Very helpful review. Interesting to hear about the changes since 2017. Do you think this is in line with the general changes across the country that have occured in the last 3 years or unique to Austin, TX? Also, Im guessing the property taxes became more of a problem when State and Local taxes were no longer deductible under the next tax law. Or are you saying the taxes themselves continue to climb?
Adam and Timothy | Chicago, IL | Report Abuse

As an Austinite for over 25 years, the comment I'm replying to seems more accurate to me than the others I've seen on this site. There's a high density of opportunities here, and examples of nearly anything you want can be found. I find tons of friendly people here and always have, though of course every place has exceptions. Prices have gone up and yes, most apartments are over $1000/mo, so whether it's an exciting playground with many bars and great jobs or instead is an expensive place designed for other people probably depends now on whether you have a wonderful tech job, or some equivalent. For artists and musicians and even comedians, there's a thriving community but paying the rent is harder than it used to be. Coming here to accelerate your career and intending to then leave for somewhere else is apparently a thing that's starting to happen. For software people in particular, the plentiful jobs and good pay rates relative to cost of living, plus no income tax, make it an excellent place to get ahead financially. I think it remains a good place for starting businesses if any readers are into that. The traffic and bus remarks should go a bit deeper. The central part of the city is mostly expensive, but if you work near downtown, then going carless and avoiding drives is an option. It's not always an easy option and the summer heat will make sweat on the way home if you leave work at 5:00 or 6:00, but it's manageable and changes your cost equation a lot; that's one way to make the high central area rent less exorbitant. Use your renter's advantage, shop carefully for locations with convenient routes to work and your other desired destinations. If need a low cost lifestyle, having roommates and living near bus routes can let you access this amazing city for a vastly lower cost than just showing up in a car and renting an expensive apartment. I know people with safe cozy shared housing at $500-600/month rent ABP, and commutes to downtown under 30 min with no car. One thing the other reviews haven't addressed is the viewpoint of prospective homeowners. Prices are expensive relative the Midwest but still cheap relative to California or the the northeast megalopolis. A variety of neighborhoods are available, some with history and character, some newly built. Little old cutely redone houses near the city center and huge mansions 30 min by car to the west often cost about the same per square foot ($250-300). Schools vary by location but many good options are available almost everywhere and quite a few are excellent. Within Austin itself, as opposed to the broader metro, there is a citizen-devised system of voluntary neighborhood associations, not HOAs, that often brings goodhearted citizens to the fore and adds some generalized goodwill as well as some civic energy for local improvements. My own neighborhood's association has a remarkably long history of being very collaborative activity compared to the stereotypical conflicts - kind of Leslie Knope from Parks and Rec, but unpaid. Last note: allergies. Those are real! Individual responses vary. I for example get cedar fever every year but am unaffected by the other two. YMMV.
Barrett | Austin, TX | Report Abuse

Where ya moving to?
Kristina | | Report Abuse

Where ya moving to?
Kristina | | Report Abuse