What Should I Know Before Moving To Austin TX?

Are you excited about moving to Austin, Texas? Then, it would be best to prepare yourself for some positive and negative aspects related to the city that hasn’t received so much publicity! 

Living in Austin can be a blast, for sure. There are countless economic opportunities and financial perks of thriving in such a fast-growing metropolitan area. But such prosperity comes at a price.

The real estate market in Austin is pricy.

As of June 2022, the median home sale price in Austin, Texas, was approximately $630,000, considerably higher than Texas and the national average. In addition, an apartment for rent in Austin with one bedroom and located downtown costs around $2,200. Simultaneously, you can rent a one-bedroom apartment outside the city center for about $1,500. 

However, you shouldn’t be alarmed, if interested we suggest you contact professional local real estate agents in Austin TX. Since local realtors are up-to-date with the latest listings, they will likely hook you up with affordable housing options tailored to your budget.

Expect a moderately higher cost of living than the US average!

You should prepare yourself mentally and budget-wise to bump into high costs in the city. The living costs registered in Austin are more expensive than the Texas average by about 16 percent and approximately 19 percent higher than the national average. An individual predicted monthly expenses are about $960, yet without rent. 

Besides, a family of four members will pay an estimated $3,450 monthly for utilities without rent. Still, the good news is that Austin is more affordable, in general, by 31 percent than staying in New York.

A more than decent income compensates for the soaring prices.

For starters, the unemployment rate in Austin is substantially lower than the national average. You should also know that future job growth is predicted to fly through the roof at 47 percent as opposed to the American median value of 33.5 percent. The chances are high that you get a well-paying job in virtually any domain you fancy. 

As of late 2021, a local employee's salary was around $32,700 while the US average was $28,500 per year. Additionally, with $55,210, Austin surpassed the American median household income of $53,500. According to more recent data, the average individual in Austin takes home approximately $6,000 monthly after taxes. Did you know that the income tax rate in Austin is zero percent? However, the local sales tax rate (8.3 percent) is slightly higher than the US average (7.3 percent.)

Austin’s crime rates can be worrying.

Austin’s local crime rates are 51 percent higher than the Texas average. Consequently, the residents rated crime and safety in their city with a C. More troubling is the fact that crime rates rise as the population grows. Local authorities will address the residents’ concerns and implement amendments to solve the present situation.

Nevertheless, you can purchase or rent a property in one of the safest neighborhoods in Austin, such as Old Enfield, Triangle State, Hyde Park, or Allandale. And, to your surprise, these also feature an exceptionally vivid and music-infused nightlife! 

Allergists warn about cedar season!

Think twice before moving to Austin if you're sensitive to pollen allergies. From December to March comes the season of the so-called cedar fever, characteristic for regions in the broader strip of Central Texas. Actually, the Ashe juniper tree’s (also known as Mountain Cedar) pollen causes the allergy and the ensuing fever. 

If you notice the following symptoms resembling the ones triggered by influenza: headaches, inflammation, tiredness, and eye irritation, you should see a doctor immediately! Especially newcomers are exposed to its effects; long-established residents aren’t affected to such a degree. 

Befriend the idea of being stuck in traffic jams!

Due to its infamous gridlocks, Austin qualifies as one of the cities with the worst traffic jams in the United States. According to the always reliable Texas Department of Transportation, the area of I-35 crossing through downtown Austin is the second most jammed byway for regular commuters and truck drivers.  

Unfortunately, evening rush hours don’t get any better either. Your travel could take 57 percent longer than expected in free-running traffic.  

Conclusion

Every great American city comes with its own package and bummers. For this reason, don’t get disheartened by Austin’s disadvantages! Always remember that Austin’s perks, such as the fantastic things to do in the city, outweigh the negative aspects. And there is a solution and well-thought-out alternative for everything. Call local real estate agents in Austin who will tell you little secrets on how to get by smartly in their city and share ideas before moving to a metropolis.