Moving to Austin, Texas

Relocating to a new country can be a challenge, especially if you’re heading across the pond to the US. Ahead of starting the process, it is important to learn as much as you can about the area you are moving to, to ensure that is the right choice for you.

Austin Texas is regarded as one of the best places to live in America, thanks to a number of desirable factors, such as warm weather, a booming economy and a bustling cultural scene. Besides being the state capital of Texas, Austin is a creative city, well-known for its live music and incredible Tex-Mex cuisine. This attracts thousands of tourists each year, and the city is always busy. Read on to discover more information about moving to Austin, Texas.

With a population nearing 1 million, Austin is by no means a small city. When choosing a place to live, there are many different areas throughout Austin to consider, all varying in cost, atmosphere and amenities. The city is a great space for the younger generation, with 31% of the population being Millennials, the many perks of big city living, fun nightlife scene and amazing food explain why.

The average annual cost of living in Texas is $39,661 per year, which works out to $3305 per person per month on average. This includes housing, utilities, health care, food, gas and other expenditures. This is around the average cost of living in the US, which is estimated to be around $38,266.

Austin is a moderately expensive place to live, however, the wages there reflect this. The average home in Austin costs around $378,300, which is far higher than the Texas median of $200,400. Property value will of course vary across different neighbourhoods, so be sure to research which area is best for you.

Ahead of moving to any new area, it is important to understand your requirements. Deciding which neighbourhood to live in can prove challenging, with so many areas varying in cost, transportation options, amenities and general lifestyle. We’ve put together a short list of some popular choices for expats moving to Austin Texas from the UK.

Barton Hills – A popular choice for nature lovers, residents here enjoy revelling in the unique mix of country serenity and city convenience. People here can take advantage of the many great attractions, such as Barton Springs and Zilker Park, which offer outstanding natural beauty to admire. The streets in Barton Hills are quiet, and the community is warm and welcoming.

Downtown Austin – The downtown area of Austin presents a thriving business district, with a more sophisticated lifestyle and feel. The location is particularly popular with business professionals, due to easy metro access to the heart of the city. Downtown Austin also offers a wealth of shopping, dining, and entertainment facilities to enjoy.

Kyle – Kyle is a small town situated just 15 miles south of the city. The homes in the area vary in type, offering houses, condos and townhouses, most of which are complete with airy open floor plans and tall ceilings. There are plenty of opportunities for outdoor recreation, with the idyllic Lake Kyle being a key draw for residents and visitors alike.

Getting around Austin is simple, thanks to a Capital Metro service which provides a network of bus routes, as well as the new MetroRapid Route 801 and MetroRail service to keep people moving. Transport to and from the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is also well-developed, with a range of taxis, rideshare, shuttles, pedicabs and electric low-speed vehicles, limousines, and charter services available – perfect for visiting family members.

The government in Austin Texas also promote cycling as a mode of transport. Cycling in Austin Texas is healthy and better for the environment, so consider taking a look at the Austin-B Cycle app to rent a bike.

As with any urban city, driving can be a challenge due to hectic rush hour periods. There is Downtown parking available, so check out the City’s Parking Division.

Austin Texas has a subtropical climate, which is humid and warm. Summer in Austin can frequently hit above 90°F, so the shift from the UK’s far cooler climate can be a shock. People in Austin enjoy the warm weather, and with many natural swimming pools and most houses equipped with AC, there are plenty of ways to cool off. The winter months are mild, and the area can experience occasional snow.

Austin is a cultural powerhouse and is the epicentre of creativity, which is supported by the community through funding of a variety of cultural attractions and art projects. Presenting a ‘community over competition’ feel, local artists, photographers and writers can build a healthy relationship with fellow creatives, allowing endless opportunities for collaboration.

Live music is also thoroughly enjoyed in Austin Texas. From large arenas such as the Moody Theatre to smaller spots such as The Continental Club, you can find music to enjoy to suit any taste. The area today can be celebrated for its folk, blues, jazz, country and indie music scenes.

Austin offers exceptional nightlife, with nightclubs there regularly ranking highly on national lists of best places to host a hen or stag do party. Every district is lined with unique pubs, bars and music venues designed to charm its visitors.

Traditional Texan foods consists of meaty southern classics, such as chicken fried steaks and barbecue cuisine. Being so close to neighbouring Mexico, Tex Mex cuisine is also thoroughly enjoyed in Texas. Tex Mex cuisine is often recognised for the heavy use of shredded cheese, beans, meat, peppers and spices, all of which combine to create a truly remarkable flavour sensation. The most popular dishes consist of fajitas, beef chilli, enchiladas and nachos with queso.

Despite the popularity of meat dishes, there are also plenty of delicious vegan restaurants and eateries for non-meat eaters to enjoy in Austin Texas. The Tex Mex cuisine on offer is also great for vegans thanks to the hearty proteins of beans and pulses used in many of the dishes.

If you are relocating to Austin Texas, you should get in touch with an international relocation specialist to assist with your move. At Gerson Relocation, we have years of experience in handling moves to the USA from the UK, and can ensure you are fully equipped ahead of and during your move. Get in touch with us today to request a quote.