Pros of Living in Austin
#1. The locals are genuinely friendly
The warmth and kindness of locals is — hands down — my favorite thing about living in Austin. With a population nearing 1 million, Austin is by no means a small city.
And yet, Austinites have a way of making you feel welcome and included – a true testament to southern hospitality.
There’s a lot of city pride in Austin and locals love telling you how great their city is, making it easy to strike up positive conversations.
Of all the cities my husband and I have lived in to date (Portland, New York City), we’ve never found it as easy to make friends as we did in Austin.
If you’re open to striking up conversations and coming out of your comfort zone, you will find that Austin, Texas is a very friendly city.
#2. Austin is a great city for millennials
Millennials make up 31% of Austin’s population and the number is still rising annually
COVID shifted priorities for most and many people chose to relocate to start fresh somewhere new. Turns out moving to Austin, Texas was high on a lot of millennial’s lists.
A 2021 study found that Austin, Texas was the 4th most desirable city for millennials, with a net migration of 5,686 millennial residents in 2019.
It’s not hard to see why! Austin offers many of the perks of big city living (great food scene, nightlife, cultural activities, outdoor recreation) and reasonable housing prices, to boot.
Best Neighborhoods in Austin: 10 Best Neighborhoods to Live in Austin
#3. There’s no shortage of outdoor recreation
Nature and Austin go hand-in-hand. Miles of hiking trails, biking trails, kayaking, canoeing, swimming, there really is no reason to stay indoors while living in Austin, Texas. It’s a great place to raise a family in that regard!
The remarkable Colorado River cuts through the heart of Austin, ensuring ample recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
But the water is not where the fun stops — there’s a great diversity of outdoor activities to choose from and since the weather is agreeable year-round, there’s seldom a bad time to enjoy yourself outdoors.
What’s more, since Austinites know the value and necessity of the great outdoors, they tend to be more environmentally-conscious, it’s easy to take pride in a city that cares about the environment.
Make sure to bring your reusable bags to grocery stores and limit your use of plastic water bottles by investing in one of these.
#4. The food scene is incredible
Austin is consistently ranked as one of the most notable food cities in America.
The name of the game is Tex Mex and Barbeque, and thankfully Austin excels at both.
Austin is known as being one of the food truck capitals of America and locals LOVE this unfussy restaurant alternative.
Some of the best meals can be found as the numerous food pods stretched throughout the city, so don’t make the mistake of overlooking them!
If you’re moving to Austin and want to get a head start on the (often overwhelming, but in a good way!) food scene, I highly recommend this book.
#5. There’s constant sunshine
Averaging 228 days of sunshine annually, Austin is known for being one of the sunniest cities in America.
The spring, fall and winter seasons are downright heavenly because of the mild temperatures and glorious sunshine.
As mentioned earlier, it’s easy to enjoy the great outdoor recreation most of the year thanks to the sunshine.
There’s something about living in a sunny place that improves my mood, which made moving to Austin a no-brainier with the opportunity presented itself.
#6. Austin’s music & cultural scene lives up to the hype
Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the World and boasts more live music venues than any other city (per capita) in the country.
You can bet that there’s no shortage of great music venues to explore and that’s one of my favorite things about living in Austin — there’s always a good time to be had!
In fact, Austin is home to one of the most highly-regarded music festivals in the country, the SXSW (South by Southwest) festival, which offers a plethora of film, art and music to the community over the span of a week.
#7. No state income tax
Perhaps one of the biggest perks of moving to Austin from New York City was the lack of state income taxes. Your take home pay will be much higher if you live in a state without state income tax (for us personally it was a savings of 10%!).
Lack of state income taxes is the big reason why so many people move to Texas in retirement, your money goes further.
#8. Austin has a booming job market
Austin’s job market is buzzing like a beehive, and for a good reason. The city has transformed into a booming hub for various industries, particularly technology, which has earned it the nickname “Silicon Hills.” With companies like Google and Tesla moving in, job growth in Austin is predicted to grow by 47% over the next 10 years.
What’s more, Austin was recently ranked as having the second hottest job markets in the country.
But it’s not just tech. The city’s got a pretty diverse economy with solid job prospects in sectors like healthcare, education, and government, thanks to the presence of the University of Texas and the State Capitol.
Also, let’s not forget the vibrant entertainment industry – with all the music festivals and film events like SXSW, there’s a bustling scene for creative professionals too.
Plan to visit before finalizing your decision to move to Austin? If helpful, here’s the best hotel in town (it’s the one I recommend to my own family and friends).
- $1,571−0.1%Zillow Observed Rent Index (city) · 2026-09tied for 45th cheapest of 106 cities
- $446k−0.8%FRED / realtor.com · 2026-0964th cheapest of 103 cities
- $492k+0.3%Zillow Home Value Index (city) · 2026-0985th cheapest of 105 cities
- 3.9%−0.1 ptBLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics · 2026-08tied for 40th lowest of 106 cities
- AQI 87ModerateAirNow · 10/23/26tied for 101st cleanest of 105 cities
- $3.67−5.4%AAA · 2026-10-2510th cheapest of 101 cities
Locals’ verdictGrade Austin on cost, weather, jobs, people and safety · where it stands on our rankings
Cons of Moving to Austin
#1. Austin is a car-centric city
Make no mistake, you will absolutely need to have a car for daily life in Austin. The lack of public transportation is an absolute pain.
I mean sure, there’s a bus line but it’s not efficient. It takes way too long to travel around the downtown core even without traffic.
You’ll need a car while living in Austin, no doubt. If you’re moving to Austin car-free, I suggest scouring Craigslist for used cars.
We have a Toyota and love the thing to pieces, very reliable car and seldom needs service.
But hey, at least Texas gas prices are some of the cheapest in the country!
#2. The summer heat is a bear
Austin’s summer heat is a hard adjustment for transplants from cooler climates.
It’s not uncommon for summer highs to reach above 100°F several days in a row and the average summer temperature clocks in around 96°F from June – August. Ouch.
The hottest temperature on record was on August 28, 2011 when thermostats hit 112°F. Imagine!
My advice? Don’t make plans that don’t revolve around water during the hot summer days. Thankfully, there’s no shortage of lakes, rivers, pools and water parks within short driving distance.
All this to say, you probably won’t tolerate living in Austin without this bad boy, it’s a necessity in this city.
P.S. Allergies are rampant during the hot and muggy summer months, heads up if you struggle with allergies.
#3. Austin is one of the most gentrified cities in the country
Austin’s rapid gentrification has increasingly become a double-edged sword, sparking a multitude of issues that impacts both the city’s physical landscape and its community fabric.
On one hand, this process brings economic development and revitalization to formerly underinvested neighborhoods. On the other, it can lead to displacement, changing community dynamics, and escalating cost of living.
Austin is 72% white and is considered the 6th most gentrified cities in the country. Moving to Austin from New York City was a hard transition because of the lack of diversity.
Displacement due to gentrification can be a harsh reality for long-time Austin residents who find themselves unable to keep up with skyrocketing housing prices and property taxes.
These rising costs can push out individuals and families, often those who have lived in their neighborhoods for generations, leading to a loss of community and cultural heritage.
#4. The housing market
So, you’ve heard Austin’s been growing like crazy, right? Well, that growth’s come with a bit of a catch – housing’s getting pricier by the minute. With all these new folks moving in, there’s just not enough places to live to go around, and that’s shooting the prices up, both for buying and renting.
Austin’s become quite a hot spot for folks with pretty deep pockets, especially with all the tech companies setting up shop here. This means more luxury apartments and high-end houses popping up, but it’s making it tough for folks who aren’t raking in the big bucks to find a place that doesn’t break the bank.
So, the lack of affordable housing? It’s a real issue here in Austin, and it’s putting a squeeze on a lot of locals and newcomers who can’t keep up with these rising costs.
Average home prices are currently around $540,000, an increase of 30% over the past year — the highest increase in the country.
If helpful, the average rent for a one-bedroom apartment is around $1,400 per month.
#5. The traffic
The best piece of advice I received before moving to Austin was to live within city limits or choose a neighborhood close to work because traffic will take up too much of my time otherwise.
Some Austinites try to tell you that the traffic isn’t as bad as other cities, which is true if compared to L.A. or New York City.
However, considering that Austin is the 6th fastest growing city in America as of 2020, it’s safe to say the road infrastructure can’t keep up with the influx of new residents.
The constant traffic (which is not just confined to the interstate, mind you) is one of the biggest cons of living in Austin. So give yourself plenty of time to get from Point A to Point B.
#6. You won’t have 4 seasons
You can bid a fond farewell to winters when moving to Austin, Texas.
Now, the lack of winter could be a con or pro of living in Austin depending on your personal preference.
Personally, I missed chilly and snowy winter months– there’s something magical about the snow during Christmas! My husband, on the other hand, LOVED the lack of winter weather and the short winter season altogether. To each their own!
But it’s safe to say you won’t be experiencing all four seasons when moving to Austin.
#7. Locals may not LOVE your moving here
Like with any recently discovered popular city, locals aren’t too keen on transplants.
The unexpected popularity of this incredible town comes with growing pains, to be sure.
Most Austinites are incredibly kind and welcoming and live up to the hospitality the south is known for.
However, some locals will give you the cold shoulder and blame you for the uptick in traffic and housing prices.
This con is not unique to life in Austin. This mentality is prevalent in many growing cities across the country. Try not to take it personally, we’re all merely chasing the best version of our lives and it’s okay to move around.
Tell the next person the thing the guide misses.
Comparison of the Pros & Cons of Living in Austin, Texas
| Pros of Living in Austin | Cons of Moving to Austin |
|---|---|
| The locals are genuinely friendly | Austin is a car-centric city |
| Austin is a great city for millennials | The summer heat is intense |
| No shortage of outdoor recreation | Austin is one of the most gentrified cities in the country |
| The food scene is incredible | The housing market can be challenging |
| There’s constant sunshine | Traffic can be heavy |
| Austin’s music & cultural scene lives up to the hype | Lack of four distinct seasons |
| No state income tax | Some locals may not be enthusiastic about new arrivals |
| Austin has a booming job market |
FAQ – Living in Austin
Austin is a good place to live for young professionals, creatives, entrepreneurs, sun worshipers, and folks looking to save a buck on taxes.
Austin’s a solid pick for retirement with great weather, good healthcare, and tons of fun stuff to do. But keep in mind, it’s not the cheapest or quietest place around – it’s a bustling, popular spot that might not be everyone’s cup of tea for a tranquil retirement.
Map of Living in Austin
Pros & Cons of Living in Austin Texas (Post Summary)
In sum, these are the HONEST pros & cons of living in Austin Texas
- The locals are genuinely nice
- Austin is a great city for millennials
- Tons of outdoor recreation
- Incredible food scene
- Constant sunshine
- The music and arts scene
- Job market
- No state income tax
- Lack of public transportation
- The summer heat
- The housing market
- Traffic
- Austin is a gentrified city
- Lack of 4 seasons
- Locals may not love your moving here
Pin Living in Austin
Until next time!
Further Reading for Texas
Best Neighborhoods in Austin: 10 Best Neighborhoods to Live in Austin
Living in Texas: 15 Honest Pros & Cons of Living in Texas
Best Cities to Live in Texas: 10 Best Places to Live in Texas
Best Cities to Retire in Texas: 10 Best Places to Retire in Texas
Austin vs Portland: Living in Austin, Texas vs Portland, Oregon
Living in San Antonio: 15 Honest Pros & Cons of Living in San Antonio
Living in Houston: 15 Honest Pros & Cons of Living in Houston
Living in Dallas: 15 Honest Pros & Cons of Living in Dallas
Life in Other Parts of the South
Living in Georgia: 15 Honest Pros & Cons of Living in Georgia
Living in Mississippi: 15 Honest Pros & Cons of Living in Mississippi
Living in Arkansas: 15 Honest Pros & Cons of Living in Arkansas
Living in Tennessee: 15 Honest Pros & Cons of Living in Tennessee
Living in Florida: 15 Honest Pros & Cons of Living in Florida
Living in Alabama: 15 Honest Pros & Cons of Living in Alabama
Locals split hard on Austin. Longtimers who love the outdoor life, the job market, and the friendliness point to newer sports teams, museums, and easy access to Hill Country trails as real wins. Others, especially retirees and people priced out of the housing market, say they’re done, citing brutal property taxes and summers that keep them indoors for months.
The recurring warning is the same no matter who’s talking: don’t trust the no income tax line, because property taxes and utility bills eat that savings fast, especially if you own a large home. Newcomers also get warned about summer heat that runs from June through September and about snakes, scorpions, and fire ants around trails and greenbelt homes.
The surprise for anyone reading just the pros list is how often people mention winter extremes too. Austin’s winters are mild most years, but the ice storm locals still bring up shows the cold can turn dangerous fast, not just the heat.
“We actually have a professional sports team now!!!”
Native Texan Reader
“Just because Texas doesn't have an income tax doesn't necessarily mean it's cheap.”
Nancy Cotton Local · 40 years
“Between the fire ants and the scorpions, it’s not recommended to go barefoot in Texas.”
Bob M. Reader
