As the capital of Texas, Austin is a hotspot for activities, dining options, and attractions. Whether you’re moving to Austin for a job in the city’s booming tech industry, the strong school systems that draw families from all over the country, the rich culture of the city, or to be in one of the top cities for musicians, there are many reasons to move to Austin, Texas.
Why move to Austin, Texas?
With an unofficial slogan like “Keep Austin Weird,” you know that you’ll have a good time living in Austin. Just under one million people call Austin home, making it the 11th largest city in the United States. The city has a strong public transportation system, and you can get just about anywhere in the city once you know how to navigate the MetroRail and Capital Metro. The city has several walkable neighborhoods, particularly in the downtown area and near the University of Texas-Austin.
Despite hosting the United States Grand Prix, the country’s only Formula One championship, Austin is the largest city in the United States without a professional sports team. Between the famous Texas heat that provides lots of opportunities for outdoor activities and the cultural sites of Austin, you’ll have no problem staying busy.
Austin Real Estate Market
Whether you’re looking to buy your own property or rent for a while, Austin has a bustling real estate market. Home values in Austin have nearly doubled since 2010, so this is an excellent place to make a real estate investment – though it is on the pricier side. The average Austin home is approximately $400,000, and if you want to buy, it’s important to act fast.
The housing market is incredibly competitive, and homes move fast, so you should work with an experienced real estate agent and move quickly when you find a home that meets your needs. While housing prices are significantly higher than Texas averages, they are much lower than prices in similarly sized cities in other states. When you buy in Austin, you get the amenities of big city living at a lower price point. Residents enjoy plenty of space; the average house in Austin is just over 2,000 square feet.
Austin has seen a massive expansion in multiple industries, and rental options have grown accordingly. The average monthly rent in Austin is approximately $1,400, and the average size of a rental is slightly less than 900 square feet. In addition to sleek, modern high-rise apartments that appeal to those in the city’s ever-growing tech sector, Austin also has a variety of quirky rentals with unique layouts and features that appeal to the city’s established artistic community.
Best Neighborhoods in Austin
Cherrywood
Often referred to as French Place, Cherrywood is a Southern neighborhood with winding streets, giant shade trees, and French names. Homes are small wood-framed houses, bungalows, Craftsman-style homes, and stucco homes. Cherrywood is slightly east of the University of Texas and is popular with students, faculty, and workers, but there’s also a good mix of professionals, retirees, and artists. Residents of Cherrywood have a strong sense of community and it’s the ideal place if you want something a little quieter than downtown Austin. If you’re moving to Austin, Texas, and ready to call Cherrywood home, stop by one of our storage-facilities and see how we can help with the transition.
Downtown
If you’re still wondering where to live in Austin, look no further than Downtown. Urban and upscale, Downtown Austin has plenty of loft and garden-style condos and larger condominium towers. No matter what time of day it is, there’s always something to do in Downtown Austin whether it’s a family paddle boat trip at Zilker Park, a meal with friends at one of the many restaurants, or a night of music and dancing at a club or music venue. Check out our storage-facilities in Downtown Austin and let us store your precious belongings.
Circle C Ranch
Luxury living in a community-oriented neighborhood is the hallmark of Circle C Ranch. It’s located in Southwest Austin and is comprised of numerous developments. In Circle C Ranch you’ll find plenty of trails to hike or bike, and if you are a golfer, you’ll love the Grey Rock Golf Club. There are plenty of community pools, shade trees, and local businesses. Circle C Ranch is the ideal place for families as part of the Austin Independent School District, which includes 5 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and a high school. Check out our storage facilities near the area and let us help you make a smooth transition to your new home.
Things to do in Austin
If you ask any Austinite what food you have to try in the city, there’s a good chance their answer will be “breakfast tacos.” In fact, breakfast tacos are such an Austin mainstay you’ll find dozens of lists online describing, in great detail, the city’s most popular tacos. While there may not be a citywide consensus about who really serves the best tacos, it’s a great excuse to try local eateries like Mi Madre’s, El Primo, Juan In A Million, and Tamale House East.
Beyond that, Austin has a restaurant scene known across the country for being on the cutting edge of food trends. From barbecue and Tex-Mex food to farm-to-table restaurants and fusion diners, every Austin neighborhood has its own must-try places. Austin’s nationally known food truck scene means that you can find something to eat no matter where you are.
When you find yourself with a free afternoon or weekend, take some time to check out Austin’s cultural attractions and events. At Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, walk through beautiful blooms while taking in stunning pieces of art. With free nights, evening yoga, and other special events, it’s accessible to everyone. Explore art from every era at Blanton Museum of Art or the Harry Ransom Center. Besides the large galleries and museums, don’t forget to check out studios owned by local artists. Austin has a reputation for being a creative, artistic city, and you never know what gems you’ll find in the local art scene.
If you want to spend as much time as possible enjoying Austin’s heat, there’s plenty to do outdoors. The Barton Creek Greenbelt boasts 13 miles of hiking and biking trails. Those interested in testing their upper body strength can scale the limestone cliffs, and swimming holes dot the trail for whenever you need a refreshing break.
Tucked into downtown Austin, Zilker Park sprawls across 131 acres and offers unbeatable views of the Austin skyline. Plan ahead for special events like the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Zilker Park Kite Festival – and we don’t mean just to attend. These famous events can be quite a disruption to daily life. If the heat starts to get to you, spend the day cooling off at Barton Springs Pool.
Austin has welcomed an influx of growing families in recent years, and as a result, the city and its surrounding suburbs have lots of family-friendly attractions. Learn about the aquatic animals of the world at the Austin Aquarium or stay local with a trip to The Robinson Family Farm. Many activities encourage children’s creativity and learning, like the Science Mill and The Thinkery. For a competitive family outing, take a trip to Peter Pan Mini Golf.
Reasons to Move to Austin
If you’re still wondering, should I move to Austin? Just ask ten Austinites the best thing about living in Austin, you’ll get ten different answers. That’s because Austin has something for everyone. The live music scene is unmatched, which is why people travel to Austin from every part of the globe for music festivals and shows. While Austin’s cost of living is higher than in other communities in Texas, it remains lower than the cost of living in similarly sized cities with comparable amenities. Wages are significantly higher than statewide averages, making up for the cost-of-living difference.
Austin is consistently rated one of the best cities for entrepreneurs and startups, thanks to its vibrant business culture and diverse talent pool. The city’s booming tech industry earned it the nickname “Silicon Hills.” Famous Austin startups include RetailMeNot, U Ship, Indeed, and Chaotic Moon.
One of the biggest reasons that young families are coming to Austin in droves is the city’s top-ranked schools. Many public and private schools are among the best in Texas, and some are even among the nation’s highest-performing schools. With a growing variety of magnet and charter schools, there are options for every student’s learning style and interests.
Where to Live in Austin
Covering over 250 square miles, Austin is made up of diverse neighborhoods that let every family find a place that feels like home.
Downtown Austin
Downtown is one of the most popular places for new Austinites to settle down. Although it’s one of the most expensive areas in Austin, it offers unlimited access to nearby parks, dining options, shopping centers, and other amenities, making it one of the most desirable and best neighborhoods in Austin to live in. While some housing options appeal to growing families, this neighborhood is largely populated by up-and-coming entrepreneurs and startup employees.
South Congress
In southern Austin, you’ll find South Congress, which the locals refer to as SoCo. With eclectic antique shops, local stores, and boutiques, South Congress offers both single-family homes and condo complexes for those looking to settle down.
Mueller
If you’re looking to settle down in east Austin, spend some time checking out Mueller. This master-planned community is full of beautiful new construction homes, including townhomes, duplexes, condominiums, and single-family homes. This walkable neighborhood features family-friendly parks, lakes, retailers, office buildings, and community centers. If you’re still not sure about where to live in Austin and you don’t have a car, Mueller is the neighborhood for you.
Allandale and Circle C Ranch
Those interested in living a little further from downtown may love Allandale, a quaint neighborhood with plenty of starter homes and popular amenities within walking distance. If you’re looking for a little more luxury from your time in Austin, head out to Circle C Ranch. A group of home developments covers the neighborhood, providing residents access to pools, hiking trails, parks, and a golf course.
Whether you choose to settle down in a multi-family home or a single-family home, you may find that you just can’t get everything to fit in your new Austin home. Luckily, the city has plenty of short-term and long-term storage facilities that let you keep your items close.
Several CubeSmart facilities serve northern Austin suburbs like Anderson Mill, Pflugerville, and North Shoal Creek. Near Mueller, you’ll find another CubeSmart facility with units of varying sizes. Another CubeSmart facility sits in the heart of downtown Austin, just minutes from Barton Springs Pool.
Numerous facilities offer storage solutions to the neighborhoods just south of downtown, like Montopolis, West Gate, Bouldin Creek, and Garrison Park. Neighborhoods in the far southern stretches of Austin, like Southpark Meadows, have access to another CubeSmart facility. There are more than one dozen CubeSmart facilities that are making it easy for Austinites to make the most of their available space.
Why move to Austin, Texas? With its classic Texas friendliness, delicious food, top-rated schools, and fun activities, it’s no surprise that Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. With dozens of neighborhoods, you’ll have no trouble finding a place you’re excited to call home. In fact, you may find that you have a harder time narrowing down your options. Wherever you decide to put down roots in Austin, make the most of your time in this beautiful and exciting city.
