Reasons To Move To Austin, TX

Downtown Skyline of Austin, Texas in USA

Austin, Texas, is a city that perfectly blends together a thriving economy, diverse cultural scene, and an unbeatable quality of life. As of 2024, Austin has an estimated population of 984,567, reflecting its steady growth and appeal to those who are looking to move to a different city. Known for its vibrant and eclectic community atmosphere, Austin is the capital of Texas and serves as a hub for a wide range of music, food, art, and outdoor activities. Whether you’re drawn to its world-famous festivals, thriving job market, or welcoming community, Austin offers something for everyone looking to move here.

One of the defining features of Austin is its love for yearly events and cultural celebrations. The city is home to iconic festivals like South by Southwest (SXSW), which brings together music, film, and technology innovators from around the world to give Austin residents an unforgettable experience year after year. Other annual events, such as the ABC Kite Festival and the Austin Food & Wine Festival, further highlight the city’s lively spirit and resident’s strong sense of community. With a booming tech industry, diverse neighborhoods, and endless entertainment options, Austin continues to be one of the best places to live in the United States.

Many people across the United States are considering relocating in search of better job opportunities, a lower cost of living, better education for their children, or simply for a fresh start. With its booming economy, diverse culture, and abundance of indoor and outdoor recreational activities, Austin stands out as a top choice for those looking to make a move. Now, let’s dive into the top reasons why moving to Austin could be the perfect choice for you!

Why Move To Austin

Austin has seen steady population growth over the years, highlighting its popularity as a great place to move to. At the time of the 2020 Census, the population of Austin was at 961,855, and by 2024, that number is estimated to have risen to 984,567. This increase reflects the city’s ongoing appeal to people from all over the country who are looking for a fresh start, better job opportunities, or a higher quality of life. But what exactly draws so many new people to move to Austin? When considering a move, many people weigh the pros and cons to determine if Austin is the right fit for them. In the sections below, we’ll explore the key reasons why people choose to call Austin home.

Moving to Austin Pros and Cons

These are some of the top pros and cons that should be considered when moving to Austin. Understanding these aspects of living here can help you decide if this vibrant and growing city is the right place for you to call home.

Pros of Living in Austin

Outdoor Activities and Green Spaces – Austin is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, with plenty of hiking, biking, and swimming spots for everyone to enjoy, whether they are tourists or residents. There are several outdoor areas that offer scenic trails for all skill levels and activities, including:
- The Barton Creek Greenbelt
- Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
- Bull Creek Greenbelt

Cycling is also a popular way to get around, with trails like the Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail making it easy to explore the city on two wheels, a scooter, or another mode of transportation. When summer temperatures rise, residents cool off at local swimming spots such as Barton Springs Pool, Deep Eddy Pool, and Hamilton Pool Preserve.

Strong Job Market – Austin’s economy is booming, making it an attractive place for those looking to start or continue their careers. The city has a strong tech presence, and is often referred to as “Silicon Hills” due to the number of major tech companies, including:
- Apple
- IBM
- Dell
- Tesla

The company startup scene is also thriving in Austin, providing opportunities for entrepreneurs and professionals looking to break into the tech industry. Beyond tech, the healthcare sector offers significant employment and career opportunities, with major hospitals and medical centers located throughout the city.

High-Quality Education Options – Families moving to Austin will find a variety of public, charter, and private schools to meet their children’s educational needs. The city’s school districts, including Austin Independent School District (AISD), Round Rock ISD, and Leander ISD, provide education to thousands of students and are highly rated for their academic performance. Additionally, Austin is home to The University of Texas at Austin, which is a top-ranked university known for its strong research programs and vibrant student life. Other higher education options include Austin Community College, St. Edward’s University, and Huston-Tillotson University.
Cost of Living Compared to Other Major Cities – Although housing prices have increased in recent years across the country, Austin remains more affordable than cities like San Francisco and New York. Grocery prices in Austin are 2% lower than the national average, utilities are 4% lower, and transportation costs (such as bus fares and gas prices) are 9% lower, according to Payscale.com. While home prices are rising, Austin still offers a relatively balanced cost of living compared to other major cities in the state and across the country.
Low Crime Rate Compared to Similar-Sized Cities – Austin is considered safer than many other cities of similar size. According to NeighborhoodScout’s analysis of FBI reported crime data, Austin residents have a 1 in 199 chance of becoming a victim of a violent crime and a 1 in 30 chance of experiencing property crime. These statistics show that Austin’s crime rate is lower than many other cities that have comparable populations.

Cons of Living in Austin

Intense Summer Heat and Humidity – Austin’s weather can be challenging for those who are not used to it, and is one of the top reasons not to move to Austin. This is especially true during the summer months, when temperatures often reach 97°F to 102°F, with humidity levels as high as 90%. While winters are mild, pleasant, and short, the oppressive summer heat can make outdoor activities less enjoyable during peak months.
Limited Public Transportation – Unlike cities with well-developed transit systems, Austin’s public transportation options are limited. The city primarily relies on bus services and a light rail system that only connects residents and tourists to certain areas in the city. While those living downtown, near the University of Texas, or in East Austin may be able to walk or bike to most places, most residents find that a car is necessary for commuting and daily errands.
Rising Cost of Housing – While Austin remains more affordable than some major metro areas, housing costs have risen in recent years. Home prices in Austin are now 6% higher than the national average, making it more challenging for first-time homebuyers to enter the real estate market. Rent prices in Austin have also increased, particularly in high-demand neighborhoods.
Lack of Cultural Diversity – Although Austin is known for its welcoming atmosphere, its diversity does not match that of other major U.S. cities. According to DataUSA, the city’s largest ethnic group is White (Non-Hispanic) at 47.7%, followed by White (Hispanic) at 15.6% and Asian (Non-Hispanic) at 8.26%. None of the surveyed households reported speaking a non-English language as their primary language. While Austin continues to grow, its demographic diversity is still evolving.

Moving To Austin? Here’s How We Can Help

Moving to Austin can be an exciting but overwhelming experience, just like moving anywhere else. Whether you’re relocating for work, school, or a change of scenery, finding the right place to live can take time. If you need extra space while you get settled or are moving into an apartment with limited storage, renting a storage unit in Austin can be a great but simple solution.

At SecureSpace Self Storage, we provide secure, convenient, and affordable storage units in Austin to make your move easier. Whether you need a short-term storage option while transitioning to a new home or long-term storage for seasonal items, our team is here to help.

Convenient Locations in Austin and Bee Cave

We have multiple storage unit locations in Austin to serve your storage needs:

📍 8200 South I-35 Service Road

📍 8327 S Congress Ave

📍 14635 West SH 71 (Bee Cave Location)

With our clean, climate-controlled units and top-notch security features, you can have peace of mind knowing your most prized belongings are safe. No matter your storage needs, SecureSpace Self Storage is here to help you make your move to Austin as smooth as possible.

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