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 potential.
House sitting at some point of my keep allowed me to totally get my toes underneath the desk as an Austin digital nomad. There are many glorious services for distant staff, 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 a number of conventional appeal and a bunch of welcoming locals.
Austin labels itself because the ‘Live Music Capital of the USA‘, and rightly so! There are tons of reside music venues and every 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 out of doors adventures with unimaginable meals – one in all my favourite methods to spend a day right here is by mountain climbing 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 services, enjoyable locations to blow off steam, and the prospect to get out into the nice open air. Austin ticked all of those containers for me.
Though I used to be home sitting throughout my keep and had a good looking house to work from, I’ve at all times discovered I’m motivated by altering up my surroundings and dealing from totally different cafes, coworking areas, and libraries. Austin was preferrred for this.
Balancing work and life whereas touring is without doubt 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 Protected?
Austin is generally a safe city for visitors, with family-friendly neighborhoods and a welcoming ambiance. Nevertheless, like several metropolis, staying conscious of your environment is essential. Keep on with well-lit areas at evening and keep away from remoted spots.
Downtown Austin is full of life and well-liked, however petty crimes corresponding to pickpocketing can occur. Maintain 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 stunning, however be conscious of wildlife and carry loads of water. It gets hot and there are many creatures in Texas that may chunk you! So keep away from mountain climbing alone late within the day and through peak scorching and dry spells.
Greatest Areas to Reside in Austin
Austin is a giant metropolis, however an amazingly well-connected one too. Listed here are just a few nice areas to contemplate basing your self in that supply their very own appeal whereas protecting you in contact with all of Austin’s finest sights.
1. Downtown Austin
Residing in Downtown Austin places you on the heart of town’s vitality, with numerous bars, eating places, and reside music venues. I beloved the walkable way of life of Downtown, with sights together with Lady Bird Lake and Sixth Road all inside straightforward attain.
Lodging will be dear, however the comfort and entry to leisure make it value 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 without doubt one of the metropolis’s trendiest and most iconic neighborhoods. Life in Austin feels genuine in SoCo, the place quirky meets cool. You’ll take pleasure in an eclectic combination of retailers, various meals vans, breweries, and reside music whereas staying right here.
The realm appeals to a various group of residents with extra inexpensive housing, lodges, and Airbnbs. The streets are often bustling round SoCo however there’s additionally a powerful sense of neighborhood. It will go well with these in search of a enjoyable but neighborly vibe.
3. Pflugerville
Pflugerville is simply 20 minutes from Downtown and affords a quieter suburban way of life with quick access to Austin’s sights. That is exactly the place I spent a month home sitting and I loved the welcoming neighborhood and peaceable ambiance.
There are glorious parks and trails, plus handy purchasing, cool bars, eating places, and cafes which make it a snug place to base your self. When you’re fascinated about home sitting in Austin, take a look at 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 appeal and trendy developments. Identified for its avenue artwork, stylish espresso outlets, and various delicacies, this space highlights the inventive aspect 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 on the subject of discovering respectable long-term lodging. It is a enjoyable a part of Austin with quick access to town heart.
5. Zilker
Zilker needs to be a high consideration for nature fans and households, due to its proximity to Zilker Park and Barton Springs. Residing right here means being extra linked to nature as these are each lush inexperienced areas with ample out of doors 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.
Easy methods to Discover Lodging in Austin
When you plan to be a digital nomad residing in Austin listed below are the highest 4 methods to seek out lodging within the metropolis.
1. Booking.com: The long-term traveler’s finest pal, Booking.com affords 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 positioning.
2. Airbnb: One other dependable software, Airbnb will likely 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 big reductions and at all times enquire straight with hosts about reductions for longer stays.
3. TrustedHousesitters.com: The largest home sitting platform round, Trusted Housesitters frequently has 1000’s of listings accepting functions globally. It’s how I secured a month of free lodging in Austin.
4. Facebook Groups: When you’re planning an extended keep within the metropolis take a look at Fb teams corresponding to Austin Room Mate. Personal owners frequently provide sublets, spare rooms, and inexpensive however versatile lodging choices.
Value of Residing in Austin
Returning to the US after just a few years touring round Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand I used to be just a little involved in regards to the pending value 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 potentialities 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 value round $15-$18pp.
I used to be joyful to seek out my outdated pal Aldi in Austin. The price range grocery store was my go-to when residing again in England and I at all times take pleasure in its familiarity and low costs. There’s a broad vary of supermarkets in Austin, from Walmart to H-E-B.
Costs fluctuate 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 hold an eye fixed out for clearance and sale objects.
Lodging Prices
Residing in Austin isn’t low cost. Count on to pay $2k/month and above for a central residence earlier than month-to-month utilities of around $300. Staying exterior of town heart can scale back your prices to a extra cheap determine of $1500/month.
Airbnbs with month-stay reductions, price range resort/motel stays, and home sitting placements are nice concepts for decreasing 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 possibility for those who select to remain exterior of town however need common entry. The 20-minute journey from Pflugerville to Sixth Road often value me lower than $20. Gasoline is fairly low cost too at under $3 a gallon.
SIM Playing cards and Information
Getting a SIM card within the US is just a little trickier than in another international locations however not inconceivable or overly costly for guests. Sadly, it’s not potential to only decide up a SIM at Walmart and pop it in your cellphone, belief me I realized this the exhausting manner.
I counsel heading to a cellphone retailer corresponding to T-Mobile and buying a SIM in individual, the place it will likely be activated then and there. I picked up 2 GB of information for $10/month. There was imagined to be a $25 activation payment however for some cause, the system let me off – bonus!
You’ll discover a full vary of information, calls, and message bundles to fit your wants. Most locations in Austin have respectable WiFi so I at all times go for the bottom value and most versatile information plan, which often begins at round $10/month.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Austin
Listed here are just a few of my high ideas 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.
- Comfortable 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 often come at precisely 28 days.
- Go to Free Points of interest: There are a lot of free out of doors spare time activities to take pleasure in across the metropolis corresponding to Lady Bird Lake.
- Use Public Transport: Austin’s Capmetro system is an inexpensive and dependable method to get across the metropolis.
- Dine at Meals Vans: There are a great deal of glorious meals vans in Austin, so scrumptious doesn’t should imply costly.
Coworking Areas and WiFi Pace 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 wonderful coworking area 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 ambiance excellent for tackling duties.
The facilities at WeWork embrace limitless espresso, fashionable 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 offers every part you want.
2. Widespread Desk
Providing a barely cheaper different in Austin metropolis heart whereas sustaining all of the perks {and professional} high quality of a coworking area, Common Desk is a good possibility for severe freelancers in search of an ideal scorching desking expertise.
Costs are as little as $30/day for those who can persuade an extra 2 buddies, workers, or fellow digital nomads to return alongside for the day. With a membership, 8 particular person day passes value simply $150, for college students, it’s as little as $50 a month!
Greatest Cafes to Work From in Austin
If a extra informal method to distant working is what you’re after, Austin’s cafe scene has you coated. I’ll begin you off with a few my favourite spots:
- Houndstooth Coffee: A preferred place for distant staff due to its welcoming and spacious ambiance 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 affords breathtaking views. Its sturdy WiFi and ample energy shops 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 massive tables, quick WiFi, and glorious espresso make it excellent for centered work periods.
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 hold you occupied when not on the laptop computer. For a full itinerary learn – 15 Best Things To Do in Austin, however listed below are my high solutions:
1. Guided Reside Music Downtown Pub Crawl
There are plenty of glorious bars downtown, however head out with a neighborhood brimming with information of the scene and luxuriate in a number of the finest Sixth Road has to supply. It is a nice method to shortly familiarize your self with Austin’s nightlife – learn more here.
2. Get Out on Girl Fowl Lake
I’ve already talked about Girl Fowl Lake just a few occasions because it’s a good looking and tranquil spot that feels one million miles away from the busy metropolis. It’s straightforward to get to and is the proper spot for mountain climbing, biking, and out of doors pursuits. Or you possibly can 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 severe distance. Click here to pre-book kayaks with the same company I did. They have 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 snug air-conditioned car.
Tick off the Texas Capital Building, well-known avenue artwork, parks, and reside music venues, and luxuriate in a candy deal with from one of many metropolis’s well-liked meals vans 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 take pleasure in 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 out of doors actions well-liked year-round. Spring and fall convey milder temperatures, excellent for festivals and exploring nature.
Winters in Austin are gentle 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 snug 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 recognized to sometimes roll by way of. Regardless of this, Austin enjoys extra sunny days than cloudy ones.
Professionals and Cons of Residing in Austin
Like several metropolis, Austin affords distinctive alternatives and challenges that make residing right here an thrilling but nuanced expertise. Right here’s what I realized throughout my keep:
Professionals of Residing in Austin
- Thriving Job Market: Austin is a tech and enterprise hub, it’s house to Tesla amongst quite a few different massive companies. There are rising alternatives in areas corresponding to know-how, healthcare, and inventive arts.
- Full of life Social Scene: From reside music and world-class comedy reveals to meals festivals and brewery excursions, there’s at all times one thing thrilling taking place to maintain issues enjoyable.
- Out of doors Way of life: With parks, lakes, and mountain climbing trails, Austin is a perfect metropolis for out of doors fans with year-round potentialities.
- The Meals: I can attest to town’s unimaginable meals scene. There are sensational barbecue eating places, inexpensive but beautiful meals vans, and various eating choices to fulfill each style and price range.
- Yr-Spherical Local weather: Day by day common temperatures hardly ever drop beneath 62°F through the winter and rainfall is average. It’s the best metropolis for these, like me, who dislike the chilly.
Cons of Residing in Austin
- Rising Value of Residing: Housing and rental costs have surged lately, making affordability a rising concern for a lot of.
- Visitors Points: Subsequently, this fast progress has led to congested roads. There was plenty of street work and growth taking place throughout my keep.
- Intense Summers: Temperatures typically soar above 100°F, which might make residing in Austin uncomfortable.
- Loopy Nightlife: On weekend nights, Sixth Road closes to automobiles and turns into a reasonably wild celebration scene. It’s not for the faint-hearted.
Digital Nomad Visa for Austin
The US doesn’t at present provide a particular digital nomad visa. Nevertheless, distant staff can discover different visa choices to remain in Austin. The B-1 Business Visa permits short-term stays for enterprise functions, but it surely’s important to know 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 and not using a visa. Canadian residents usually don’t require a visa for tourism or enterprise visits and might 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 underneath the VWP might violate US immigration legislation. Subsequently, 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 bought to tick it off my journey want listing, and I’ll actually 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!
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