

• Try Before You Buy: Many movers do 6–12 months renting to learn school zones, commute realities, and traffic patterns.
• Pre-Approval = Power: If you’re buying, a strong local pre-approval wins deals—especially near top schools or central neighborhoods.
• Expect Different Floor Plans: More single-family and townhomes vs. NYC high-rises; garages and outdoor space are common.

Car, Commute & Getting Around

• You’ll probably want a car. Rideshare and micro-mobility help in core districts, but daily life is easier with your own vehicle.
• Test commutes during rush hours before you sign a long lease or close on a home.
• Air travel: AUS offers strong nonstop options; parking and rideshare pickup are straightforward.

Cost-Smart Moving (Budget Guardrails)

• Move less. Replace more. Shipping heavy, low-value furniture often costs more than rebuying in Austin.
• Hybrid moves (movers for big items + you handle boxes) can trim costs.
• Off-peak flexibility (mid-month/mid-week) can lower rates.
• Insurance: Confirm valuation/coverage on high-value items and instruments/art.

Schools, Daycare & Daily Life Setup

• Schools: Public schools vary by attendance zone; magnet/charter options exist across the metro. If schools matter, anchor your search to specific zones.
• Daycare waitlists can be real; start calling 4–8 weeks ahead.
• Healthcare: Establish a PCP, urgent care, dentist, and pediatrician early.
• Pets: Heat management and outdoor safety matter; locate a 24-hour emergency vet.

Taxes & Paperwork (What Changes When You Leave NYC)

• No Texas state income tax—a direct paycheck lift compared to New York.
• Property taxes: If you buy, budget for higher property tax rates than many states; homestead exemptions can help for primary residences.
• Registration: Update your driver’s license, vehicle title/registration, voter registration, and insurance to Texas after you establish residency.

Lifestyle Upgrades You’ll Notice Fast

• More space (indoors and out), more sun, and more weekends on the water (Lady Bird Lake, Lake Austin, Lake Travis).
• Food scene balances comfort (BBQ, Tex-Mex) with chef-driven, vegan, and global flavors.
• Community: Austin is friendly and network-minded—easy to plug into professional groups, meetups, and neighborhood events.

Sample First-Year Budget Line Items to Expect

• Rent or mortgage + HOA (if applicable)
• Utilities (electric typically higher in summer), water, trash
• Internet (fiber availability is strong in many areas)
• Car payment/insurance/fuel/maintenance or rideshare budget
• Property tax & homeowners insurance (if buying)
• Gym or outdoor rec (kayak/paddle board/bike)
• Pet care (vet, grooming, boarding)
• Childcare/school expenses (if applicable)

NYC ➜ Austin Moving Checklist

• ☐ Choose 3–4 Austin target neighborhoods
• ☐ Get pre-approved (buy) or shortlist 6–8 rentals (rent)
• ☐ Book movers/container; insure valuables
• ☐ Set Austin utility start dates
• ☐ Ship or sell car / arrange transport
• ☐ Transfer medical, school, and pet records
• ☐ File change of address; update key accounts
• ☐ Schedule Texas ID, vehicle inspection & registration
• ☐ Register to vote and update insurance
• ☐ Explore parks, trails, and your new local grocery + taco spot

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is Austin cheaper than NYC?
Generally, yes—especially on housing and everyday expenses—and Texas has no state income tax. Actual savings depend on neighborhood and lifestyle.

Do I need a car?
It’s strongly recommended for most households. Core districts are increasingly walkable/bikeable, but daily life is easier with a car.

Rent or buy first?
If you’re new to Austin, rent 6–12 months while you learn the city. If you know your area and time horizon, buying can make sense sooner.

Which Austin neighborhood feels most “Brooklyn”?
East Austin and 78704 (SoCo/Zilker) for culture and nightlife; Mueller for a planned, walkable feel; Crestview/Brentwood for bungalows and community.

Next Steps

• Want a deeper neighborhood guide, school insight, and moving discounts? Request the Austin Relocation Guide.
• Prefer to talk it through with a local expert? Contact us for tailored neighborhood and housing advice.