Austin is an exciting city with amazing cultural diversity and a great arts and live music scene. Its unofficial motto is 鈥淜eep Austin Weird鈥�. Foreigners relocating to Austin will be greeted by a healthy economy, a great dining scene, and lots of options in terms of how to spend their leisure time. This guide covers the best areas to live, current rental costs, and what to expect from daily life in Austin.
Even though it has grown in popularity over the past several years, Austin's housing and cost of living remain lower than some major US cities 鈥� for instance, it costs about 45% less to live in Austin than in New York City across most categories. However, rent and housing costs have risen sharply in recent years and are by no means cheap. Public transport in Austin is improving under a new plan called , which is slowly making more neighborhoods transit-accessible.
Neighborhoods in Austin
In central Austin, Tarrytown boasts stunning lake views, easy downtown access, and luxurious homes, making it a sought-after neighborhood. For a more traditional feel and affordable single-family housing with proximity to downtown, Clarksville is a popular choice, especially among young families.
In North Austin, you'll find Hyde Park, characterized by quiet, tree-lined streets and unique bungalows and Victorian-style homes. This area is convenient for the University of Texas faculty, graduates, and young professionals. Great Hills offers affordable modern homes and easy access to the tech corridor and the upscale Arboretum shopping center.
Trendy areas include East Austin, which has expanded rapidly in recent years. East Austin has a creative, artistic vibe and a great food scene, making it popular among young professionals and creative types. Mueller is a walkable and family-friendly suburb with a growing retail and green space. South Congress (SoCo) offers upmarket shopping and dining, new condos, and a modern feel. North Loop, Brentwood, and Windsor Park are gaining popularity for affordability and a strong community vibe.
Accommodation and rent prices in Austin
Just like in many big cities, apartments tend to get smaller and prices are higher as you move closer to the central hub of the city. In this regard, Austin is no different from anywhere else. In Austin's downtown, many people live in apartments or townhomes, although single-family homes are also common options.
Your monthly rent will depend on the neighborhood, with wide-ranging prices based on the area's desirability. For a one-bedroom apartment, you should expect to pay between $1,400 and $2,200 per month on average citywide, with downtown units going for $2,500. Two-bedroom apartments range from $1,400 to $2,500 per month. Three-bedroom homes average $2,200 to $3,800 per month, but luxury or central homes can soar to $5,600 or more. Do your research, use word of mouth, and with a bit of elbow grease, you can usually find something in your budget.
The median home price in Austin is sitting around $500,000, though averages do skew a little higher due to luxury listings. Rents have decreased slightly in the last few years due to rising vacancy rates.
Generally, an apartment lease in Austin will include charges such as water, gas, trash services, and building maintenance, and shared amenities. However, many units now use a Ratio Utility Billing System , meaning tenants often pay separately for water, sewer, and rubbish removal. Electricity is rarely included unless stated in the lease.
Recently, Austin has eliminated most parking requirements for new buildings. Many apartments will charge $100鈥�$200 per month for reserved parking, and some properties now offer no parking at all.
Good to know:
All rental properties in Austin are now required to have air conditioning that keeps indoor temperatures at least 15掳F (9掳 Celsius) cooler than the outside and below 85掳F (30掳 Celsius) in every room. This has become a legal requirement and no longer just a recommendation.
Life in Austin
As the cultural capital of the state, Austin offers a huge range of experiences for every 暗网禁区. Being the seat of the state government, the city has plenty of historical monuments and museums. For music lovers, Austin is a dream come true, being one of the country's music capitals with countless live shows and two orchestras to enjoy. Notably, it hosts the renowned South by Southwest () music, conference and arts festival, drawing music enthusiasts from far and wide. Food is also a huge part of Austin culture, from high-end dining to barbecue and taco food trucks, there is no shortage of delicious southwestern cuisine to try.
Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the bevy of activities available, as Austin ranks among the most bikeable cities in the country, boasting well-maintained bike paths and urban trails. Numerous swimming areas around Austin are accessible, as well as some within the city limits, like the iconic Barton Pond. An unusual attraction is Austin's bat colony - the largest in North America - which lures tourists to witness their mesmerizing evening flights during the summer.
Austin's average annual temperature has increased by about 0.9掳C since 2010, with more frequent heatwaves and longer hot periods now a fact of life. Rainfall levels have also declined, and the city has been investing in to counter rising temperatures and prepare for climate change.
Summers are generally long and very hot, with July and August temperatures between 34 and 36掳C (93鈥�97掳F). Be prepared for the heat and accept that being inside with air conditioning running is just a fact of life in the Texan summer. However, winter in Austin is mild and comfortable and offers some relief after the sweltering summer.
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