August 25, 2026
Live Music, Hill Country and Traffic: A Realistic Guide to Moving to Austin
From students studying at the University of Texas to young professionals beginning their careers in tech to outdoor enthusiasts enjoying the end...
From students studying at the University of Texas to young professionals beginning their careers in tech to outdoor enthusiasts enjoying the endless green spaces, Austin has a diverse and growing population. And it’s no surprise that Austin has made its way onto your list of potential cities to move to.
But before you pack your bags and load up the moving truck, here’s what you need to know about living in the Live Music Capital of the World.
Austin has been one of the fastest-growing major cities in the U.S. for years because it offers a combination of career opportunities, lifestyle and relatively lower costs than other major tech hubs (though affordability has become more of a challenge recently).
People move to Austin for different reasons, but some of its biggest draws include a solid job market, no income tax, outdoor activities, year-round warm weather and live music.
Is Austin, TX, a good place to live? Like any city, Austin has its pros and cons, and you just have to decide whether it aligns with your lifestyle and preferences.
Austin offers a diverse economy with plenty of opportunities in tech, healthcare, education, government and startups. Major employers like Apple, Tesla, Dell, Oracle and Samsung have a presence in Austin, making it attractive to professionals.
Austin was once renowned for its affordability, but housing costs have risen significantly over the years, especially as more and more people have decided to call the city home. Prices have cooled somewhat from their peak, and rents are even going down in some areas, but costs can still be high compared to some other Texas cities.
Because of the warm weather, Austin offers year-round opportunities to get outside. Residents enjoy:
Summer is one of Austin’s biggest challenges. Temperatures frequently hover around or over 100°F, depending on the year. The combination of heat and humidity can make outdoor activities difficult during the day (though there are plenty of options for beating the heat, like a dip in Barton Springs pool).
If heat is more of a draw than a drawback for you, consider other top cities within Texas alongside Austin.
Austin is famous for live music, festivals, local breweries, comedy clubs and sporting events. Whether you’re interested in concerts, networking or nightlife, there’s usually something happening. Heavy hitters include the Austin City Limits music festival, SXSW, F1 races and Austin FC soccer games.
While Austin offers plenty to do, sometimes actually getting to your activity is a problem. Rapid population growth has led to increased congestion, and major roads like I-35 and MoPac often have significant delays during rush hour.
Austin has earned a reputation for its culinary scene. In this city, you can find award-winning barbecue (including Michelin-star restaurants), breakfast tacos galore, food trucks on almost every corner and even fine dining.
Austin continues to add new residents every year. While growth brings opportunities, it has also contributed to longer commutes, more crowded events and restaurants, and ongoing construction throughout the city.
To balance out the hot summers, winters are generally short and mild. You can enjoy more time outdoors compared to colder parts of the country.
Central Texas is known for seasonal allergens, particularly cedar pollen in the winter. Many newcomers experience “cedar fever,” which can cause flu-like symptoms from the allergy.
Located in Central Texas, Austin makes it easy to visit destinations like:
While the city has buses and a commuter rail line, most residents rely on personal vehicles. Public transit is improving but still lags behind metros like Chicago and NYC.
Austin is an extremely dog-friendly city, and almost every apartment community allows pets. Most of them even have dedicated dog parks. You’ll frequently see folks walking their dogs on trails around the city, so it’s a great fit for dog owners.
Austin tends to be more affordable than other major cities like NYC, LA and Chicago, but it can be more expensive than other Texas cities, mainly due to housing.
Housing will usually be your biggest expense. As of July 2026, Zillow reports that the average rent in Austin is about $1,965 per month. But this number can vary considerably depending on your apartment size and neighborhood. On the buying side, Redfin reports a median sale price of approximately $542,000.
Neighborhoods like Downtown, Zilker, South Congress, Bouldin Creek and Mueller are generally among the most expensive. You may get more space for your money if you travel farther north, south or east and by moving to suburbs like Pflugerville, Round Rock, Leander and Buda.
Texas doesn’t have a state income tax, which can increase your take-home pay compared to states that tax income. However, homeowners may encounter relatively high property taxes.
For the most part, owning a car is a must because Austin’s public transportation system is pretty limited. Your budget will need to include insurance (which can be higher in Austin), gas (which is often cheaper than in states like California), parking, tolls and maintenance.
Electric bills can rise considerably during Austin’s long, hot summers because of air-conditioning use. A newer, energy-efficient apartment may cost less to cool than an older home, so utility costs can vary substantially.
For many residents, day-to-day life in Austin feels safe. People regularly walk, bike, visit parks, attend festivals and enjoy the city’s nightlife. Popular areas such as Downtown, South Congress and much of Northwest Austin are busy with residents and visitors throughout the day.
Austin is full of diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own unique lifestyle. There isn’t one definitive best neighborhood — it all comes down to how you like to spend your free time. This overview can help you find a good neighborhood that aligns with your interests and priorities.
While choosing a specific neighborhood is important, there’s one factor many newcomers don’t consider: whether to live north or south of the Colorado River.
North vs. South Austin is about more than just location. Each area has its own vibe and culture, and you usually want to live in the same area you work in. Commuting from South Austin to somewhere up north can be a real pain. But if the commute won’t bother you or you’re still looking for a job, here’s how to decide if North or South is right for you:
North Austin includes neighborhoods like The Domain, Arboretum, Wells Branch and North Burnet.
It’s closer to employers like Apple, Dell and IBM and has a more suburban feel. Plus, housing in North Austin is often more affordable.
South Austin includes neighborhoods like South Lamar, South Congress, Bouldin Creek, Zilker, Circle C Ranch, Oak Hill and Sunset Valley.
South Austin is known for its eclectic neighborhoods, local businesses and creative atmosphere. It’s also closer to outdoor recreation like Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool. However, housing tends to be more expensive, and popular areas can get crowded fast.
From South Congress and East Austin to The Domain and beyond, every Austin neighborhood offers a different experience. CORT Furniture Rental makes it easier to get comfortable while you discover which part of the city feels most like home. With flexible furniture packages, professional delivery and setup and lease terms designed for life’s transitions, you can start enjoying Austin the moment you arrive.
