Austin has been a part of the limelight for several years now. Many say that it’s one of the best cities out there. It even comes to the point that some people call it overrated. But that’s not true. With a productive economy, plenty of opportunities, and citizens who are as vibrant as the Texas weather, Austin truly lives up to the hype.
So, are you thinking about how you’ll fare in this city?
Then, read this list before you move here.
1. Cost of Living
Compared to other cities in Texas, Austin can be moderately expensive. But don’t be discouraged. Finding a job isn’t difficult, thanks to the city’s busy tech industry. The average income of $32,672 a year is relatively high, making up for the cost of living. Keep in mind that the closer you get downtown, the more expensive it gets. So, if you want an affordable home, you can settle farther north.
2. Welcome to Live Music Capital of the World
No, the city didn’t obtain the title by chance. The slogan became official in 1991. Austinites take great pride in their music.
Anywhere you go, wherever you peek, you can find live performances from any genre. Austin boasts more venues per capita than anywhere else in the nation. Plus, major music festivals like Austin City Limits and JMBLYA takes place in the city every year.
The music scene is something to look forward to if you’re an enthusiastic music lover.
3. Place Got No Chill
If you’re from somewhere North, prepare for the first hellish 12 months of your life. As some locals like to joke about, they describe the four seasons as:
- Fake Summer (Spring) – A bit chill but still pretty hot. Lots of pollens and fallen leaves.
- True Summer (Summer) – Hell on Earth. Temperatures can rise above 100 degrees.
- Beautiful Summer (Fall) – Start of cold weather. It gives you a reason to stay in Austin.
- Winter – Cold, freezing, frigid, but hey, after being roasted for most of the year, locals love it.
The scorching climate makes Austin an excellent summer capital. Even though the heat can be a turn off for some, it’s not entirely a bad thing. Why? Because you get to enjoy the beauty of the outdoors all year long. Nice, right?
4. It’s a City of BarbeQUEUE
And by queue means people would line up for hours to fill their tummies with Franklin brisket. In addition to Franklin’s, you have La Barbeque, Oseyo, Terry Black’s, and a whole list of restaurants that serve mouth-watering barbeque. In general, the Texas barbeque is the best in the country. Mainly because of the temperate weather, perfect for heating the grill!
If you love barbeques, Austin will feel like heaven on Earth. If you don’t, then you will surely love it once you have a bite.
5. Traffic Can Get Intense
Together with the economy, Austin’s population is continuously growing. People move into the city for various reasons. Good jobs, promising business opportunities, warm weather, and friendly people.
Although growth is essential, it can be counterproductive. More people means more vehicles. More cars result in heavily congested traffic. Sadly, the government hasn’t done much to cater to gridlocks that plague the metropolis for years.
Cheer up! There are three things you can do about it.
- Get used to it.
- Live somewhere far from congested downtown.
- Wake up early to drive or go home later in the night when the traffic is thinner.
That’s it. Pretty sure you will choose number one.
6. Lots of Friendly People
Just like the weather, Austinites are warm and welcoming. National Geographic recognizes Austin as one of the happiest cities in the US.
“Location plays a hand in how bright or gloomy the days in Austin are,” states WalletHub, a personal finance website. “As our study aims to illustrate, moving to a certain city with good weather may help you become more content.”
When people are contented, they become happy. When they are happy, they become productive. When they are productive, they help contribute to the city’s welfare.
So, yeah. Big thanks to the sun.
7. Austin is Weird
You hear this a lot, don’t you?
Curious why?
Then find out once you get to live here! Learning from experience is the best teacher, after all. Lots of fantastic stuff and quirky things define Austin. Words are not enough to describe the fun and beauty of living in this city.
To Sum it Up
No matter how much persuasion, or how many amazing things you read about Austin, the final call still rests in your hands. It’s a good idea to consider your budget, your kids, and how the move will impact your family in the future.
Whatever your decision is, Austin is excited to welcome you into its flock.