Austin has quickly earned a reputation as one of the hottest new spots to move in the United States, and that reputation is well deserved. It’s a liberal oasis in blood red Texas, absolutely brimming with a rich culture steeped in food and music. But making a move to a big city is a big decision, and there are some things you should know before picking up your belongings and traveling across the country.
1. Your Neighborhood Matters
Austin’s status as a city full of weirdos is well earned, but strangeness comes in a wide variety of flavors here. Finding the neighborhood that matches your personality can have a major impact on your experience.
- East Austin is the heart of youth in the city: a hipster district affluent with some of the hottest clubs, bars, and restaurants around.
- South Austin retains the unique eccentricity of the city in an environment that’s more family friendly. South Congress is the most prominent entertainment area, featuring prominent landmarks like Alamo Drafthouse.
- Downtown is one of the pricier areas, but it also provides you with easy access to the coolest areas in downtown. Just keep in mind the traffic!
2. Austin’s Music Scene Can’t Be Understated
While music and film festival South by Southwest has helped put Austin on the map, music is the lifeblood of this city. Austin is well-regarded as the live music capital of the world. Options range from traditional blues-rock performances at C-Boy’s Heart and Soul to the rowdy punk shows that typify life at Beerland bar.
3. We Take Our Health Seriously
Going out to a live show every night can drain the energy out of you, but Austin residents are serious about keeping their bodies healthy and running at peak performance. We’re recognized as one of the fittest cities in America. The city is home to over 200 parks that show off the state’s natural beauty and provide stunning vistas to burn off a few extra pounds. We’re also home to the flagship store for Whole Foods, a sprawling affair that puts the super in supermarket and offers both a walk-in beer cooler and a sprawling and diverse buffet.
4. But Barbecue Here is No Joke
We might pride ourselves on eating healthy, but all bets are off once you start talking about barbecue. While the BBQ explosion is only about a decade old, it’s quickly become a source of pride for locals. Everyone has their own opinion on who offers the best ribs and brisket in town, but Micklethwait Craft Meats, Freedmen’s, and Franklin Barbecue are all great places to start.
5. It’s Hot, Y’all
If you’re coming down from the north, you might not be prepared for the unstoppable wet heat that defines out summers, but we’ve learned to cope with it. If you’re moving here to during the summer months, you’ll definitely want to hire moving services in Austin to get you moved in. Trying to do it yourself in the triple-digit heat is just not a fun idea. Once you’re moved in, hit up the local watering holes. Pools are available all over town, while natural landmarks like Barton Springs Pool provide a scenic opportunity to beat the heat. And one can’t underestimate how much better a refreshing cocktail tastes on a hot summer patio.