The Definitive Guide to Moving to Austin Texas

First of all, A-Town is one of the most important cities for all music fans. It’s called the “Live Music Capital of the World” because it’s home to many music genres and is the venue of various performances and concerts on a daily level, which make up for an eclectic live-music scene. A bunch of movies were filmed here, it’s one of the sunniest cities in the US, and there are so many food options that are just delicious. But except for the fun and great outdoor activities, what else awaits you there? Let’s find out.

What Should You Know Before Moving to Austin? The Basics

The so-called “City of the Future,” is located right in the middle of the Lone Star State and has served as its capital since the mid-19th century. The population, currently at around 2,228,000, has been growing rapidly in recent years and is very diverse.

The median age of its residents is 34, and almost half of the people are white, followed by residents of Hispanic, African American, and many other descents. It features a warm climate and breathtaking nature – many lakes, rivers, and parks.  It’s also an educational center with its high-rated universities.

Understand the California Exodus and Why Texans Welcome Californians

There are many reasons why it’s often highly ranked on the lists of the best places to live in America, including culture, music venues, museums, and plentiful job opportunities. The California exodus, notably to Austin, Texas, is driven by Californians seeking lower living costs, affordable housing, a booming tech scene, and no state income tax. This trend reflects a search for financial relief and a better quality of life away from California’s high expenses and congestion.

Explore the Cost of Living and What to Expect on a Monthly Basis

If you’re going to live somewhere new, you need to know if you will be able to afford it. You should learn how to plan your budget since residing in the capital of any state may come in pricey. So, what is the real cost of living in Austin, TX?

ATX tops the list of cities in Texas in terms of expensiveness, and the expenses of everyday life are a bit higher than the state and national average, but Austinites still enjoy it there. That might be because of the average salary, that is, after-tax, around $53,681 a year.

Relevant Costs You Should Keep in Mind When Living Here

If you’re living in Austin, Texas, a meal in a mid-range restaurant will cost you $25 per person, based on the data from Numbeo. A one-bedroom apartment in the city’s core can be found for anywhere between $1,250 and $2,500 per month, while the rent price drops to around $1,100 for the same type of accommodation away from downtown.

Bills for essential utilities for a 900-square-foot apartment are $140, and a monthly public transit pass is $40. Having a healthy lifestyle and going to a fitness club will be $40 per month, and one movie ticket is $12. Compare these costs to your current ones, and you’ll know just how much your expenses will be.

Is It Worth Moving to Austin, TX Considering the Prices?

Although it may be pricey for some, it’s still cheaper than many capitals and metropolises across the US. Your expenses will mostly depend on the amount of money you’re paying for rent in the area you’re residing in. If you’re moving from a small town to a big city, you might be surprised by the prices, but it’s all about managing your finances. Again, for all that ATX has to offer, we think it’s worth relocating here.

Job Opportunities – How to Find Employment?

This is definitely a pro when relocating to ATX. The latest information shows that jobs are plentiful and that the unemployment rate here is lower than the national. Having in mind the economic disruption that happened in 2020, ATX is still the sixth fastest-growing major metro area.

If you’re not relocating for a job, make sure you find a stable source of income before moving. Start your research and get a job before you move. Austin’s job market is booming – companies in the tech industry collectively employ thousands of workers in the Austin area. Some of them are:

• Atlassian,
• Tesla,
• Oracle,
• Google,
• IBM,
• Facebook,
• Apple,
• Amazon,
• Dell.

How Much Do You Need to Make to Live Comfortably in Austin, Texas?

If you’re moving to a new city alone, you will need around $1,900 per month for all the costs except for rent. Even though it sounds like a rather high number, know that a family of four needs around $4,200 per month, also without rent. Consider this when searching for a job here.

A Quick View at the Taxes

One of the things to know before moving to Austin is that TX is considered a tax-friendly state. The reason behind that is because the state is one of seven that does not collect any income taxes. However, property, sales, and federal taxes are still there, and federal return still needs to be filed.

TX sales tax is 6.25%, but a county and city rate are added, so the total sales tax in ATX is 8.25%. Property tax is a 1.83% average effective rate, which means that people in Texas pay an average of $2,775 in property taxes each year.

Check Out Other Taxes

The gas tax is 20 cents per gallon of regular gasoline and diesel. There are some other additional taxes and fees in Austin:

• Hotel occupancy tax, which is 6% of the cost of a hotel room,
• Manufactured housing tax that equals 3.25% of a home’s sale price,
• Entertainment – concerts, movie tickets, television service, internet access,
• Any kind of automobile parking or storage services,
• Beer  and wine are taxed at 20 cents per gallon,
• Liquor is taxed at $2.40 per gallon,
• A pack of 20 cigarettes is taxed at $1.41.

Yes, the Traffic Is Bad, but It’s Bearable

You’ve probably heard about the traffic in ATX, and it probably wasn’t good news. It can get pretty frustrating, and one of the factors is that more than two million people reside in the metro area. Traffic congestion isn’t something unusual because most Austinites drive to work.

Explore the Austin Transportation Options

Other than that, public transportation is running smoothly, and there are plenty of great ways to get around. So, if you opt to transport your four-wheeler, feel free to do it with a professional car shipping company. There are easy and cheap ways to explore Downtown and the greater ATX area with express bus service, a rail line that connects Downtown with northern Austin suburbs, and late-night, and airport services.

There are also taxis and carpool options, and you can always hop on a bike. If you plan to get auto transport services, you should prepare your car for shipping and learn how much it would cost (especially when relocating from the West Coast). Keep in mind that you’ll have to get a new driver’s license.

What Are the Best Neighborhoods in Austin for Families/Singles?

The process of choosing the place to reside in depends mostly on your preferences. There are many great options, and to help you out, in our Austin relocation guide we made a list of the best neighborhoods in Austin according to the following criteria. You’ll know which ones of these factors will influence your decision the most in picking the most suitable place:

• Location,
• Amenities,
• Cost of living/affordability,
• Type of housing,
• Safety.

There Are So Many Things to Do Around Texas Capital

ATX is famous for its numerous opportunities for having a fantastic time. Once you relocate here, it’s a great idea to go on a tour to meet the community and visit the top attractions. There are also small group guided tours for exploring this fantastic place.

Culinary and gourmet tours will knock you off your feet because ATX is known for its excellent food spots. You can escape traffic noise and go biking or hiking to some of their amazing parks and lakes like Zilker Metropolitan Park or Barton Creek Greenbelt.

There are also many things to do in Austin with kids if you were wondering is A-Town family-friendly. It offers many museums, science parks, and other fun activities, like visiting the zoo and the aquarium.

Get Ready for the Heat Before Moving to Austin Texas

If you’re planning on moving in the summer, keep in mind that ATX can be a hot place. The hottest month is July with an average temperature of 84.7, and summers are long and known for the heat. More than 200 days are sunny, but some people might not like that.

Summers here are often described as scorching because the temperature can even hit the triple digits. Apart from that, the climate is mild and pleasant. Winters are short, and snow is rare.

Top-Notch Moving Tips for Austin Newcomers

Your preparations should start the moment you know your relocation day and when you hire a relocation and auto transport company. Relocation causes a lot of stress, so to avoid it, make sure you avoid last-minute moving. Find a reputable long-distance moving company on time and book a spot at least a month before.

How Much Does It Cost to Move to Austin?

Determining the cost of relocating to Austin hinges on several factors, including the distance of the move, the volume of items being transported, and the specific long-distance moving services required. Generally, these expenses can vary widely.

For a more precise estimate tailored to your unique cross-country moving needs, it’s best to get more quotes from different companies. By considering the details of your relocation, such as distance and household size, reliable long-distance movers can provide transparent pricing to help you budget effectively for your relocation, ensuring no surprises along the way.

Securing Your Move to Austin – Choose Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving

In embarking on a move from one state to another, the path is often unpredictable, underscoring the importance of safeguarding your valuables with insurance, especially for long-distance hauls where the risk of mishandling is higher. So, if you’re ready to start your hassle-free relocation to A-Town, contact Flat Price Auto Transport and Moving today and take the first step towards a smooth and secure move.