Living in Austin
2026 EditionThe Complete Austin
Relocation Guide
Real data, honest advice, and everything you need to know — from a local expert who's helped 100+ families make the move.
Angie Ufomata
The Case for Moving
Why Austin?
From no state income tax to world-class food, here's why families keep choosing Austin.
I've lived in Austin since 2005, and I've watched it grow from a quirky college town into one of the most dynamic cities in the country. But what makes it special hasn't changed: the people are friendly, the outdoors are gorgeous, and there's a genuine sense of community you don't find in bigger metros.
No State Income Tax
Texas has no state income tax, which means more of your paycheck stays with you. For families relocating from California or New York, the savings are significant.
Tech Hub & Job Growth
Tesla, Apple, Samsung, Meta, Oracle, Dell, Indeed — Austin's job market is one of the strongest in the country, especially for tech workers.
Outdoor Lifestyle Year-Round
Barton Springs, Lady Bird Lake, the Greenbelt, Lake Travis — Austin offers an outdoor lifestyle that most cities can't match, with 300+ days of sunshine.
Food, Music & Culture
The Live Music Capital of the World isn't just a nickname. Add world-class BBQ, a thriving food truck scene, and festivals like SXSW and ACL, and you've got a city that's never boring.
Growing Infrastructure
New toll roads, expanding transit, a new international terminal at the airport — Austin is investing in its future in ways that will benefit residents for decades.
Watch: Why families are choosing Austin in 2026
What my clients always tell me after their first year: they wish they'd moved sooner. Austin just has this energy — it's ambitious but laid-back, growing but still personal.
Real Numbers
Cost of Living — What It Actually Costs
Forget vague comparisons. Here are real median home prices from today's Austin market, plus what you'll spend on taxes, utilities, and daily life.
Median Home Prices Across the Metro
Median sale prices from latest monthly data.
See All Areas →Property Taxes
Texas makes up for no income tax with property taxes of 1.8–2.2% of assessed value. A $400K home runs ~$7,200–$8,800/year. Homestead exemptions help — and for most relocators from high-tax states, total tax burden is still lower.
Utilities
Average electric bill: $130–180/month (AC drives summer costs up). Water is $40–60/month. Internet: $50–80/month for fiber. Total utility costs are comparable to most U.S. metros.
Groceries & Dining
H-E-B is a Texas institution — high quality, fair prices, and a local favorite. Groceries run 3–5% below the national average. Dining out ranges from $12 food truck tacos to $50+ fine dining.
Transportation
Gas is typically $0.20–0.40 cheaper per gallon than the national average. Car insurance averages $1,800/year. Toll roads (183A, MoPac Express) cost $2–8 per trip but save significant commute time.
The best value right now? Pflugerville and Leander. You get new construction, top school districts, and a 20-minute commute to downtown for under $400K. That combination doesn't exist in most major metros.
By Lifestyle
Best Areas to Live in Austin
Every family has different priorities. Here's how Austin's communities stack up — with real prices from today's market.
Best for Families
Top-rated school districts, safe neighborhoods, family-friendly amenities
Top school districts & community parks
Young Professionals
Walkable neighborhoods, nightlife, coworking spaces, urban energy
East Austin, South Congress, The Domain
Luxury Living
Premium homes, lake access, hill country views, exclusive communities
Lake Travis & Hill Country estates
Best Value
Affordable homes with strong growth, improving schools, and new development
Fast-growing with room to grow
Education
Schools & Education
Austin's school districts range from good to exceptional. Here are the top-rated districts for families.
Fayetteville ISD
Top 1Flatonia ISD
Top 2Eanes ISD
Top 3Thrall ISD
Lake Travis ISD
Round Top-carmine ISD
Doss Consolidated CSD
Dripping Springs ISD
“I always tell parents: don't just look at the overall rating. Visit the schools, talk to other parents in the neighborhood, and consider what matters most to your family — academics, arts, athletics, or community feel. Every district has hidden gems.”
— Angie
A Quick Note from Angie
If you've made it this far, you're serious about Austin. I love that.
I've helped 100+ families navigate this exact move. This guide gives you the big picture — but the details that matter most are specific to you. The neighborhood that fits YOUR family, the school that matches YOUR kid, the commute that works for YOUR life.
Keep reading — there's great info ahead. But if you'd rather talk through your specific situation, I'm just a call away.
Free call · No obligation
Work
Job Market & Economy
Austin's economy is booming, driven by tech, healthcare, and government. Here's the landscape for job seekers.
Major Employers
Tesla
Gigafactory Texas — largest employer in the region
Apple
Second-largest campus outside Cupertino
Samsung
$17B chip fabrication plant in Taylor
Meta
Data center and engineering hub
Oracle
Relocated HQ to Austin in 2020
Dell
Founded and HQ'd in Round Rock
Indeed
Downtown Austin HQ with 3,000+ employees
Amazon
Multiple fulfillment centers and tech offices
Salary vs. Cost of Living (Tech Median)
COL Index: 100 = national average. Lower is better. Sources: BLS, Numbeo (2025-2026).
Remote Work & Coworking
Austin has one of the highest concentrations of remote workers in the country. Co-working spaces like WeWork, Industrious, and Capital Factory are scattered across downtown and The Domain. Many tech companies offer hybrid arrangements, making Austin ideal for those who want the social scene of a tech hub without a daily commute.
The Austin Tech Corridor
The tech scene stretches from The Domain in north Austin (Apple, Meta, Amazon) through downtown (Indeed, Google, Atlassian) to south Austin (Tesla, Samsung). This concentration means job-hopping doesn't require a move across town — a huge advantage over single-company tech cities.
Lifestyle
Outdoor Living & Things to Do
Austin isn't just a place to work — it's a place to live. Here's what your weekends look like.
Water & Outdoors
Barton Springs Pool
Natural spring-fed pool at 68°F year-round — Austin's most iconic spot
Lady Bird Lake
Kayaking, paddleboarding, and the 10-mile hike-and-bike trail through downtown
Barton Creek Greenbelt
Miles of hiking and rock climbing trails with swimming holes
Lake Travis
Boating, cliff jumping, and waterfront dining in the Hill Country
Music & Culture
6th Street & Rainey Street
Live music every night of the week — from honky-tonks to jazz clubs
South Congress (SoCo)
Boutique shopping, food trucks, and the iconic "I Love You So Much" mural
ACL Festival
Two weekends of world-class music at Zilker Park every October
SXSW
The world's largest convergence of tech, film, and music — every March
Food & Drink
BBQ
Franklin, la Barbecue, Micklethwait — Austin is the undisputed BBQ capital
Tex-Mex & Tacos
Breakfast tacos are a religion. Veracruz, Torchy's, and countless hidden gems
Food Truck Parks
South Austin, East Austin, and The Domain all have vibrant food truck scenes
Coffee Culture
Houndstooth, Merit, Cuvee — Austin's third-wave coffee scene rivals Portland
Family Activities
Zilker Park
Austin's 350-acre backyard — botanical gardens, train rides, and Barton Springs
Thinkery
Austin's children's museum with hands-on STEM exhibits
Austin Zoo
Rescue zoo in the Hill Country — great for young kids
Hill Country Day Trips
Fredericksburg, Wimberley, and Gruene Hall are all under 90 minutes away
Watch: What your life looks like in Austin
I tell every client the same thing: spend a long weekend here before you commit. Go to Barton Springs on a Saturday, grab breakfast tacos from Veracruz, and walk the South Congress strip. If you're smiling by Sunday — and you will be — you know Austin is home.
— Angie
Climate
Weather & Climate — What to Actually Expect
I'm not going to sugarcoat it: Austin summers are hot. But the other 8 months? You'll understand why people keep moving here.
Spring
March – MayThe best time to be in Austin
Wildflowers bloom along highways, patios fill up, and the city comes alive. SXSW kicks off spring, and evenings are perfect for outdoor dining. This is when clients visit and fall in love with Austin.
Summer
June – SeptemberHot — but you adapt
Let's be honest: summers are intense. Triple digits from June through September are normal. But Austinites adapt — mornings at the pool, AC midday, evenings on the lake. Barton Springs (68°F year-round) is your best friend.
Fall
October – NovemberSecond spring
ACL Festival, football season, and the return of patio weather. Fall is the second-best season and the most popular time to move. Pro tip: October and November are when inventory opens up in the housing market.
Winter
December – FebruaryMild with rare cold snaps
If you're coming from the Northeast or Midwest, you won't believe it. Most winter days are jacket-optional. Snow is rare (once every few years), and when it happens, the city shuts down. Bring a light coat and you're set.
What Newcomers Should Know
Cedar Fever (Dec – Feb)
Austin's biggest surprise for newcomers. Mountain cedar pollen can trigger severe allergy symptoms. If you're prone to allergies, talk to an allergist before your first winter here. It's manageable, but it's real.
Best Months to Move
October through April is ideal. You'll house-hunt in pleasant weather, moving day won't be 100°F, and you'll have time to settle before summer hits.
Summer Impact on Housing
Summer is actually a great time to buy — fewer buyers competing, sellers more willing to negotiate. Just plan your move-in for the cooler morning hours.
Step by Step
Your Moving Checklist
A practical timeline for your move to Austin — from your first call with Angie to your first week in Texas.
Contact Angie & Start Planning
- Reach out to Angie for a free relocation consultation
- Discuss your priorities: schools, commute, budget, lifestyle
- Get a personalized neighborhood shortlist based on your needs
- Start researching Austin online — follow local blogs, YouTube, and social media
- Visit Austin for a long weekend to explore neighborhoods firsthand
- Begin understanding the Austin housing market and price trends
Research & Plan
- Research neighborhoods (or take our Neighborhood Quiz)
- Get pre-approved for a mortgage if buying
- Start decluttering and decide what to move vs. sell
- Research schools if you have children
- Request medical and dental records for transfer
Lock In the Details
- Secure housing — close on a home or sign a lease
- Get moving quotes from at least 3 companies
- Notify your current landlord (if renting)
- Enroll kids in school (districts open enrollment early)
- Begin packing non-essential items
- Forward mail with USPS change of address
Texas Prep
- Set up Austin Energy (electricity) — austinenergy.com
- Set up water utility for your specific city
- Arrange internet service (AT&T Fiber, Google Fiber, or Spectrum)
- Transfer or find new doctors, dentists, and vets
- Update your insurance policies for Texas
- Notify banks, subscriptions, and employers of address change
Final Countdown
- Confirm moving company details and timeline
- Pack essentials bag (3 days of clothes, toiletries, documents)
- Clean current home, take photos for deposit return
- Charge devices and download offline maps of Austin
- Say goodbye to your current community
Get Settled in Texas
- Get a Texas driver's license within 90 days (DPS office)
- Register your vehicle in Texas within 30 days
- Register to vote in Texas (votetexas.gov)
- Find your nearest H-E-B — it will change your life
- Explore your neighborhood: walk the streets, find your coffee shop
- Update your vehicle insurance to Texas rates
Where Are You Coming From?
Moving from...
Every move is different. Here's how Austin compares to where you might be coming from.
California
California → Austin · Same sun, half the price- Save 10-13% on state income tax
- Median home price 40-60% lower
- Similar outdoor lifestyle, less traffic
- Growing tech scene with Bay Area companies
New York
New York → Austin · Big-city energy, Texas space- Median rent 50% lower
- No state income tax (NY: up to 10.9%)
- Space — actual yards and garages
- Same food/culture energy, friendlier pace
Colorado
Colorado → Austin · Trade altitude for lakes- Similar outdoor culture and active lifestyle
- Lower home prices in most Austin suburbs
- Better job market diversity
- No altitude adjustment, water access year-round
Chicago
Chicago → Austin · Escape the winters forever- Escape the winters (Austin rarely freezes)
- Comparable food scene, lower cost
- No state income tax (IL: 4.95%)
- Shorter commutes in most Austin suburbs
Want a personalized comparison for your specific situation?
Get a Personalized Relocation PlanCommon Questions
Relocation FAQ
Honest answers to the questions I hear from every family considering a move to Austin.
1Is Austin still affordable in 2026?
Compared to coastal cities like San Francisco, New York, and LA, absolutely. The median home price in the Austin metro ranges from $300K in outlying cities like Hutto and Kyle to $600K+ in Austin proper. The real value is in suburbs like Pflugerville, Leander, and Manor, where you get new construction, good schools, and a 20-30 minute commute for under $400K.
2What is the best time of year to move to Austin?
October through April offers the best weather for house-hunting and moving. Spring (March-May) is ideal if you want to experience Austin at its best before committing. Avoid moving in July or August unless you enjoy 105°F moving days. If you're buying, fall often has less competition and more negotiating room.
3How are the schools in Austin?
Austin has excellent public school options. Round Rock ISD and Eanes ISD consistently rank among the best in Texas. Leander ISD and Georgetown ISD are also highly rated. If schools are your top priority, Cedar Park (Leander ISD) and Round Rock are the go-to choices. We have detailed school district guides on our Schools page.
4Is Austin safe?
Austin is one of the safest large cities in Texas. Suburban communities like Cedar Park, Round Rock, and Georgetown are consistently ranked among the safest cities in the state. Like any metro area, some neighborhoods are safer than others — that's where having a local agent who knows the specific streets matters.
5Do I need a car in Austin?
Yes, for most people. Austin's public transit (Capital Metro) is expanding but still limited compared to cities like New York or Chicago. If you live downtown or near The Domain, you can get by with rideshares and biking. But for families in the suburbs, a car is essential. The good news: traffic is significantly better than LA, Houston, or Dallas.
6What about property taxes with no state income tax?
Texas makes up for no income tax with higher property taxes — typically 1.8% to 2.2% of your home's assessed value. On a $400K home, that's roughly $7,200-$8,800 per year. However, homestead exemptions can reduce this significantly, and for most people relocating from high-income-tax states, the total tax burden is still lower in Texas.
7How's the job market for tech workers?
Exceptional. Austin has the highest concentration of tech jobs outside of Silicon Valley. Tesla, Apple, Samsung, Meta, Oracle, Dell, Indeed, and Amazon all have major operations here. Remote workers also love Austin — you get the social scene of a tech hub with a lower cost of living. Salaries are slightly below SF/NYC but purchasing power is significantly higher.
8Is Austin good for families?
Austin is one of the best metros in the country for families. Top-rated school districts, safe suburbs, endless outdoor activities, and a culture that genuinely values community. Cedar Park, Round Rock, and Georgetown are the most popular family destinations. The food truck scene, Zilker Park, and swimming holes give families endless weekend adventures.
Ready to Make Austin Home?
I've helped 100+ families navigate their move to Austin. Whether you're still researching or ready to start house-hunting, I'd love to help. Let's talk about what you're looking for.
— Angie
Free consultation · No obligation · Local expertise you can trust