Top 5 Questions Moving to Austin | FAQs About Austin
If you’re planning to move to Austin, Texas, you may have a lot of questions about what it’s like to live in this vibrant city. As an Austin-based real estate agent, I’ve helped people from all over the world move here, and I’m here to answer your top five questions about relocating to Austin.
Hi, I’m Tiffany Moore. I’m passionate about helping people live their lives in Austin. Whether you’re moving here for work, play, or just a change of scenery, I’m here to guide you every step of the way. Book a call with me to get started.
What Should I Expect Moving to Austin?
Moving to Austin can be a big adjustment, especially if you come from a different country. When my husband and I moved here, we were lucky to have visited many times before and had a good idea of what we were looking for. But if you’re moving here blind, don’t worry – I can help you find the perfect neighborhood and home for your needs. I recently helped someone successfully (and with much less stress and hassle) move from Brooklyn, New York, to Austin.
We eventually found a place for her in Georgetown, in the middle of the city and the suburbs. So even if you’re moving from a place as different from Austin as Brooklyn, I’m here to make the transition as smooth as possible. Even if you’ve never visited Austin, I can help you find the perfect home in a great location.
Now, let’s talk politics. Austin is known for its liberal leanings, which can be a big part of daily life here. As a “blueberry in a big tomato soup bowl,” Austin stands out in Texas for its progressive values. But what does that mean for you? Well, for starters, you’ll have access to a thriving art scene that’s been a part of Austin’s identity since its early days as an affordable haven for artists, musicians, and students. Whether you’re into live music, theater, or visual art, you’ll find plenty to love in Austin.
Preserving the city’s unique character is important as Austin grows and changes. While gentrification is happening in many big cities, including Denver, Portland, and New York, we want to ensure that Austin retains its local businesses and community spirit. Instead of just putting up new buildings, we need to protect the environment and support farmers’ markets and farm-to-table restaurants.
In addition to caring for the community and the environment, Austin is also a great place to focus on wellness and holistic health. Whether you’re looking for acupuncture, nutritionists, or other holistic healers, you’ll find plenty of options in Austin. And with the recent announcement that Austin police will no longer arrest people for misdemeanor amounts of weed, the city’s artistic and hippie roots are still alive and well. So come to Austin to experience a unique, eclectic city that’s always changing and growing.
When you come to Austin, you may notice that weed is becoming more common in public spaces like music venues, restaurants, and parks. While it’s not everywhere and won’t be around children, it’s something to keep in mind if it bothers you.
Despite its past struggles with diversity and inclusion, Austin is now a sanctuary city that protects immigrants from harmful policies and deportation. In fact, when sanctuary cities were outlawed in 2018, Austin became a freedom city to show its commitment to inclusivity. While there’s still work to be done to address issues of race and segregation, the community is becoming more vocal and involved in creating a more equal and welcoming city for all.
How is the Austin Home Market?
The housing market is a hot topic in Austin and for a good reason. With low-interest rates and an influx of people from states like California and New York, the demand for housing is skyrocketing. Whether you’re looking for an investment property or a personal residence, finding a home that meets your needs can take time and effort.
My recent experience helping my tattoo artist’s mother-in-law move from Livermore, California, to Austin, Texas, highlighted that many people are moving out here, and the housing market cannot keep up with the demand.
Even new construction is struggling to keep up with demand. Builders are getting multiple offers on new homes and only releasing a limited number of homes or lots for sale each weekend. If you’re looking for a new home, you may need to act fast and be prepared to make an offer quickly. As a local real estate agent, I can help you navigate the competitive housing market in Austin and find the perfect home for your needs.
In Austin’s competitive housing market, even new construction is selling fast. If you’re looking for a new home, you must be prepared to act quickly and make an aggressive offer. This means paying above the asking price and making an offer as soon as possible, often within just a few days of the home hitting the market.
To make your offer more attractive to sellers, you’ll need to be flexible on things like closing date and any conditions you include in the offer. For example, if you need to sell your current home before buying a new one, that may make your offer less appealing to sellers. I can help you navigate the complex housing market in Austin and make a competitive offer on the home of your dreams.
Is Austin Safe?
Safety is a top priority when looking for a new place to live. While Austin is a large city with a population of over 2 million people, it’s important to understand that crime rates can vary depending on the neighborhood.
While some reports may suggest that Austin is a dangerous city, others say it’s one of the safest. The truth is that crime rates can fluctuate based on various factors, and there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to whether Austin is a safe place to live.
As someone who enjoys running in Austin, I can say that I’ve never felt unsafe in the city. I’ve never encountered any major issues, even when running alone or with a friend of slight build. Of course, being aware of your surroundings and avoiding potentially dangerous situations is important.
If you’re new to Austin or unfamiliar with certain areas, it’s important to research and find neighborhoods that match your comfort level. Whether you’re looking for a quiet residential area or a bustling downtown district, Austin has plenty of options. I can help you find a home in a neighborhood that meets your needs and makes you feel safe and comfortable.
Is Austin Diverse?
Many prioritize diversity and community when looking for a new place to live. In Austin, you’ll find a wide range of people from different backgrounds, religions, and lifestyles. Whether you’re looking for a specific community or simply want to be part of a diverse and inclusive city, Austin has much to offer.
While it’s difficult to measure diversity objectively, many reports agree that Austin is one of the most diverse cities in Texas. While cities like Houston and Dallas may be more diverse, you’ll still find plenty of opportunities to connect with people from different backgrounds in Austin.
As a local real estate agent, I can help you find neighborhoods known for their diversity and inclusivity. Whether you’re looking for a neighborhood with a specific religious community or simply want to live in a diverse and welcoming area, I can help you find the perfect home in Austin.
What’s the Weather Like in Austin?
When considering a move to Austin, many people wonder about the weather. While Texas is known for its hot summers, Austin can be particularly intense. From July through September, temperatures can reach over 100 degrees for 60 or more days. While the weather starts to cool down in October, it’s still warm enough to wear short sleeves for a few more weeks. However, you can expect to start wearing long sleeves and sweaters by Halloween. While there may be the occasional cold front that brings temperatures down to the mid-70s, for the most part, summers in Austin are long and hot.
When it comes to Austin’s weather, it’s a mix of hot and humid summers and mild winters. While summers can be intense, they’re better than other parts of Texas, like El Paso, where my husband and I lived before moving to Austin. In Austin, winter is relatively short, with temperatures typically ranging from freezing to the fifties.
While Austin doesn’t get much snow, it gets occasional ice storms, especially during wet winters. It’s important to be cautious when driving on icy roads, as Austin doesn’t have the same infrastructure for dealing with ice as other parts of the country.
As a local real estate agent, I can help you find a home in a neighborhood well-suited to Austin’s climate. Feel free to contact me if you want a home with a pool to beat the heat or a cozy fireplace for colder winter nights. I can help you find the perfect place to call home in Austin.
