If you’re considering moving, start looking south to one of the country’s most spirited cities: Austin, Texas. Whether you’re a recent graduate, a growing family, or just looking to switch it up, the state capital is a fantastic place for a fresh start. While Austin, Texas, is known for its eccentricity, live music, and barbecue, it also offers one of the fastest-growing job markets and an affordable cost of living. In this guide, we’ll give you some reasons to get excited about experiencing some quirky culture and sunshine in this vibrant city!
Table Of Contents
1. Thriving Job Market
Austin is widely recognized as one of the top cities in America for job growth. The city boasts an incredibly diverse economy with booming sectors in technology, healthcare, education, government, and creative industries.
Major tech companies like Tesla, Apple, Google, Amazon, Oracle, and Facebook have established substantial operations, earning Austin the nickname “Silicon Hills.” Startups also thrive, thanks to a strong support network of investors, incubators, and entrepreneurial communities.
For those outside of tech, Austin also offers strong job opportunities in biotech, film, education, hospitality, and construction. With a low unemployment rate of just 3.4% and steady wage growth, Austin offers both opportunity and job security.
2. The Live Music Capital of the World
Music is embedded in Austin’s DNA. With over 250 live music venues, the city’s iconic nickname is well-earned. From street performers on South Congress Avenue to big-name headliners at Austin City Limits Music Festival, music can be found just about anywhere in the city.
You can catch live music nearly every night of the week across countless genres: blues, indie rock, country, hip-hop, jazz, and more. Legendary venues like The Continental Club, Antone’s, and Mohawk are major players in American music history. Plus, global events like South by Southwest (SXSW) bring creatives from around the world to Austin every year.
Music lovers can expect a welcoming community. Whether you’re a performer, fan, or just looking for a night out, Austin’s music scene has something for everyone.
3. Great Weather
One of the best parts about living in Austin is the weather. With over 300 sunny days a year, this Texas city is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts and those looking to escape gray, snowy winters.
Summers can be hot, with average highs in the upper 90s. But, as long as you get out to one of the city’s many water sources, you’ll be able to safely withstand the heat. Winters are mild and comparable to the spring temperatures in colder cities.
Move to Austin to get the kind of weather that gets you outdoors all year-round with a guaranteed dose of Vitamin D.
4. Excellent Food Scene
Austin is a foodie paradise. Whether you’re into gourmet dining or late-night taco trucks, the city’s culinary offerings are as diverse as its population.
Austin is most famous for its barbecue, and for good reason. Iconic spots like Franklin Barbecue, Terry Black’s, and Stiles Switch are mouth-watering and world-class. Craving tacos? You’re in luck, as Austin is home to some of the best Tex-Mex in the country. From breakfast tacos to handmade tortillas and queso, you’ll find classic favorites and funky fusions.
But it’s not just Southern staples. Austin’s food culture includes Vietnamese fusion, vegan soul food, upscale Mediterranean, Indian street food, craft bakeries, and award-winning coffee shops. The city is constantly evolving, with new restaurants and food trucks opening up in every neighborhood.
Farmers’ markets, community-supported agriculture, and sustainable local sourcing are also central to the city’s food scene.
5. Outdoor Recreation Opportunities
Austin’s natural environment offers some of the best things to do in or outside the city. Surrounded by rolling Hill Country, rivers, and lakes, it’s an ideal city for people who love the outdoors.
Lady Bird Lake, which runs through downtown, offers kayaking, paddleboarding, and miles of walking and biking trails. The Barton Creek Greenbelt is a favorite for hiking, rock climbing, and swimming. Locals cool off in places like Barton Springs Pool or take day trips to spots like Lake Travis, Hamilton Pool, and Pedernales Falls State Park.
Cycling, running, yoga in the park, birdwatching, and urban kayaking are common weekend pastimes. With the mild climate, outdoor recreation is accessible nearly all year.
6. Financial Gain
One of the most attractive benefits of moving to Austin is that you don’t have to pay state income tax. Combined with Texas’s relatively low business taxes, this makes the city especially appealing for remote workers, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and business owners.
While property taxes can be higher than average, many residents find that the absence of a state income tax helps balance their overall financial picture. For many, it’s a welcome relief compared to living in high-tax states like California or New York.
You only have to pay for a state filing fee once, unlike many other states… you’re not subject to any state taxes. So, for a small business starting out, Austin [is] a great place to connect with like-minded business owners/entrepreneurs.
Sage Vaughn, Founder, Refined Traditions
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7. Affordable Cost of Living in Austin, Texas
Another reason to consider moving to Austin, Texas, is the cost of living, which is significantly less than in other major cities. While Austin is higher than the national average, cities like San Francisco and New York City are much more expensive.
Housing in the city is growing to meet the demand of its new residents. One-bedroom apartments average about $1,600 a month, while the average home price is $556,000. While this is more expensive than some parts of the country, it has its benefits. With access to great amenities, a friendly community, stunning outdoors, and a relatively affordable cost of living for a major metropolitan city, moving to Austin is worth the cost.
8. Education (At All Ages)
Austin is a hub for education and research, anchored by the University of Texas at Austin, one of the nation’s top public universities. UT-Austin is renowned for its programs in engineering, law, business, and film, and plays a major role in the city’s economy and cultural life.
For families, Austin offers a mix of public, private, and charter schools, with options that cater to various student needs. Several schools within the Austin Independent School District (AISD) and neighboring districts like Eanes and Round Rock are nationally recognized for academic excellence.
The city also offers a lively community college network and continuing education programs for adult learners and professionals looking to expand their skills.
9. Vibrant Arts and Culture
While music takes the spotlight, Austin’s artistry knows no bounds. The city is home to numerous art galleries, street art installations, film festivals, museums, dance companies, and independent theaters.
Institutions like the Blanton Museum of Art, The Contemporary Austin, and the Mexic-Arte Museum highlight a wide range of creative voices. The city also has a strong independent film scene, supported by SXSW and the Austin Film Society.
Public art, mural walls (like the famous “I Love You So Much” or “Greetings from Austin”), and frequent cultural festivals celebrate the city’s diversity and creativity, making art accessible and part of daily life.
10. Diverse Neighborhoods
Austin is a patchwork of distinct neighborhoods, each offering its own flavor and lifestyle:
- East Austin: Eclectic and artsy, known for its murals, bars, and restaurants.
- Downtown: Urban and upscale, perfect for professionals who want to live where they work.
- South Congress (SoCo): Trendy, walkable, full of shops, cafes, and music.
- Hyde Park: Historic homes and tree-lined streets with a community vibe.
- Mueller & The Domain: Mixed-use communities with modern apartments, parks, and retail.
- Suburbs like Round Rock, Cedar Park, and Pflugerville: Ideal for families seeking more space and top-rated schools.
No matter your lifestyle—urban, suburban, artsy, quiet, or social—there’s a part of Austin that feels like home.
Conclusion
With a motto like “Keep Austin Weird”, Austin has a vibrancy and rich culture unlike any other city in the nation. With its career opportunities and quality of life, it is one of the most desirable cities to call home. From hiking and kayaking to chowing down on world-class barbecue and catching some live music on SoCo, Austin has it all.
Austin is a place to gain financial freedom, chase your creative dreams, and start a family, all while the sun is shining. There are excellent opportunities to learn and network, as the city has a strong education system for all ages. Immerse yourself in the music or experience unique independent films and art museums.
The city is ever-evolving and growing as people from all over the country flock to this Southern gem. There is always something to do, see, and hear, so if you’re looking for a city that’s alive with possibility, Austin might just be the fresh start you’re looking for.
FAQs
Austin is one of the best places to live in the country. With a thriving job market, educational opportunities, beautiful landscape, seasonal weather, and a unique arts scene, Austin is perfect for young professionals and families alike. It’s more affordable than other major cities and is constantly growing and evolving.
There is something for everyone in Austin. The city is surrounded by beautiful nature and is full of recreational activities like kayaking, picnicking at the park, and hiking. Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, with over 250 live music venues as well as outdoor festivals. Check out some of the diverse, vibrant neighborhoods for quirky murals, cute cafes, and boutiques. The food scene is also outstanding in Austin, from food trucks to Tex-Mex and iconic barbecue, there is no shortage of options.
While the cost of living in Austin is higher than the national average, it is significantly more affordable than in other major cities like New York or San Francisco. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is $1,600 a month, and the average cost of a home is $540,000. Because Texas has no state income tax, moving to Austin can mean considerable savings.
Austin has some of the best schools in the country. It is home to the flagship Texas University: the University of Texas-Austin. UT-Austin is located centrally in the city and has a distinct culture. There is also a strong community college, adult learners, and professionals network. The Austin Independent School District is nationally recognized for those with young children, as are some of the neighboring districts.
Elisa Miller grew up in Chicago and recently graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with degrees in English and Communications. If she is not lost in a book, she can be found running, watching 30 Rock, or doing a puzzle.
