Top Reasons for Moving to Austin from Dallas
Many large businesses have opened their offices in Austin in recent times. Some of them are Google, Facebook, Dell, Apple, Dropbox, and Indeed. The city now has one of the lowest unemployment rates in the country. The cost of living in Austin is also lower than Dallas so you will save money here.
Austin has gorgeous parks, fantastic lakes, many green spaces, and one of the lowest crime rates in the US. There are many things to do around the city. Austin also has one of the best live music scenes, which attracts fans from far and wide. Read our guide to find out more on the top reasons why many are moving to Austin.
Economy, Jobs
The economy of Austin is growing rapidly. GDP and GMP are going up. The unemployment rate is falling. The city has increasingly become a popular choice for many entrepreneurs, tech companies, and startups. Many billion-dollar companies have decided to relocate to Austin bringing thousands of new jobs.
It is estimated that 6 major businesses will bring more than 38,000 new jobs to the greater Austin area alone. Google is likely to create more than 10,000 jobs, while Tesla, Oracle, Apple, Amazon, and Samsung will create 5,000 jobs each. Many of them and others too are expanding or relocating to Travis County.
There is Facebook, Indeed, Apple, Dell, IBM, Expedia, and Dropbox too, which means, Austin is a great city for ambitious professionals looking to further their career.
Big businesses in Austin…
- Tesla
- IBM
- Amazon
- Apple
- Samsung
- Dell
- Dropbox
- Oracle
The city is welcoming big business. But the focus is also on unique and local businesses. The slogan “Keep Austin Weird” refers to its diverse business culture.
Housing
The Austin American Statesman recently published an article, which states that, 12,600 new apartment units were completed in 2020 alone, which is a year-over-year increase of 25.3%. Though the number of available units have gone up, the total rent cost has decreased. The average monthly rent price has come down by 4.4%, which makes the city a “renter’s market”.
This is naturally wonderful news if you are thinking of renting an apartment here. It means, you don’t have to stay 30 minutes outside the city to get a great apartment deal.
But remember, the apartment finishes and features in Austin vary from other cities in Texas. Apartments in Houston, for example, have warm, industrial finishes like exposed air ducts, brick accent walls, or the design integration of metals. In Dallas, you will find large windows and stained concrete.
Austin apartments, on the other hand, have wooden floorings, carpeted bedrooms, lighter kitchen and bathroom finishes, Quartz countertops in the bathrooms and kitchens, good-sized balconies, ceiling fans, and many units with attached yards.
Cost of Living
Lower cost of living makes Austin a wonderful location. It is 1.2% cheaper than Dallas. You will pay 8.6% less for transportation, 9.2% less for sports and entertainment, 7.3% less for clothing, and 1.8% less for eating out at restaurants. However, groceries and childcare costs more here. But your money will still go further in Austin as the overall cost of living in the city is 1.2% less.
Nature
Dallas has good lakes. But nature is more scenic in Austin. There is Barton Springs, Lady Bird Lake, Mount Bonnell, Lake Austin, Shoal Creek, and much more. There are many trails for those who love biking and hiking. It’s a city for those who like to spend time outdoors and adventurers.
Hamilton Pool deserves special mention. Only 45 minutes from the city center, this is a limestone masterpiece looking like a fairytale. You will feel like you have arrived in the Caribbean, but you are still in the Texas hill country.
Weather
The city has a humid subtropical climate, so the summers are long and hot. The winter is shorter than many other parts of the country. The spring is beautiful. You will see the famous bluebonnet flowers. There can be an occasional tornado or thunderstorm, but overall, there is abundant sunshine throughout the year.
Many locals take advantage of this and enjoy hiking, swimming, and spending time outdoors. If you like warmer weather and mild winters, then Austin could be just the right city for you.
Social Downtown
The city’s downtown is more social, meaning, you will find much more than good restaurants and businesses here. There are social options for everyone. Students in the city to become a graduate can head to West 6th for nightlife. Rainey Street is the place for backyard games, cocktails, and a good conversation.
South Central
There is nothing like South Central ATX in Dallas. It is funky, groovy, awesome, and sometimes even weird. It is a great mix of the new and the old. There are vintage boutiques and food trucks. Life lives on the street in this neighborhood.
Eats and Drinks
You can stay in Austin for years and visit a new restaurant every night. New places are opening up all the time, especially with such a large section of the population being new residents. The fact that many of them are young students or professionals helps. Food and drinks are affordable too. You can get a cocktail for $10.
Best City for Artists and Creative People
Austin is attracting creative people from around the country. The city’s inclusive feel encourages them to come out of their shell and express through music and art. The city’s fashion design, music, photography, and writing is thriving. Austin hosts many exhibitions and shows.
