It had been on my listing for some time, however I simply completed a incredible 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 attainable.
Home sitting throughout my keep allowed me to totally get my toes below the desk as an Austin digital nomad. There are many glorious services 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 metropolis within the state and the eleventh most populous within the USA. It’s an enormous metropolis that maintains a small metropolis really feel with numerous conventional allure and a bunch of welcoming locals.
Austin labels itself because the ‘Reside Music Capital of the USA‘, and rightly so! There are tons of dwell 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 right metropolis to pair outside adventures with unbelievable meals – one in all 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 labored remotely from.
I like locations that supply an entire mix of comfy and dependable services, enjoyable locations to blow off steam, and the prospect to get out into the nice outdoor. Austin ticked all of those containers for me.
Though I used to be home sitting throughout my keep and had a ravishing dwelling 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 ultimate 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 Protected?
Austin is typically a secure metropolis for guests, with family-friendly neighborhoods and a welcoming ambiance. Nonetheless, like all metropolis, staying conscious of your environment is essential. Follow well-lit areas at night time and keep away from remoted spots.
Downtown Austin is full of life and standard, however petty crimes comparable to pickpocketing can occur. Maintain your belongings safe, particularly round Sixth Road at night time. 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 will get scorching and there are many creatures in Texas that may chunk 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 a giant metropolis, however an amazingly well-connected one too. Listed below are a number of nice areas to contemplate basing your self in that supply their very own allure whereas conserving you in contact with all of Austin’s greatest sights.
1. Downtown Austin
Residing in Downtown Austin places you on the heart of town’s vitality, with numerous bars, eating places, and dwell music venues. I cherished the walkable way of life of Downtown, with sights together with Girl Chook Lake and Sixth Road all inside straightforward attain.
Lodging will be expensive, however the comfort and entry to leisure make it price it. Excessive-rise flats and lodges dominate the realm, 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 world 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 robust sense of neighborhood. It could swimsuit these looking for 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. In case you’re concerned with home sitting in Austin, take a look at my earlier article: All the things You Must Know About Home Sitting.
4. East Austin
East Austin is a quickly evolving neighborhood with a mix of historic allure and fashionable developments. Recognized for its avenue artwork, fashionable espresso outlets, and numerous 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 prone to be the way in which to go in the case of discovering first rate long-term lodging. It is a enjoyable a part of Austin with quick access to town heart.
5. Zilker
Zilker must be a high consideration for nature fanatics and households, because of 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 outside actions.
The neighborhood is primarily residential however caters to a variety of budgets. It’s straightforward to the very best of each worlds in Zilker – a peaceable retreat near town’s pleasure.
How you can Discover Lodging in Austin
In case you plan to be a digital nomad residing in Austin listed here are the highest 4 methods to seek out lodging within the metropolis.
1. Reserving.com: The long-term traveler’s greatest buddy, Reserving.com affords reserving with out pre-payment, cancellation at late discover, and the very best costs round. It’s not simply lodges, there’s a full vary of Austin lodging choices on the location.
2. Airbnb: One other dependable instrument, 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 enormous reductions and all the time enquire instantly with hosts about reductions for longer stays.
3. TrustedHousesitters.com: The most important home sitting platform round, Trusted Housesitters recurrently has hundreds of listings accepting purposes globally. It’s how I secured a month of free lodging in Austin.
4. Fb Teams: In case you’re planning an extended keep within the metropolis take a look at Fb teams comparable to Austin Room Mate. Personal owners recurrently provide sublets, spare rooms, and inexpensive however versatile lodging choices.
Price of Residing in Austin
Returning to the US after a number of years touring round Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand I used to be just a little involved concerning the pending price of residing in Austin. However I used to be pleasantly stunned. 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 mean, a hearty meal at a good BBQ joint will price round $15-$18pp.
I used to be completely happy to seek out my previous buddy Aldi in Austin. The finances 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 rooster for below $5, and eggs for $3-$4 a dozen. Store round and preserve a watch out for clearance and sale gadgets.
Lodging Prices
Residing in Austin will not be low-cost. Anticipate to pay $2k/month and above for a central condominium earlier than month-to-month utilities of round $300. Staying outdoors of town heart can cut back your prices to a extra cheap determine of $1500/month.
Airbnbs with month-stay reductions, finances 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 journey. 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 in the event you select to remain outdoors of town however need common entry. The 20-minute journey from Pflugerville to Sixth Road often price me lower than $20. Gasoline is fairly low-cost too at below $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 not possible or overly costly for guests. Sadly, it’s not attainable to simply decide up a SIM at Walmart and pop it in your cellphone, belief me I realized this the laborious manner.
I counsel heading to a cellphone retailer comparable to T-Cell and buying a SIM in individual, the place it will likely be activated then and there. I picked up 2 GB of knowledge for $10/month. There was speculated to be a $25 activation payment however for some cause, 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 often begins at round $10/month.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Austin
Listed below are a number of 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. Right here’s a step-by-step information.
- Comfortable Hours: Many bars and eating places provide nice completely happy hour offers. Right here’s an ideal web site to assist discover the very best offers.
- Airbnb Reductions: Hosts usually provide large reductions for longer stays – the most important reductions often come at precisely 28 days.
- Go to Free Points of interest: There are lots of free outside spare time activities to get pleasure from across the metropolis comparable to Girl Chook 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 vehicles in Austin, so scrumptious doesn’t need to imply costly.
Coworking Areas and WiFi Velocity in Austin
Working remotely in Austin is straightforward with a number of incredible devoted coworking areas. Listed below 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 setting. There are 7 places throughout town and for $47 a day, you get quick WiFi, comfy workstations, and a centered ambiance excellent for tackling duties.
The facilities at WeWork embody 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 offers the whole lot you want.
2. Widespread Desk
Providing a barely cheaper various in Austin metropolis heart whereas sustaining all of the perks {and professional} high quality of a coworking area, Widespread Desk is a good possibility for severe freelancers looking for an ideal scorching desking expertise.
Costs are as little as $30/day in the event you can persuade an extra 2 pals, workers, or fellow digital nomads to return 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 strategy 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 Espresso: A preferred place for distant employees 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 Espresso Roasters: Set alongside Lake Austin, Mozart’s Espresso Roasters affords breathtaking views. Its robust WiFi and ample energy retailers make it laptop-friendly, whereas the lakeside setting provides a soothing contact whereas working.
- The Meteor: The Meteor uniquely blends espresso, wine, and a motorbike store – its tagline is ‘Espresso, Champagne, Chain Lube’. Its giant 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 can simply preserve you occupied when not on the laptop computer. For a full itinerary learn – 15 Finest Issues To Do in Austin, however listed here 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 revel in a few of the greatest Sixth Road has to supply. It is a nice method to shortly familiarize your self with Austin’s nightlife – be taught extra right here.
2. Get Out on Girl Chook Lake
I’ve already talked about Girl Chook Lake a number of instances because it’s a ravishing and tranquil spot that feels 1,000,000 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’ll be able to 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 on right here to pre-book kayaks with the identical firm I did. They had been dependable, useful, and supplied the very best 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 automobile.
Tick off the Texas Capital Constructing, well-known avenue artwork, parks, and dwell music venues, and revel in a candy deal with from one of many metropolis’s standard meals vehicles in a 2-hour small group tour. Click on right here to be taught extra.
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 on right here to e-book your countryside journey immediately.
Climate in Austin
Austin’s climate is famously heat, with August averages of 97°F. Sunny days dominate, making outside actions standard year-round. Spring and fall deliver milder temperatures, excellent 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 snug season for having fun with town’s many parks and trails.
Rainfall is reasonable, with Could and June sometimes being the wettest months. I witnessed a few epic thunderstorms that are identified to sometimes roll by way of. Regardless of this, Austin enjoys extra sunny days than cloudy ones.
Execs 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:
Execs of Residing in Austin
- Thriving Job Market: Austin is a tech and enterprise hub, it’s dwelling to Tesla amongst quite a few different giant firms. There are rising alternatives in areas comparable to know-how, healthcare, and artistic arts.
- Energetic Social Scene: From dwell music and world-class comedy reveals to meals festivals and brewery excursions, there’s all the time one thing thrilling occurring to maintain issues enjoyable.
- Out of doors 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 unbelievable meals scene. There are sensational barbecue eating places, inexpensive but beautiful meals vehicles, and numerous eating choices to fulfill each style and finances.
- 12 months-Spherical Local weather: Each day common temperatures hardly ever drop beneath 62°F through the winter and rainfall is reasonable. It’s the best metropolis for these, like me, who dislike the chilly.
Cons of Residing in Austin
- Rising Price of Residing: Housing and rental costs have surged lately, making affordability a rising concern for a lot of.
- Site visitors Points: Subsequently, this fast progress has led to congested roads. There was plenty of highway work and improvement occurring throughout my keep.
- Intense Summers: Temperatures usually soar above 100°F, which might make residing in Austin uncomfortable.
- Loopy Nightlife: On weekend nights, Sixth Road closes to autos and turns into a fairly wild celebration scene. It’s not for the faint-hearted.
Digital Nomad Visa for Austin
The US doesn’t presently provide a particular digital nomad visa. Nonetheless, distant employees can discover different visa choices to remain in Austin. The B-1 Enterprise Visa permits non permanent stays for enterprise functions, but it surely’s important to know its limitations.
The Visa Waiver Program permits residents of taking part international locations, together with the UK, to remain within the US for as much as 90 days and not using a visa. Canadian residents typically 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 important distant work whereas on a vacationer visa or below 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 completely happy I obtained 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!
