Living in Austin vs Dallas (2023)

Austin or Dallas which is better? Are you trying to decide what’s better for you: living in Dallas vs Austin? In this article, we’ll explore the difference between living in Austin vs Dallas.

Living in Austin vs Dallas

The Vibe

It’s important to look at the vibe when comparing living in Austin vs Dallas.  Austin has a more laid back vibe. Austin’s “Keep Austin Weird” spirit permeates the city, creating a laid-back and eclectic atmosphere that attracts artists, musicians, and free spirits.

Austin’s reputation as a music and foodie paradise is well-deserved. The city’s unique character is defined by its vibrant music scene, famous restaurants, and food trucks. 

Dallas exudes a cosmopolitan vibe, particularly in its downtown area, with a sophisticated atmosphere akin to New York City. 

If you’re looking for a more laid-back city then you may want to consider living in Austin. If you want a more cosmopolitan, sophisticated, and refined city, then Dallas might be right for you.

Size

Austin is smaller in every sense. For Austinites, convenience is king, with most necessities just a stone’s throw away. The downtown area, especially around Market/Seaholm, offers a beautiful, walkable, and vibrant atmosphere.

Dallas, on the other hand, is larger and more spread out. Neighborhoods like Lower Greenville can require longer drives to access shopping and dining options. While Dallas has its share of attractions, its downtown can feel more business-oriented and less pedestrian-friendly in many areas.

Style

Austin’s youthful energy, fueled by its status as a college town, tends to attract a more stylish crowd. Residents here often take pride in their individuality and dress to impress. The city’s eclectic charm extends to its cafes and hangout spots.

In Dallas, the scene is a diverse mix of styles. While you’ll find trendy spots, Dallas has a wide range of fashion tastes.

Locals

Austin’s reputation as a transplant city means newcomers are the norm. This welcoming vibe can make it easier for newcomers to blend in.

Dallas has a more established identity, with many residents hailing from Texas itself. It’s not uncommon for people in Dallas to assume you’re a local.

Transportation

Both Austin and Dallas are car-oriented cities, where most commuters rely on personal vehicles for transportation. However, they differ in their public transit options.

In Austin, the CapMetro system connects downtown with the Austin suburbs through Metro Rail trains and buses. Austin also offers scooter-share and bike-share programs like Jump Bikes, B-Cycle, Lime, and Bird. 

Dallas has the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) system, including buses, light rails, streetcars, and trolleys that operate both within the city and extend into the suburbs. Dallas has struggled to establish successful bike-sharing programs due to local resistance.

Austin, being smaller, can focus its transit services on key destinations, while Dallas relies more on personal vehicles, with mass transit serving specific destinations in the DFW Metroplex.

If you are considering living in Dallas vs Austin, know that public transportation is not extensive and you will need a car if you live in either city. 

Tech Boom

In recent years, Austin has experienced a significant corporate boom, with tech giants like Tesla, Amazon, and Google establishing a presence. This influx of companies has transformed many of Austin’s popular suburbs, attracting families from various parts of the country and contributing to the city’s evolving character. While change is evident, Austin remains true to its roots, embracing both its new tech identity and its quirky, welcoming ethos.

If you’re in the tech industry, then settling down in Austin may be right for you.

Sports Scene

If you’re a big sports fan, Dallas is home to more professional sports teams than Austin. Dallas hosts major events like the World Series and Super Bowl and is home to pro teams like the Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys, FC Dallas, and Dallas Mavericks.

Austin leans more towards college sports, with the University of Texas football team being a big attraction. If you’re into professional sports in Austin, you can support the Austin FC and the Round Rock Express.

Food Scene

Let’s compare the food scene of Austin vs Dallas. When it comes to food, Austin is renowned for its food scene, especially its vibrant food truck culture. The city is known for its trendy and innovative dining experiences. From food trucks to upscale dining, Austin consistently delivers delicious culinary experiences.

On the other hand, Dallas offers a cosmopolitan food scene with a plethora of restaurant options catering to various tastes and cuisines. It’s a city where you can find everything from upscale dining to diverse international flavors.

In summary, both cities offer a good variety of dining establishments, making their food scenes comparable in terms of choices. However, Austin stands out with its food truck culture and trendy culinary experiences, while Dallas provides a cosmopolitan dining experience with a wide range of restaurant options. While some may argue in favor of Dallas, Austin tends to win the culinary battle among the food enthusiasts.

Home Prices

No comparison is complete without looking at the home prices of Austin vs Dallas. When it comes to buying a home, Austin is more expensive than Dallas. The median home price for Dallas is $400,763 while the median home price for Austin is $554,027. 

Outdoor Scene

One of Austin’s standout features is its outdoor scene. If your idea of weekend fun is to relax on an urban lake- then Austin can be the right place for you.

Nestled in the Hill Country of Texas, Austin is located where there are urban lakes right in town. Nature enthusiasts have ample opportunities for exploration, from hiking and biking to kayaking and waterfall chasing. 

Schools

Let’s compare the schools in our Austin vs Dallas debate. In Niche.com’s ranking of the best public high schools in Texas, Dallas takes the first and second spots while Austin’s Liberal Arts & Science Academy took the 3rd spot.

In Austin, the suburban schools, including Lake Travis High School, Westlake High School, and Vandegrift High School, consistently rank among the best in the nation.

In Dallas, suburban schools like Highland Park High School, Lovejoy High School, Westlake Academy, and Liberty High School frequently appear on national best schools lists.

Conclusion: Living in Austin vs Dallas

In the grand Texas tradition, the Dallas vs. Austin debate ultimately boils down to personal preference. Whether you’re drawn to Austin’s youthful spirit, culinary scene, and eclectic and laidback culture, or Dallas’s sophistication and cosmopolitan food scene, both cities offer distinct experiences that capture the essence of Texas living.