HI THERE AND WELCOME TO AUSTIN!!!! We’re so excited to have you. As the number one fastest growing city in the USA like…a million years in a row…we’re constantly growing and welcoming new Texans. I’m here as your New To Austin Guide to navigate what YOU will want to know about moving to Austin in 2021 and what neighborhoods you should be checking out.
I’ve lived in Texas my ENTIRE life, and the last 8 years have been here in Austin. I moved in 2013 to go to the University of Texas at Austin (HOOK EM) and then couldn’t resist staying. I’ve lived ALL OVER this city from West Campus to North Campus to Mueller to Riverside to the East Side, where you can find me now.
I watched this city massively change over time, and I love sharing my favorite spots + new gems with locals and new Austinites. So follow along, because I’m here to help you out!
The Basics of the Austin Population
Where We’ve Ranked \\ Austin, Texas has ranked: #1 in Best Places to Live in Texas, #3 in Best Places to Live in the US, #10 in Fastest-Growing Places, and #29 in Best Places to Retire
Housing Market Data \\ Rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Austin runs around $1,449/month and two-bedroom runs for around $1,862/month
The Weather \\ Average summer temperatures are in the 80s-90s, autumn hits around 70s-80s, winter as around 50s-60s with the once in a while 30-degree temps, and spring is free for all between 60-80 degrees!
Getting Around \\ A public transportation pass is $60 and Austin operates more than 80 bus routes and a 32-mile rail line, and single rides start at $1.25. But be warned, compared to other major cities the public transport here is not amazing. I would highly recommend a car or at the very least, a bike. The city is incredibly bike-friendly, and Austin BCycle offers kiosks throughout the downtown area that can be accessed through memberships!
Austin Bergstrom Airport \\ If you need to fly to or from Austin, the airport is just a few miles from downtown and has over 500 daily flights. Plus, tons of easy connections with DFW and Houston if you need a change.
Sports \\ Austin’s only major sports team is still in the works, and it’s our upcoming MLS team. Otherwise, most Austinites support Dallas, Houston, or San Antonio teams! If you’re from outside the state, here are my favorite sports bars in Austin so you can hang out with your local folk too!
Taxes \\ Ah one of the biggest reasons people move here, TAXES! Texas has NO state income tax, which makes it extremely appealing to others. However Texas homeowners will tell you that while the income tax may not exist, it’s the property tax that will GET you.
Education \\ Austin is a highly educated city with 29 public school districts, 27 chart school districts, and a LOT of private schools. Plus, it’s home to the University of Texas at Austin which is nationally ranked. Also home to 26 other universities such as St. Edwards and Huston Tillotson.
Why Move to Austin, Texas?
Okay first, because it’s amazing. Why on earth not move here. Incredible temperatures, city life, people, and nature. As a forever Texan, I don’t get how you couldn’t love this city! But either way:
- Tech Jobs + Growth in Tech // People are constantly moving here because they view it as the “Next Silicon Valley” and they aren’t entirely wrong. It’s pretty easy to find a job in the tech industry here in Austin, especially as we continue to watch the big tech companies pop over here. It’s also a great hub for startups, so if you’re like me and prefer a startup scene to major corporations, you’ll be in luck!
- Nature + Outdoor Activity // Austin is the greenest city in Texas, says a WalletHub study that analyzed 26 “green” indicators, such as emissions per capital, smart-energy policies, and green job opportunities. It’s a GREAT place to be if you want your weekends to be spent at parks and creeks and on the lake. You can find this post with some of my favorite state parks in Texas, and this one with my favorite outdoor watering holes and swimming creeks in Austin!
- Dog-Friendly City // Got a pup that you want to be able to hang out with everywhere you go? Come to Austin! We’re consistently found to be one of the most dog-friendly cities in the country when it comes to the % of the population who has pups and the % of places that are dog-friendly! Another wonderful Austin blogger and friend of mine, Melanie (Her Boozy Tails), has 4 dogs and is always sharing dog friendly places to go in Austin!
- The Weather // I’ll be frank, if you 100% want seasons then do not move here. We get like 2 weeks of Winter and it isn’t even two consistent weeks, it’s like 14 random days between December and February. Also, summer lasts about 5 months and you will just get 100-degree temperatures for the entire months of July and August. If you’re a big fan of staying warm throughout the year, then Austin is a GREAT place for you. If you’re not a fan of muggy humid heat all year long, maybe look elsewhere. Or buy a de-humidifier?
- The People and Culture // Texans are some of the friendliest folk out there, and we take care of our own. It rivals that Midwestern neighborly love if you ask me. You’ll have no trouble making friends and meeting people because everyone is in the same boat. The people CARE about each other and show it. I’m a born and raised Texan and I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.
Mistakes People Make When Moving to Austin
- Living on the Opposite Side of the River From Your Job: If you are working ANYWHERE North of MLK, then do not live South of the River and vice versa. You’re going to embark on insane amounts of traffic and half your life will be spent commuting. I get it, South Austin is trendy and cool but trust me, you’re going to regret that so fast and move in a year. The locals know you’re on one side or the other and will give you a look of concern if you’re working North and living South…
- Moving to Rainey Street in General: Unless you are a 21-year-old frat bro or a tech exec thinking they’re cool, just do not. I get it, you love going out and being by the bars. But if you choose to pay INSANE rent to live on Rainey where it’s loud and you’re obviously not from here, you’re going to get some oh god looks from seasoned Austinites. Trust me.
- Getting a Place with Street Parking Only: Have fun parking 10 blocks from your home!!!!!!
- Thinking Austin is Cheap: Texas is affordable, Austin is not. Unless you live in NYC or California or Seattle, then yes okay it’s great. Otherwise, the locals hearing how you moved here for affordable living and they’re going to hear that you’re the reason their rent has gone up 50% in the last year. Just maybe, don’t.
- Turning Austin Into Where You Came From: You may think this is something the hearty Conservatives in Texas hate, but it’s all of us!!!!! No matter where you moved from, you are looking to move to Austin and soak in its charm. Don’t talk about how your cool San Fran tech job is remote so you had to move here for the lifestyle. Don’t complain that Sweetgreen isn’t closer to you. Don’t tell us how much better your beer in Colorado is. I’ve literally heard this all from people i’ve just sat next to at bars. Even if it’s true, it’s just something we hear 10x a day and we get it. We love it here, we know people want to move here. But if one more tech bro talks about Oracle and why Austin is the New Silicon Valley I truly will throw them off Mount Bonnell myself.
Austin Neighborhood Guides
A fair warning: these are a mix of demographic data breakdowns AND my personal experience after almost a decade in Austin. If I were to describe the kind of person who lives in these neighborhoods, this is how I am going to do it. Please do not take offense to any of these, specifically how I describe people who live on Rainey (I just really really don’t get it, okay).
Downtown Austin Neighborhood Guide
Average Rent in Downtown Austin: $2,300
Basic Demographics (2017):
25 to 40 years, 60% Male, 86% White with a median household income of $146,000 with 80% of residents living alone
About Downtown Austin:
Downtown Austin is the heart of the city, and it’s where a LOT of us work. It’s trendy and tech-savvy, and that almost makes it heavily non-Austinites who just moved there. This is where you live if you aren’t going to have a car, you want to be 5 seconds away from the bars, don’t want a driving commute, or plan to spend 100% of your time at your office.
SEE MORE // Where To Eat in Downtown, Austin
Warehouse District to Lamar
If I were living Downtown, this is probably where I would go. It’s definitely the place to live when you want convenience! You’re probably ages 23-30 and either living with your best friend or your significant other, with a cat and/or dog in the house. You absolutely love going to a cute brunch at Taverna, getting happy hour margs at La Condesa, and shopping at the Urban Outfitters.
If you’re going out to the bars, it’s going to be Barbarella or Oil Can Harry. You’re a sucker for The Spazmatrics on Wednesday’s with your friends. You work somewhere Downtown and love to walk to work. You hang out at Star Bar on Sundays to catch the game, and if you’re having a WILD night then you’re going to West Sixth and not Dirty!
Rainey Street
You’re living here if you JUST graduated from college, and you went to Austin one time for a Bachelor Party. You plan on spending every weekend getting drinks with your friends. Plus you don’t mind the insanely high extra cost of living that will mean. You love heading to Bangers for Boozy Brunch, you’re fancy date night dinner is going to be Emmer & Rye, and you probably work somewhere off Congress. I will warn you nobody who loves Austin lives on Rainey.
Red River District
You want to live close to work, but the thought of living in a bar-hopping hotspot sounds terrible. You’re probably between ages 23-30, and you’re single but you have a dog. You love live music, so you plan to hang out at Empire Control Room and Stubb’s often. This is often the kind of person who works in the startup scene, I cannot explain why. But really, everyone I know who lives in this area is in the startup scene. I said what I said.
Sixth Street
You’re single and in your 20s, and PROBABLY a male. You love going out of the weekends, and you’re a sucker for drinks with whiskey in them. You have no problems with loud bars at night because you can often be found in those bars. My guess is you probably work downtown and have no intention of driving around the city. For the folks who love Maggie Mae’s and you know exactly where the entrance to Midnight Cowboy is because it’s your go-to date night spot. Women, don’t live here. Trust me.
North Austin Neighborhood Guide
Average Rent in North Austin: $1,500
Basic Demographics (2017):
Median age in their 30s, 50% Male/Female, 50% White, with a median household income of $75k
About North Austin
North Austin and South Austin are where you move when you’re looking for something a little more quiet and affordable. You probably work up north in the Domain or work up in Round Rock and refuse to deal with the commute. You’re either living in a house with your family/spouse and your dog, or you’re single and new to Austin living at the Domain.
The Arboretum
Where the families go! You’re an avid shopper of Central Market / Trader Joe’s and you know Nordstrom Rack is where it’s at. Higher white population than general North Austin at 85% of residents being white and the median income being $75k vs $50k. You want to be conveniently located to the main stores you need. You’re looking more for a house than an apartment, and you probably work up North and want to avoid the commute. Not a space I would recommend if you’re in your 20s and looking to be near the up and coming spots!
The Domain
You’re from Dallas and just moved to Austin. That’s the best way to describe that for you. You work in Tech and likely have an office at the Domain and don’t want a commute. You’re looking to live near some bars and stores, and you definitely are in your early 20s. You’re normally hanging out at Wonder Bar or 77 Degrees Rooftop. Gonna be honest nobody I know lives at the Domain and there is a reason for that.
East Austin Neighborhood Guide
Average Rent in East Austin: $1,700
Basic Demographics (2017):
25 to 54 years, 50% Male/Female, 73% White, with a median household income of $54k with 45% of residents being families. East Austin is heavily being gentrified at the moment, so depending on where you’re looking you’ll have the income range from $50,000 to $150,000.
About East Side of Austin
This is where I, personally, have chosen to live (before the whole Moving To New York thing)! I would say East and South Austin have the most diverse groups of people, especially the East Side. It’s wildly different depending on where East you live. The closer to Downtown, the trendier. The more far East, the more Austin Eclectic you get. Either way, you love a good coffee shop and hitting up the Farmers Market in Mueller.
If you choose to move to East Austin I want to be so deeply clear that you should be there to APPRECIATE it for what it is. That means supporting the community around you, the unhoused people who are there, the small businesses that have been there. If you in any way shape or form find yourself to be a conservative that considers those “Dirty”, GTFO of my neighborhood. And the city.
East Downtown
You recently moved to Austin and you’re in your 20s or early 30s. You’re looking for something that is conveniently located with all your favorite bars and restaurants within walking distance, but you’re not about to pay Downtown Austin prices. Though, this isn’t about to be cheap either. You probably have a dog and a roommate/significant other. You have to be prepared for every single Austinite to comment on the fact that your neighborhood has become insanely gentrified in the last 3 years, but if you’re ready for that critique then you’ll be fine here! You’re definitely going to take your friends to Whisler’s for late-night cocktails, and you’ll be frequent at Ramen Tatsuya.
Govalle
You’re someone who has lived in Austin before and you know that the East Side is now everything East of Pleasant Valley. You want a convenient location to your favorite spots, but you’re looking for something a little quieter with more affordable prices. You’re in the market for a cute little apartment OR you’re one of those buying a manufactured modern farmhouse. I said what I said, and this is the neighborhood I live in. You love going on runs around Town Lake, you know that Medici Springdale is about to be your go-to coffee shop, you’re pumped about Trivia on Tuesdays at Lustre Pearl, and you know that you’ll be a regular at Central Machine Works!
Manor, Cherrywood, & Windsor Park
Think laid back with hidden gems. Another neighborhood I lived in previously! And probably my favorite neighborhood. You’ll definitely in your later 20s or 30s and you know that you want to live somewhere with a quieter feeling, but still like the convenient location of these neighborhoods. You’re either in a house or apartment, but affordable (median household income of $70k).
You have a dog that you’ll be walking around Mueller Park on the regular. Haymaker is about to become your neighborhood bar because it’s dog friendly and has a pool table and is where you can catch a Man U game on the weekends. You also know Butterfly Bar and Patrizi’s are where you’re going to take all your friends who come visit and you’ll say “yeah this is just a local favorite” all the time. I’m that person too, not judging!
Mueller
You’re definitely starting your family right about now and you’re a young couple who is about to get married and start a family (60% of households are families here vs the 45% average in Austin). This neighborhood is home to more dogs and babies than it is to adults. You’re going to pay INSANE amounts of money for your house, but you’re also going to be best friends with your neighbors. Hope you don’t mind having a crazy HOA because that’s life here! Either that or you work at Oracle and there is no in-between.
You will be spending every Sunday going on a run around the park and then stopping by the Farmers Market for local produce. You will die on the fact that the HEB in Mueller is the best HEB in town, and you probably aren’t wrong. This is the neighborhood to move to if you love little neighborhood walks and community and if you’re starting a family
West Austin Neighborhood Guide
Average Rent in West Austin: $2,200
Basic Demographics (2017):
25 to 54 years with the median being 34, 50% Male/Female, 93% White, with a median household income of $98k. Majority of this neighborhood is families.
If I could afford to live in West Austin, you bet I would. This is where the Matthew Mcconaughey’s of the world live. You’re definitely parents to kids and one of you works in Tech and y’all are looking for a HOUSE house. You are who I want to be, please invite me to your housewarming.
Clarksville
If you live in Clarksville you’re old money from old Austin. You can afford one of those beautiful homes or cute apartments, but you still love living the Austin life.
You’re a sucker for the burgers at Better Half AND you know the Wright Brothers who own Better Half. You shop at Waterloo Records and Whole Foods often, and you love a chill morning at Mozart’s. You’re front porch wine drinkers and your home is filled with really cool Art-Gallery Austin art but all your furniture is West Elm. If you need a roommate, hit me up.
Tarrytown
You’re rich. This is plain and simple. You have a family here in Austin and you have money to casually afford one of these homes. You’re the neighborhood I drive around to view the Christmas lights in December.
You’re the kind of family that visits art galleries and museums on weekends. You and your girls can be found with the kids at Littlefield’s on weekends. You love Veracruz and Medici, but you also happen to be a Starbucks Drive-Thru kind of person. The thought of picking up pumpkins at Tarrytown Methodist is ideal, you know it is the cutest spot for photos with the pumpkins. Please adopt me.
Westlake and/or Northwest Hills
You’re RICH rich. You’re in your 30s and likely have a family (per demographic data). You are in the market for a mansion and the little homes in Tarrytown don’t do it for you. The kind of person that builds their own home because none of the homes match your style. You don’t shop at Nordstrom Rack because you’re a regular at Nordstrom. You don’t need their perfume samples, you buy the whole thing. Sunset Valley is your home and you shop exclusively at Whole Foods and Trader Joe’s and you definitely have an Orange Theory membership. You don’t care about being at the trendy bars and restaurants.
Again, please adopt me.
South Austin Neighborhood Guide
Average Rent in South Austin: $1,300
Basic Demographics (2017):
25 to 54 years with the median being 32, 50% Male/Female, 65% White (the lowest percentage on this list), with a median household income of $66k with a lower amount of 32% of residents being families in the entire 78704 Zip Code!
A total mix of all the different kinds of neighborhoods. You’re looking for the coolest restaurants and happy hours, you want to live near the Lake and Zilker Park to spend weekends outdoors, and you know that Cosmic is quickly going to become your favorite spot to be. You’re a chill dog owner or cat owner and you love to go on walks and runs around the lake. I don’t blame you at all for this, I am right there with you!
Riverside
My old neighborhood, I loved Riverside so much. It’s a younger vibe with the median age being 27 and a low of 27% of the population being non-Hispanic white. I will say the vibes have 100% changed as apartments around Oracle have opened up. So you either work at Oracle and want to be close to the office OR you’re like me and just want AFFORDABLE RENT (median income is $37k).
Move here if you don’t care about being near the fanciest restaurants in town, you just want to live somewhere that isn’t a million dollars a month. Also, the closeness to the airport is unbeatable and I miss it deeply. Also, if you know in your heart you’re someone who will complain about the homeless people being “not pretty” then do not move here. Just do not. I don’t want to hear it.
South Lamar / Barton Hills
Another neighborhood I would love to live in! You’re someone who wants to be close to the action (Downtown, Zilker, etc) but you also want the chill outdoor vibes that South Austin provides. An afternoon at Zilker, paddleboard owner, followed by happy hour at Loro kind of person. You’re looking to live around a diverse age group and overall group of people, and you make enough to afford the rent that comes with this neighborhood!
Bouldin Creek / Travis Heights / South Congress
These honestly have such weirdly different vibes, all ending with you either have money or you somehow know someone who already owns a house in these neighborhoods. Please let your house-owner friend know that I would like to buy their house ASAP. You WANT to live close to South Congress and intend to hang out at South Congress Hotel often. Don’t care if parking is hard to find, you’ll pay what you have to pay. If you love eclectic houses and cute neighborhoods, but want to live a quick-Uber distance from Downtown!
If you can find an apartment or home around here, I promise the location is going to be unbeatable. A beautiful part of town with awesome people, restaurants, culture, and proximity to everything else. Unbeatable, but you pay for it.
South Menchaca / Garrison Park
You are over being cool, you know you belong here. Seeing tourists in Austin sounds miserable and you have no desire to be anywhere near South Congress ever again. You just want to live in Austin peacefully with your family, and you want to hang out at Cosmic Coffee + Beer on the weekends. You’re cool with a townhouse or a regular house and you don’t care for the insane fancy apartments with the insane fancy amenities. You’re the kind of person people will assume have always lived in Austin!
Circle C / Sunset Valley
You’re definitely looking for a family-friendly neighborhood to hang out with your kids! You want a house, a safe neighborhood park, and a bunch of neighbors that also have kids! You 100% are married and intend to start your family pretty quickly if you do not already have one.
Central Austin Neighborhood Guide
Average Rent in Central Austin: $1,500
Basic Demographics (2017):
These actually differ pretty widely on the zip code, but generally, the demographics are 25 to 54 years with the median being 37, 50% Male/Female, 70% White, with a median household income of $65k with a lower amount of 50% of residents being families.
Everything from West Campus to the Triangle to North Loop and Allandale. The most diverse in terms of the neighborhoods and how different they are. You’re either a yuppie or your low key a forever Austinite that knows this is the place to be and you managed to get a house before they all got bought out. Jealous of you!
West and North Campus
You went and/or are currently going to UT Austin. I would deeply reconsider this neighborhood if that isn’t you. If it is, this is the MOST convenient area of town to live in because of the UT Bus System and proximity of all of the University. Below age 22, then you should look at West Campus. Over age 22, then go for North Campus. There is no in-between for that.
Hyde Park to North Loop
Think funky, local, down-to-earth, neighborhood bar vibes. This is mostly people who want to live somewhere quiet but still central. You’re not going to be in a super renovated home or apartment, which is totally fine with you. You like the fact it’s conveniently located! You have your Central Market just down the road, plenty of restaurants over in the Triangle, and you can easily hit any of the bars off Burnet or North Loop if you wanted to. You’re really just looking for something central and low key. Also, you’ll probably be a regular at Home Slice and Drink.Well!
Burnet / Allandale
You’re a chill Austinite that knows this is one of the best low key neighborhoods to be in. You’re in the age range of your late 20s to…pretty much anything because this area is home to LOTS of families. You really want to live in a house, but you’re also cool with an apartment here. You’re a 10-minute drive from everything you need, and you have quieter neighborhoods you can walk around in. However, you will literally never go South of the River. You’ll be found hanging out at Yard Bar, Stiles Switch, Lala’s Bar, and La Mancha. Also, you definitely live a vintage lifestyle. Just saying.
I hope you found this helpful!! If you’re looking for more resources + tips, follow me at @agirlfromtx on Instagram and I am here to be as helpful as I can be. And comment below if you have any additional questions!
