It had been on my listing for some time, however I simply completed a implausible month dwelling 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.
Home sitting throughout 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 probably the greatest 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 plenty of conventional appeal and a bunch of welcoming locals.
Austin labels itself because the ‘Reside 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 in recent times since Joe Rogan opened The Comedy Mothership.
It’s the good metropolis to pair out of doors adventures with unbelievable meals – one among 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 totally 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 a whole mix of comfy and dependable services, enjoyable locations to blow off steam, and the possibility to get out into the good outside. Austin ticked all of those bins for me.
Though I used to be home sitting throughout my keep and had a gorgeous residence to work from, I’ve all the time discovered I’m motivated by altering up my surroundings and dealing from completely different cafes, coworking areas, and libraries. Austin was best for this.
Balancing work and life whereas touring is without doubt one of the greatest 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 usually a protected metropolis for guests, with family-friendly neighborhoods and a welcoming ambiance. Nevertheless, like every metropolis, staying conscious of your environment is vital. Stick with well-lit areas at night time and keep away from remoted spots.
Downtown Austin is energetic and widespread, however petty crimes resembling 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 aware of wildlife and carry loads of water. It will get sizzling 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 sizzling and dry spells.
Finest Areas to Reside in Austin
Austin is an enormous metropolis, however an amazingly well-connected one too. Listed below are a couple of nice areas to think about basing your self in that supply their very own appeal whereas holding you in contact with all of Austin’s finest sights.
1. Downtown Austin
Dwelling in Downtown Austin places you on the middle of the town’s vitality, with numerous bars, eating places, and reside music venues. I cherished the walkable life-style of Downtown, with sights together with Girl Chicken 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 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 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 powerful sense of group. It could go well with these looking for a enjoyable but neighborly vibe.
3. Pflugerville
Pflugerville is simply 20 minutes from Downtown and provides a quieter suburban life-style with quick access to Austin’s sights. That is exactly the place I spent a month home sitting and I loved the welcoming group 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. If you happen to’re occupied with home sitting in Austin, try 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 appeal and fashionable 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 the town, rental flats or home sitting alternatives are prone to be the way in which to go on the subject of discovering respectable long-term lodging. This can be a enjoyable a part of Austin with quick access to the town middle.
5. Zilker
Zilker ought to be a high consideration for nature fans and households, due to its proximity to Zilker Park and Barton Springs. Dwelling 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 straightforward to the very best of each worlds in Zilker – a peaceable retreat near the town’s pleasure.
Find out how to Discover Lodging in Austin
If you happen to plan to be a digital nomad dwelling in Austin listed below are the highest 4 methods to seek out lodging within the metropolis.
1. Reserving.com: The long-term traveler’s finest pal, Reserving.com provides 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 shall 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 all the time enquire instantly with hosts about reductions for longer stays.
3. TrustedHousesitters.com: The largest home sitting platform round, Trusted Housesitters recurrently has hundreds of listings accepting functions globally. It’s how I secured a month of free lodging in Austin.
4. Fb Teams: If you happen to’re planning an extended keep within the metropolis try Fb teams resembling Austin Room Mate. Non-public householders recurrently supply sublets, spare rooms, and inexpensive however versatile lodging choices.
Value of Dwelling in Austin
Returning to the US after a couple of years touring round Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand I used to be just a little involved in regards to the pending price of dwelling 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 price round $15-$18pp.
I used to be glad to seek out my previous pal Aldi in Austin. The price range grocery store was my go-to when dwelling again in England and I all the time take pleasure in its familiarity and low costs. There’s a broad vary of supermarkets in Austin, from Walmart to H-E-B.
Costs range considerably from retailer to retailer and though costs have crept up in recent times, meat is routinely fairly inexpensive – 1lb of rooster for underneath $5, and eggs for $3-$4 a dozen. Store round and preserve a watch out for clearance and sale objects.
Lodging Prices
Dwelling 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 round $300. Staying exterior of the town middle 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 lowering 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 supply inexpensive charges for traversing the town, state, and additional afield.
Uber remains to be a really inexpensive choice should you select to remain exterior of the 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 underneath $3 a gallon.
SIM Playing cards and Information
Getting a SIM card within the US is just a little trickier than in another nations however not not possible or overly costly for guests. Sadly, it’s not doable to simply decide up a SIM at Walmart and pop it in your telephone, belief me I realized this the arduous method.
I counsel heading to a telephone retailer resembling T-Cell and buying a SIM in individual, 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 price however for some motive, 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 all the time go for the bottom price and most versatile information plan, which often begins at round $10/month.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Austin
Listed below are a couple of of my high suggestions for saving cash whereas dwelling 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.
- Completely happy Hours: Many bars and eating places supply nice glad hour offers. Right here’s an amazing web site to assist discover the very best offers.
- Airbnb Reductions: Hosts usually supply huge reductions for longer stays – the largest reductions often come at precisely 28 days.
- Go to Free Sights: There are lots of free out of doors spare time activities to take pleasure in across the metropolis resembling Girl Chicken Lake.
- Use Public Transport: Austin’s Capmetro system is an inexpensive and dependable option 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 Velocity in Austin
Working remotely in Austin is simple with a number of implausible devoted coworking areas. Listed below 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 atmosphere. There are 7 places throughout the town and for $47 a day, you get quick WiFi, comfy workstations, and a targeted ambiance good for tackling duties.
The facilities at WeWork embody 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 supplies every part you want.
2. Frequent Desk
Providing a barely cheaper different in Austin metropolis middle whereas sustaining all of the perks {and professional} high quality of a coworking house, Frequent Desk is a good choice for critical freelancers looking for an amazing sizzling desking expertise.
Costs are as little as $30/day should you can persuade a further 2 associates, workers, or fellow digital nomads to come back alongside for the day. With a membership, 8 particular person day passes price 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 lined. I’ll begin you off with a few my favourite spots:
- Houndstooth Espresso: A well-liked 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 Espresso Roasters: Set alongside Lake Austin, Mozart’s Espresso Roasters provides 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 giant tables, quick WiFi, and glorious espresso make it good for targeted 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 may simply preserve you occupied when not on the laptop computer. For a full itinerary learn – 15 Finest Issues To Do in Austin, however listed below are my high ideas:
1. Guided Reside Music Downtown Pub Crawl
There are plenty of glorious bars downtown, however head out with a neighborhood brimming with data of the scene and revel in among the finest Sixth Road has to supply. This can be a nice option to shortly familiarize your self with Austin’s nightlife – study extra right here.
2. Get Out on Girl Chicken Lake
I’ve already talked about Girl Chicken Lake a couple of occasions because it’s a gorgeous 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 mountain climbing, biking, and out of doors pursuits. Or you possibly can simply go to relax 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 critical 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 principle sights of the town. It will get sizzling 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 Constructing, well-known avenue artwork, parks, and reside music venues, and revel in a candy deal with from one of many metropolis’s widespread meals vans in a 2-hour small group tour. Click on right here to study extra.
SEE ALSO: Weekend in Austin: The Excellent 2-Day Itinerary
4. Metropolis Escape BBQ and Wine Tour
Escape the 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 on right here to e book your countryside journey right this moment.
Climate in Austin
Austin’s climate is famously heat, with August averages of 97°F. Sunny days dominate, making out of doors actions widespread year-round. Spring and fall convey 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 snug season for having fun with the town’s many parks and trails.
Rainfall is average, with Could and June sometimes 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.
Execs and Cons of Dwelling in Austin
Like every metropolis, Austin provides distinctive alternatives and challenges that make dwelling right here an thrilling but nuanced expertise. Right here’s what I realized throughout my keep:
Execs of Dwelling in Austin
- Thriving Job Market: Austin is a tech and enterprise hub, it’s residence to Tesla amongst quite a few different giant companies. There are rising alternatives in areas resembling know-how, healthcare, and artistic arts.
- Full of life Social Scene: From reside music and world-class comedy exhibits 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 mountain climbing trails, Austin is a perfect metropolis for out of doors fans with year-round potentialities.
- The Meals: I can attest to the town’s unbelievable 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: Every day common temperatures hardly ever drop under 62°F through the winter and rainfall is average. It’s the perfect metropolis for these, like me, who dislike the chilly.
Cons of Dwelling in Austin
- Rising Value of Dwelling: Housing and rental costs have surged in recent times, making affordability a rising concern for a lot of.
- Visitors Points: Subsequently, this speedy development has led to congested roads. There was plenty of street work and improvement occurring throughout my keep.
- Intense Summers: Temperatures usually soar above 100°F, which might make dwelling in Austin uncomfortable.
- Loopy Nightlife: On weekend nights, Sixth Road closes to automobiles and turns into a fairly wild occasion scene. It’s not for the faint-hearted.
Digital Nomad Visa for Austin
The US doesn’t at the moment supply a particular digital nomad visa. Nevertheless, distant staff can discover different visa choices to remain in Austin. The B-1 Enterprise Visa permits short-term stays for enterprise functions, however it’s important to know its limitations.
The Visa Waiver Program permits residents of taking part nations, together with the UK, to remain within the US for as much as 90 days with out a visa. Canadian residents usually 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 important distant work whereas on a vacationer visa or underneath the VWP could 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 glad 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, dwelling in Austin as a digital nomad will current you with all of the alternatives you require. Have enjoyable!
