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Austin is still one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, continuing to attract new residents with its thriving job market, vibrant culture, and blend of urban living and green space. Whether you’re relocating for work, family, or a new beginning, planning ahead can be key to a smooth move.
Consider this pre-move checklist to make your transition to Texas’ capital feel seamless and stress-free.
What to Consider if You Want to Move to Austin
Before packing your bags, consider whether Austin’s mix of laid-back energy and dynamic atmosphere is a good fit for your lifestyle. The city’s “Keep Austin Weird” ethos thrives in its food trucks, festivals, and independent businesses, and leaning into that culture can help a new resident settle in more comfortably.
Cost of living is also a big factor in planning your move. Housing prices vary greatly; homes in Pflugerville currently average about $395,812, with luxury communities such as West Lake Hills surpassing $2 million. Add in your expected utilities, transportation, and day-to-day costs to get an idea of whether Austin works for you financially.
If you’re job-hunting, start early by scanning listings in your industry, networking with professionals in your area, and considering hybrid work’s impact on location.
Finally, take some time to research potential neighborhoods thoroughly. Research neighborhoods through forums, city sites, and blogs to learn more about school quality, amenities, and each area’s character.
Do You Want to Be in the City, Suburbs, or Further Out?
Where you live in Austin can define your entire experience. For example, Downtown Austin features unparalleled access to entertainment, food, and employment, and East Austin mixes historical significance with a lively arts atmosphere.
Living in those urban areas is great for walkability and nightlife, but you’re also likely to end up paying more for less housing space. If you need more room to spread out, the suburbs around Austin have good schools, close-knit communities, and an easy commute; Round Rock, Cedar Park, and West Lake Hills are among the top choices.
For more land and a slightly slower pace, places like Dripping Springs offer a rural feel, larger properties, and a less frenetic lifestyle.
Do You Want to Be in a Planned Development?
Master-planned communities bring obvious benefits, such as well-planned neighborhoods, shared amenities, and often more stability in property values. Many offer pools, parks, walking trails, and community centers that encourage a social and active lifestyle.
However, before you pick a planned development, you’ll also want to consider these important factors:
- HOA fees and restrictions
- Community management
- Future growth
- Developer reputation
Planned developments suit people who want structure, amenities, and a sense of community. But if you want more freedom or don’t like the oversight of an HOA, a non-HOA neighborhood may be a better fit.
How Long Will Your Commute to Work Be?
Austin’s commute times are getting better, and that’s great news for newcomers. In 2022, about 23% of workers were commuting 15 minutes or less — down from about 20% in 2019.
These shorter commutes have their benefits. For example, they’re associated with greater mental well-being, stronger job satisfaction, and climate-related benefits. On the other hand, living farther out can secure you additional space, leaving your family with more room to grow.
When deciding where to live in Austin, consider how many hours you’re willing to spend on the road. A few more minutes here and there might not seem like much, but over the years, they can accumulate. This can be worth the trade-off, though, depending on your needs.
Meet Your Realtor, Andrea
A native Austinite with 12 years of experience, Andrea Curry specializes in residential and commercial real estate and brings deep local expertise and a strategic approach to both buying and selling.
Her lifelong ties to the area afford her unique insight into the nuances of Austin’s many neighborhoods, making her the ideal guide for newcomers entering the fast-paced Austin real estate market.
Use My A-Team to Make Your Move Seamless
Moving to Austin can mean an exciting opportunity to grow in both your personal and professional life. With so many things to take care of, though, having the right support at your side can make all the difference.
When you work with me, you get a full team dedicated to making your transition smooth, stress-free, and successful. Sellers get pro staging, photography, and marketing, while buyers get expert guidance — from financing to finding the perfect neighborhood.
If you’re ready to make the move, schedule a call with me today.
