It had been on my record for some time, however I simply completed a unbelievable 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 at some stage in my keep allowed me to completely get my toes below the desk as an Austin digital nomad. There are many glorious amenities for distant employees, all complemented by among the best 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 stay music venues and each day performances within the metropolis. Comedy has taken a stronghold in recent times since Joe Rogan opened The Comedy Mothership.
It’s the right metropolis to pair out of doors adventures with unimaginable meals – one in every of my favourite methods to spend a day right here is by 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 record 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 outdoor. Austin ticked all of those packing containers for me.
Though I used to be home sitting throughout my keep and had a fantastic 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 among 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 environment. Nonetheless, like every metropolis, staying conscious of your environment is essential. Follow well-lit areas at night time and keep away from remoted spots.
Downtown Austin is vigorous and standard, however petty crimes corresponding to pickpocketing can occur. Maintain your belongings safe, particularly round Sixth Street at night time. It will get fairly rowdy round right here on weekends.
Austin’s parks and trails are stunning, however be aware 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 climbing alone late within the day and through peak sizzling and dry spells.
Finest Areas to Reside in Austin
Austin is a giant metropolis, however an amazingly well-connected one too. Listed here are a number of nice areas to think about basing your self in that supply their very own allure whereas holding you in contact with all of Austin’s greatest points of interest.
1. Downtown Austin
Residing in Downtown Austin places you on the heart of town’s power, with numerous bars, eating places, and stay music venues. I liked the walkable way of life of Downtown, with points of interest together with Lady Bird Lake and Sixth Road all inside simple attain.
Lodging may be expensive, however the comfort and entry to leisure make it value it. Excessive-rise residences and motels 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 among 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 outlets, various meals vans, breweries, and stay music whereas staying right here.
The realm appeals to a various group of residents with extra reasonably priced housing, motels, and Airbnbs. The streets are normally bustling round SoCo however there’s additionally a powerful sense of group. It might go well with these in search of a enjoyable but neighborly vibe.
3. Pflugerville
Pflugerville is simply 20 minutes from Downtown and provides a quieter suburban way of life 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 glorious parks and trails, plus handy buying, cool bars, eating places, and cafes which make it a cushty place to base your self. For those who’re thinking 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 fashionable developments. Recognized for its road artwork, fashionable espresso retailers, and various delicacies, this space highlights the artistic aspect of Austin.
With fewer high-end motels in comparison with the central elements of town, rental residences or home sitting alternatives are more likely to be the best way to go in relation to discovering first rate long-term lodging. This can be a enjoyable a part of Austin with easy accessibility to town heart.
5. Zilker
Zilker ought to be a prime consideration for nature fans and households, because of its proximity to Zilker Park and Barton Springs. Residing right here means being extra related 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 simple to one of the best of each worlds in Zilker – a peaceable retreat near town’s pleasure.
The way to Discover Lodging in Austin
For those who plan to be a digital nomad residing in Austin listed below are the highest 4 methods to search out lodging within the metropolis.
1. Booking.com: The long-term traveler’s greatest buddy, Booking.com provides reserving with out pre-payment, cancellation at late discover, and one of the best costs round. It’s not simply motels, there’s a full vary of Austin lodging choices on the positioning.
2. Airbnb: One other dependable software, Airbnb will likely be helpful 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 at all times enquire straight 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 functions globally. It’s how I secured a month of free lodging in Austin.
4. Facebook Groups: For those who’re planning an extended keep within the metropolis try Fb teams corresponding to Austin Room Mate. Personal owners frequently supply sublets, spare rooms, and reasonably priced however versatile lodging choices.
Value 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 a little bit involved concerning the pending value 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 potentialities 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 value round $15-$18pp.
I used to be completely happy to search out my previous buddy Aldi in Austin. The price range grocery store was my go-to when residing again in England and I at all times get pleasure from 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 in recent times, meat is routinely fairly reasonably priced – 1lb of chicken for under $5, and eggs for $3-$4 a dozen. Store round and maintain an eye fixed out for clearance and sale gadgets.
Lodging Prices
Residing in Austin will not be low cost. Count on to pay $2k/month and above for a central residence earlier than month-to-month utilities of around $300. Staying outdoors of town heart can cut 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 supply reasonably priced charges for traversing town, state, and additional afield.
Uber remains to be a really reasonably priced possibility for those who select to remain outdoors of town however need common entry. The 20-minute trip from Pflugerville to Sixth Road normally 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 a little bit trickier than in another international locations however not unattainable 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 discovered this the exhausting means.
I counsel heading to a telephone retailer corresponding to T-Mobile and buying a SIM in particular person, the place will probably be activated then and there. I picked up 2 GB of information for $10/month. There was presupposed to be a $25 activation charge however for some purpose, 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 first rate WiFi so I at all times go for the bottom value and most versatile knowledge plan, which normally begins at round $10/month.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Austin
Listed here are a number of of my prime 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.
- Completely happy Hours: Many bars and eating places supply nice completely happy hour offers. Here’s a great website to help find the best deals.
- Airbnb Reductions: Hosts typically supply massive reductions for longer stays – the largest reductions normally come at precisely 28 days.
- Go to Free Points of interest: There are a lot of free out of doors spare time activities to get pleasure from across the metropolis corresponding to Lady Bird Lake.
- Use Public Transport: Austin’s Capmetro system is an reasonably priced and dependable solution to get across the metropolis.
- Dine at Meals Vans: There are a great deal of glorious meals vans in Austin, so scrumptious doesn’t need to imply costly.
Coworking Areas and WiFi Velocity in Austin
Working remotely in Austin is simple with a number of unbelievable 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 surroundings. 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 offers the whole lot 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 house, Common Desk is a superb possibility for severe freelancers in search of an amazing sizzling desking expertise.
Costs are as little as $30/day for those who 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 value simply $150, for college students, 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 Coffee: A preferred place for distant employees due to its welcoming and spacious environment and dependable WiFi. The minimalist decor and reasonably priced menu make it simple to focus whereas sipping on expertly brewed espresso.
- Mozarts Coffee Roasters: Set alongside Lake Austin, Mozart’s Espresso Roasters provides breathtaking views. Its robust WiFi and ample energy shops 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 good for centered work periods.
Actions and Issues to Do in Austin
Sufficient about the place to work, let’s discuss the place to spend your free time in Austin. It’s a enjoyable metropolis that can simply maintain 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 prime options:
1. Guided Reside Music Downtown Pub Crawl
There are loads of glorious bars downtown, however head out with a neighborhood brimming with data of the scene and luxuriate in a few of the greatest Sixth Road has to supply. This can be a nice solution 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 a number of instances because it’s a fantastic and tranquil spot that feels one million miles away from the busy metropolis. It’s simple to get to and is the right spot for climbing, biking, and out of doors pursuits. Or you’ll be able to simply go to sit back out!
I extremely advocate you try to get out on the water. The calm lake is nice for kayaking, and you may rack up some severe distance. Click here to pre-book kayaks with the same company I did. They had been dependable, useful, and supplied one of the 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 sizzling 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 road artwork, parks, and stay music venues, and luxuriate in a candy deal with from one of many metropolis’s standard meals vans in a 2-hour small group tour. Click here to learn more.
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 out of doors actions standard year-round. Spring and fall deliver milder temperatures, good 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 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 recognized to sometimes roll by. Regardless of this, Austin enjoys extra sunny days than cloudy ones.
Professionals and Cons of Residing in Austin
Like every metropolis, Austin provides distinctive alternatives and challenges that make residing right here an thrilling but nuanced expertise. Right here’s what I discovered 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 giant firms. There are rising alternatives in areas corresponding to know-how, healthcare, and inventive arts.
- Full of life Social Scene: From stay music and world-class comedy reveals to meals festivals and brewery excursions, there’s at all times one thing thrilling occurring to maintain issues enjoyable.
- Outside Life-style: With parks, lakes, and 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, reasonably priced but beautiful meals vans, and various eating choices to fulfill each style and price range.
- 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 perfect metropolis for these, like me, who dislike the chilly.
Cons of Residing in Austin
- Rising Value of Residing: Housing and rental costs have surged in recent times, making affordability a rising concern for a lot of.
- Visitors Points: Subsequently, this speedy progress has led to congested roads. There was loads of street work and improvement occurring 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 autos 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 the moment supply a selected digital nomad visa. Nonetheless, distant employees can discover different visa choices to remain in Austin. The B-1 Business Visa permits non permanent stays for enterprise functions, however it’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 with no visa. Canadian residents typically 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 participating in employment or vital distant work whereas on a vacationer visa or below 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 completely happy I acquired to tick it off my journey want record, and I’ll actually be again in Texas earlier than too lengthy.
Whether or not your focus is devoted workspaces, exploring an in depth 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!