Living in Austin

Thinking about moving to Austin? The capital of Texas is full of incredible dining and nightlife, plenty of opportunities for higher education and careers, unique landmarks and attractions, and quirky art scenes. If you’re thinking about living in ATX, here’s what you should know!

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ABOUT
AUSTIN

World’s largest cowboy boots in Austin Texas

LIFE IN
AUSTIN

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WHERE TO LIVE IN
AUSTIN

man in cowboy hat watching outdoor music

THINGS TO DO IN
AUSTIN

Downtown Austin Skyline from Underneath Pfluger Pedestrian

FAQs ABOUT
AUSTIN

What Time Is It in Austin?

Austin is located in the Central Time Zone and does follow Daylight Saving Time.

What is the Cost of Living in Austin?

The cost of living in Austin is 7% higher than the national average and 16% higher than the Texas state average.

What is the Population of Austin?

According to 2020 Census data, Austin has a population of 961,855.

What is the Crime Rate in Austin?

The Austin crime rate is 75% higher than the national average, and the city is considered safer than 14% of U.S. cities.

What is the Weather Like in Austin?

The weather in Austin is temperate, with hot summers and mild winters. August is typically the warmest month of the year, with temperatures averaging around 86 degrees, while January is typically the coldest month of the year, with temperatures averaging around 51 degrees. The city receives 36.4 inches of rainfall on average each year.

Life in Austin

Living in Austin is a unique experience. In addition to its vibrant entertainment scene, Austin also offers residents a thriving job market, excellent schools, unique cuisine, and endless outdoor activities. Learn more about what it’s like to live in ATX below!

World’s largest cowboy boots in Austin Texas

The Austin Lifestyle

Not only is Austin one of the best big cities in the U.S. and one of the best places to live in the South, but it’s also the Live Music Capital of the World, featuring more than 175 live music venues throughout the city! The Texas capital city is a fun place to live and draws people of all ages, thanks to its friendly locals, delicious food, and trendy culture that’s all about keeping it weird!

Austin Demographics

The city’s designated slogan “Keep Austin Weird” holds true, as the city’s diverse and multi-cultural population influences its art, music, food, and more. In fact, there are tons of Austin festivals throughout the year that celebrate the city’s wide range of ethnicities, religions, identities, lifestyles, and cultures.

Jobs in Austin

Austin ranks as one of the best cities for young professionals and best cities for jobs, thanks to its booming job market and many job training programs! The city has a 2.8% unemployment rate, and tech positions represent over 17% of all Austin area jobs, giving the city its nickname of Silicon Hills. If you’re an entrepreneur trying to launch a startup, Austin is one of the bests place to start a business. Plus, local businesses are backed by the Austin Independent Business Association.

Education in Austin

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that Austin is ranked as the top college town in America, what with its many universities and dedication to 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, and more at the esteemed St. Edward’s University. Find faith-based education and hands-on learning by enrolling at Concordia University Texas. Immerse yourself in a variety of academic programs like fashion, interior design, or film and production at The Art Institute of Austin. Or pursue a degree at Huston-Tillotson University, where you can enroll in programs to study education, music, and political science.

Where to Live in Austin

Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country. And Texas’ capital has something to offer for everyone—including students, young professionals, families, and retirees. If you’re looking for a great place to settle down in ATX, there are all kinds of unique areas to choose from!

residential home backyard in Texas with swimming pool

Find the Best Austin Neighborhoods

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Dec 19, 2022

Best Neighborhoods in Austin For Families

Skyline of Downtown Austin on a sunny day.

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Safe, Affordable Neighborhoods in Austin

Skyline of tall buildings at night in Downtown Austin

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Best Neighborhoods in Austin for Singles & Young Professionals

Dec 13, 2022

Buying a Home in Austin

ATX is a good place to buy a home, thanks to its nice weather year-round, big city amenities, and excellent job market. The growing population and the city’s strong economy also help make it one of the best real estate markets in the country.

Row of Homes with Orange Garage Doors in Austin, TX

Dec 19, 2022

Renting a Home in Austin

Austin has some of the best live entertainment in the world, Texas Longhorn football, and a plethora of food options—and renting in ATX is a great way to experience all the capital city has to offer. Renting is a popular choice for many Austin residents, with 54% renting their homes.

View of Downtown Austin, TX at Dusk

Things to Do in Austin

Looking for things to do in Austin? From world-famous festivals and vibrant nightlife to an amazing culinary and cocktail scene, you’ll never run out of activities when living in Austin. Check out some of the top things to do in ATX below!

man in cowboy hat watching outdoor music

Dining

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 to T-Loc’s Sonora and indulge in a Sonora Hot Dog, Chicken Burrito, or Carne Asada Quesadilla. Find an amazing meal anytime at The Picnic, a food-truck court offering several delicious ATX food truck options—like Coat & Thai, which serves up dishes like Pad Kee Mao and Cashew Chicken, or The Mighty Cone, creators of the famous Hot ‘n’ Crunchy coating. If you’re craving Mexican food, venture over to South Austin Trailer Park & Eatery to try one of the best taco places in Austin, Torchy’s Tacos. Pair their breakfast tacos with a Mango Smoothie or Frozen Cucumber Lemonade from Conscious Cravings.

Nightlife

With so many fun places to go to in Austin at night, the party never has to stop! Check out local ATX hotspot, 6th Street, and have a blast exploring the different bars, nightclubs, and speakeasies in the area. Show off your best moves at Vulcan Gas Company. Spend an evening sampling craft beers like Amber Vision, Sun Shovel, or Pearl Snap at Austin Beerworks. Order a Pickle shot and sit on the rooftop patio at Buckshot. Sip on Reindeer Water and shoot some pool with friends in this jolly and bright, year-round Christmas bar, Lala’s Little Nugget. Or relax in a phone-free zone that encourages you to unplug for good company and fancy libations at Austin speakeasy, Midnight Cowboy.

Shopping

If you’re looking for a first-rate shopping experience, Downtown Austin’s 2nd Street District has it all, from major retail outlets to local Austin boutiques. Head to Austin Rocks for music-inspired apparel, accessories, gifts, and more. Get your hair done before browsing clothing, candles, bath and body products, and more at Luxe Apothetique. Find your new favorite pair of sneakers at Sneaker Politics, with over 50 different brands to choose from. For stylish menswear, head to Bonobos or League of Rebels. Or on Saturdays, start your day at the SFC Farmer’s Market and support over 75 local vendors and businesses.

Entertainment

When living in Austin, you can experience top-notch entertainment in the Live Music Capital of the World! Join thousands of other attendees and view more than 2,000 musicians from around the globe, including everyone from indie songwriters to breakout rock bands, at SXSW (also known as South by Southwest). Find your new favorite beats while watching performances from artists like Future and The Kid LAROI at hip-hop music festival JMBLYA. Head to Zilker Park for a diverse lineup of more than 100 performers—as well as delicious eats and treats—at two-weekend ATX music festival Austin City Limits. Or snag a few friends and take advantage of the annual free concert series in Austin, Blues on the Green.

Art & Culture

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 To Kill a Mockingbird or Hairspray, as well as standup comedy shows, at Bass Concert Hall. But art in Austin isn’t just found in museums—you can find street art in Austin, too! Check out the community park that’s covered in 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 view whimsical stick installations inspired by Spanish-Colonial architecture at Pease Park.

Festivals

While known for hosting major music festivals, Austin also spotlights a wide range of events fit for any ATX residents’ tastes! Are you a fan of all things fantastical? Go on an adventure with fellow film buffs at the largest annual film festival dedicated to genres like horror, sci-fi, action, and fantasy, Fantastic Fest. Enjoy theatrical performances, concerts, scholarly presentations, dance parties, and much more at OUTsider—a five-day festival celebrating the LGBTQ community! Browse hundreds of covers at the Texas Book Festival. Have endless fun with other foodies in Austin sampling a variety of ramen, wings, 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.

Family-Friendly Activities

Looking for kid-friendly activities 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. See replicas of fossils and dinosaur tracks at Austin Nature & Science Center. Get tickets to shows like Dr. Seuss’s The Cat in The Hat or enroll the kids in an Improv 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.

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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT AUSTIN

Is Austin a good place to live?

Austin is one of the best big cities to live in the U.S., thanks to its warm weather, rapidly-growing job market, and bustling entertainment and arts scene.

What is Austin best known for?

Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World, but that’s just the beginning! Home to unique attractions, world-class museums, delicious cuisine, and endless outdoor activities, there are always plenty of things to do in Austin.

Is Austin too hot in summer?

Austin summers can be long and hot, with the highest daily temperature averaging around 97 degrees. But Austin residents can easily keep cool with in-home air conditioning and by taking advantage of the city’s many lakes and swimming pools!