Digital Nomad Guide to Living in Austin, Texas

It had been on my listing for some time, however I simply completed a incredible month residing in Austin, Texas. The state capital lived as much as all my hopes and expectations and is a metropolis I’ll return to as quickly as attainable.

Home sitting throughout my keep allowed me to completely get my ft underneath the desk as an Austin digital nomad. There are many glorious amenities for distant staff, all complemented by the most effective social scenes I’ve come throughout within the USA.

About Austin, Texas

Austin is the 4th largest city in the state and the 11th most populous in the USA. It’s an enormous metropolis that maintains a small metropolis really feel with a lot of conventional appeal and a bunch of welcoming locals.

Austin labels itself because the ‘Live Music Capital of the USA‘, and rightly so! There are tons of stay music venues and every day performances within the metropolis. Comedy has taken a stronghold lately since Joe Rogan opened The Comedy Mothership.

It’s the proper metropolis to pair out of doors adventures with unbelievable meals – one among my favourite methods to spend a day right here is by mountain climbing alongside the paths of Barton Creek, cooling off with a go to to Lake Travis, after which diving into some legendary Texas barbecue at Terry Black’s.

Digital Nomad in Austin: Private Expertise

I completely loved being a digital nomad in Austin. I’ve spent the final three years touring full-time, and it’s excessive up on the listing of nice cities I’ve visited and labored remotely from.

I like locations that provide a whole mix of snug and dependable amenities, enjoyable locations to blow off steam, and the possibility to get out into the nice outdoor. Austin ticked all of those containers for me.

Though I used to be home sitting throughout my keep and had a wonderful house to work from, I’ve all the time discovered I’m motivated by altering up my surroundings and dealing from totally different cafes, coworking areas, and libraries. Austin was splendid for this.

Balancing work and life whereas touring is likely one of the greatest challenges digital nomads face. I discovered the tempo of Austin suited my workload whereas providing loads of enjoyable social alternatives and wholesome leisure pursuits.

Is Austin Protected?

Austin is generally a safe city for visitors, with family-friendly neighborhoods and a welcoming ambiance. Nevertheless, like several metropolis, staying conscious of your environment is essential. Persist with well-lit areas at night time and keep away from remoted spots.

Downtown Austin is vigorous and widespread, however petty crimes resembling pickpocketing can occur. Hold your belongings safe, particularly round Sixth Street at night time. It will get fairly rowdy round right here on weekends.

Austin’s parks and trails are stunning, however be aware of wildlife and carry loads of water. It gets hot and there are many creatures in Texas that may chunk you! So keep away from mountain climbing alone late within the day and through peak sizzling and dry spells.

Greatest Areas to Dwell in Austin

Austin is an enormous metropolis, however an amazingly well-connected one too. Listed here are just a few nice areas to think about basing your self in that provide their very own appeal whereas holding you in contact with all of Austin’s greatest points of interest.

1. Downtown Austin

Residing in Downtown Austin places you on the middle of town’s power, with numerous bars, eating places, and stay music venues. I beloved the walkable way of life of Downtown, with points of interest together with Lady Bird Lake and Sixth Avenue all inside straightforward attain.

Lodging might be dear, however the comfort and entry to leisure make it price it. Excessive-rise residences and motels dominate the world, many providing spectacular views. Downtown is ideal for anybody who thrives within the pleasure of city areas.

2. South Congress (SoCo)

South Congress is likely one of the metropolis’s trendiest and most iconic neighborhoods. Life in Austin feels genuine in SoCo, the place quirky meets cool. You’ll take pleasure in an eclectic combination of outlets, various meals vans, breweries, and stay music whereas staying right here.

The world appeals to a various group of residents with extra inexpensive housing, motels, and Airbnbs. The streets are normally bustling round SoCo however there’s additionally a robust sense of group. It could go well with these in search of a enjoyable but neighborly vibe.

3. Pflugerville

Pflugerville is simply 20 minutes from Downtown and gives a quieter suburban way of life with quick access to Austin’s points of interest. That is exactly the place I spent a month home sitting and I loved the welcoming group and peaceable ambiance.

There are glorious parks and trails, plus handy procuring, cool bars, eating places, and cafes which make it a snug place to base your self. In case you’re thinking about home sitting in Austin, try my earlier article: Everything You Need to Know About House Sitting.

4. East Austin

East Austin is a quickly evolving neighborhood with a mix of historic appeal and trendy developments. Recognized for its road artwork, fashionable espresso outlets, and various delicacies, this space highlights the inventive facet of Austin.

With fewer high-end motels in comparison with the central elements of town, rental residences or home sitting alternatives are prone to be the best way to go relating to discovering first rate long-term lodging. This can be a enjoyable a part of Austin with quick access to town middle.

5. Zilker

Zilker ought to be a prime consideration for nature lovers and households, because of its proximity to Zilker Park and Barton Springs. Residing right here means being extra linked to nature as these are each lush inexperienced areas with ample out of doors actions.

The neighborhood is primarily residential however caters to a variety of budgets. It’s straightforward to the very best of each worlds in Zilker – a peaceable retreat near town’s pleasure.

Discover Lodging in Austin

In case you plan to be a digital nomad residing in Austin listed below are the highest 4 methods to seek out lodging within the metropolis.

1. Booking.com: The long-term traveler’s greatest pal, Booking.com gives reserving with out pre-payment, cancellation at late discover, and the very best costs round. It’s not simply motels, there’s a full vary of Austin lodging choices on the positioning.

2. Airbnb: One other dependable instrument, Airbnb shall be helpful for anybody wanting to remain in additional suburban areas of Austin. Attempt to hit 7-day or 28-day keep markers to safe big reductions and all the time enquire immediately with hosts about reductions for longer stays.

3. TrustedHousesitters.com: The most important home sitting platform round, Trusted Housesitters frequently has 1000’s of listings accepting purposes globally. It’s how I secured a month of free lodging in Austin.

4. Facebook Groups: In case you’re planning an extended keep within the metropolis try Fb teams resembling Austin Room Mate. Personal owners frequently provide sublets, spare rooms, and inexpensive however versatile lodging choices.

Value of Residing in Austin

Returning to the US after just a few years touring round Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand I used to be slightly involved in regards to the pending value of residing in Austin. However I used to be pleasantly shocked. Right here’s the breakdown.

Eating places and Groceries

You’ll discover a full spectrum of eating potentialities in Austin, from tremendous high-end eating places to budget-friendly quick meals. As a median, a hearty meal at a good BBQ joint will value round $15-$18pp.

I used to be joyful to seek out my previous pal Aldi in Austin. The price range grocery store was my go-to when residing again in England and I all the time take pleasure in its familiarity and low costs. There’s a broad vary of supermarkets in Austin, from Walmart to H-E-B.

Costs differ considerably from retailer to retailer and though costs have crept up lately, meat is routinely fairly inexpensive – 1lb of chicken for under $5, and eggs for $3-$4 a dozen. Store round and maintain an eye fixed out for clearance and sale objects.

Lodging Prices

Residing in Austin isn’t low-cost. Count on to pay $2k/month and above for a central condo earlier than month-to-month utilities of around $300. Staying exterior of town middle can cut back your prices to a extra affordable determine of $1500/month.

Airbnbs with month-stay reductions, price range lodge/motel stays, and home sitting placements are nice concepts for lowering your lodging bills as a digital nomad in Austin.

Transportation Prices in Austin

Austin is serviced by a well-connected and environment friendly public transport service that prices as little as $2.50 a ride. For longer journeys Greyhound and Flix Bus provide inexpensive charges for traversing town, state, and additional afield.

Uber remains to be a really inexpensive choice in case you select to remain exterior of town however need common entry. The 20-minute experience from Pflugerville to Sixth Avenue normally value me lower than $20. Gasoline is fairly low-cost too at under $3 a gallon.

SIM Playing cards and Knowledge

Getting a SIM card within the US is slightly trickier than in another nations however not unimaginable or overly costly for guests. Sadly, it’s not attainable to simply choose up a SIM at Walmart and pop it in your cellphone, belief me I realized this the arduous manner.

I counsel heading to a cellphone retailer resembling T-Mobile and buying a SIM in individual, the place it is going to be activated then and there. I picked up 2 GB of information for $10/month. There was purported to be a $25 activation price however for some cause, the system let me off – bonus!

You’ll discover a full vary of information, calls, and message bundles to fit your wants. Most locations in Austin have first rate WiFi so I all the time go for the bottom value and most versatile knowledge plan, which normally begins at round $10/month.

Cash Saving Ideas for Austin

Listed here are just a few of my prime suggestions for saving cash whereas residing as a digital nomad in Austin:

1. Discover a Home Sit: Keep away from paying any lodging prices by securing a home sit in Austin. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
2. Comfortable Hours: Many bars and eating places provide nice joyful hour offers. Here’s a great website to help find the best deals.
3. Airbnb Reductions: Hosts usually provide large reductions for longer stays – the most important reductions normally come at precisely 28 days.
4. Go to Free Sights: There are various free out of doors spare time activities to take pleasure in across the metropolis resembling Lady Bird Lake.
5. Use Public Transport: Austin’s Capmetro system is an inexpensive and dependable option to get across the metropolis.
6. Dine at Meals Vehicles: There are a great deal of glorious meals vans in Austin, so scrumptious doesn’t must imply costly.

Coworking Areas and WiFi Velocity in Austin

Working remotely in Austin is simple with a number of incredible devoted coworking areas. Listed here are a pair I attempted out throughout my keep within the metropolis:

1. WeWork

WeWork is a wonderful coworking area for professionals needing a productive surroundings. There are 7 locations throughout town and for $47 a day, you get quick WiFi, snug workstations, and a centered ambiance excellent for tackling duties.

The facilities at WeWork embody limitless espresso, fashionable lounges, and personal cubicles for calls or digital conferences. Whether or not you’re freelancing, operating a enterprise, or simply want a change of surroundings, WeWork gives all the pieces you want.

2. Frequent Desk

Providing a barely cheaper different in Austin metropolis middle whereas sustaining all of the perks {and professional} high quality of a coworking area, Common Desk is a good choice for critical freelancers in search of an important sizzling desking expertise.

Costs are as little as $30/day in case you can persuade an extra 2 associates, staff, or fellow digital nomads to come back alongside for the day. With a membership, 8 particular person day passes value simply $150, for college kids, it’s as little as $50 a month!

Greatest Cafes to Work From in Austin

If a extra informal method to distant working is what you’re after, Austin’s cafe scene has you lined. I’ll begin you off with a few my favourite spots:

1. Houndstooth Coffee: A well-liked place for distant staff due to its welcoming and spacious ambiance and dependable WiFi. The minimalist decor and inexpensive menu make it straightforward to focus whereas sipping on expertly brewed espresso.
2. Mozarts Coffee Roasters: Set alongside Lake Austin, Mozart’s Espresso Roasters gives breathtaking views. Its sturdy WiFi and ample energy retailers make it laptop-friendly, whereas the lakeside setting provides a soothing contact whereas working.
3. The Meteor: The Meteor uniquely blends espresso, wine, and a motorcycle store – its tagline is ‘Espresso, Champagne, Chain Lube’. Its giant tables, quick WiFi, and glorious espresso make it excellent for centered work classes.

Actions and Issues to Do in Austin

Sufficient about the place to work, let’s discuss the place to spend your free time in Austin. It’s a enjoyable metropolis that may simply maintain you occupied when not on the laptop computer. For a full itinerary learn – 15 Greatest Issues To Do in Austin, however listed below are my prime options:

1. Guided Dwell Music Downtown Pub Crawl

There are a number of glorious bars downtown, however head out with a neighborhood brimming with data of the scene and luxuriate in among the greatest Sixth Avenue has to supply. This can be a nice option to rapidly familiarize your self with Austin’s nightlife – learn more here.

2. Get Out on Girl Hen Lake

I’ve already talked about Girl Hen Lake just a few occasions because it’s a wonderful and tranquil spot that feels one million miles away from the busy metropolis. It’s straightforward to get to and is the proper spot for mountain climbing, biking, and out of doors pursuits. Or you’ll be able to simply go to sit back out!

I extremely suggest you try to get out on the water. The calm lake is nice for kayaking, and you’ll rack up some critical distance. Click here to pre-book kayaks with the same company I did. They had been dependable, useful, and supplied the very best costs.

3. See the Better of Austin – Pushed Tour

If strolling excursions aren’t your factor, then let Austin come to you with a guided-driven tour round all the principle sights of town. It will get sizzling so that you’ll benefit from the consolation of a door-to-door service in a snug air-conditioned automobile.

Tick off the Texas Capital Building, well-known road artwork, parks, and stay music venues, and luxuriate in a candy deal with from one of many metropolis’s widespread meals vans in a 2-hour small group tour. Click here to learn more.

SEE ALSO: Weekend in Austin: The Good 2-Day Itinerary

4. Metropolis Escape BBQ and Wine Tour

Escape town to take pleasure in legendary Texas flavors at Salt Lick BBQ. Afterward, discover the scenic countryside and go to two award-winning wineries for scrumptious native wine tastings. Transfers are included too – click here to book your countryside adventure today.

Climate in Austin

Austin’s climate is famously heat, with August averages of 97°F. Sunny days dominate, making out of doors actions widespread year-round. Spring and fall convey milder temperatures, excellent for festivals and exploring nature.

Winters in Austin are gentle and I loved loads of beer backyard climate throughout my November keep. Common highs hit 62°F however the nights are cooler. It’s a snug season for having fun with town’s many parks and trails.

Rainfall is moderate, with Could and June sometimes being the wettest months. I witnessed a few epic thunderstorms that are recognized to often roll by way of. Regardless of this, Austin enjoys extra sunny days than cloudy ones.

Professionals and Cons of Residing in Austin

Like every metropolis, Austin gives distinctive alternatives and challenges that make residing right here an thrilling but nuanced expertise. Right here’s what I realized throughout my keep:

Professionals of Residing in Austin

• Thriving Job Market: Austin is a tech and enterprise hub, it’s house to Tesla amongst quite a few different giant firms. There are rising alternatives in areas resembling expertise, healthcare, and artistic arts.
• Full of life Social Scene: From stay music and world-class comedy exhibits to meals festivals and brewery excursions, there’s all the time one thing thrilling occurring to maintain issues enjoyable.
• Out of doors Life-style: With parks, lakes, and mountain climbing trails, Austin is a perfect metropolis for out of doors lovers with year-round potentialities.
• The Meals: I can attest to town’s unbelievable meals scene. There are sensational barbecue eating places, inexpensive but beautiful meals vans, and various eating choices to fulfill each style and price range.
• Yr-Spherical Local weather: Each day common temperatures hardly ever drop beneath 62°F through the winter and rainfall is average. It’s the best metropolis for these, like me, who dislike the chilly.

Cons of Residing in Austin

• Rising Value of Residing: Housing and rental costs have surged lately, making affordability a rising concern for a lot of.
• Visitors Points: Subsequently, this speedy progress has led to congested roads. There was a number of highway work and growth occurring throughout my keep.
• Intense Summers: Temperatures usually soar above 100°F, which may make residing in Austin uncomfortable.
• Loopy Nightlife: On weekend nights, Sixth Avenue closes to automobiles and turns into a fairly wild occasion scene. It’s not for the faint-hearted.

Digital Nomad Visa for Austin

The US doesn’t presently provide a selected digital nomad visa. Nevertheless, distant staff can discover different visa choices to remain in Austin. The B-1 Business Visa permits non permanent stays for enterprise functions, but it surely’s important to grasp its limitations.

The Visa Waiver Program permits residents of participating countries, together with the UK, to remain within the US for as much as 90 days with out a visa. Canadian residents typically don’t require a visa for tourism or enterprise visits and may keep for as much as six months.

It’s essential to notice that participating in employment or vital distant work whereas on a vacationer visa or underneath the VWP could violate US immigration regulation. Subsequently, people planning to work remotely from Austin ought to seek the advice of with an immigration legal professional.

In Conclusion

I hope my digital nomad information to Austin has given you a style of what to anticipate from a distant working keep within the metropolis. I’m so joyful I obtained to tick it off my journey want listing, and I’ll actually be again in Texas earlier than too lengthy.

Whether or not your focus is devoted workspaces, exploring an in depth cafe tradition, or embracing an epic nightlife scene, residing in Austin as a digital nomad will current you with all of the alternatives you require. Have enjoyable!