Should I Move to Austin? Here's Exactly How to Find the Right Answer

Few cities in the U.S. have changed as much (or as quickly) as Austin, Texas. What was once a laid-back college town known for its live music and quirky personality is now the 25th most populous metroplex in the country. With over 2.5 million residents, the region leads in tech jobs, housing demand, and cultural influence, continuing to attract families and young professionals alike. 

As new neighborhoods pop up and job opportunities multiply, more and more people are asking the same question: “Should I move to Austin?” Whether you’re considering a career change, want to start over somewhere new, or just want to see what your options are, this guide is here to help you answer that question. 

We’ll break down everything you need to know, from lifestyle and living expenses to job prospects, traffic, housing, weather, and even how Austin compares to similar cities. By the end, you’ll have a realistic view of what life in Austin is like and whether it feels like the right fit for you. 

Understand The Pros and Cons of Living in Austin

Like any city, Austin has advantages that appeal to some and drawbacks that may be dealbreakers for others. Until you take both the pros and cons into consideration, it can be difficult to answer the question “Should I move to Austin?” 

Pros:

• Thriving Tech Industry and Job Market: Austin is one of the top cities in the country for career growth. Big tech names like Tesla, Apple, and Google have large campuses here, while the University of Texas and several major hospitals create jobs across education and healthcare. Whether you’re looking for an opening in tech, research, government, or medicine, there’s rarely a shortage of opportunity, with the unemployment rate sitting a whole percentage point below the national average. 

• Live Music and Creative Culture: Austin has long been known as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” From massive festivals like SXSW to nightly shows in local bars and patio restaurants, music is everywhere. Add in street murals, art galleries, independent bookstores, and local fairs, and you’ve got a city where creative spirit is in every corner. 

• Easy Access to the Outdoors: If you like being outside, Austin makes it easy. The city ranks first for green spaces and is the seventh greenest in the country. You can paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake, swim in Barton Springs Pool, or hike the Barton Creek Greenbelt all within city limits. With around 300 sunny days a year, it’s no surprise that spending time outdoors is a big part of the culture here. 

• No State Income Tax: Texas doesn’t tax your income, which can be a big plus, especially if you’re coming from states like California or New York. While property taxes in the state are higher than average, many people still end up saving money overall. For business owners, freelancers, and high earners, those savings can soften the impact of Austin’s expensive real estate market.

Cons:

• Traffic Congestion and Urban Sprawl: Austin’s roads haven’t caught up with its growth, meaning I-35 and MoPac are often gridlocked during peak hours, sprawling into suburbs like Leander. While some neighborhoods are walkable, most residents depend on a car to get around. 

• Scorching Summers: From May through September, daily highs regularly exceed 90°F, with an average of 29 days per year topping 100°F. If you’re sensitive to heat or dream of crisp fall weather, the climate here is unlikely to live up to your expectations. Cedar allergy season, which typically runs from December to January, can also affect people who are new to the area. 

• Rising Living Expenses: Austin’s cost of living is noticeably higher than both state and national averages. It’s about 24% higher than the Texas average and 12% above the national average. While healthcare here is relatively affordable, the cost of housing is what sets most people back. As of June 2025, the median home price in Austin hovered around $556,340, making it one of the most costly real estate markets in the state.

• Limited Public Transit: Downtown, East Austin, and SoCo are highly walkable, but most neighborhoods lack sidewalks and nearby public transportation. CapMetro’s rail and bus systems exist, but they don’t run reliably outside of the main areas. With a transit score of 35, unless you live centrally, you’ll likely need a car to get around. 

What seems like a drawback to one person might feel like a benefit for another. Answering the question “Should I move to Austin?” requires being honest about your priorities, needs, and ability to put up with less than desirable circumstances in exchange for the positives. 

Weigh Key Considerations Before You Move

If the question “Should I move to Austin?” is still weighing on you, it can be helpful to think about how the realities of daily life here will match up with your lifestyle needs. 

Cost of Living

Whether you’re buying or renting, location and availability make a major difference in price. Thanks to a wave of new development, rental prices have been decreasing for 19 months in a row. The city’s vacancy rate now sits near 10%, and average monthly rent for a two-bedroom apartment has dropped to $1,425. Still, demand for units in neighborhoods like Mueller or Zilker keeps competition high. Meanwhile, homebuyers face limited supply and rising property taxes. Groceries, utilities, and transportation costs remain close to national averages, but for most Austinites, where you live will determine what you spend. 

Employment Opportunities

As the capital of Texas, Austin is home to dozens of state agencies and legislative offices, creating government roles in law, policy, administration, and public service. The area has also seen major growth in other fields, with tech giants like Google and Tesla moving in. Austin also supports large public institutions like UTA, St. David’s, and Ascension Seton Medical Center, along with over 1,100 bio and health companies. Even remote workers benefit from the city’s coworking spaces, startup programs, and access to local venture capital. 

Neighborhood Vibes

Each area of Austin offers something different. South Congress (SoCo) is walkable with boutique shops, food trucks, and plenty of entertainment. East Austin has breweries, murals, art galleries, and lots of upcoming development. Suburban communities like Cedar Park, Bee Cave, and Round Rock offer larger homes, highly-rated schools, and family-friendly amenities. However, they often require 30‑ to 45‑minute commutes and have limited transit access. Your day-to-day quality of life will depend heavily on where you choose to settle down. 

Weather and Lifestyle

Austin’s climate is hot and humid, but its short, mild winters make year-round outdoor activities possible. Most people adapt by heading out early, finding shade, or waiting until the sun goes down to enjoy the parks, trails, and outdoor dining. Seasonal events like Blues on the Green, the Zilker Kite Festival, and the Trail of Lights show just how much Austinites value spending time outside. 

How to Determine if Austin Is Right for You

Before you start packing up your stuff, take a moment to ask yourself a few important questions: 

• What’s your ideal lifestyle?
• Are you sensitive to heat or traffic?
• Do you need access to major employers or remote flexibility?
• Do you want to be close to parks and other green spaces?
• Can you afford above-average housing costs?

You shouldn’t have to give up the things that matter most just to make a move work. Instead, your lifestyle should naturally align with what Austin offers, whether that means being part of a tech scene, enjoying live music on weeknights, or spending your mornings on the Greenbelt.

If you're still unsure, consider a trial run. Renting a short-term place in a neighborhood like South Lamar or Hyde Park will give you the chance to test out life in Austin without making a permanent commitment. Spend time sitting in traffic, running errands, and visiting the local parks. A few weeks here can tell you more than anything you read ever could. 

Alternative Cities to Consider

Austin isn’t the only city that has a mix of employment, lifestyle, and cultural perks. If you’re still wondering “Should I move to Austin?,” here are a few other places to think about first: 

• Dallas: Dallas is larger than Austin, offering stronger job opportunities in finance and business. It also has a slightly better public transit system and lower housing costs, but a higher cost of living. 

• San Antonio: Just 80 miles south, San Antonio has better housing costs, a slower pace, and a rich cultural history that makes it appealing to families and first-time homebuyers. You’ll need a car to get around, but there’s a vibrant food scene, lots of festivals, and access to the town’s iconic River Walk for easy entertainment.

• Denver: If you’re drawn to outdoor living but prefer all four seasons, Denver will give you access to endless mountains, hiking trails, and natural hot springs. The economy there is thriving, but the cost of living is on the higher end, and real estate is pricey. Still, you’ll often be able to bike or take public transit to get around. 

• Raleigh: Known for its universities and booming healthcare industry, Raleigh ranks as the best place to live for young professionals. It’s home to the second-fastest growing tech hub in the country and has a real estate market that’s growing at record speed. Here, you’ll benefit from career opportunities and affordability. 

Each of these cities has its strengths, but Austin stands out for its unique combination of music, tech, nature, and culture. One of the best ways to answer the question “Should I move to Austin?" is to list your priorities in order of importance. Be honest about what you’re willing to sacrifice and what you can’t compromise on. 

Wrapping Up: Answering the Question, “Should I Move to Austin?”

When it comes to the question “Should I move to Austin?,” there’s no right answer. The decision depends on what you value most, whether that’s career growth, creative freedom, affordable rent, or living an outdoorsy lifestyle. For some, Austin has the perfect amount of opportunity, sunshine, and diversity. For others, the traffic, heat, and housing costs might be too much to handle. 

By now, you may feel confident enough to turn the question from “Should I move to Austin?" to “When can I move to Austin?” If you’re ready to find a home here, the local property management team at Evernest can help. Browse our live listings today, then reach out whenever you’re ready to take the first tour!