Moving to Austin? Ranked as one of the best places to live in the South and one of the best big cities in the U.S., the capital of Texas offers great higher education opportunities, endless outdoor activities, a top-notch entertainment scene, and more. Check out these 16 things to know about living in Austin!
Austin at a Glance
- Austin is the state capital of Texas with a population of over 1 million, making it the fifth-largest city in the Lone Star State.
- Austin is located in central Texas, making it easy to get to nearby cities like Dallas and Houston—about a 3-3.5 hour drive.
- Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” with hundreds of music venues and music festivals calling this area home.
- Known as the Silicon Hills, Austin has a large tech industry presence with some of the largest names in the industry, like Intel, IBM, and Apple having roots in the city.
- Austin’s motto is “Keep Austin Weird”. The city embraces creativity and individuality, from public art murals to unique experiences.
Enjoy the Affordable Austin Cost of Living
People love the cost of living in Austin because of its affordability compared to other popular or big cities! Homes in Austin have a median purchase price of just over $350,000 and rentals are available for less than $1,500—and considering they’re all in close proximity to top-notch amenities, Austin’s housing is rather affordable. To top it off, this city is known as one of the best cities to buy real estate and one of the best places to invest in Airbnb properties. Although the property taxes in Texas are higher compared to other states, residents can take advantage of having no personal or corporate income tax in Austin. And while the Austin cost of living is 20% higher than the national average, it’s significantly more affordable than other major cities like San Francisco, Boston, and New York City. Not to mention, those looking for especially affordable housing in Austin can find a variety of safe, budget-friendly neighborhoods in the area to choose from.
Q: What salary do I need to live in Austin, TX?
A: A comfortable salary to live in Austin ranges from $100,000 to $230,000, depending on your family size. Living expenses can vary greatly based on lifestyle, with a significant portion of incomes going towards mortgage or rental payments.
Find Great Job Opportunities in Austin
Austin ranks as one of the best U.S. cities for young professionals and best cities for jobs, thanks to its booming job market and many workforce development programs. The City of Austin has a 3.2% unemployment rate, and tech positions have grown to the point of earning the city its nickname of Silicon Hills. Major tech corporations and Fortune 500 companies like 3M, Apple Inc, Google, Dell, Meta, and Oracle have locations in ATX. Besides tech, those looking for jobs in Austin can find careers in other industries like healthcare and education with employers like St. David’s South Austin Medical Center and St. Edward’s University. Plus, if you’re an entrepreneur trying to launch a startup, Austin is known as the best place to start a business!
Q: Is Austin a good city for recent graduates or young professionals?
A: Yes, Austin is one of the best cities for young professionals! There are plenty of major corporations within Austin, including Apple Inc. and Google to find job opportunities. Plus, you’re able to spread your dollar further since there’s no state income tax in Texas.
Choose From Excellent Schools in Austin
It shouldn’t come as a surprise that ATX is ranked as the best college town in America, as there are so many high-quality Austin universities where young professionals can pursue higher education! Show your school pride by holding up the “hook ’em horns” sign when you become a Longhorn at The University of Texas at Austin. Prepare for a career in accounting, acting, marketing, finance, and more at one of the best regional colleges in the West, the esteemed St. Edward’s University. Find faith-based education and hands-on learning by enrolling at Concordia University Texas. Pursue a degree at Huston-Tillotson University, where you can explore majors like education, music, and political science. Or travel just over 30 minutes outside the city to study biology, agriculture, or communication studies at Texas State University.
Q: Is Austin a good city for recent graduates or young professionals?
A: Yes, Austin is one of the best cities for young professionals! There are plenty of major corporations within Austin, including Apple Inc. and Google to find job opportunities. Plus, you’re able to spread your dollar further since there’s no state income tax in Texas.
Take Advantage of Public Transportation in Austin
There are plenty of Austin public transportation options that are a great solution for navigating its heavy traffic. Catch a ride on Capital Metro (CapMetro) for bus routes throughout Downtown Austin and the ATX metro. To access Austin’s northern suburbs, hop on the CapMetro Rail, a 32-mile route from Downtown Austin via the Red Line. For shorter commutes, Austinites can rent from Bikeshare at one of the many stations located throughout the city. If you have your own bike, take advantage of the well-developed paths for biking in Austin. Or if you want to travel outside the city, reach international destinations by plane at the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
Q: Can I get around Austin without a car?
A: While you can get around Austin without a car, especially if you live downtown or near The University of Texas, those living outside of the city center may benefit from having a car due to how spread out Austin is. However CapMetro buses, the MetroRail, and bike-friendly paths make it possible to commute without driving.
Explore Austin’s Sustainability Efforts
As one of the greenest cities in America, Austin is perfect for residents who want to live a more sustainable lifestyle. The Texas capital has plenty of wind farms in an effort to reach its goal of generating 65% of the city’s energy from renewable sources by 2027. Plus, new constructions in Austin are being built according to LEED green building standards, and since ATX is a leader in community solar energy, many of the city’s public buildings are powered by clean energy. Because Austin, Texas sustainability efforts are a core value of the city, the local government has many green resources to help residents stay environmentally conscious, including curbside compost collection, the Air Quality Program, the Grow Green gardening education program, and more.
Q: What Austin sustainability programs are available to residents?
A: Austin offers a wide range of sustainability programs to help residents live more eco-friendly. Homeowners can take advantage of green resource programs like rebates and incentives for energy-efficient appliances. Or get involved with community-based resources like the Neighborhood Partner Program, curbside composting, and Austin’s Grow Green initiative
Discover Outdoor & Indoor Activities in Austin
Because Austin, Texas, weather is made up of hot summers and mild winters, you can enjoy plenty of the outdoor activities in Austin like the city’s many outdoor activities and waterfront entertainment year-round. Explore Austin’s natural beauty and go ziplining through the trees or flyboarding out of the water when you visit Lake Travis. Crawl, climb, and squeeze through cave passages 26 feet beneath the ground with fellow adventurers just outside the city at the Inner Space Cavern. Watch the largest colony of urban Mexican free-tailed bats in the world take flight beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge—and book a kayak tour or riverboat cruise for the best viewing experience. But don’t limit your fun in the city to the outdoors! If you want to explore indoor Austin activities that are great for both kids and adults, feed octopi, stingrays, and sharks, or pet lemurs and sloths at the Austin Aquarium. Or introduce your kiddos to vintage toys and arcade games from the past century at the Texas Toy Museum for family fun in Austin.
Q: What do people do in Austin in the Summer?
A: Because Austin experiences hot summers, many people enjoy staying cool with various water-based activities around the city. Swimming at Barton Springs Pool and paddleboarding or kayaking on Lady Bird Lake are popular places for enjoying the summer in Austin!
Spend the Day at Austin’s Zilker Park
Hunting for fun things to do in Austin? With everything from hiking trails and swimming holes to festivals and theater productions, Zilker Metropolitan Park is a must-see 351-acre outdoor oasis and one of the best things to do in Austin! Gather a few friends to rent canoes and kayaks on Lady Bird Lake. Go biking, hiking, or bouldering along the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Cool down in 68-to-70-degree water on a hot Austin day at the popular Barton Springs Pool. Observe Austin’s flora and fauna among the Rose Garden, Koi ponds, and waterfalls at Zilker Botanical Garden. Have a blast and register your kite at the annual ABC Kite Fest. Or dress up and view Broadway-tier local productions like Bring It On: The Musical put on by Zilker Theatre Productions.
Q: How much time can you expect to spend at Zilker Park?
A: A visit to Zilker Park can last a couple of hours to a full day (or more!) depending on what you want to do. This park covers 351 acres with many attractions like Barton Springs Pool, the Botanical Garden, museums, trails, and event lawns, perfect for relaxing, swimming, exploring, or picnicking.
Experience Dog-friendly Places in Austin
The Lone Star State is for more than just people! As one of the most dog-friendly cities in the U.S., Austin welcomes pups of all kinds with its many pet-friendly parks, restaurants, bars, and stores. Take your canine to play fetch at one of the many off-leash dog parks in ATX, including Red Bud Isle, Auditorium Shores, and Zilker Park. Explore one of the best dog-friendly things to do in Austin by walking around The Domain to shop for pet sweaters and stylish collars. Searching for dog-friendly restaurants in Austin? Enjoy a brew while your furry friend enjoys a bone and roams around the dog park at Yard Bar. Try homemade sausage with your pooch and listen to live music at Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden. Or relax with your pup on the waterfront and fill up on the Fried Pickles, Gulf Shrimp Tacos, and Lake House Salad from Ski Shores Cafe.
Q: Are there dog events in Austin?
A: Yes, there are a few dog events in Austin where furry friends are welcomed, like the Treaty Oak Night Market: Dog Days & Nights, Blues on the Green, and more.
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Rock Out in the Live Music Capital
When living in Austin, you can experience top-notch entertainment in the Live Music Capital of the World! There are hundreds of music venues in Austin spanning all genres of music, and the city is host to some of the largest and most popular music events in the country. Join thousands of other attendees and sing along to musicians from around the globe, including everyone from indie songwriters to breakout rock bands, at SXSW (also known as South by Southwest). Head to Zilker Park for a diverse lineup of more than 100 performers—as well as delicious eats and treats—at the two-weekend ATX music festival Austin City Limits. Or if you’re looking for free things to do in Austin, you can snag a few friends and take advantage of the annual free concert series in Austin, Blues on the Green.
Q: Are there options for free music in Austin?
A: Yes, in addition to Blues on the Green, free Austin music options include Hot Summer Nights and the Drop-in Concert series at the Long Center.
Attend Other Austin Festivals
While known for hosting major music events, there are plenty of other Austin festivals fit for anyone’s taste! Are you a fan of all things fantastical looking for cool things to do in Austin? Go on an adventure with fellow film buffs at the largest annual film festival in the U.S. dedicated to genres like horror, sci-fi, and fantasy, Fantastic Fest. Enjoy theatrical performances, concerts, and much more at OUTsider Festival—an event that celebrates the Austin LGBTQ community! Browse hundreds of covers and find your next read at the Texas Book Festival. Have endless fun with other foodies in Austin sampling a variety of tacos, barbecue, and more at Hot Luck. Or taste classic dishes from renowned Austin chefs and try wine and beer from the country’s top spirits makers at the Austin Food + Wine Festival.
Q: Are there family-friendly Austin festivals?
A: Yes, there are several Austin festivals for the whole family, like the ABC Kite Fest, Texas Book Festival, and the nearby Texas Pumpkin Fest.
Let the Art in Austin Move You
Whether you live near Austin, TX, or in the city proper, art enthusiasts will fit right in the Austin art scene! Experience world-class exhibits of contemporary sculptures or Latin American paintings at The Contemporary Austin and Blanton Museum of Art. Watch as the company dancers twirl and leap through the air at Ballet Austin. Pop over to the UT station area for Broadway productions like Disney’s The Lion King or Mean Girls, as well as standup comedy shows, at Bass Concert Hall. You can find street art in Austin, too! Check out the community park that’s covered in Austin murals and paintings by local street artists, HOPE Outdoor Gallery. Have your own model moment and snap a photo on SoCo, one of the most photographed streets in the city due to its vibrant murals and live music venues. Or marvel at Malin’s Fountain, a large troll sculpture made out of recycled materials, at Pease Park.
Q: How much does admission cost to the Contemporary Austin?
A: Reserve tickets for the Contemporary Austin are free for members, children under 18, military (with ID), and Museums for All (EBT + ID); $10 for adults; $5 for seniors and students/educators; and free on Thursdays.
Find Family Fun in Austin
Looking for family-friendly activities in Austin to keep the whole family entertained? Austin has a variety of fun things to do with kids! Sign the little ones up for a Saturday Camp, feed the goats, or check out over 300 animals from 100 different species at the Austin Zoo. Head to Thinkery for interactive STEAM exhibits like Train Town, Spark Shop, and more. See replicas of fossils and dinosaur tracks or check out the Honey Bee Observation Hive at Austin Nature & Science Center. Get tickets to musicals like The Sound of Music or enroll the kids in an Acting Summer Camp at the ZACH Theatre. Play a game of mini-golf with the family and complete challenging obstacles at Peter Pan Mini Golf. Or browse through a large collection of children’s books and attend free events like Kids Book Club at BookPeople.
Q: Does the Austin Zoo offer any private experiences?
A: Yes. The Austin Zoo offers private animal encounters where you can meet animals like the capybara and Galapagos Tortoises.
Hang Out at Sporting Events in Austin
Austin might not have many professional teams, but that doesn’t mean sports aren’t a big part of the culture here! Witness the Austin Sol (AUDL)—the city’s professional ultimate disc golf team—catch major air at The Pitch. Get decked out in burnt orange and white to support the Texas Longhorns (FBS) at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium. Experience a unique adrenaline rush by watching racing in Austin at events like the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix! Every year, thousands of people gather in Austin to see Formula 1 drivers from all over the world race to the finish at Circuit of the Americas.
Q: What sports do the Texas Longhorns participate in?
A: The Texas Longhorns compete in several NCAA Division I sports, including football, basketball, baseball, softball, volleyball, track and field, swimming, tennis, and more.
Dine at Austin Food Trucks
You don’t have to put on fancy clothes to enjoy out-of-this-world cuisine—some of the best places to eat in Austin are food trucks! Head over and indulge in some of the best Mexican food in Austin with a Sonora Hot Dog, Chicken Burrito, or Carne Asada Quesadilla at T-Loc’s Sonora. Find an amazing meal anytime at The Picnic, a food truck court in Austin offering several delicious ATX food truck options—like Coat & Thai, which serves up dishes like Pad Kee Mao and Cashew Chicken. If you’re craving Mexican food, venture over to try Street Corn, Juan’s Refried Beans, and the Trailer Park Taco from one of the best taco places in Austin, Torchy’s Tacos. Pair a Black Bean Hot Wrap with a Mango Smoothie or Frozen Cucumber Lemonade from Conscious Cravings. Or feast on Austin vegan food like Broccoli Nuggets and Seitan Stew from Bodhi Viet Veggie Cuisine.
Q: Are there any vegetarian food trucks in Austin?
A: Yes—Austin has several vegetarian and vegan food trucks like the Vegan Nam and Vegan Yacht.
Check Out Breweries in Austin
Searching for fun things to do in Austin at night? Making the list of cities every beer drinker should visit, Austin is home to many world-class bars and breweries in Texas! Enjoy a variety of beers in the beer garden like a Day Trip Pale Ale, Superliner IPA, or a Rocket 100 Pilsner at the Austin Beer Garden Brewing Company. Spend an evening sampling Austin craft beers like Floaty, Fire Eagle, or Pearl-Snap at Austin Beerworks. Munch on late-night snacks and sip on rotating craft beers like a Carl Kolsch at St. Elmo Brewing Co. Browse the ever-changing drink menu featuring options like Professor Pleasant, Pennybacker, and Sir Windsor at Hopsquad Brewing Co. Or listen to live music and take a whiskey tour at the exceptional Still Austin Whiskey Co. distillery.
Q: Is there a city-wide brew tour in Austin?
A: Yes, residents can go on Austin’s City Brew Tour which gives them backstage access to see how beer is made at some of the best Austin breweries. The tour includes 12-16 beer tastings, food pairings, and more.
Explore Austin’s Nightlife Scene
With so many fun places to go to in Austin at night, the party never has to stop! Check out local ATX hot spot, 6th Street, and have a blast exploring the different bars, nightclubs, and speakeasies in the area, especially if you’re looking for fun group activities in Austin. Show off your best moves or laugh out loud at comedians at Vulcan Gas Company. Order a Pickle shot and sit on the rooftop patio at Buckshot. Sip on the Stout Russian and shoot some pool with friends in the jolly, year-round Christmas bar, Lala’s Little Nugget. Find the secret entrance and unplug for good company and fancy libations like Lion’s Tail at Austin speakeasy, Midnight Cowboy. Try award-winning cocktails the Java Script, Field of Dreams, or Ground Control at DrinkWell. Or tickle your funny bone with local acts or nationally touring comedic acts like The Best Of Comedy Mothership and Bottom of The Barrel at Comedy Mothership for some fun in Austin.
Q: What are the best speakeasies in Austin?
A: Some of the best Austin speakeasies include the invite-only Here Nor There, Small Victory, Firehouse Lounge, and more
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