It had been on my listing for some time, however I simply completed a implausible 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 doable.
House sitting throughout my keep allowed me to totally get my toes beneath the desk as an Austin digital nomad. There are many wonderful amenities for distant employees, all complemented by top-of-the-line social scenes I’ve come throughout within the USA.
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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 plenty of conventional allure and a number of welcoming locals.
Austin labels itself because the ‘Live Music Capital of the USA‘, and rightly so! There are tons of dwell music venues and each day performances within the metropolis. Comedy has taken a stronghold lately since Joe Rogan opened The Comedy Mothership.
It’s the perfect city to pair outside adventures with unimaginable meals – one in every of my favourite methods to spend a day right here is by mountaineering 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 worked remotely from.
I like locations that supply a whole mix of snug and dependable amenities, enjoyable locations to blow off steam, and the prospect to get out into the nice outside. Austin ticked all of those containers for me.
Though I used to be home sitting throughout my keep and had a ravishing residence 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 largest 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 Secure?
Austin is generally a safe city for visitors, with family-friendly neighborhoods and a welcoming environment. Nevertheless, like all metropolis, staying conscious of your environment is essential. Persist with well-lit areas at evening and keep away from remoted spots.
Downtown Austin is vigorous and common, however petty crimes reminiscent of pickpocketing can occur. Preserve your belongings safe, particularly round Sixth Street at evening. It will get fairly rowdy round right here on weekends.
Austin’s parks and trails are lovely, however be conscious of wildlife and carry loads of water. It gets hot and there are many creatures in Texas that may chew you! So keep away from mountaineering alone late within the day and through peak scorching and dry spells.
Finest Areas to Reside 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 supply their very own allure whereas conserving you in contact with all of Austin’s greatest points of interest.
1. Downtown Austin
Dwelling in Downtown Austin places you on the middle of town’s vitality, with numerous bars, eating places, and dwell music venues. I beloved the walkable life-style of Downtown, with points of interest together with Lady Bird Lake and Sixth Road all inside straightforward attain.
Lodging could be dear, however the comfort and entry to leisure make it price it. Excessive-rise flats and lodges 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 get pleasure from an eclectic combination of retailers, numerous meals vehicles, breweries, and dwell music whereas staying right here.
The realm appeals to a various group of residents with extra inexpensive housing, lodges, and Airbnbs. The streets are normally bustling round SoCo however there’s additionally a powerful sense of group. It will go well with these looking for a enjoyable but neighborly vibe.
3. Pflugerville
Pflugerville is simply 20 minutes from Downtown and presents a quieter suburban life-style with easy accessibility 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 environment.
There are wonderful parks and trails, plus handy procuring, cool bars, eating places, and cafes which make it a cushty place to base your self. If you happen to’re curious 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 allure and trendy developments. Recognized for its avenue artwork, fashionable espresso outlets, and numerous delicacies, this space highlights the artistic facet of Austin.
With fewer high-end lodges in comparison with the central elements of town, rental flats or home sitting alternatives are more likely to be the way in which to go in terms of discovering first rate long-term lodging. It is a enjoyable a part of Austin with easy accessibility to town middle.
5. Zilker
Zilker ought to be a high consideration for nature fanatics and households, due to its proximity to Zilker Park and Barton Springs. Dwelling right here means being extra linked to nature as these are each lush inexperienced areas with ample outside actions.
The neighborhood is primarily residential however caters to a variety of budgets. It’s straightforward to the most effective of each worlds in Zilker – a peaceable retreat near town’s pleasure.
Find out how to Discover Lodging in Austin
If you happen to plan to be a digital nomad residing in Austin listed here are the highest 4 methods to seek out lodging within the metropolis.
1. Booking.com: The long-term traveler’s greatest buddy, Booking.com presents reserving with out pre-payment, cancellation at late discover, and the most effective costs round. It’s not simply lodges, there’s a full vary of Austin lodging choices on the location.
2. Airbnb: One other dependable software, Airbnb will probably be useful for anybody wanting to remain in additional suburban areas of Austin. Attempt to hit 7-day or 28-day keep markers to safe large 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 hundreds of listings accepting purposes globally. It’s how I secured a month of free lodging in Austin.
4. Facebook Groups: If you happen to’re planning an extended keep within the metropolis try Fb teams reminiscent of Austin Room Mate. Non-public householders frequently provide sublets, spare rooms, and inexpensive however versatile lodging choices.
Price of Dwelling in Austin
Returning to the US after just a few years touring round Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand I used to be somewhat involved concerning the pending price 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 prospects 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 price round $15-$18pp.
I used to be joyful to seek out my outdated buddy Aldi in Austin. The funds grocery store was my go-to when residing again in England and I all the time get pleasure from 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 preserve a watch out for clearance and sale objects.
Lodging Prices
Dwelling in Austin isn’t low-cost. Count on to pay $2k/month and above for a central condominium earlier than month-to-month utilities of around $300. Staying exterior of town middle can scale back your prices to a extra affordable determine of $1500/month.
Airbnbs with month-stay reductions, funds 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 when you select to remain exterior of town however need common entry. The 20-minute experience from Pflugerville to Sixth Road normally price 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 somewhat trickier than in another nations however not not possible or overly costly for guests. Sadly, it’s not doable to only choose up a SIM at Walmart and pop it in your telephone, belief me I realized this the laborious manner.
I counsel heading to a telephone retailer reminiscent of T-Mobile and buying a SIM in particular person, the place it is going to be activated then and there. I picked up 2 GB of knowledge for $10/month. There was purported to be a $25 activation payment however for some motive, the system let me off – bonus!
You’ll discover a full vary of knowledge, 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 price 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 high suggestions for saving cash whereas residing as a digital nomad in Austin:
- 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.
- Joyful Hours: Many bars and eating places provide nice joyful hour offers. Here’s a great website to help find the best deals.
- Airbnb Reductions: Hosts typically provide large reductions for longer stays – the most important reductions normally come at precisely 28 days.
- Go to Free Sights: There are lots of free outside spare time activities to get pleasure from across the metropolis reminiscent of Lady Bird Lake.
- Use Public Transport: Austin’s Capmetro system is an inexpensive and dependable strategy to get across the metropolis.
- Dine at Meals Vans: There are a great deal of wonderful meals vehicles in Austin, so scrumptious doesn’t must imply costly.
Coworking Areas and WiFi Velocity in Austin
Working remotely in Austin is straightforward with a number of implausible devoted coworking areas. Listed here are a pair I attempted out throughout my keep within the metropolis:
1. WeWork
WeWork is a superb coworking house for professionals needing a productive atmosphere. There are 7 locations throughout town and for $47 a day, you get quick WiFi, snug workstations, and a centered environment good for tackling duties.
The facilities at WeWork embrace limitless espresso, trendy lounges, and personal cubicles for calls or digital conferences. Whether or not you’re freelancing, working a enterprise, or simply want a change of surroundings, WeWork supplies every part you want.
2. Widespread Desk
Providing a barely cheaper different in Austin metropolis middle whereas sustaining all of the perks {and professional} high quality of a coworking house, Common Desk is a superb choice for critical freelancers looking for an important scorching desking expertise.
Costs are as little as $30/day when you can persuade an extra 2 pals, workers, or fellow digital nomads to come back alongside for the day. With a membership, 8 particular person day passes price simply $150, for college kids, it’s as little as $50 a month!
Finest Cafes to Work From in Austin
If a extra informal method to distant working is what you might be after, Austin’s cafe scene has you coated. I’ll begin you off with a few my favourite spots:
- Houndstooth Coffee: A well-liked place for distant employees due to its welcoming and spacious environment and dependable WiFi. The minimalist decor and inexpensive menu make it straightforward to focus whereas sipping on expertly brewed espresso.
- Mozarts Coffee Roasters: Set alongside Lake Austin, Mozart’s Espresso Roasters presents breathtaking views. Its robust WiFi and ample energy retailers make it laptop-friendly, whereas the lakeside setting provides a calming contact whereas working.
- 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 wonderful espresso make it good for centered work classes.
Actions and Issues to Do in Austin
Sufficient about the place to work, let’s speak about the place to spend your free time in Austin. It’s a enjoyable metropolis that may simply preserve you occupied when not on the laptop computer. For a full itinerary learn – 15 Best Things To Do in Austin, however listed here are my high solutions:
1. Guided Reside Music Downtown Pub Crawl
There are lots of wonderful bars downtown, however head out with an area brimming with information of the scene and luxuriate in a number of the greatest Sixth Road has to supply. It is a nice strategy to shortly familiarize your self with Austin’s nightlife – learn more here.
2. Get Out on Woman Hen Lake
I’ve already talked about Woman Hen Lake just a few instances because it’s a ravishing and tranquil spot that feels one million miles away from the busy metropolis. It’s straightforward to get to and is the right spot for mountaineering, biking, and outside pursuits. Or you may simply go to relax out!
I extremely suggest you attempt 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 provided the most effective 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 primary sights of town. It will get scorching so that you’ll benefit from the consolation of a door-to-door service in a cushty air-conditioned automobile.
Tick off the Texas Capital Building, well-known avenue artwork, parks, and dwell music venues, and luxuriate in a candy deal with from one of many metropolis’s common meals vehicles in a 2-hour small group tour. Click here to learn more.
SEE ALSO: Weekend in Austin: The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary
4. Metropolis Escape BBQ and Wine Tour
Escape town to get pleasure from 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 outside actions common year-round. Spring and fall deliver milder temperatures, good for festivals and exploring nature.
Winters in Austin are delicate 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 cushty season for having fun with town’s many parks and trails.
Rainfall is moderate, with Might and June usually being the wettest months. I witnessed a few epic thunderstorms that are identified to often roll via. Regardless of this, Austin enjoys extra sunny days than cloudy ones.
Execs and Cons of Dwelling in Austin
Like all metropolis, Austin presents distinctive alternatives and challenges that make residing right here an thrilling but nuanced expertise. Right here’s what I realized throughout my keep:
Execs of Dwelling in Austin
- Thriving Job Market: Austin is a tech and enterprise hub, it’s residence to Tesla amongst quite a few different giant companies. There are rising alternatives in areas reminiscent of expertise, healthcare, and inventive arts.
- Energetic Social Scene: From dwell 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.
- Outside Way of life: With parks, lakes, and mountaineering trails, Austin is a perfect metropolis for outside fanatics with year-round prospects.
- The Meals: I can attest to town’s unimaginable meals scene. There are sensational barbecue eating places, inexpensive but beautiful meals vehicles, and numerous eating choices to fulfill each style and funds.
- 12 months-Spherical Local weather: Day by day common temperatures hardly ever drop under 62°F in the course of the winter and rainfall is average. It’s the perfect metropolis for these, like me, who dislike the chilly.
Cons of Dwelling in Austin
- Rising Price of Dwelling: Housing and rental costs have surged lately, making affordability a rising concern for a lot of.
- Site visitors Points: Subsequently, this fast development has led to congested roads. There was lots of highway work and growth occurring throughout my keep.
- Intense Summers: Temperatures typically soar above 100°F, which may make residing in Austin uncomfortable.
- Loopy Nightlife: On weekend nights, Sixth Road closes to autos and turns into a fairly wild occasion scene. It’s not for the faint-hearted.
Digital Nomad Visa for Austin
The US doesn’t at the moment provide a particular digital nomad visa. Nevertheless, distant employees can discover different visa choices to remain in Austin. The B-1 Business Visa permits short-term stays for enterprise functions, however it’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 usually 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 partaking in employment or vital distant work whereas on a vacationer visa or beneath the VWP might violate US immigration legislation. Due to this fact, people planning to work remotely from Austin ought to seek the advice of with an immigration lawyer.
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 acquired to tick it off my journey want listing, and I’ll definitely be again in Texas earlier than too lengthy.
Whether or not your focus is devoted workspaces, exploring an intensive 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!
