Moving to Austin? 12 Things Locals Wish They Knew First

If you’re thinking about moving to Austin, you’re not alone. The metro area continues to attract people for its jobs, music, tech scene, and outdoor lifestyle. But relocating is a big decision—and the more you know before you arrive, the smoother your move will be.

This guide answers the questions people actually type into search bars and ask their friends: Is Austin a good place to live? What are the best neighborhoods? Can I afford it? What about schools and traffic?

Use this as your starting point—and then dive deeper with the Austin Relocation Guide to plan your move with confidence.

Quick Snapshot: Is Austin a Good Place to Live?

Here’s the fast answer for searchers and scrollers:

• Strong job market (especially tech, health care, government, and creative industries)
• No state income tax
• Active, outdoor lifestyle nearly year-round
• Live music, food trucks, festivals, and culture in every direction
• Higher housing costs than in many parts of Texas, but still attractive vs. some coastal metros
• Real traffic, real heat—both matter in your daily life

If that sounds like your kind of place, keep reading.

1. Why Are So Many People Moving to Austin?

Austin blends big-city opportunity with a relaxed, creative vibe. People relocate here for:

• Career growth in tech, start-ups, education, health care, and government
• Quality of life with lakes, trails, and parks woven into the city
• Culture and community – from SXSW and Austin City Limits to small neighborhood festivals
• Business-friendly climate – including no state income tax

If you want a city that’s ambitious but not overly formal, Austin hits the sweet spot.

2. What Are the Best Neighborhoods for Newcomers?

There’s no single “best” neighborhood—only the best fit for your lifestyle and budget. A few popular areas newcomers explore include:

• Downtown & Central Austin – Condos, walkability, nightlife, and short commutes
• South Austin (South Lamar, South Congress, Zilker) – Iconic “Keep Austin Weird” energy, older homes, bungalows, and great food
• North Austin & The Domain area – Major employment centers, newer apartments, townhomes, shopping, and dining
• Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Pflugerville – Suburban feel, master-planned communities, and many family-friendly amenities
• Dripping Springs, Buda, Kyle – More space, hill country views, and a slower pace, still connected to Austin

When you’re comparing neighborhoods, consider three things: commute, schools, and lifestyle (walkability, parks, nightlife, etc.).

3. Is Austin Affordable?

Affordability depends on where you’re moving from and your expectations. In general:

• Housing is the biggest factor—closer in usually costs more, farther out often gets you more space
• No state income tax helps offset some monthly costs for many households
• Utilities & summer energy bills can be higher because of the heat
• Food & entertainment range from budget-friendly food trucks to high-end dining

Before you move, build a simple comparison:

• Current rent or mortgage vs. typical Austin prices in your target area
• Your current take-home pay vs. what a similar salary looks like in Texas without state income tax

4. What Is the Job Market Like?

Austin has a diverse economy with opportunities in:

• Technology and software
• Semiconductors and hardware
• Health care and life sciences
• Government and higher education
• Creative industries, marketing, hospitality, and events

Many newcomers relocate with a job already secured. If you’re moving first and job-hunting after, plan a realistic timeline and financial cushion.

5. How Bad Is Traffic?

Short answer: you need to plan around it.

• Morning and evening rush hours can significantly extend commute times
• Major corridors like I-35, MoPac (Loop 1), and US 183 see daily congestion
• Many residents choose neighborhoods based on their work location to avoid crossing the entire city

When you’re planning your move, look up real-time commute times from potential neighborhoods to your workplace during rush hour—not just mid-day. That one step alone can change where you decide to live.

6. What’s the Weather Like?

Austin’s weather is a big part of its lifestyle:

• Hot summers with many days over 90°F
• Mild winters with limited ice or snow
• Plenty of sunshine for outdoor activities most of the year

If you love being outside, you’ll use:

• Lady Bird Lake hike-and-bike trail
• Barton Springs Pool
• Parks, greenbelts, and nearby Hill Country escapes

Plan for heat: shaded parking when possible, plenty of water, and a wardrobe that works for long, hot seasons.

7. What About Schools?

Families moving to Austin often start by researching:

• Public school districts – Austin ISD plus suburban districts like Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, Dripping Springs, and more
• Magnet and specialty programs – STEM, fine arts, language immersion, and IB options
• Charter and private schools – for families seeking specific approaches or smaller environments

School boundaries and programs can change, so always verify current information with the district or school directly before you sign a lease or contract.

8. How Do People Spend Their Free Time in Austin?

You’ll never run out of things to do. Newcomers quickly lean into:

• Live music in small venues, festivals, and neighborhood spots
• Food scene – food trucks, BBQ, Tex-Mex, coffee shops, breweries, and wineries
• Outdoor fun – kayaking or paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake, running trails, mountain biking, and exploring the Hill Country
• Events and festivals – from major national events to local street fairs and markets

If you like to stay busy, Austin offers a constant mix of city energy and outdoor escapes.

9. How Much Does It Cost to Move to Austin?

Your relocation costs will vary, but key line items usually include:

• Moving company or truck rental
• Deposits for rent, utilities, or HOAs
• Initial setup expenses: furniture, small repairs, or upgrades
• Travel costs if you’re relocating from out of state

Building a relocation budget ahead of time reduces stress and helps you decide what you can outsource vs. do yourself.

10. Newcomer FAQs

Is Austin safe?
As with any major metro, safety varies by neighborhood and time of day. Research specific areas, talk with locals, and review official crime statistics when you narrow down your choices.

Do I need a car in Austin?
Most residents still rely on a car for daily life, especially outside the urban core. Some central neighborhoods are more walkable and bike-friendly, but many newcomers find a car makes things easier.

When is the best time of year to move?
Many people prefer spring or fall to avoid the hottest months. That said, relocations happen year-round—what matters most is giving yourself enough time to plan housing, schools, and logistics.

11. How to Prepare for Your Move

To make your move smoother, start with a simple plan:

• List your must-haves (commute time, school type, budget, lifestyle)
• Shortlist 3–5 neighborhoods that fit your profile
• Research jobs, schools, and commute routes for each area
• Create a relocation budget including housing, moving, and setup costs
• Use targeted resources—like the Austin Relocation Guide—to connect with local businesses, schools, health care providers, and service pros before you arrive

The more work you do now, the faster you’ll feel at home once you get here.

12. Your Next Step: Get the Austin Relocation Guide

You don’t have to figure this out alone. The Austin Relocation Guide is built specifically for people planning a move, not just day-dreaming about one. Inside you’ll find:

• Neighborhood overviews and local insights
• Housing, school, and lifestyle information
• Contacts for trusted businesses that focus on newcomers
• Tips for settling in quickly once you arrive

Ready to take the next step?
Order your Austin Relocation Guide and start planning your move with all the information in one place—so you can spend less time searching and more time getting excited about your new life in Austin.