15 Things You Need To Know When Living In Austin Texas – Local Secrets Revealed!

Living in Austin has its fair share of surprises. These are the kind of things you’d rather know sooner than later. In today’s blog post, we will discuss 15 things you need to know about living in Austin.

Hi, I’m Tiffany Moore. I’m a local realtor and broker right here in Austin, Texas. I post videos every week and blogs twice a week about all things Austin. From helpful, practical information about moving and living in Austin to news about the Austin real estate market and everything in between. So if you’re thinking about moving here and you’ve got questions, reach out to me. 

You’ll Need Air Conditioning

 

First and foremost, and this is a significant one, you will require air conditioning. You’ll need it here if you’re coming from Seattle, New York, or Michigan or you don’t have full HVAC in your home.

But the good news is most places you’re considering already have air conditioning, so you won’t have to worry about it. Just make a plan to use it. From June 4th through the end of September, this was one of the warmest summers on record. Every day, the temperature ranged between 98 and 105 degrees. As a result, air conditioning is necessary.

 

You’ll Need A Car In Austin

 

The second thing you’ll need is a car. Several people I’ve talked to, who are moving out here from Michigan, New York, or San Francisco, say, “yeah, I really need to work and live somewhere walkable.” Austin isn’t built that way. Austin is spread out. Even if you live downtown, you’ll still have to drive to the grocery store, a coffee shop, a bookstore, and a park.

We only have a few shops and such on every corner, so you have to drive to our primary grocery store, H-E-B, to buy everything. If you work from home, you might get by with just one car per household. If you or your spouse work from home, that might work, but you’ll need at least one vehicle if you live in Austin.

You Don’t Need A Pool. Pools Are Everywhere In Austin

 

Practically every community in Austin has a pool, especially communities with HOAs. You don’t need to build a pool or buy a property with a pool. Communities and new subdivisions have community pools, parks, and playgrounds. If you live somewhere that doesn’t have a pool, there are city pools around Austin. I highly recommend Barton Springs downtown, a natural spring that’s 70 degrees all year round.

Avoid The 3 (Unless You Have to) Busiest Events In Austin

 

Three major events occur in Austin every year, and if you plan to travel to or from the city during these times, it’s best to avoid the airport. The first event is South by Southwest, a 10-day-long music, technology, games, and education festival held in March. With over 278,000 participants in 2022, it’s a massive event that expands throughout the city.

The second event is the ACL Fest, a two-weekend music festival held in Zilker Park in October. While it’s smaller than South by Southwest, it still draws in 70,000 to 75,000 people, and the airport can get quite busy during this time.

The third event is the Formula One Grand Prix, which occurs towards the end of October at the Circuit of the Americas. With a record-breaking 440,000 attendees this year, it’s a major event that can impact airport traffic.

 

No Income State Tax In Texas

 

If you’re considering moving to Texas, it’s worth noting that the state does not have a state income tax, which is a draw for many people, along with Florida, Washington, and Wyoming. As a Texan, I think it’s a pretty cool place to live.

 

Texas Property Taxes Can Be Quite Hefty

 

While Texas doesn’t have a state income tax, property taxes can be quite hefty. Depending on the age and location of the property, the rate can be anywhere from 1% to 3%. Make sure to factor this into your monthly budget, as it will add a significant amount to your payments.

 

Austin FC, An American Professional Soccer Club Based In Austin

 

Austin recently got its own professional sports team, the Austin FC. This MLS soccer team is a blast to watch, especially if you’re sitting in the supporters’ crowd. The stadium is located near the Domain, which has plenty of great food and drink options. Just be aware that prices inside the stadium are high, so it’s a good idea to eat and drink beforehand. There are also pre-gaming and tailgating parties at nearby breweries, which are a lot of fun.

 

Austin Traffic Is Bad

 

A common complaint among Austinites is that traffic is bad. While it may not compare to cities like LA or Atlanta, it can still be pretty heavy. The city has grown faster than the infrastructure can keep up with, so rush hour can be a nightmare. If you must drive during this time, leave early and stay calm. If possible, avoid driving during rush hour altogether. Sometimes it’s better to park at a coffee shop or bar and get some work done until traffic clears out.

Austin Is A Major Tech Hub

 

If you’re considering moving here, you’ve probably heard that Austin is a major tech hub. Or you may already be working in the tech industry yourself. Dell, Amazon, and Oracle are the three major tech employers here, but there are also many small startups and emerging tech companies. The energy in this city is incredible, and Austin is often referred to as a mini Silicon Valley.

 

Austin Is Growing

 

Austin is a rapidly growing city. With a population of about one million, we have 110 people moving to Austin every day. From July 2020 to July 2021, this metro area had the fourth-largest total population growth in the United States, adding about 310,000 residents. The projection is that by 2030, Austin will have around three million residents, and some believe that number will be even higher.

 

You Can Dress Any Way You Like In Austin

 

One of my favorite things about Austin is that you can wear whatever you want wherever you go. You can dress up to the nines for a fancy dinner or wear jeans and a t-shirt, and it’s all good. In some parts of Texas, such as Dallas, dressing up or down for certain occasions is more strictly observed, but in Austin, you can be yourself and dress how you want. This is not just true for going out to dinner but also for office wear. While some people may need to wear a suit once or twice a year, for the most part, it’s a casual town. Even those used to dressing formally for work will find that they can leave their suits behind in Austin.

 

Austin Is A Very Active Town

 

Austin is a town full of opportunities to stay active and get in shape. With plenty of free options such as walking downtown, the Austin Hike and bike trail, and many other trails, as well as affordable options like the Barton Springs pool or box gyms like Gold’s Gym and LA Fitness, there is something for everyone. Additionally, Austin is known for its BJJ and Muay Thai gyms for those interested in learning a new skill. Even just strolling around Austin, you’ll notice people staying active.

 

Enjoy The Great Outdoors in Austin

 

Austin is a city that loves the outdoors, and there’s nothing better than relaxing on a patio with a refreshing drink, whether it’s lemonade or a margarita. However, there aren’t many indoor options when it rains since so many of Austin’s activities are outdoors. Nevertheless, people still enjoy walking their dogs, having picnics, and throwing Frisbees outside.

 

There Are Plenty Of Drinks-To-Go In Austin

 

One good thing that came out of the pandemic is that businesses started offering to-go cocktails, which has become a permanent feature in Austin. Many restaurants now offer to-go orders with fancy cocktails, wine, or beer, making it easy to enjoy a delicious meal and drinks at home.

Austin Knows How To Have Fun

 

People are moving to Austin because it is a fun city with something for everyone. Whatever your interests are, whether it’s martial arts, knitting, book clubs, wineries, or even Dungeons and Dragons, there is a community in Austin where you can fully indulge in your hobbies and interests. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about moving to Austin.