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 potential.
Home sitting in the course of my keep allowed me to totally get my ft below the desk as an Austin digital nomad. There are many wonderful services for distant employees, all complemented by the most effective 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 a number of conventional allure and a bunch of welcoming locals.
Austin labels itself because the ‘Stay 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 good metropolis to pair outside adventures with unbelievable meals – one in every of 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 bins for me.
Though I used to be home sitting throughout my keep and had a good looking dwelling to work from, I’ve at all times discovered I’m motivated by altering up my surroundings and dealing from completely different cafes, coworking areas, and libraries. Austin was superb 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 Secure?
Austin is usually a secure metropolis for guests, with family-friendly neighborhoods and a welcoming ambiance. Nonetheless, 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 common, however petty crimes akin to pickpocketing can occur. Hold 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 lovely, however be aware of wildlife and carry loads of water. It will get scorching and there are many creatures in Texas that may chew you! So keep away from mountaineering alone late within the day and through peak scorching and dry spells.
Finest Areas to Stay in Austin
Austin is a giant metropolis, however an amazingly well-connected one too. Listed here are a couple of nice areas to think about basing your self in that supply their very own allure whereas conserving 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 vitality, with numerous bars, eating places, and stay music venues. I cherished the walkable way of life of Downtown, with points of interest together with Woman Chicken Lake and Sixth Road all inside straightforward attain.
Lodging could be expensive, however the comfort and entry to leisure make it value it. Excessive-rise flats and resorts 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 retailers, various meals vans, breweries, and stay music whereas staying right here.
The realm appeals to a various group of residents with extra inexpensive housing, resorts, and Airbnbs. The streets are normally bustling round SoCo however there’s additionally a robust sense of neighborhood. It will go well with these searching for a enjoyable but neighborly vibe.
3. Pflugerville
Pflugerville is simply 20 minutes from Downtown and gives 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 neighborhood and peaceable ambiance.
There are wonderful parks and trails, plus handy procuring, cool bars, eating places, and cafes which make it a snug place to base your self. In case you’re excited about home sitting in Austin, try my earlier article: Every part You Have to 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 road artwork, fashionable espresso retailers, and various delicacies, this space highlights the artistic facet of Austin.
With fewer high-end resorts in comparison with the central components of town, rental flats or home sitting alternatives are prone to be the best way to go in the case of discovering respectable 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 high consideration for nature lovers and households, due to 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 outside actions.
The neighborhood is primarily residential however caters to a variety of budgets. It’s straightforward to the perfect of each worlds in Zilker – a peaceable retreat near town’s pleasure.
Methods to Discover Lodging in Austin
In case you plan to be a digital nomad residing in Austin listed here are the highest 4 methods to search out lodging within the metropolis.
1. Reserving.com: The long-term traveler’s greatest good friend, Reserving.com gives reserving with out pre-payment, cancellation at late discover, and the perfect costs round. It’s not simply resorts, there’s a full vary of Austin lodging choices on the positioning.
2. Airbnb: One other dependable instrument, Airbnb will probably 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 most important home sitting platform round, Trusted Housesitters repeatedly has 1000’s of listings accepting functions 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 try Fb teams akin to Austin Room Mate. Non-public owners repeatedly provide sublets, spare rooms, and inexpensive however versatile lodging choices.
Price of Residing 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 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 median, a hearty meal at a good BBQ joint will price round $15-$18pp.
I used to be pleased to search out my previous good friend Aldi in Austin. The finances 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 range considerably from retailer to retailer and though costs have crept up in recent times, meat is routinely fairly inexpensive – 1lb of hen for below $5, and eggs for $3-$4 a dozen. Store round and maintain a watch out for clearance and sale gadgets.
Lodging Prices
Residing in Austin isn’t low-cost. Anticipate to pay $2k/month and above for a central residence earlier than month-to-month utilities of round $300. Staying outdoors of town heart can cut back your prices to a extra affordable determine of $1500/month.
Airbnbs with month-stay reductions, finances lodge/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 continues 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 normally price me lower than $20. Gasoline is fairly low-cost too at below $3 a gallon.
SIM Playing cards and Knowledge
Getting a SIM card within the US is just a little trickier than in another nations 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 telephone, belief me I discovered this the laborious manner.
I counsel heading to a telephone retailer akin to T-Cell and buying a SIM in individual, the place it is going to be activated then and there. I picked up 2 GB of knowledge for $10/month. There was alleged to be a $25 activation charge however for some motive, 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 respectable WiFi so I at all times go for the bottom price and most versatile knowledge plan, which normally begins at round $10/month.
Cash Saving Ideas for Austin
Listed here are a couple 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 pleased hour offers. Right here’s a terrific web site to assist discover the perfect offers.
- Airbnb Reductions: Hosts usually provide 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 outside spare time activities to get pleasure from across the metropolis akin to Woman Chicken Lake.
- Use Public Transport: Austin’s Capmetro system is an inexpensive and dependable option to get across the metropolis.
- Dine at Meals Vehicles: There are a great deal of wonderful meals vans in Austin, so scrumptious doesn’t need to imply costly.
Coworking Areas and WiFi Pace in Austin
Working remotely in Austin is straightforward with a number of incredible 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 setting. There are 7 areas throughout town and for $47 a day, you get quick WiFi, comfy workstations, and a centered ambiance 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 gives every part you want.
2. Frequent Desk
Providing a barely cheaper various in Austin metropolis heart whereas sustaining all of the perks {and professional} high quality of a coworking area, Frequent Desk is a superb possibility for critical freelancers searching for a terrific scorching desking expertise.
Costs are as little as $30/day in the event you can persuade a further 2 buddies, 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 method 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 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 gives breathtaking views. Its sturdy 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 motorcycle store – its tagline is ‘Espresso, Champagne, Chain Lube’. Its massive tables, quick WiFi, and wonderful 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 Finest Issues To Do in Austin, however listed here are my high strategies:
1. Guided Stay Music Downtown Pub Crawl
There are numerous wonderful bars downtown, however head out with an area brimming with data of the scene and luxuriate in a number of the greatest Sixth Road has to supply. This can be a nice option to rapidly familiarize your self with Austin’s nightlife – study extra right here.
2. Get Out on Woman Chicken Lake
I’ve already talked about Woman Chicken Lake a couple of instances because it’s a good looking and tranquil spot that feels 1,000,000 miles away from the busy metropolis. It’s straightforward to get to and is the proper spot for mountaineering, biking, and outside pursuits. Or you’ll be able to simply go to sit back out!
I extremely advocate you attempt 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 provided the perfect 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 road artwork, parks, and stay music venues, and luxuriate in a candy deal with from one of many metropolis’s common 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 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 at this time.
Climate in Austin
Austin’s climate is famously heat, with August averages of 97°F. Sunny days dominate, making outside actions common 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 town’s many parks and trails.
Rainfall is reasonable, with Might and June usually being the wettest months. I witnessed a few epic thunderstorms that are recognized to often roll via. Regardless of this, Austin enjoys extra sunny days than cloudy ones.
Execs and Cons of Residing in Austin
Like every metropolis, Austin gives distinctive alternatives and challenges that make residing right here an thrilling but nuanced expertise. Right here’s what I discovered 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 massive firms. There are rising alternatives in areas akin to expertise, healthcare, and artistic arts.
- Vigorous Social Scene: From stay music and world-class comedy exhibits 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 mountaineering trails, Austin is a perfect metropolis for outside lovers with year-round potentialities.
- The Meals: I can attest to 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 finances.
- 12 months-Spherical Local weather: Every day common temperatures hardly ever drop beneath 62°F in the course of 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 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 numerous highway work and growth 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 reasonably wild social gathering scene. It’s not for the faint-hearted.
Digital Nomad Visa for Austin
The US doesn’t at the moment provide a particular digital nomad visa. Nonetheless, distant employees can discover different visa choices to remain in Austin. The B-1 Enterprise Visa permits short-term stays for enterprise functions, but it surely’s important to grasp its limitations.
The Visa Waiver Program permits residents of collaborating nations, together with the UK, to remain within the US for as much as 90 days with no 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 partaking in employment or vital distant work whereas on a vacationer visa or below the VWP could violate US immigration regulation. 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 pleased I received 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 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!
