Your Guide to Moving to Austin, TX

Recently nicknamed “Boomtown,” Austin is one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the U.S. Given the city’s incredible economic opportunities, relatively low cost of living, great weather, and vibrant culture, it's no surprise that Austin has been ranked as one of the best cities to live in the country multiple times over the last several years. Read on to find out why people from all over America and the world are choosing to call Austin home.

Excellent Employment and Business Opportunities

One of the main reasons people are relocating to Austin is to take advantage of its thriving economy and the excellent employment and business opportunities it offers. The city is known as a technology hub that is home to numerous big-name companies, such as Apple and Dell, as well as many smaller companies and startups. But technology isn’t the only industry with a presence in Austin. The city has a diverse range of employment opportunities in all industries including healthcare, education, government, engineering, and business.

Austin is also the place to be for entrepreneurs. The city has been named one of the best places in the U.S. for entrepreneurs and startups. Its thriving economy and rapid population growth provide many outstanding opportunities for business owners in all industries.

High-Quality Schools

When you choose to raise a family in Austin, you can feel confident that your children will have access to high-quality education options that will enable them to thrive. The Austin area includes 29 public school districts, 27 charter school districts, and more than 100 private schools. Eanes ISD is consistently ranked as one of the best school districts in the country. While Eanes ISD is relatively small, Round Rock, Lake Travis, and Leander ISDs are larger school districts in the area that all include high-performing schools. Additionally, Austin’s Liberal Arts and Science Academy and the Ann Richard School for Young Women Leaders are consistently ranked amongst the best high schools in the U.S.

Austin is also home to The University of Texas at Austin, ranked as the Number 10 top public university in the nation, as well as 26 other public and private universities and colleges.

Great Weather

With 300 days of sunshine each year and moderate temperatures almost year-round, Austin’s weather is hard to beat. For seven months of the year, average high temperatures are in the 70s, perfectly pleasant for enjoying all the outdoor activities the city offers. Winters are moderate, with temperatures typically ranging from the high 40s to the low 70s, and just a few exceptionally cold days each year. Summer is the only season that may be a little unpleasant, with toasty temperatures that can increase above 100 degrees. But most Austinites will tell you that enduring the summer months is worthwhile given how great the weather is for the rest of the year.

Vibrant Culture and Lifestyle

Austin’s culture and lifestyle is like no other. Whether you enjoy outdoor recreation, dining, and nightlife, or family-friendly activities, you can be sure you’ll find it here in Austin. The city has long been known as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” From bars and nightclubs to theaters and music festivals, there are always dozens of live music performances to choose from, no matter what your style or preferences are. Austin also boasts an eclectic foodie culture. From award-winning restaurants to food trucks and food festivals, you can find a variety of cuisines, all served up with good, old-fashioned Texan hospitality. And, to top it all off, you will have no trouble staying fit and active here in Austin. The city boasts more than 220 parks, 30 swimming holes, several lakes, and numerous hiking and biking trails. And since we have great weather year-round, you’ll find yourself wanting to spend all your time outdoors.

Low Cost of Living

While it’s no secret that Austin’s cost of living has increased significantly over recent years, the city still boasts a relatively low cost of living when compared to other large cities in the country. For starters, living in Texas means you’ll pay no state income tax. If you’re moving to Texas from a state with a high-income tax rate, this could translate to savings of up to 13 percent. Additionally, Austin’s cost of living is 3 percent lower than the national average and up to 45 percent lower than other cities with comparable technology industries, such as San Francisco and Seattle. Given these factors, Austin is considered to be a fairly affordable place to buy a home and live in, particularly when compared to other major cities in the U.S. And, for those who are looking for a city that is affordable but also offers a great lifestyle, Austin definitely stands out against the rest.

Diverse Neighborhoods

The Austin area includes several distinct neighborhoods, each one offering its own advantages. Choosing the right neighborhood is all about deciding on what’s most important to you and balancing these factors with financial and practical implications.

South Austin

If you want to live in an area with a true Austin vibe, South Austin is the place for you. With plenty of entertainment options and cultural attractions, you’ll never run out of things to do. The area also has a family-friendly atmosphere and provides many parks and green spaces for residents to enjoy. South Austin also has a large number of excellent public and private schools.

East Austin

Located just east of downtown, East Austin offers convenient access to the amenities and attractions of the city with a lower price tag. East Austin has gone through a rapid process of gentrification over the last several years and has now become a trendy neighborhood with a casual, community-oriented vibe. It offers many parks and greenspaces, including Lady Bird Lake, as well as an array of hip restaurants, bars, art galleries, and boutique stores.

West Austin

For those who are looking to enjoy a quiet lifestyle in the picturesque Texas hill country, West Austin provides the perfect combination of tranquility and access to big-city amenities. West Austin is located right on Lake Austin and extends all the way to Lake Travis, providing breathtaking views and plenty of options for outdoor and water activities. The area is also known for its golf courses and high-quality schools.

North Austin

North Austin is the ideal choice for those who want to live in the suburbs while also having easy access to downtown. The area is family-friendly with plenty of options for entertainment for people of all ages and interests. North Austin has also become a hub for technology companies offering many employment opportunities.

Round Rock

Ranked as one of the best places to live in the U.S., Round Rock is located just 18 miles north of downtown. With a quiet, suburban feel, the area appeals most to those who are looking for quality of life along with affordability. Round Rock is a family-friendly community that has 37 parks, an array of entertainment and dining options, and year-round festivals and cultural events. Round Rock also has some of the highest-rated schools in the Austin area.

Georgetown

North of the city lies Georgetown, a growing community that offers small-town charm along with outdoor attractions such as Lake Georgetown and Blue Hole Park. Residents are attracted to the area due to the availability and affordability of new housing. Georgetown is located just north of Round Rock, providing easy access to all the amenities residents need.

Leander

Located about 25 miles northeast of downtown, Leander is a rapidly growing suburban area that has become popular for its affordability and convenient location. The city is located just north of Cedar Park, which offers all the amenities and conveniences one may need. It is also close to many technology companies located in north Austin offering excellent employment opportunities. Commuting to downtown is also easy with the CapMetro rail service. The area also has an array of high-quality public and private school options available.

Lakeway

On the banks of Lake Travis, just 20 miles northwest of downtown, lies Lakeway, a small but growing, tight-knit community. Due to its location, the town boasts access to beautiful scenery and an array of outdoor and water activities. Lakeway is popular with those who are looking for a quiet lifestyle away from the hustle and bustle of the big city.

A New Construction Home Is the Best Choice in Austin

The Austin housing market has been booming for the last several years and was even ranked as the Number 1 hottest housing market in 2021 by Yahoo Finance. New listings and open homes in the most desirable neighborhoods are usually flooded with potential buyers, and many of these homes sell for more than the asking price after just a few days on the market.

If you’re considering buying a home in Austin, these trends provide good reason to consider a new construction home. Due to the incredible population and economic growth of the city, Austin builders are experiencing high demand for new homes. As a result, there are many new housing developments and communities available throughout the Austin area, all offering a variety of options designed to suit any lifestyle and budget.

Here are some key advantages to buying a new build over a resale in Austin:

• New homes are built in desirable and upcoming neighborhoods;
• New homes are move-in ready and near-flawless;
• New homes are built in new communities;
• A new home provides more value for money.

New homes are built in desirable and upcoming neighborhoods

With housing inventory levels at record lows in Austin, it’s often difficult for buyers to find a home in a neighborhood they want to live in. Newly constructed communities and homes are available in many highly-desirable Austin-area neighborhoods, such as Georgetown, Round Rock, and Leander. Many of these neighborhoods are up and coming, meaning that they are relatively affordable now and will likely increase in value as the area’s population and economy continues to grow.

New homes are move-in ready and near flawless

When you choose a new construction home, you will get more peace of mind knowing that you are buying a home that’s move-in ready and free of defects and outdated systems. In your new home, you can feel confident that there are no foundation issues and all your plumbing and electrical systems, as well as appliances, are working and updated. New home builders also provide a warranty that covers the cost of any issues that may arise in the home during the warranty period.

New homes are built in new communities

Most new constructions are built as part of a new community development plan. To help create a sense of community, new home builders include amenities and policies in their developments that most resale homes do not offer. Amenities often included in newly constructed communities include swimming pools, clubhouses, playgrounds, and walking trails. Most home builders also do not allow investors to purchase their developments. This also helps to create a sense of community as all the homeowners within the development are residents.

A new home provides more value for money

While the cost of new construction may or may not be less than the purchase price of a resale home of comparable size and location, you can feel confident that you are getting more value for your money when you choose to buy new. In addition to outdated systems and appliances, resale homes can have hidden defects that may not be uncovered in an inspection. It’s not uncommon for buyers of resale homes to find themselves facing large bills for repairing these types of problems just a year or two after they move in. Furthermore, new homes are more energy-efficient and are cheaper to insure. Last but not least, when you decide to sell your home, your house will be newer and will likely hold more value if you bought a newly constructed home over a resale.

Search For Your New Austin Home Today

With all that this great city has to offer, there’s no doubt that Austin is a great place to live. Start your search for a new construction home in Austin with NewHomesMate today!