Are you planning to move to Austin TX? Austin, Texas, often referred to as the “Live Music Capital of the World” and renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, amazing food scene and thriving job market, has become a highly popular place to move to. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of living in Austin.
Pros of Living in Austin, Texas
1. Amazing Music and Art Scene
One of the advantages of living in Austin is the amazing music and art scene. Austin’s reputation as the “Live Music Capital of the World” is well-deserved. Locals can experience live music around town any night of the week, and art and music festivals are hosted here just about every weekend throughout the year. Whether you’re attending the Austin City Limits Music Festival in Zilker Park or exploring the diverse music of South by Southwest, there’s no shortage of creative and cultural experiences in the city.
2. Thriving Job Market
One of the biggest draws for moving to Austin is the thriving job market. The city is a hub for technology companies and startups, offering a plethora of opportunities in fields such as software development, engineering, and digital marketing.
Austin has experienced a significant corporate boom, with tech giants like Tesla, Amazon, and Google establishing a presence.
3. Lots of Outdoor Activities
If you love the outdoors, Austin is a great place to live in. Water lovers can head to famous swimming holes in the area to cool off during the hot summer months. The city is also home to four water parks, featuring swimming pools, slides, and lazy rivers. Hikers can easily access several hiking trails, whether for a day trip to a state park or a stroll around Lady Bird Lake.
4. Food and Drink Scene
Austin is a foodie’s paradise. When it comes to food, Austin is renowned for its food scene, especially its vibrant food truck culture. The city offers a diverse range of culinary experiences, from mouthwatering barbecue to gourmet food trucks to international cuisine. It’s also famous for its craft beer and cocktail scene, with numerous breweries and distilleries to explore.
5. Bike Friendly City
Austin’s reputation as one of the most bike-friendly cities in the United States holds true. Austin has scooter-share and bike-share programs like Jump Bikes, B-Cycle, Lime, and Bird.
6. Friendly Community
Austinites are known for their friendliness and welcoming laid-back attitude. Austin has a 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. It’s also a city that attracts a lot of young people and millennials, giving it a youthful energy.
7. No State Income Tax
One significant financial advantage of living in Texas, including Austin, is the absence of state income tax. This means that you won’t have to pay a portion of your income to the state government, which can result in significant savings compared to living in states with income taxes.
8. Excellent Schools
Austin is home to top-rated public schools. Austin’s Liberal Arts & Science Academy, for example, ranks as the 3rd best public high school in Texas according to Niche.com. Suburban schools like Lake Travis High School, Westlake High School, and Vandegrift High School consistently earn recognition as some of the best in the nation, providing quality education options for families.
9. Walkable Downtown
The downtown area of Austin, especially around Market/Seaholm, offers a beautiful, walkable, and vibrant atmosphere. It’s a place where you can explore on foot, visit local shops and restaurants, and take in the unique urban vibe.
10. Pet-Friendly City
Austin is known for being a pet-friendly city, with numerous parks, trails, and businesses that welcome four-legged friends. Dog owners will find plenty of off-leash parks and pet-friendly restaurants and cafes, making it easy to enjoy the city’s amenities with their furry companions.
11. Home to the University of Texas at Austin
Austin is home to the prestigious University of Texas at Austin, one of the largest and most respected public research universities in the United States. This institution not only provides educational opportunities but also contributes to the city’s intellectual and cultural vibrancy, hosting events, lectures, and cultural activities that enrich the community.
Cons of Living in Austin, Texas
1. Traffic Congestion
One of the major disadvantages of living in Austin is the traffic congestion. The rapid expansion of Austin has resulted in a lot of traffic. Particularly notorious for traffic congestion during peak hours are sections such as I-35 and MoPac near downtown, the southwest region near MoPac and Hwy. 290, the stretch of I-35 south of Hwy. 290, and the northwest corridor along Hwy. 183.
2. Housing Costs
The booming real estate market in Austin has driven up housing costs significantly. Rental prices and home prices have increased substantially, making it challenging for many residents, especially those on a tight budget, to find affordable housing.
Austin’s housing prices are so high that it has overtaken other big Texas cities like Dallas. It’s more expensive to buy a house in Austin vs Dallas. The median home price in Austin is $554,027 while the median home price in Dallas is only $400,763.
3. Extreme Weather
While Austin’s climate is generally pleasant, it can also be characterized by extreme weather conditions. Summers can be scorching, with temperatures regularly exceeding 100°F, and occasional severe weather events like floods and storms can occur.
4. Lack of Public Transportation
Austin’s public transportation system is not as robust as in some other major cities. In Austin, the CapMetro system connects downtown with the Austin suburbs through Metro Rail trains and buses. While efforts are being made to improve public transit, the city remains largely reliant on private vehicles, contributing to traffic congestion. You will need a car to get around Austin!
5. Lack of Diversity
According to Census data, Austin’s population is disproportionately less diverse, with 66.4% of the population being White, while only 7.7% are Black, and 8.2% are Asian. The city has a lack of racial and ethnic diversity.
6. Crowding and Gentrification
As more people flock to Austin, some neighborhoods have experienced gentrification, leading to concerns about affordability and cultural displacement in historically diverse communities.
7. Large School Districts
One of the disadvantages of living in Austin is that the schools are big. Austin’s school districts, such as Austin Independent School District (AISD), can be quite large, with AISD having more than 73,000 students in 116 schools. The size of these districts can be tough for shy kids because they can sometimes get lost in the crowd.
8. Mosquito Problem
Austin is known for having a mosquito problem, especially during the warmer months in the spring, summer, and fall. These pesky insects can be a nuisance, and residents often need to take precautions to avoid mosquito bites, such as using repellent and keeping windows and doors screened.
9. Lack of Professional Sports Team
Austin does not have a major professional sports team, which can be disappointing for sports enthusiasts who enjoy attending games. While the city does have minor league and collegiate sports, it lacks a presence in major league sports like the NFL, NBA, or MLB. 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.