Austin’s five-county metro area added roughly 245,000 residents between 2020 and 2025, pushing the population past 2.3 million. The median home price across the metro sits at $426,220 as of March 2026, down 3% year over year, making this the most buyer-friendly market the city has seen since 2021. Texas charges no state income tax, though property tax rates averaging 1.54% effectively fill that gap.
According to the Texas Demographic Center, the Austin metro leads all major Texas metros with an average annual growth rate of 1.7%, and the region is projected to reach 4.33 million residents by 2060. That sustained growth has attracted Apple, Tesla, Dell, Samsung, Google, Meta, and Oracle, turning the once college-town economy into what locals call Silicon Hills.
Whether you are relocating for a tech job, retiring to the Hill Country, or chasing the combination of live music and breakfast tacos that Austin is famous for, this guide covers every major decision you will face. Think of it as the single resource that answers the 20 questions people actually type into ChatGPT and Perplexity before signing a lease or making an offer.
Austin by the Numbers: A 2026 Snapshot
Before diving into neighborhoods and school districts, a quick reference table puts the key statistics in one place. These numbers set the baseline for every budget calculation and lifestyle comparison that follows.
| Metric | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Metro population (2025) | 2,313,000 | U.S. Census Bureau |
| Annual growth rate | 1.7% (avg) | Texas Demographic Center |
| Median home price (metro, Mar 2026) | $426,220 | Austin Board of Realtors |
| Median home price (city of Austin) | $550,000 | Austin Board of Realtors |
| Average days on market | 85 | Austin Board of Realtors |
| Housing inventory | 5.5 months | Austin Board of Realtors |
| Combined property tax rate (Austin/AISD) | ~$2.07 per $100 | Travis County CAD |
| State income tax | $0 | Texas Comptroller |
| Median household income | $91,461 | U.S. Census ACS |
| Average annual rainfall | 35.5 inches | NWS Austin |
| Days above 100°F per year | ~29 | NWS Austin |
Job Market and Major Employers
Austin’s unemployment rate has hovered near 3.5% through early 2026, below both the state and national averages. The economy runs on five engines: technology, government, healthcare, education, and construction. Understanding which engine powers your career matters because it determines your commute, your neighborhood shortlist, and your budget.
Technology (Silicon Hills)
The term Silicon Hills is not marketing copy. Tesla’s Gigafactory southeast of the airport employs over 21,000 people, making it the metro’s second-largest employer behind the University of Texas. Dell Technologies, headquartered in Round Rock, has roughly 13,000 local employees. Apple’s campus in Northwest Austin represents its largest operation outside Cupertino and continues to expand. Samsung manufactures advanced logic chips in North Austin with about 5,000 workers. Google, Meta, Oracle, Indeed, and hundreds of startups fill the gaps.
Tech jobs cluster in three corridors: the Domain area in North Austin, downtown along Congress Avenue, and the Research Boulevard (US 183) corridor running through Northwest Austin into Cedar Park.
Government and Education
Austin is the state capital, so state government is the metro’s largest employer overall. The University of Texas at Austin employs roughly 24,000 people and generates a constant flow of talent and research funding. City and county governments, the Texas Legislature, and dozens of state agencies add thousands more.
Healthcare
St. David’s HealthCare Partnership employs approximately 11,500 people across multiple campuses. Ascension Seton (part of Ascension Health) adds another 10,000+. Baylor Scott and White has expanded into the Austin metro, and Dell Medical School at UT Austin has accelerated the growth of biomedical research and clinical care since its founding in 2016.
Employer Concentration by Area
| Employment Hub | Major Employers | Nearby Neighborhoods |
|---|---|---|
| Downtown | State government, Google, Indeed, Meta | South Congress, Zilker, East Austin, Travis Heights |
| The Domain (North) | Apple, Amazon, Facebook, Indeed | Northwest Hills, Great Hills, Arboretum, Cedar Park |
| Round Rock / Tech Ridge | Dell, Emerson, EA Sports | Round Rock, Pflugerville, Hutto |
| Southeast (Giga Texas) | Tesla | Del Valle, Bastrop, Southeast Austin |
| Medical District | Dell Medical, Ascension Seton, St. David’s | Hyde Park, Mueller, North Loop |
| Southwest / Bee Cave | NXP, Cirrus Logic, 3M | Bee Cave, Lakeway, Westlake Hills |
Cost of Living: What to Actually Budget
Austin’s cost of living runs about 3% above the national average, with housing doing most of the heavy lifting. For a detailed breakdown of every category, see the Complete Guide to Cost of Living in Austin. The short version: a single adult needs roughly $98,550 per year for a comfortable (not lavish) lifestyle in the metro, according to the Economic Policy Institute’s Family Budget Calculator adjusted for 2026 costs.
Housing Costs by Area
The price range across Austin’s metro is dramatic. The same $425,000 budget that buys a 1,400-square-foot condo downtown buys a 2,400-square-foot home with a yard in Pflugerville or Hutto. Here is what median prices look like by area:
| Area | Median Home Price (2026) | Typical Property Tax Rate | Commute to Downtown |
|---|---|---|---|
| Westlake Hills | ~$1,600,000 | ~1.65% | 15 min |
| Lakeway | ~$725,000 | ~1.70% | 30 min |
| Bee Cave | ~$650,000 | ~1.75% | 25 min |
| City of Austin (overall) | ~$550,000 | ~2.07% | varies |
| Dripping Springs | ~$550,000 | ~1.60% | 35 min |
| Cedar Park | ~$425,000 | ~2.10% | 25 min |
| Round Rock | ~$400,000 | ~2.15% | 30 min |
| Georgetown | ~$380,000 | ~2.20% | 40 min |
| Pflugerville | ~$370,000 | ~2.25% | 25 min |
| Hutto | ~$340,000 | ~2.40% | 40 min |
| Kyle / Buda | ~$350,000 | ~2.30% | 35 min |
Renters should expect to pay $1,500 to $1,800 per month for a one-bedroom apartment inside Austin city limits, and $1,200 to $1,500 in the suburbs. Vacancy rates have climbed to about 10% in 2026, giving renters more negotiating power than they have had in years.
The No-Income-Tax Tradeoff
Texas has no state income tax, and that is a genuine advantage for high earners. But the state makes up the difference through property taxes. Inside Austin city limits with an Austin ISD address, the combined rate from all taxing entities runs about $2.07 per $100 of assessed value. On a $500,000 home with a homestead exemption, that works out to roughly $7,500 per year. For a deeper look at exemptions and how to protest your assessed value, read the Complete Guide to Property Taxes in Austin.
A relocator earning $150,000 from a state like California (with a ~9.3% effective state income tax rate) saves roughly $14,000 per year by moving to Texas. Even after paying higher property taxes, the net savings can be $5,000 to $8,000 annually, depending on the home’s value.
Other Monthly Costs
- Utilities: Austin Energy electricity runs $130 to $200/month for a typical 2,000 sqft home. Water is $50 to $90. Natural gas (Atmos Energy) adds $30 to $60 in winter.
- Groceries: H-E-B, the Texas-based grocery chain, keeps food prices competitive. Budget $400 to $600/month for two adults.
- Transportation: Car insurance in Texas averages about $2,000/year. Gas runs $2.80 to $3.20/gallon. Toll roads add $50 to $150/month for regular commuters on SH 45 or 130.
- Healthcare: ACA marketplace premiums increased about 35% in 2026 due to the expiration of enhanced tax credits. A benchmark Silver plan for a 40-year-old in Travis County runs approximately $450 to $550/month before subsidies.
Neighborhood Profiles: Where to Live in Austin
Austin sprawls across five counties and dozens of distinct communities. The right neighborhood depends on your budget, your commute, your lifestyle preferences, and (if applicable) which school district you want. Below are profiles of the major areas, grouped by geography. For city-specific relocation guides, browse the full library of city-to-Austin pages.
Central Austin
Downtown and South Congress put you within walking distance of live music venues, restaurants, and Lady Bird Lake. Expect condos in the $400,000 to $800,000 range and single-family homes above $700,000. Parking is limited and expensive. This is the closest Austin gets to a walkable urban experience.
East Austin has undergone rapid transformation over the past decade. Once the most affordable area inside the city, it now features craft breweries, trendy restaurants, and home prices that have climbed into the $500,000 to $800,000 range. The creative energy is real, but so is the pace of change.
South Austin (Zilker, Barton Hills, Travis Heights) offers tree-lined streets, proximity to Barton Springs Pool and the Greenbelt, and a laid-back vibe. Homes here start around $600,000 and climb quickly. Zilker Park hosts the Austin City Limits music festival every October.
North and Northwest Austin
The Domain area functions as Austin’s second downtown, with high-rise apartments, retail, restaurants, and major tech employers (Apple, Amazon, Indeed). Condos and apartments range from $1,500 to $2,500/month for rentals, and $300,000 to $600,000 for purchases.
Northwest Hills, Great Hills, and the Arboretum are established neighborhoods with good access to MoPac and US 183. Homes range from $450,000 to $900,000. Anderson High School and Doss Elementary are popular schools in the AISD boundary here.
West Austin and the Hill Country
Westlake Hills and Rollingwood sit in the Eanes ISD boundary, the top-rated school district in Texas. The median home price exceeds $1.6 million, and Westlake High School sends 95%+ of its graduates to four-year universities. This is Austin’s prestige address.
Bee Cave offers newer master-planned communities in the Lake Travis ISD boundary at a lower price point than Westlake. The Hill Country Galleria provides shopping and dining. Median prices sit around $650,000.
Lakeway is the gateway to Lake Travis living. It offers golf communities, lake access, and a small-town feel with proximity to Austin. Homes range from $500,000 to well over $2 million for waterfront properties. Ed Neuhaus, broker of Neuhaus Realty Group, notes that Hill Country buyers often underestimate how much lifestyle value lake access and lower density add to daily life west of Austin.
Dripping Springs has become the Austin metro’s fastest-growing market. The Dripping Springs ISD is highly rated, and homes on 1+ acre lots are common. Median prices hover around $550,000. The tradeoff: it is a 35-minute commute to downtown, and options for groceries and dining are still catching up to demand.
North Suburbs
Cedar Park and Leander anchor the northwest suburbs with strong schools in Leander ISD, a mix of new and established neighborhoods, and median prices around $425,000. Cedar Park sits on the US 183 corridor, making it a 20 to 25 minute commute to the Domain or downtown (outside rush hour).
Round Rock is home to Dell Technologies headquarters and one of the best-rated school districts in the region (Round Rock ISD). The median home price of about $400,000 attracts a mix of tech workers and young buyers. IKEA, the Round Rock Premium Outlets, and a growing restaurant scene give it a self-contained feel.
Georgetown, about 30 miles north of downtown, has become a top destination for retirees thanks to the Sun City 55+ community and a charming historic town square. Georgetown ISD rates well, and the median home price near $380,000 represents strong value. It is also one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. by percentage.
South and Southeast Suburbs
Kyle and Buda sit along the I-35 corridor south of Austin with median prices in the $340,000 to $360,000 range. Both are in Hays CISD, which has invested heavily in new campuses. The tradeoff is I-35 traffic, which can make the 20-mile drive to downtown take 45 minutes or more during rush hour.
Pflugerville and Hutto in the northeast offer some of the metro’s most affordable housing. Pflugerville sits in Pflugerville ISD (solid mid-range scores) and has a diverse, growing population. Hutto is further out but offers homes under $340,000 with good lot sizes. Both areas have seen an explosion of new construction.
Bastrop, about 30 miles southeast of downtown, is the metro’s emerging frontier. Prices are among the lowest in the Austin MSA (median around $310,000), and the Lost Pines area offers a piney, East Texas landscape that looks nothing like the rest of the Hill Country. Bastrop ISD is improving but still trails the top-tier districts.
School Districts: How They Rank
School quality drives more residential real estate decisions in Austin than any other single factor. Texas uses the TEA (Texas Education Agency) accountability system, and districts receive ratings from A (highest) to F. Here are the top-performing districts in the Austin metro, according to the latest TEA data and Niche rankings:
| District | TEA Rating | Niche Grade | Median Home Price in Boundary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Eanes ISD | A | A+ | ~$1,600,000 |
| Lake Travis ISD | A | A+ | ~$650,000 |
| Dripping Springs ISD | A | A+ | ~$550,000 |
| Round Rock ISD | A | A+ | ~$400,000 |
| Leander ISD | A | A | ~$425,000 |
| Georgetown ISD | A | A | ~$380,000 |
| Pflugerville ISD | B | B+ | ~$370,000 |
| Austin ISD | B | B+ | ~$550,000 |
| Hays CISD | B | B | ~$350,000 |
A few things to note. Eanes ISD consistently ranks as the #1 district in Texas, but you pay a steep premium to live in the boundary. Round Rock ISD and Leander ISD offer A-rated academics at roughly one-quarter the home price. Austin ISD is the largest district in the metro and the most variable: some campuses (like the Liberal Arts and Science Academy, or LASA) are nationally ranked, while others struggle. Always research the specific campus, not just the district.
For deeper comparisons, see the Lake Travis ISD Elementary Schools Compared guide and the Best School Districts in West Austin breakdown.
Remote Work and Internet Access
Austin’s tech-heavy economy means remote work is deeply embedded in the culture. About 30% of the metro’s workforce operates fully or partially remote, according to the Austin Chamber of Commerce. That changes the neighborhood equation: if you do not commute to an office daily, areas like Dripping Springs, Wimberley, and Spicewood become viable options despite being 30 to 45 minutes from downtown.
Internet infrastructure is strong across most of the metro. AT&T Fiber and Google Fiber both operate in Austin, offering gigabit speeds in many neighborhoods. Spectrum fills coverage gaps in areas the fiber networks have not reached. In the Hill Country west of Austin, some rural pockets still rely on fixed wireless or satellite, so always verify broadband availability before signing a lease or making an offer on a property.
Coworking spaces are plentiful. WeWork, Industrious, and several Austin-native coworking brands operate locations downtown, in the Domain, in South Austin, and in Round Rock. Coffee shops with strong Wi-Fi and a “work here all day” culture are everywhere, a genuine Austin tradition.
Climate and Weather: The Honest Version
Austin’s climate is subtropical, and the summers are the single biggest adjustment for most relocators. Temperatures regularly exceed 100°F from June through September, with August averaging a high of 97°F. The National Weather Service records about 29 days per year hitting the century mark. Humidity is moderate (lower than Houston, higher than Phoenix), and heat indices can push above 110°F on the worst days.
The rest of the year is the payoff. October through April offers some of the best weather in the country. Winters are mild (January lows in the low 40s, highs in the low 60s), with maybe one or two light freeze events per year. Spring brings wildflower season (bluebonnets peak in late March and April), and fall is dry and comfortable.
What to Watch For
- Flash flooding: Austin sits in Flash Flood Alley. Heavy rains can overwhelm creeks and low-water crossings in minutes. Onion Creek, Shoal Creek, and Williamson Creek are the most flood-prone areas. Always check FEMA flood maps before buying.
- Hail: Central Texas gets more hail than most of the country. Spring storms can damage roofs and cars. Insurance deductibles for hail and wind are typically 1% to 2% of insured value. See the Complete Guide to Homeowners Insurance in Austin for details.
- Cedar fever: From December through February, Ashe juniper trees release massive amounts of pollen. If you have any allergy sensitivity at all, you will feel it. Peak counts in 2026 hit 8,135 grains per cubic meter on February 7. Locals treat cedar fever as a legitimate season.
- ERCOT and the power grid: The 2021 Winter Storm Uri exposed vulnerabilities in Texas’s independent power grid. Improvements have been made, but extreme weather events (both heat and cold) still stress the system. A whole-home generator or battery backup is increasingly common for homeowners in the Hill Country. For seasonal home maintenance tips, see the Complete Guide to Home Maintenance in Central Texas.
Getting Around Austin
Austin is a car-dependent city. The metro lacks the kind of robust public transit found in Chicago, New York, or even Denver. That said, things are changing, slowly.
Driving
I-35 is the main north-south artery and also one of the most congested highways in the country. A $4.9 billion expansion project is underway, which means construction delays now with the promise of improvement later. MoPac (Loop 1) runs parallel to I-35 on the west side and is the primary route for West Austin, Bee Cave, and Lakeway commuters. Rush hour (7 to 9 AM and 4 to 6 PM) typically adds 25 to 35 minutes to any commute.
Toll roads (SH 45, SH 130, MoPac Express Lane) can shave significant time off commutes but add $50 to $150 per month in tolls.
For a comprehensive breakdown of commute times from every Austin suburb, toll road costs, transit options, and strategies for beating rush hour, see the Complete Guide to Austin Commutes and Transportation.
Public Transit
Capital Metro operates bus routes, the MetroRail Red Line (a single commuter rail line from downtown to Leander), and MetroRapid bus rapid transit. A monthly pass costs $33.25. Coverage is decent in central Austin but thins out quickly in the suburbs.
Project Connect, Austin’s $7.1 billion transit plan, proposes two new light rail lines, expanded bus rapid transit, and a downtown tunnel. Construction timelines extend into the early 2030s, so current relocators should plan around car-based commutes.
Airport
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) sits 8 miles southeast of downtown and offers nonstop flights to most major U.S. cities plus a growing list of international destinations. From the terminal to downtown, expect a 15 to 25 minute drive (or $25 to $35 rideshare fare).
Food, Culture, and Entertainment
Austin’s cultural identity is real and distinctive. It is not just a slogan on a bumper sticker.
Food
The restaurant scene has evolved from “great BBQ and tacos” to a nationally recognized dining destination. Seven Austin restaurants earned Michelin stars in 2024 (the first year Austin was included in the Guide), and all seven retained their stars in 2025. InterStellar BBQ, la Barbecue, and LeRoy and Lewis represent Austin’s world-class barbecue tradition. Olamaie, Hestia, Barley Swine, and Craft Omakase show the range beyond smoked meat.
The food truck scene remains one of the best in the country. Breakfast tacos are a legitimate cultural institution (and a daily meal for most locals). H-E-B, the beloved Texas grocery chain, anchors most neighborhoods with stores that often include sushi bars, fresh tortilla stations, and craft beer sections.
Live Music
Austin calls itself the Live Music Capital of the World, and the concentration of venues backs it up. On any given night, you can find live music at the Continental Club, Stubb’s, the Mohawk, ACL Live at the Moody Theater, Saxon Pub, and dozens of smaller rooms. South by Southwest (SXSW) in March and the Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL) in October bring global attention, but the local scene runs 365 days a year.
Outdoor Recreation
This is where Austin separates from other Sun Belt cities. Lady Bird Lake (the section of the Colorado River running through downtown) offers 10+ miles of hike-and-bike trails, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Barton Springs Pool stays a natural 68°F year-round. The Barton Creek Greenbelt provides miles of hiking and swimming holes. Mount Bonnell offers a quick climb with panoramic views.
Beyond the city, Lake Travis provides boating, fishing, and waterfront dining. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area (90 minutes west) is one of the most popular hikes in Texas. Hamilton Pool Preserve (45 minutes) features a stunning grotto and swimming hole. The Hill Country’s dark skies make stargazing a serious pastime. McKinney Falls State Park, just 15 minutes from downtown, offers camping, hiking, and swimming that feels worlds away from the city.
Cycling is a big deal in Austin. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake is the most popular route, but the Veloway in South Austin offers a car-free 3.1-mile paved loop exclusively for bikes and rollerblades. Road cycling groups ride the rolling Hill Country roads west of the city every weekend. And disc golf has one of the strongest scenes in the country, with Zilker Park’s disc golf course and Circle C’s Roy G. Guerrero course drawing players from across Texas.
Sports and Entertainment
UT Longhorns football (SEC conference as of 2024) dominates fall weekends. Austin FC plays MLS soccer at Q2 Stadium. Circuit of the Americas (COTA) hosts Formula 1 and MotoGP. COTALAND, a new theme park at the COTA complex, is set to open in 2026. The comedy scene is thriving, with improv and stand-up shows running nightly at venues across the city.
Healthcare Facilities
Austin’s healthcare infrastructure has grown significantly over the past decade. The three major hospital systems are:
- St. David’s HealthCare: Five hospitals, approximately 11,500 employees. Includes the region’s only dedicated children’s emergency center (at St. David’s Children’s Hospital) and a Level I trauma center.
- Ascension Seton: Part of Ascension Health, the largest nonprofit health system in the U.S. Operates multiple hospitals including Dell Seton Medical Center at UT, which serves as the teaching hospital for Dell Medical School.
- Baylor Scott and White: Has expanded into the Austin metro with facilities in Round Rock, Lakeway, and Pflugerville.
Dell Medical School at the University of Texas opened in 2016 and has accelerated the growth of specialty care and clinical research in the area. For comprehensive healthcare access, Central Austin and the medical district near UT have the highest concentration of specialists.
Taxes: What Relocators Need to Know
The tax picture in Texas is straightforward but often misunderstood. There is no state income tax, no estate tax, and no inheritance tax. The state sales tax is 6.25%, and local jurisdictions add up to 2%, bringing most Austin-area purchases to 8.25%.
Property taxes are the primary revenue mechanism, and they run higher than most states. The effective rate on a primary residence inside Austin city limits is roughly 1.54% after the homestead exemption. Outside city limits (in places like Dripping Springs or Lakeway), rates are often lower because you skip the city tax levy, but you may pay MUD (Municipal Utility District) assessments instead. For details on special taxing districts, see the Complete Guide to MUDs, PIDs, and Special Taxing Districts.
Every homeowner should file a homestead exemption immediately after purchasing. It removes $140,000 of assessed value from school district taxes (increased from $100,000 by the 89th Texas Legislature) and caps annual assessed value increases at 10%. Homeowners aged 65 and over receive an additional $60,000 school district exemption plus a tax ceiling freeze.
The Housing Market in 2026: A Buyer’s Window
Austin’s real estate market has shifted decisively in favor of buyers. After peaking in mid-2022, prices corrected roughly 17% across the metro before stabilizing in late 2025. As of Q1 2026, the metro-wide median sits at $415,300 (the lowest quarterly figure since 2021), and inventory has climbed to 5.5 months, approaching balanced-market territory.
What this means for relocators: you have leverage. Seller concessions of $5,000 to $15,000 toward closing costs are common. Homes sit on the market for an average of 85 days, giving you time to evaluate rather than scramble. Interest rates near 6.5% to 7% are a headwind, but the combination of lower prices and seller flexibility creates opportunities that did not exist in 2021 or 2022.
For a step-by-step walkthrough of the buying process, read the Complete Guide to First-Time Homebuying in Austin or the Complete Guide to Getting a Mortgage in Austin.
Pros and Cons: An Honest Assessment
Every city has tradeoffs. Austin’s are worth understanding before you commit.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| No state income tax | High property taxes (1.5% to 2.5%) |
| Strong job market (tech, healthcare, government) | Summers are brutally hot (100°F+ for weeks) |
| Exceptional food and live music scene | Traffic congestion, especially I-35 and MoPac |
| Outdoor recreation (lakes, trails, swimming holes) | Car-dependent with limited public transit |
| Multiple top-rated school districts | Premium school districts carry high home prices |
| Buyer-friendly housing market in 2026 | Property tax protests are almost mandatory |
| International airport with growing routes | Cedar fever season (Dec through Feb) |
| Friendly, creative, diverse culture | Rapid growth is straining infrastructure |
| Proximity to Hill Country, lakes, wineries | ERCOT power grid concerns during extreme weather |
Your Moving Timeline and Checklist
Timing your move to Austin requires planning around the housing market, school enrollment, and the weather. Here is a suggested timeline:
8 to 12 Weeks Before Moving
- Research neighborhoods using the profiles above and narrow to 3 to 5 target areas.
- Get pre-approved for a mortgage if buying. Texas closings typically take 30 to 45 days.
- If renting first (a smart strategy for out-of-state relocators), start contacting apartment complexes or leasing agents. Vacancy rates are up, so negotiation room exists.
- Research school districts if you have school-age children. Transfer applications for mid-year enrollment should be started early.
4 to 8 Weeks Before Moving
- Book a moving company. Long-distance moves from the coasts to Austin cost $4,000 to $10,000 depending on volume and distance.
- If buying, schedule house tours. A local agent who knows the Austin market at the neighborhood level can save you weeks of wasted time. According to Neuhaus Realty Group‘s relocation data, out-of-state buyers who work with a specialist in their target area close 15 to 20 days faster than those who search independently.
- Set up temporary housing if needed. Extended-stay hotels and short-term rentals in the $2,500 to $4,000/month range are available across the metro.
2 to 4 Weeks Before Moving
- Forward mail (USPS change of address).
- Set up Austin Energy for electricity (or the local provider if outside city limits).
- Arrange internet service. AT&T Fiber and Google Fiber cover much of the metro. Spectrum fills in the gaps. Check availability by address before choosing a neighborhood.
- Notify your employer, insurance providers, and financial institutions of the address change.
First 30 Days After Arriving
- Driver’s license: Texas law requires you to obtain a Texas driver’s license within 90 days of establishing residency. Visit a DPS office (appointments recommended; wait times can exceed 2 hours without one).
- Vehicle registration: Must be completed within 30 days. You will need a Texas vehicle inspection first ($7 to $25 at any inspection station).
- Voter registration: Register at the Travis County (or relevant county) Tax Office or online through the Texas Secretary of State.
- Homestead exemption: File immediately if you purchased a home. The deadline is April 30 of each year, but you can file at any time and it will apply to the next eligible tax year. This saves thousands.
- Explore your neighborhood: Find your nearest H-E-B (this is not optional in Texas). Locate the closest urgent care. Identify your trash and recycling pickup schedule. Introduce yourself to your neighbors.
- Property tax protest: If you purchased a home, your first appraisal notice will arrive from the county appraisal district in April or May. You have until May 15 (or 30 days after receiving notice, whichever is later) to file a protest. Protesting your property taxes in the first year is especially important because your purchase price often becomes the initial assessed value, and you want to establish the lowest defensible baseline. See the Complete Guide to Property Tax Protests in Austin.
What to Avoid
Do not move during SXSW (typically mid-March). Hotels triple in price, short-term rentals are booked months in advance, and traffic in central Austin becomes significantly worse for about 10 days. The same applies to ACL Festival weekends (two weekends in October), though the impact is more localized around Zilker Park. Summer moves (June through August) are the most common nationally, but in Austin that means loading and unloading in 100°F heat. If you have flexibility, October through November and February through April offer the best combination of moderate weather and lower moving costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Start Your Austin Search
Moving to a new city is one of the biggest financial and lifestyle decisions you will make. Austin rewards people who do their homework, and the 2026 market gives relocators something they have not had in years: time and leverage.
If you are still weighing whether Austin is the right fit, dig into the 15 pros and cons of moving to Austin or explore our city-specific relocation guides. For personalized neighborhood recommendations, school district comparisons, or to start browsing listings, reach out to the team. Every question you have now is a decision you will not have to second-guess later.
