Moving to Austin? Here’s Our Relocation Guide

Austin Skyline

Keep it weird when you live in Austin. The Austin lifestyle goes far beyond Sixth Street, combining beautiful scenery, the best live music in the country, and foodie culture. Your new favorite band and restaurant await you in Austin.

The Colorado River bisects the capital city of Texas, and during warm months, Austinites of all ages head over to Lady Bird Lake to go kayaking and paddle boarding.

Anyone in the mood for fun indoors, or fun on tap, the South Congress district has some of the most iconic eateries and bars in the city. Texas’ own SoCo also has funky shops (and the best costume store) for anyone in the mood for some retail therapy.

Explore the Texas Hill Country in the shade of iconic live oak just minutes away from the bustling heart of the city.

Austin Area Communities

Bee Cave

Bee Cave delivers a luxurious lifestyle in West Austin. Picture panoramic views of the Texas Hill Country, replete with sublime sunsets, great hiking, and beautiful vistas of sparkling creeks.

Manor

Tucked into a growing area in Northeast Austin is Manor, a community-focused town, just 12 miles from Downtown Austin. Manor is one of the fastest growing suburbs in the Austin Area, thanks to its unbeatable location.

West Lake

Anyone who wants to have it all in Austin should call West Lake home. This established community in West Austin makes it easy to connect with the beautiful natural setting that surrounds the city, while still giving residents easy access to Downtown.

Lakeway

Lakeway is a lush oasis in Northwest Austin. This beautiful city, nestled in the Hill Country on the shores of the Colorado River, gives residents a serene retreat, away from the hustle and bustle of a major metropolitan area.  

Buda

Buda, TX is an affordable city south of Austin that has seen a lot of recent growth. Buda gives residents easy access to Downtown Austin and San Marcos, making it a fantastic area for people looking to settle down.

South Congress

South Congress is a funky urban neighborhood with a lot of quaint houses clustered around the iconic SoCo shopping district. If you love the idea of being the cool hipster, then you need to live here.

Round Rock

Round Rock has a peaceful suburban feel in North Austin. This great city has one of the best school districts in the larger Austin Area, and a hose of great amenities, so you won’t feel like you’re hemmed in suburbia. 

Pflugerville

Pflugerville isn’t as far north as Round Rock, but it still has an established scene of community. With new neighborhoods regularly popping up in Pflugerville, you’ll find the right house in the perfect place to live. 

Mueller

Urbanites will love life in Mueller. This exciting urban concept in East Austin puts Austinites close to the heart of the city and everything people love about Austin. 

Cedar Park

Cedar Park is a great city in North Austin. Cedar Park offers up a small town environment, so residents can enjoy unbeatable amenities, while still having easy access to some of Austin’s higher profile attractions. 

Leander

A bit farther north than Cedar Park is Leander, a fast growing and affordable Austin suburb. This great city has historic charm and a close-knit community, great for people looking to settle down in an affordable area. 

Top Austin School Districts

Finding the right school district for your children has a major impact on their quality of life and path to success. These are the top rated school districts in the Austin Area; if you want to delve deeper into school records and standards for the State of Texas, NewHomeSource has a guide to all the resources you need to find the right school for your child. 

Austin ISD

Students Served: 83,648

School Breakdown: 86 elementary schools, 26 middle schools, and 24 high schools

Students Per Teacher: 14.3

Test Proficiency: Above state averages in most demographics

Communities Served: Northwest Hills, Allendale, North Burnet, North Shoal Creek, Crestview, North Lamar, Hyde Park, Windsor Park, part of Daffan, part of Mueller, Tarry Town, part of Central Austin, Bouldin Creek, Sunset Valley, Barton Creek, part of East Riverside, South Congress, Bluff Springs, Manchaca, San Leanna, Southpark Meadows, Sunset Valley, Circle Ranch, Cedar Valley

Round Rock ISD

Students Served: 47,827

School Breakdown: 35 elementary schools, 13 middle schools, and 9 high schools

Students Per Teacher: 14.3

Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics

Communities Served: Round Rock, Bushy Creek, Lake Creek, Anderson Mill, Jollyville, Bull Creek,

Leander ISD

Students Served: 37,158

School Breakdown: 26 elementary schools, 8 middle schools, and 8 high schools

Students Per Teacher: 14.8

Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics

Communities Served: Leander, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Jonestown 

Pflugerville ISD

Students Served: 24,100

School Breakdown: 21 elementary schools, 6 middle schools, and 4 high schools

Students Per Teacher: 14.2

Test Proficiency: Above state averages in most demographics

Communities Served: Pflugerville, Coupland, Hutto, Manor

Del Valle ISD

Students Served: 11,559

School Breakdown: 9 elementary schools, 4 middle schools, and 2 high schools

Students Per Teacher: 13.8

Test Proficiency: Below state averages

Communities Served: Del Valle, Creedmoor, Webberville, part of Mustang Ridge

Lake Travis ISD

Students Served: 9,238

School Breakdown: 6 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high schools

Students Per Teacher: 17.7

Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics

Communities Served: Bee Cave, Briarcliff, Lakeway, The Hills, Hudson Bend

Manor ISD

Students Served: 8,873

School Breakdown: 9 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 3 high schools

Students Per Teacher: 15.1

Test Proficiency: Below state averages

Communities Served: Manor, parts of Elgin, parts Pflugerville, Taylor

Eanes ISD

Students Served: 8,075

School Breakdown: 6 elementary schools, 3 middle schools, and 3 high schools

Students Per Teacher: 13.5

Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics

Communities Served: West Lake Hills, Rollingwood, Lost Creek

Lago Vista ISD

Students Served: 1,437

School Breakdown: 2 elementary schools, 1 middle schools, and 1 high schools

Students Per Teacher: 15.7

Test Proficiency: Below state averages

Communities Served: Lago Vista, parts of Jonestown

Dripping Springs ISD

Students Served: 6,430

School Breakdown: 4 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 1 high schools

Students Per Teacher: 15.6

Test Proficiency: Above state averages in all demographics

Communities Served: Dripping Springs, Bear Creek, parts of Hays County

Top Employers in Austin

Austin has a tech and education based economy, with great jobs available in a wide range of sectors.

Austin ISD

Austin’s school district is the sixth largest in the state, and is one of the largest employers in the city, demonstrating the area’s commitment to providing a quality education to all the children who live here.

City of Austin

AISD isn’t the only major government employer in Austin. The City of Austin runs all city residential and business services, and employs a wide range of people at all stages of their careers. 

Dell

Dell’s Round Rock headquarters is the base for an international technology company. Their Austin campus is expanding their presence and employment base, bringing even more technology jobs to the area. 

IBM

While IBM might not be headquartered in Austin like Dell, but it has a major presence in the Austin Area. IBM’s Austin careers tend to focus on research and development.

Seaton Family of Hospitals

The Seaton Family of Hospitals in Austin provide health care to almost two million Texans. Seaton’s hospitals have served the people of Central Texas since 1902, and have expanded to five major medical centers in the area. 

Austin Area Museums

The Blanton art museum in Austin.

The Harry Ransom Center 

The Harry Ransom Center has an eclectic collection of just about everything. This center on the UT campus has a Gutenberg Bible, beautiful rotating art exhibits, and more. Admission is free, so you don’t have any reason to not visit. 

Museum of the Weird

Head over to Austin’s iconic 6th Street to visit the Museum of the Weird. Bring your entire family to tour a funky collection of curios and wax figures that ends with a magic show!

Blanton Museum of Art

The Blanton Museum of Art is a fun art museum on the UT campus. While the Blanton’s collection is on the smaller side, it has a unique collection of modern art and an exciting rotation of new exhibits.

The Contemporary Austin

The Contemporary Austin has two locations: The Jones Center, as well as an outdoor sculpture garden at Laguna Gloria. If you love contemporary art, then you need to visit both sites and explore all their exhibits. 

Thinkery Interactive Children’s Museums

Your kids will have a great day at the Thinkery Interactive Children’s Museum. Your entire family can explore exhibits designed to expand the mind wile having fun.

Austin Nature & Science Center

The Austin Nature and Science Center provides hands-on educational exhibits to help increase awareness and appreciation of the natural environment. 

Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum

If you want to wander though a sublime sculpture garden, take a meditation or yoga class, or attend an exciting meet-up, then you’ll love the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum. 

Great Parks in the Austin Area

Lady Bird Wild Flower Center

Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail,  Barton Springs, & Zilker Park Complex

All the green space around Lady Bird Lake has become an Austin staple. Take your kids, dogs, and bikes around the river, go paddle boarding or kayaking around Barton Springs, or chill out at Zilker Park. You can’t call your self an Austinite until you cross each of these off your list. 

Mount Bonnell

Mount Bonnell is another iconic Austin park, but don’t expect a long hike up to the top. When you reach the peak, enjoy panoramic views of the Colorado River and the Texas Hill Country. Mount Bonnell is a romantic spot to watch a sunset or do sunrise yoga.  

McKinney Falls State Park

McKinney Falls State Park is a bit of a drive outside Austin, but beautiful views of said falls make it worth the effort of getting there. The trails at McKinney Falls State Park aren’t very strenuous, and are fantastic for families, or anyone wanting to relax in nature. 

Bull Creek District Park

Bull Creek District Park is a great place to go with your kids and your dogs. Bull Creek is a real creek running through the park, making it a great spot for swimming and fishing when the water level is high enough. 

River Place Nature Trails

The River Place Nature Trail is a strenuous six mile hike through some of Austin’s most beautiful scenery. This hike involves a lot of climbs, and has a beautiful river at the bottom. 

Emma Long Metropolitan Park

If you want to explore a pretty park in Austin proper, head over to Emma Long Metropolitan Park. It has a few moderate trails for hikers, including Turkey Creek Trail. 

Spicewood Valley Trail

Spicewood Valley Trail is  a pretty hike in the larger Mountain View Park complex off Spicewood Springs Road. This is a pretty easy trail for hikers, but if you want to bring dogs, they have to stay on leash.

Austin Sports Teams

Unsurprisingly, the Austin sports scene is all about Longhorn Football. Tailgating is a way of life, and once you’ve experience it, you’ll be hard pressed to say otherwise.

Seriously, if you don’t bust out your portable pavilion, a three-course meal (with BBQ, wings, and enough chili to feed a mid-sized army), and a big screen TV on game day, you can’t sit with us. 

Technically, Austin does have professional sports teams, but nobody we know can name any of them. Austinites tend to mooch off other city’s teams, repping the San Antonio Spurs during basketball season and the Dallas Cowboys for professional football.

Living in Austin

Unlike many of Texas’ major cities, Austin isn’t as affordable of a place to call home. High housing and transportation costs make living in Austin fairly pricey (not California pricey, but more expensive than comparable metropolitan areas in Texas). When making a budget, Austinites also have to factor in all the shows they’re going to go to and all the delicious restaurants they plan on patronizing.   

Fortunately, Austin’s cost of living situation has a few saving graces that don’t send budgets into depressing territory. Groceries are way cheaper than national and state averages. (We aren’t sure about how the local farmers market compares, though.) Healthcare and utilities also cost less than national and state averages, so you can recoup some of your expenses.

Austin Housing Trends

Because Austin is one of the largest technology hubs, and is a generally cool place to live, outside of Silicon Valley, people continue to move here, despite the area’s higher cost of living.

Median Home Price: $361,900

As the Austin Area grows, neighborhoods are popping up around the city center. Popular Austin suburbs blend the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country with comfortable communities that retain easy access to Downtown.

Growing Communities in Mueller

Mueller, one of the trendiest up-and-coming master planned communities in the Austin Area, is located near Cherrywood. Young professionals love the connected urban feel of Mueller, as well as the eco-friendly lifestyle provided by this exciting community concept.

Growing Communities in South Austin Areas

As Austin continues to grow, South Austin has become a popular place for communities. Buda allows families and anyone looking for affordable homes in Austin to live comfortably, while still enjoying easy access to the city.

Large communities in Buda include Sunfield and Stonefield.

Growing Communities in Dripping Springs

Dripping Springs is a beautiful town in Southwest Austin. Known as the gateway to the Hill Country, Dripping Springs features gorgeous views, scenic hikes, and a true sense of community.

Families love living in Dripping Springs thanks to its well-rated school district, one of the best in the Austin Area, and its peaceful atmosphere. Large Dripping Springs neighborhoods include Headwaters and Harrison Hills.

Growing Communities in North Austin

North Austin has historically seen large amounts of growth. Cedar Park, Round Rock, and Georgetown offer growing families a safe suburban environment and great schools.

If you’re looking to live comfortably in the Austin Area, large North Austin communities include Brushy Creek, Sienna, and the Oaks at San Gabriel.

Amazing Austin Restaurants

Austin is a foodie heaven. If you’re in the mood to never, ever cook again, you’ll love exploring the amazing restaurant scene here. 

Barley Swine

Barley Swine is a pricey artisanal dining experience off Burnet Road, but their food is so darn good. Order whatever the waiter recommends, and enjoy!

The Peached Tortilla 

The Peached Tortilla is pretty much Austin distilled into food. It started as a food truck, has a sit down restaurant, serves Asian-fusion fare, has a whiskey menu, and there are tacos are involved. 

Patrizi’s Food Truck

Austin is famous for its food trucks, and for good reason. Patrizi’s is permanently located in the parking lot of the Vortex theater, and serves artisanal, handmade pasta.

Better Half Coffee & Cocktails

An all day cafe that serves up coffee and draft cocktails; what else could you possibly want? Delicious diner-style meals, craft cider and beer, and wine? Better Half has all of those, too.

Franklin Barbecue

Franklin Barbecue is Austin’s iconic BBQ joint. At some point in your life in Austin you have to wait in line at Franklin’s (or pay some one to do it for you).

Madam Mam’s

Madam Mam’s has some of the best Thai food in Austin. This Austin original has a few locations around the city, so no matter where you live, you can get a great meal.  

The Clay Pit

Yummy Indian food + a great bar + a chic downtown dining space = your new favorite restaurant. The Clay Pit is an Austin favorite for a reason. 

Güeros 

If you’re spending the afternoon or evening on SoCo and you want some fantastic Tex-Mex, Güeros is the taco bar for you.

Tamale House East

Tamale House East is a trendy Mexican restaurant that actually makes healthy tacos – they exist, we promise! Sit out on the patio with your new favorite meal, and enjoy some Austin sunshine. 

Via 313

Sometimes, you just want to chow down on pizza and kick back with a nice beer. Via 313 has great pizza, a nice patio, and great happy hour specials. 

Otherside Deli

Pastrami heaven, thy name is Otherside Deli. Don’t Google Otherside Deli, because the pictures of their sandwiches will make you drool. 

North

Do you want some of the best Italian food ever in a trendy dining space? Of course you do! Head over to North, at their Domain or Downtown location, and stuff your face. 

Bufalina

Artisanal pizza is an Austin thing. Bufalina has hand crafted pies with exciting ingredient combinations that will alight your taste buds. 

Cypress Grill

Cypress Grill brings Louisiana flavors to Austin. Their New Orleans Brunch has the right combination of comfort, spice, and spirit.

Hillside Farmacy

Hillside Farmacy has a charming dining location in a historic building, and serves up thoughtfully sourced food, including oysters.

Veracruz All Natural

Veracruz All Natural serves up authentic Mexican food, all natural smoothies, and fresh fruit juices. There are a number of Austin locations, so grab an unbeatable taco wherever you happen to live. 

Uchi

Uchi is known in Austin for its high-end Japanese cuisine. Anyone who likes fancy sushi needs to dine at Uchi at some point when they live in Austin. 

Lonesome Dove Western Bistro

Literary themed, innovative Texan-styled eating makes Lonesome Dove Western Bistro a fun place to visit and eat at.

Great Attractions for Austin Stay-cations

Texas State Capitol

Tour the Texas State Capitol and see a slice of the state’s history. Take a guided tour, or opt to wander around the beautiful rotunda at your leisure. 

The South Congress Bat Bridge (a.k.a. Ann Richards Congress Avenue Bridge)

At some point in your life in Austin, you have to head over to South Congress to watch the bats flock out at sunset. 

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center has a charming complex full of diverse gardens, highlighting the beautiful flora found in Texas. 

Blazer Tag

Multi-story laser tag complex; need we say more? Take your family, your friends, and/or your coworkers to Blazer Tag for a fun filled time.

The Austin Zoo

The Austin Zoo is a non profit, rescue zoo in Southwest Austin. This fantastic zoo focuses on rehabilitating at-risk animals, and bringing learning opportunities to the community. 

The Hope Outdoor Gallery

The Hope Outdoor Gallery is a community space for colorful murals. This ever-changing space is always in flux, so visit it to make your own art or see what new paintings have cropped up. 

Peter Pan Mini Golf

If you’re looking for calmer entertainment than Blazer Tag but still want to feel active, go to Peter Pan Mini Golf for a retro themed family experience. 

Lake Travis Zip Lines

Take a zipline tour of the beautiful Lake Travis at Lake Travis Zip Lines. Their three hour tours come with access to a private beach, so you can swim and relax after your exciting adventure.

Go-Karts at Circuit of the Americas

Not everybody gets to be a race car driver. It’s okay though: You can live your dream by going go-kart racing at Circuit of the Americas! We promise not to judge if you pretend like you’re driving a Formula One car. 

Lake Travis Waterloo Adventures

If you love high-energy fun, you need to go to Lake Travis Waterloo Adventures, where you can compete with friends and family on their floating water park obstacle courses. 

Shopping

Austin shopping serves up unique boutiques, global finds, and cheeky scores. Retail therapy in Austin takes you around the city, giving you a fun chance to get out and enjoy the best the area has to offer.

South Congress

If you distilled the idea of Austin into a single trendy street, you’d get South Congress. Historic architecture, hip bars, delicious food, live music, and chic shopping make SoCo an experience as unique as the fun things you score.

Urban cowboys can get suited up at Allens Boots, an Austin institution since 1977. Window shoppers, and anyone looking for the ultimate costume, need to walk through Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds (get it!?). Mi Casa Gallery has breathtaking folk art and home décor; STAG Provisions for Men and Maya are two popular SoCo clothing stores.

The Domain

If you want it, The Domain has it. Seriously, The Domain is what you thought being an adult would be like, before you found out about bills. The work/live/play concept of this area combines high-end apartments, work spaces, trendy restaurants and bars, and a luxurious outdoor mall.

As you stroll through The Domain, you’ll find your favorite stores mixed in with smaller boutiques. The multi-faceted shopping options at The Domain ensure there’s something new to discover every time you visit. 

2nd Street District

If you like downtown shopping destinations, head over to the 2nd Street District. Unique clothing boutiques fill this luxurious, tree-lined district in the heart of Downtown Austin. If you get tired of walking, take a ride in a horse drawn carriage. 

Hill Country Galleria

Take a beautiful drive through the Texas Hill Country on Far West Boulevard to get to the Hill Country Galleria, a luxurious outdoor mall in Bee Cave. This family friendly space had tasty restaurants, a massive green space, and splash pad, so bring your kids to play while you shop. 

Places of Worship

Austin has numerous places of worship that represent a wide range of faiths and religions.

Hill Country Bible Church

Hill Country Bible Church is a non-denominational Christian church based in Lakeline. This church has one of the largest congregations in Austin, and has a number of plant churches across the city.

Ismaili Community Center and Jamatkhana

The Ismaili Community Center is a hub for the Ismaili Muslim Community. This Shi’a community center is a soothing place to pray, surrounded by beautiful architecture in a peaceful environment. 

Chabad of Greater Austin

The Chabad of Greater Austin is a central hub for the Jewish community. In addition to providing extensive community learning, the Chabad of Greater Austin grants certification to Kosher establishments in Austin.

Vedanta Center of Greater Austin

The Vedanta Center of Greater Austin (VCGA) dedicates itself to teaching the practices of Vedanta. The VCGA does not offer yoga or meditation training, but has guest speakers and other learning opportunities.

Austin Buddhist Vihara

The Austin Buddhist Vihara serves as a place of observance of the Theravada principles of Buddhism. On the first and third Sundays of the month, the Austin Buddhist Vihara offers Dharmma Classes.

Austin Christian Fellowship

The Austin Christian Fellowship serves the Austin community with a thriving church and service opportunities that reach across the globe.

Congregation Beth Israel

The Congregation Beth Israel is a welcoming Reform congregation. Congregation Beth Israel offers extensive learning opportunities, including a religious school and adult education.

Nueces Mosque

The Nueces Mosque is a beautiful, centrally located mosque and community hub in Downtown Austin. This welcoming mosque was the first mosque opened in Austin, and offers a wide range of programs for members and visitors.

Hindu Temple of Central Texas

The Hindu Temple of Central Texas (HTCT) primarily focuses on the worship of Omkara Mahaganapathy, and represents other Hindu deities. The HTCT also runs a soup kitchen for the homeless.

The Diamond Way Buddhist Center of Austin

The Diamond Way Buddhist Center of Austin continues the legacy of Tibetan Buddhism. The Center offers public guided meditation classes on Fridays and Sundays. 

Interested in other areas in Texas? Check out these other relocation guides if you are:

• Moving to San Antonio
• Moving to Houston
• Moving to Dallas

Other Austin Area Resources

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