Moving to Austin Texas: The Ultimate Austin Relocation Guide

If you’ve been thinking about moving to Austin, you’re not alone. Thousands of people move to Austin each month because it is hands down one of the best cities, in Texas and the nation. Austin originated as the tiny riverside village of Waterloo located in the buffalo-hunting region of the Tonkawa and Comanche Indian tribes. Over the years Austin has matured to be the fourth-largest city, and in the opinion of many, the most fun and intriguing city in the State of Texas. If you’re thinking about moving here, below is everything you need to know before moving to Austin. Read our Austin Relocation Guide below to learn all about Austin and especially what makes it so unique. For a more in-depth look at relocating to Austin download our 30-page Austin Relocation Guide PDF. 

Living in Austin, Texas: 

People from all walks of life love Austin and choose to make Austin home for themselves and their families. Austin is extremely diverse. This makes for a lively and social city with exciting events and festivals year-round. Local residents are very welcoming and new friends are often just a conversation away. The music scene in Austin has something to offer everyone. A well-deserved official motto of Austin is the “Live Music Capital of the World.” The unofficial motto of Austin is “Keep Austin Weird” which you can see resonate throughout the city through its unique murals, businesses, and landmarks. Austin weirdness can be found in each corner of the city.

Transportation in Austin

Austin, like most growing cities experiences the growing pains of traffic congestion. The road system much like its culture is eclectic. Most major metropolitan areas include a north-south and east-west expressway with concentric loops. Austin has a collection of expressways and half-loops that when combined with the hilly nature of the topography can make getting around feel a bit adventurous. But don’t worry, although Austin does experience traffic, it’s not significantly worse than any other city of a similar size. Recently a proposition was passed that expands the cities light rail system by 27 miles and 31 stations. Laying the groundwork for an effective, efficient public transportation system which could connect Round Rock & Cedar Park with the central business district. It can take over an hour to get across town during rush hour so considering your commute when searching for your new Austin home is a good idea.

Weather in Austin

In Austin, the summers are hot and the winters are brief and pretty cold – especially this last winter with sustained single-digit temperatures. If you’re moving to Austin, remember, spring and fall provide the right balance between the bright sky and gentle climate. To flaunt that perfect tan, Austin is the ideal place. With its amazing weather, Austin is a city filled with outdoor activities and destinations where you can enjoy the great outdoors.

Education in Austin

Education has always been a top priority for the people of Austin, Texas. Due to the city’s focus on education, Austin ranks near the top of the “smartest cities list’. Austin has some of the best public schools in the state, such as Eanes Independent School District (Ranked 2nd). Lake Travis Independent School District (Ranked 6th) and Leander Independent School District (Ranked 15th). There are several universities and colleges that call Austin home and several more in the areas surrounding Austin, including:

• The University of Texas at Austin
• St. Edwards University (Austin, Texas)
• Austin Community College (Austin, Texas)
• Texas State University (San Marcos, Texas)
• Huston-Tillotson University (Austin, Texas)
• Concordia University (Austin, Texas)
• Southwestern University (Georgetown, Texas)
• South University (Round Rock, Texas)
• The Art Institute of Austin (Bastrop, Texas)

Demographics of Austin

Austin’s population is diverse and continues to attract people from all around the world. Hispanics makeup about 33% of Austin’s population and have experienced substantial growth over the past decade. The Asian population has also experience tramendous population growth in Austin. Austin is the 4th largest city in Texas and the 11th largest city in the nation. Austin has a population of approximately 1 million people within the city and over 2.2 million in the greater Austin area. The total population of Austin has been growing at a fast and consistent rate, but some parts of the city are absorbing the population growth more than others. Below is a map showing the past and projected future population growth of Austin from the Austin Chamber.

Austin Neighborhoods

Austin, TX has repeatedly been named one of the top places to live in the USA, and it is deserved. Austin is filled with unique and wonderful neighborhoods to fit every lifestyle. When you’re moving to Austin, is doesn’t matter if you’re a young professional, growing family, or empty nester – there is a neighborhood in Austin where you will feel right at home. Check out our map of Austin neighborhoods download our Austin Neighborhood Guide for an in-depth look at the neighborhoods of Austin.

Dining in Austin

Austin is known for its diverse and extensive food scene. The city lies at the crossroads of Tex-Mex and Texas’ famous smoked barbecue. After relocating to Austin, you’ll soon realize that you can find tacos of every type here, including a seemingly limitless variations of the Austin staple, the breakfast taco. But that is just the tip of the iceberg as Austin has an eclectic and lively food scene delivering delicious eats in troves. In Austin you can find eateries range from fine dining to food trucks and pretty much everything in between. Austin has an excellent variety of amazing restaurants and welcomes new restaurants on almost a daily basis. There seems to be no end to the great restaurants the city has to offer.

Take a look at our Food & Drinks section for ideas on how to enjoy the amazing restaurant and bar scene her in Austin, TX.

Fun things to do in Austin

Indoors

Museums: 

On a rainy day, you can always head to some of the many museums around town. Austin’s museums are some of the coolest in the state. After you move to Austin, make sure to check them out, we’ve listed  a few below.

• LBJ Presidential Library and Museum: This is the official Presidential Museum of the 36th president of the United States, Lyndon Baines Johnson. In conjunction with the LBJ Presidential Library, one can explore the dynamic time of the 1960s in US history.
• The Blanton Museum of Art: If you’re an art lover at heart this place is for you. The vast collection of artwork exhibited here ranges from ancient to modern times. Pro tip: every Thursday is free entry.
• The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria: A charming museum in a beautiful setting – an Italianate-style villa on the shores of Lake Austin focusing solely on contemporary artists.
• Bullock Texas State History Museum: Learn about the history of Texas the official history museum of the State of Texas. Check it out to explore hundreds of artifacts, stories, exhibits, films, and events.
• Texas State Capitol: Although it may not be a museum, The Texas Capitol is known as one of the nation’s most popular state capitols. It was noted on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986. It’s open to the public and offers free tours.

Theaters

• The Moody Theater: The Moody Theater in the heart of the city’s music scene and hosts a wide variety of live performances, including Austin City Limits.
• Paramount Theater: The Paramount Theater is a well-preserved and beautifully decorated live theater in downtown Austin, Texas. The traditional revival style structure was built in 1915. The construction was listed in the National Register of Historic Places. Many great live performances can be seen here during the regular season or during the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film and Music Festival.
• Violet Crown – a local posh movie theatre with snacks and a bar, good for date nites!
• Alamo Drafthouse – a quirky nation cinema chain founded here in Austin with a full bar, kitchen, and regular fun events.

Outdoors:

If you’re new to Austin, you will quickly find out there are some fantastic activities in Austin, Texas that you can enjoy with the entire family. We’ve summarized a few below but please check out our Outdoors sections for more info on fun in the sun in Austin, Texas!

• Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail: A 10-mile loop hike and bike trail that follows the edge of Lady Bird lake as it flows through the enter of town. The trail is a favorite spot to exercise or enjoy a walk with good company. With 6 bridges to cross the lake and get to the other-side of the trail, visitors can choose which loop & distance is the best fit for their outing.
• Barton Greenbelt: The treasured Barton Creek Greenbelt system runs through South Austin and is spotted with amazing swimming spots such as sculpture falls & twin falls. Check out the LCRA flow rates before you head down to the greenbelt, the creek dries up during periods of no rain.
• Lake Travis & Lake Austin & Lady Bird Lake: The Colorado River as is flows through Austin is flood controlled through a series of man made lakes. Water first enters into Lake Travis, which is over 60 miles long and a variable level lake. From Lake Travis, water flows through Mansfield dam into Lake Austin, a 22 mile long, constant level Lake. From Lake Austin, water flows through Tom Miller damn into Ladybird Lake (also known as Town Lake) which flows through the center of Austin.
• Pedernales Falls State Park: Pedernales Falls State Park holds beautiful waterfalls alongside layers of stunning limestone. There are many hiking trails. The park has minimal light from the surrounding areas and on our many clear nights, you can see with great clarity the astronomical spectacle that is the Milky Way.
• Mount Bonnell: Mount Bonnell is the highest point in Austin. It sits alongside the Lake Austin segment of the Colorado River in Austin, Texas. It has been a renowned destination since the 1850s due to its lovely views of Lake Austin in one direction and the downtown skyline in the other direction.
• Barton Springs Pool:  Barton Springs is the natural gem of Austin. It is a spring-fed natural outdoor swimming pool. It has a constant temperature of 68 degrees and is a perennial favorite for summer fun. Its oak-lined lawns are the perfect place to layout and enjoy the Austin summer. For the very brave, it is home to the New Year’s “polar bear plunge.”
• Zilker Botanical Gardens: Just a stone’s throw from Zilker Park, the Zilker Botanical Gardens offer 28 acres of lush scenery and wonderful views of downtown Austin.
• The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria: A charming museum in a beautiful setting – an Italianate-style villa on the shores of Lake Austin focusing solely on contemporary artists.
• Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum: An outdoor sculpture museum focusing on the works of Charles Umlauf. Featuring programs, events, art, and exhibits this venue is a joy to come back to again and again.

Festivals, events, and art shows in Austin:

• Austin City Limits Music Festival: is a yearly music festival taking place in Zilker Park in Austin, Texas on two consecutive three-day weekends. Influenced by the KLRU/PBS music series of the same title, the event draws incredible music acts and artists. 
• Fantastic Fest: It is a film festival focusing on genres such as sci-fi, horror, action, etc. The fest is put on by Alamo Drafthouse, our awesome and fast-growing local movie eatery.
• South by Southwest (SXSW): A yearly combination of films, tech, collaborating media, and music festivals and conferences. SXSW takes place in early March and basically takes over downtown Austin. The conferences and festivals flood the city with official and non-official events that bring visitors and attendees from all over the world. In 2018 the economic impact of SXSW was over $350M (compared this to the $370M economic impact of Super Bowl LII in Minnesota.) 
• Austin Food & Wine Festival: Celebrating local central Texas foods and wine as well as those from all over the world, this event is not one to miss. Taking place over the course of 3 days during fall, you’ll want to get tickets well ahead of time as this event usually sells out.

Sports: 

Austin finally has a professional sports team! Austin FC has begun its inaugural season in the MLS in 2021. Austin FC’s home stadium will be completed Q2 2021. Check out the Austin FC 2021 Season Schedule to cheer them on! The team color is green so make sure you are properly outfitted with green attire in your wardrobe before moving to Austin.

Circuit of the Americas 3.41-mile F1 racing track located on 1,500 acres of facilities in South East Austin. The race track hosts F1, MonoGP, Nascar and many other race formats annually while the facilities houses stadium and amphitheater for sportting events and musical performances and festivals.

• Formula 1: If you are fond of super-fast cars, then Austin is the right place for you. Home to the top tier, 3.427-mile F1 racing track, and facilities, Austin offers great thrill and excitement by hosting racing events every year. This event is internationally well known and well attended as an essential destination for racing enthusiasts. When racing is not happening the venue doubles as a substantial music venue that draws artists from Stevie Wonder to Pink.

Sports fans can find many sports to appreciate in Austin, Texas. The University of Texas offers a variety of top-tier sports programs. Austin also has minor league baseball, basketball, and hockey. These programs currently cover more than 11 sports and offer great training and support to athletes from all over the country and endless entertainment for Austin residents. Check out any of all of the great teams in Austin:

• The University of Texas football, baseball, basketball, and track teams
• Texas Stars (hockey team)
• Austin Spurs (basketball team)
• Round Rock Express (baseball team)
• Austin Gilgronis (Professional Rugby)

Moving to Austin

When moving to Austin it’s important to have a local in your corner. Our experienced real estate relocation specialists have extensive knowledge of the Austin real estate market, both sales, and rentals. If you are relocating to Austin please fill out the form below and one of our relocation specialists will reach out to you shortly.