Moving to Austin, Texas? Here’s What You Need to Know
If you’re moving to Austin, Texas, you’re not alone. In fact, more Americans choose to move to Texas than any other state in the U.S.Apart from the vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes, another exciting aspect of moving to Austin, Texas, is the thriving business environment. If you’re contemplating starting a business alongside your move, understanding how to start an llc in Texas can be an essential step towards safeguarding your personal assets and enjoying certain tax benefits. People from all over flock to the best surburbs of Austin TX for the sunny weather, rich history, booming tech market, and thriving economy.
Known as the ‘Live Music Capital of the World’, it’s not hard to see why Austin has also been dubbed Texas’ most livable city. Here’s what you need to know to settle in.
An Introduction to Austin
Located on the Colorado River and the Balcones Fault, Austin is America’s fastest-growing city. This capital city attracts corporations and investors with its relaxed regulations and has no state income tax. With a population of around 979,263 in the city proper, Austin was named the fastest-growing metropolitan area in America from 2010 to 2020 – and it still grows by an average of 168 new residents per day. Of course, living in Austin has a few drawbacks – like a slightly higher cost of living and a lot of traffic. However, when compared to other big cities, Austin’s general quality of life is hard to match.
Cost of Living
When areas become more heavily populated, the cost of living increases. As the fastest-growing metropolitan area, you can imagine that Austin’s cost of living is slightly higher than other major U.S. cities. However, Austin’s cost of living is still lower than Chicago, San Francisco, and New York’s. In fact, a recent PayScale study revealed that the cost of living in Austin is actually 3% lower than the national average. Something else that offsets the cost of living in Austin is its median household income – a healthy $76,925 compared to the rest of Texas’ $60,629.
Job Opportunities
Regarding job growth and opportunities, Austin has become a shining beacon for job-seekers – especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. Austin enjoys a booming job market within its thriving tech industry – and it’s already home to global tech giants like AMD, Facebook, Google, Intel, Paypal, and more. Even if you’re not in the tech industry, Austin has plenty of jobs from other top sectors – like health services, business services, education, and government.
Foodie Scene
When it comes to its culinary scene, Austin is something of a foodie’s paradise. You’ll sample local cuisines like Tex-Mex and become acquainted with the world-famous Franklin Barbeque. Franklin Barbeque’s famous patrons include Anthony Bourdain, Jimmy Kimmel, and Barack Obama. The Austin foodie scene also has a strong food truck culture – you’ll be sure to taste all kinds of local specialties and American favorites.
Weather
Once you’ve moved to Austin, you’ll have to get used to the heat – and the humidity in central Texas can be quite unpredictable. When the winds come from the desert in the West, the weather will be drier. The weather will be much more humid when the wind blows from the Gulf of Mexico, to the East. August is the warmest month of the season, and you can expect temperatures from 98°F to more than 100°F – so make sure you have access to a swimming pool! The highest temperature ever recorded in Austin was more than 112°F. Of course, the heat comes with an advantage – the winters in Austin (between December and February) are incredibly mild.