Firstly why Austin, Texas?

I’ll start with some quick stats and an overview:

• City: Austin
• State: Texas
• Population: 964,254 people
• Austin’s quick summary would be The state capital, renowned for its live music scene, the Texas State Capitol, and vibrant cultural festivals like South by Southwest (SXSW).

Some people I know rave about this place, others say it’s on the upswing or going through changes. Check out these migration details:

• How many people move-in: 50,000 annually
• While this many move-out: 40,000 annually
• Net Migration: 10000 more people in (net) annual change
• Non-Citizen Move-in: 10,000
• Number of Homeless people: 2,000

You might wonder why people choose to move here, I’d say generally because it known for its music scene and tech industry attracting young professionals and creatives

Perk #1: Austin Demographic Mix & Lifestyle

• The percentage of Residents Age 30–50 is about 35%
• Percentage of Home Ownership is hovering around 49%
• Largest Local Ethnic Group is Hispanic
• The 2nd Largest Ethnic Group is mostly White
• The median income is (and growing)  $76,000
• Income Required to Live Comfortably in Austin is $89,000
• Average Extra Spending Money after paying bills yearly is approx. $13000 in positive cash flow

This and any cities local population can be a real melting pot—or sometimes it’s more homogeneous, depending on the area. Ask yourself: would you enjoy a bustling community with diverse backgrounds, or do you prefer a quieter, tight-knit vibe?

Perk #2: Housing & Austin’s Cost of Living

• Cost of Living Index: 130 (100 is the US average)
• Annual Property Tax Per House: $4,561
• Property Tax %: 1.8%
• Rent for an average 2BD Apartment: $2,200
• Rent for an average house: $3,500
• Popular and Expensive Neighborhood: Tarrytown
• Top 5 Growing Areas: Austin, Round-Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar-Park, and probably could include Leander
• Avg. Age of Homes in Austin: 35 years
• The Percentage of Realtors per 100 people here: 4%

If the cost-of-living index is low, you might find a place without selling your kidney. If it’s high, well, you’ll need to budget carefully. Some income earners thrive in pricey markets, others prefer less financially stressful areas.

Perk #3: Job Market & Austin’s Economy

• 3 Industries gaining traction in Austin are  Technology, Education, and Government
• Austin Job Scene: strong job market in tech and education
• The General Tech Scene: major tech hub known for its vibrant startup culture and technology innovations , ,
• Austin Resident’s pay $2,300 in City Tax alone!
• Local Sales Tax in Austin: 8.25%
• No. of Independent Businesses: 400 (excluding chains and corporates)
• Number of Local Branch Banks: 43

Maybe you’re a go-getter in finance, tech, or healthcare. Or you’d rather open a mom-and-pop shop. Either way, it’s worth checking if the local industries align with your skill set—or if you’re game to try something new.

Perk #4: Transportation & Commuting in Austin

• Monthly Transportation Costs: $120 on average per person
• Freeway Access: I-35 runs through Austin linking it to major cities in Texas
• Commute Time: 32 minutes (public & private)
• Main Evening Traffic Area: congestion on the 290
• Transportation Score: 55 out of 100 described as Good Transit
• No. of Vehicles Registered in Austin: 600,000
• Cars registered per Person: 0.6
• No. of Car Washes: 20 in and around the city
• DMV Website for Austin: txdmv.gov
• The Bike-Friendly Score: 79 of 100
• Local Airport: Austin-Bergstrom International

Is a 15-minute commute your dream, or is 45 minutes stuck on the freeway a dealbreaker? If you can handle traffic or love public transit, this might be perfect. If not, brace yourself with a killer podcast lineup.

Perk #5: Austin’s Weather & Natural Factors

• The Most Common Natural Disaster is Tornadoes
• General Weather in Austin is best described as features hot summers with mild winters and a fair amount of annual rainfall
• Winter Weather in Austin i’d describe as mild with dry conditions
• Spring Weather in Austin can be described as warm and humid
• Summer’s in Austin are mostly hot and humid
• Fall ( the nicest time) in Austin is usually warm and mostly sunny
• How many days in a row over 90°F: 7 days in summer
• Days in a row in Austin below Freezing: 0
• Average Annual Rainfall: 34 inches
• Summer Air Quality is usually good air quality maintained through green initiatives
• Austin Winter Air generally good air quality but can experience pollution spikes

Do you live for sunny skies? Or maybe you can’t stand humidity. Some relish snowy winters; others run south at the first snowflake. And if hurricanes, tornadoes, or earthquakes are part of the package, put all that into your consideration matrix.

Perk #6: Austin Education & Schools

• The GreatSchools.org City Rating:
• Number of Colleges and Universities in Austin 36
• While the number of trade schools inside Austins’s city limits are 20
• Library that I have visited and enjoyed is the Austin Public Library

If you’ve got kids—or you’re looking to further your own education—solid school ratings and local colleges can be a huge perk. If not, hey, a good library have more gems that you didn’t know existed, check it out.

Perk #7: Healthcare & Austin Stats

• Typical EMS Response Time: 6 minutes
• Registered Full-Time Austin only Doctors is about 900
• Local Hospitals here is  16
• Full-time Austin only Police Officers is about 900
• Crime Rate Index: 30/100

Medical facilities could be important to you and who knows it could be related to the crime stats. Again some stats that are worth considering.

Perk #8: Utilities, Gyms & Water Quality

• Austin’s Monthly utility bill average is $120
• Austin’s Monthly Gym Membership: $70
• Austin’s Water Quality Score: 75

Some of us freak out if water tastes off, others don’t mind. Gym buffs will appreciate a cheap membership; others prefer running outside for free. Check if these monthly costs fit inside your realistic lifestyle.

Perk #9: Events, Festivals & Vibe in Austin

• Approx number of Festivals the city puts on is 25 annually
• The General Local City Vibe: kid-friendly city known for music tech and outdoor activities
• You might enjoy shows at the Austin City Limits Live
• Nightlife Scene (yes this is completely subjective), Austin  is known for its vibrant nightlife with music venues bars and festivals celebrating local talent and culture

If you love a lively social calendar—fairs, concerts, maybe the odd chili cook-off—this is your jam. If crowds make you itch, you might only show up for the funnel cakes.

Perk #10: The Food, Sports & Culture of Austin

• The Objective Restaurant Scene Includes a diverse culinary landscape with food trucks and local eateries
• The Number of Independent Restaurants are 200 scattered around Austin
• The Popular Sports Team is Texas Longhorns
• Top Level Political Climate in Austin can be described as liberal urban center known for its progressive policies and culture
• Austin’s Longer standing religious establishment is Austin Stone Community Church

Whether you’re a foodie wanting fancy cuisine or a sports nut who can’t miss the local team’s home game, see if your interests line up with what the city offers.

Perk #11: Austin Parks & Green Spaces

• Did you know Austin has 150 Parks?
• Zilker Park is Austin’s Green Space Center
• The local favorite Farmers Market is Austin Farmers Market normally open Saturday 9am-1pm
• Outdoor Activities that both weekend warriors are pro’s can enjoy are Hiking, swimming, and outdoor festivals

Love fresh air? A city investing in parks and markets can be a sanity-saver. If you prefer the indoors, maybe it’s less of a draw—but I still say fresh produce is never a bad thing.

Perk #12: Austin Neighborhoods Pace & Proximity

• The Pace of Life in Austin can be described as bohemian vibe with a fast-paced urban life driven by music and tech
• 3 Family-Friendly Activities anyone can enjoy in Austin hiking trails exploring parks attending local music festivals
• The Cities people commute to from Austin are Fort-Worth 30 miles away Plano 14 miles away Arlington 20 miles away

Neighborhood pace can range from laid-back suburbs to frantic downtown vibes. If you need a quick getaway, big neighboring cities can scratch that itch for a weekend change of scene.

8 Drawbacks about Austin or are they?

No place is perfect. I rate these as important based on your location and type of work you do. They might not be negatives or positives for everyone.

1. Traffic/Commute Issues
   Maybe you read: congestion on the 290. If you hate gridlock, look at alternative routes or brace yourself with podcasts.
2. Natural Disaster or Extreme Weather
   Austin’s Tornadoes risk could be minimal or major. Dig more on that is your eyebrow just went up.
3. Pricey Neighborhoods
   If Tarrytown is out of your price point, you might consider these places nearby Austin are Fort-Worth 30 miles away Plano 14 miles away Arlington 20 miles away.
4. Crime Rate Concerns
   With a 30 of 100, some neighborhoods might feel safer than others. Everyone has a different tolerance for this.
5. Harsh Climate Contrasts
   Austin has 0 days in a row below freezing and 7 days above 90 degrees. This might be your heaven or your nightmare. Some people can’t stand snow, while others pray for it.
6. Limited Extra Funds
   After general costs of living here in Austin people have an average (positive or negative) $13000 in positive cash flow left over in income to spend or pay off. Economics will make or break you here.
7. Homelessness or Social Challenges
   2,000 homeless people living in Austin. It can be tough for the community—no easy solutions.
8. Cultural/Political Mismatch
   The general liberal urban center known for its progressive policies and culture could change but probably not quickly. We all go thru cycles in our lifestyle and outlook. Think about this and your future outlook before a move to Austin.

Retiree & Senior Life in Austin

• Retiree Tax Benefits say seniors can may receive property tax assistance programs enhancing affordability
• The most established Senior Citizen Community is Brookdale
• Austin Senior Center features educational programs arts classes and community engagement for older residents

If you’re in (or nearing) retirement, see if the city provides property tax breaks or comfy 55+ communities. Some places cater heavily to seniors, others less so.

Moving to Austin, Texas?

If Austin, Texas ir your next home or you are packing up, Let Allied Van Lines Help

As someone who’s hauled half his life across state lines more times than I can recall, let me say that Allied Van Lines simplifies the process. From big bulky couches to fragile antiques, they’ve got you covered.

A quick quote or phone call might be all you need to turn your daydream into reality. If you see me around Austin, Texas, say hi—I’m the guy who once moved with nothing but a backpack and a guitar. Good luck on your new adventure!