It had been on my record for some time, however I simply completed a improbable 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.
Home sitting all through my keep allowed me to totally get my toes beneath the desk as an Austin digital nomad. There are many wonderful services for distant employees, all complemented by among the finest 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 attraction 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 day by 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 out of doors adventures with unimaginable meals – considered one of 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 record of nice cities I’ve visited and labored remotely from.
I like locations that provide an entire mix of snug and dependable services, enjoyable locations to blow off steam, and the prospect to get out into the good outside. Austin ticked all of those packing containers for me.
Though I used to be home sitting throughout my keep and had an attractive house 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 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 Secure?
Austin is typically a protected metropolis for guests, with family-friendly neighborhoods and a welcoming environment. Nonetheless, like every metropolis, staying conscious of your environment is vital. Stick with well-lit areas at evening and keep away from remoted spots.
Downtown Austin is vigorous and fashionable, however petty crimes comparable to pickpocketing can occur. Hold your belongings safe, particularly round Sixth Avenue 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 will get sizzling and there are many creatures in Texas that may chew you! So keep away from mountain climbing alone late within the day and through peak sizzling and dry spells.
Greatest Areas to Stay in Austin
Austin is an enormous metropolis, however an amazingly well-connected one too. Listed below are a number of nice areas to contemplate basing your self in that provide their very own attraction whereas maintaining 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 the town’s vitality, with numerous bars, eating places, and stay music venues. I cherished the walkable life-style of Downtown, with points of interest together with Woman Hen Lake and Sixth Avenue all inside simple attain.
Lodging might be expensive, however the comfort and entry to leisure make it value it. Excessive-rise flats and motels 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 among 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 vehicles, breweries, and stay music whereas staying right here.
The world 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 robust sense of group. It will go well with these looking for a enjoyable but neighborly vibe.
3. Pflugerville
Pflugerville is simply 20 minutes from Downtown and gives a quieter suburban life-style 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 wonderful parks and trails, plus handy buying, cool bars, eating places, and cafes which make it a snug place to base your self. For those who’re occupied with home sitting in Austin, try my earlier article: The whole lot You Must Know About Home Sitting.
4. East Austin
East Austin is a quickly evolving neighborhood with a mix of historic attraction and trendy developments. Recognized for its road artwork, stylish espresso retailers, and various delicacies, this space highlights the inventive facet of Austin.
With fewer high-end motels in comparison with the central components of the town, rental flats or home sitting alternatives are more likely to be the way in which to go in the case of discovering respectable long-term lodging. This can be a enjoyable a part of Austin with easy accessibility to the town heart.
5. Zilker
Zilker ought to be a prime consideration for nature fanatics 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 the very best of each worlds in Zilker – a peaceable retreat near the town’s pleasure.
Easy methods to Discover Lodging in Austin
For those who 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 pal, Reserving.com gives reserving with out pre-payment, cancellation at late discover, and the very 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 device, 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 large reductions and all the time enquire immediately with hosts about reductions for longer stays.
3. TrustedHousesitters.com: The largest home sitting platform round, Trusted Housesitters repeatedly has hundreds of listings accepting functions globally. It’s how I secured a month of free lodging in Austin.
4. Fb Teams: For those who’re planning an extended keep within the metropolis try Fb teams comparable to Austin Room Mate. Non-public owners repeatedly provide sublets, spare rooms, and reasonably priced 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 a bit of 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 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 value round $15-$18pp.
I used to be completely happy to search out my outdated pal Aldi in Austin. The price range grocery store was my go-to when residing 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 fluctuate considerably from retailer to retailer and though costs have crept up lately, meat is routinely fairly reasonably priced – 1lb of rooster for beneath $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 just isn’t low cost. Count on to pay $2k/month and above for a central condo earlier than month-to-month utilities of round $300. Staying outdoors of the town heart can cut back your prices to a extra affordable 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 trip. For longer journeys Greyhound and Flix Bus provide reasonably priced charges for traversing the town, state, and additional afield.
Uber remains to be a really reasonably priced possibility in case you select to remain outdoors of the town however need common entry. The 20-minute trip from Pflugerville to Sixth Avenue normally value me lower than $20. Gasoline is fairly low cost too at beneath $3 a gallon.
SIM Playing cards and Information
Getting a SIM card within the US is a bit of trickier than in another international locations however not unattainable or overly costly for guests. Sadly, it’s not doable to simply choose up a SIM at Walmart and pop it in your telephone, belief me I realized this the arduous means.
I counsel heading to a telephone retailer comparable to T-Cell and buying a SIM in particular person, the place it is going to be activated then and there. I picked up 2 GB of knowledge for $10/month. There was purported to be a $25 activation price 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 all the time go for the bottom value and most versatile knowledge plan, which normally begins at round $10/month.
Cash Saving Ideas for Austin
Listed below 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. Right here’s a step-by-step information.
- Blissful Hours: Many bars and eating places provide nice completely happy hour offers. Right here’s an important web site to assist discover the very best offers.
- Airbnb Reductions: Hosts typically provide massive reductions for longer stays – the most important 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 take pleasure in across the metropolis comparable to Woman Hen Lake.
- Use Public Transport: Austin’s Capmetro system is an reasonably priced and dependable approach to get across the metropolis.
- Dine at Meals Vehicles: There are a great deal of wonderful meals vehicles 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 improbable 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 setting. There are 7 places throughout the town and for $47 a day, you get quick WiFi, snug workstations, and a targeted environment excellent 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, operating a enterprise, or simply want a change of surroundings, WeWork gives all the things 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 house, Frequent Desk is a superb possibility for severe freelancers looking for an important sizzling desking expertise.
Costs are as little as $30/day in case you can persuade an extra 2 buddies, staff, or fellow digital nomads to come back alongside for the day. With a membership, 8 particular person day passes value simply $150, for college kids, 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 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 environment and dependable WiFi. The minimalist decor and reasonably priced menu make it simple to focus whereas sipping on expertly brewed espresso.
- Mozarts Espresso Roasters: Set alongside Lake Austin, Mozart’s Espresso Roasters gives breathtaking views. Its robust WiFi and ample energy retailers 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 wonderful espresso make it excellent for targeted 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 maintain you occupied when not on the laptop computer. For a full itinerary learn – 15 Greatest Issues To Do in Austin, however listed here are my prime recommendations:
1. Guided Stay Music Downtown Pub Crawl
There are quite a lot of wonderful bars downtown, however head out with a neighborhood brimming with data of the scene and revel in a few of the greatest Sixth Avenue has to supply. This can be a nice approach to shortly familiarize your self with Austin’s nightlife – be taught extra right here.
2. Get Out on Woman Hen Lake
I’ve already talked about Woman Hen Lake a number of occasions because it’s an attractive 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 mountain climbing, biking, and out of doors pursuits. Or you possibly can 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’ll rack up some severe distance. Click on right here to pre-book kayaks with the identical firm I did. They have been dependable, useful, and provided 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 road artwork, parks, and stay music venues, and revel in a candy deal with from one of many metropolis’s fashionable 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 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 guide your countryside journey in the present day.
Climate in Austin
Austin’s climate is famously heat, with August averages of 97°F. Sunny days dominate, making out of doors actions fashionable year-round. Spring and fall carry 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 the 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. Regardless of this, Austin enjoys extra sunny days than cloudy ones.
Professionals 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 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 giant firms. There are rising alternatives in areas comparable to know-how, healthcare, and inventive arts.
- Vigorous Social Scene: From stay 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 Life-style: With parks, lakes, and mountain climbing trails, Austin is a perfect metropolis for out of doors fanatics with year-round prospects.
- The Meals: I can attest to the town’s unimaginable meals scene. There are sensational barbecue eating places, reasonably priced but beautiful meals vehicles, and various eating choices to fulfill each style and price range.
- Yr-Spherical Local weather: Day by day common temperatures not often drop beneath 62°F throughout 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 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 quite a lot of highway work and improvement occurring throughout my keep.
- Intense Summers: Temperatures typically soar above 100°F, which may make residing in Austin uncomfortable.
- Loopy Nightlife: On weekend nights, Sixth Avenue closes to autos 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 present provide a particular digital nomad visa. Nonetheless, distant employees can discover different visa choices to remain in Austin. The B-1 Enterprise Visa permits momentary stays for enterprise functions, nevertheless it’s important to know its limitations.
The Visa Waiver Program permits residents of collaborating international locations, 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 important distant work whereas on a vacationer visa or beneath 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 received to tick it off my journey want record, 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!Â
