Digital Nomad Information to Residing in Austin, Texas – Goats On The Street

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 potential.

Home sitting all through my keep allowed me to totally get my toes underneath the desk as an Austin digital nomad. There are many wonderful services for distant employees, all complemented by top-of-the-line social scenes I’ve come throughout within the USA.

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 attraction and a number of welcoming locals.

Austin labels itself because the ‘Live Music Capital of the USA‘, and rightly so! There are tons of live music venues and daily performances in the city. Comedy has taken a stronghold in recent years since Joe Rogan opened The Comedy Mothership.

It’s the good metropolis to pair outside adventures with unimaginable 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 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 a whole mix of comfy and dependable services, enjoyable locations to blow off steam, and the prospect to get out into the nice open air. Austin ticked all of those packing containers for me.

Though I used to be home sitting throughout my keep and had a lovely 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 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 secure metropolis for guests, with family-friendly neighborhoods and a welcoming environment. Nevertheless, like several metropolis, staying conscious of your environment is essential. Follow well-lit areas at evening and keep away from remoted spots.

Downtown Austin is full of life and widespread, however petty crimes equivalent to pickpocketing can occur. Preserve 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 chunk you! So keep away from mountaineering alone late within the day and through peak sizzling and dry spells.

Finest Areas to Dwell in Austin

Austin is an enormous metropolis, however an amazingly well-connected one too. Listed below are a number of nice areas to think about basing your self in that provide their very own attraction whereas holding 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 power, with numerous bars, eating places, and dwell music venues. I cherished the walkable life-style of Downtown, with sights together with Girl Fowl Lake and Sixth Avenue all inside simple attain.

Lodging might be dear, however the comfort and entry to leisure make it price it. Excessive-rise residences 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 take pleasure in an eclectic combination of retailers, various meals vans, breweries, and dwell music whereas staying right here.

The world 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 might swimsuit these searching 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 sights. That is exactly the place I spent a month home sitting and I loved the welcoming neighborhood 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. In case you’re interested by 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 attraction and fashionable developments. Identified for its road artwork, fashionable espresso outlets, and various delicacies, this space highlights the inventive facet of Austin.

With fewer high-end resorts in comparison with the central elements of town, rental residences or home sitting alternatives are prone to be the best way to go in the case of discovering respectable long-term lodging. It is a enjoyable a part of Austin with easy accessibility to town heart.

5. Zilker

Zilker needs to be a high consideration for nature fanatics 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 simple to the perfect of each worlds in Zilker – a peaceable retreat near town’s pleasure.

Tips on how to Discover Lodging in Austin

In case you plan to be a digital nomad residing in Austin listed below are the highest 4 methods to seek out lodging within the metropolis.

1. Reserving.com: The long-term traveler’s greatest buddy, 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 location.

2. Airbnb: One other dependable software, 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 all the time enquire immediately with hosts about reductions for longer stays.

3. TrustedHousesitters.com: The most important home sitting platform round, Trusted Housesitters usually 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 equivalent to Austin Room Mate. Non-public owners usually supply sublets, spare rooms, and inexpensive 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 bit involved concerning 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 seek out my outdated buddy Aldi in Austin. The finances 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 inexpensive – 1lb of rooster for underneath $5, and eggs for $3-$4 a dozen. Store round and hold a watch out for clearance and sale gadgets.

Lodging Prices

Residing 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 outdoors of town heart can cut back your prices to a extra affordable determine of $1500/month.

Airbnbs with month-stay reductions, finances 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 experience. For longer journeys Greyhound and Flix Bus supply inexpensive charges for traversing town, state, and additional afield.

Uber remains to be a really inexpensive choice in case you select to remain outdoors of town however need common entry. The 20-minute experience from Pflugerville to Sixth Avenue normally value 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 a bit trickier than in another international locations however not not possible or overly costly for guests. Sadly, it’s not potential to simply decide up a SIM at Walmart and pop it in your telephone, belief me I realized this the exhausting approach.

I counsel heading to a telephone retailer equivalent 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 alleged 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 respectable WiFi so I all the time go for the bottom value and most versatile information plan, which normally begins at round $10/month.

Cash Saving Ideas for Austin

Listed below are a number of of my high suggestions for saving cash whereas residing as a digital nomad in Austin:

1. 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.
2. Comfortable Hours: Many bars and eating places supply nice completely happy hour offers. Right here’s an amazing web site to assist discover the perfect offers.
3. Airbnb Reductions: Hosts typically supply massive reductions for longer stays – the most important reductions normally come at precisely 28 days.
4. Go to Free Sights: There are various free outside spare time activities to take pleasure in across the metropolis equivalent to Girl Fowl Lake.
5. Use Public Transport: Austin’s Capmetro system is an inexpensive and dependable method to get across the metropolis.
6. Dine at Meals Vehicles: There are a great deal of wonderful meals vans 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 unbelievable devoted coworking areas. Listed below are a pair I attempted out throughout my keep within the metropolis:

1. WeWork

WeWork is a wonderful coworking house 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 environment good for tackling duties.

The facilities at WeWork embrace 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 offers all the things you want.

2. Frequent Desk

Providing a barely cheaper different in Austin metropolis heart whereas sustaining all of the perks {and professional} high quality of a coworking house, Frequent Desk is a good choice for critical freelancers searching for an amazing sizzling desking expertise.

Costs are as little as $30/day in case you can persuade an extra 2 associates, staff, 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’re after, Austin’s cafe scene has you lined. I’ll begin you off with a few my favourite spots:

1. Houndstooth Espresso: A well-liked place for distant employees due to its welcoming and spacious environment and dependable WiFi. The minimalist decor and inexpensive menu make it simple to focus whereas sipping on expertly brewed espresso.
2. 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 soothing contact whereas working.
3. The Meteor: The Meteor uniquely blends espresso, wine, and a motorbike 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 speak about the place to spend your free time in Austin. It’s a enjoyable metropolis that may simply hold 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 solutions:

1. Guided Dwell Music Downtown Pub Crawl

There are lots of wonderful bars downtown, however head out with an area brimming with information of the scene and luxuriate in among the greatest Sixth Avenue has to supply. It is a nice method to shortly familiarize your self with Austin’s nightlife – study extra right here.

2. Get Out on Girl Fowl Lake

I’ve already talked about Girl Fowl Lake a number of occasions because it’s a lovely and tranquil spot that feels one million miles away from the busy metropolis. It’s simple to get to and is the proper spot for mountaineering, biking, and outside pursuits. Or you possibly can simply go to relax 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 critical distance. Click on right here to pre-book kayaks with the identical firm I did. They have been dependable, useful, and supplied 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 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 dwell music venues, and luxuriate 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 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 immediately.

Climate in Austin

Austin’s climate is famously heat, with August averages of 97°F. Sunny days dominate, making outside actions widespread 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 snug season for having fun with town’s many parks and trails.

Rainfall is reasonable, with Could and June usually being the wettest months. I witnessed a few epic thunderstorms that are identified to sometimes roll by means of. 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 realized throughout my keep:

Execs of Residing in Austin

• Thriving Job Market: Austin is a tech and enterprise hub, it’s residence to Tesla amongst quite a few different massive companies. There are rising alternatives in areas equivalent to know-how, healthcare, and inventive 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 taking place to maintain issues enjoyable.
• Outside Life-style: 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 unimaginable meals scene. There are sensational barbecue eating places, inexpensive but beautiful meals vans, and various eating choices to fulfill each style and finances.
• Yr-Spherical Local weather: Day by day common temperatures not often 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 lately, making affordability a rising concern for a lot of.
• Site visitors Points: Subsequently, this speedy development has led to congested roads. There was lots of street work and growth taking place throughout my keep.
• Intense Summers: Temperatures typically soar above 100°F, which might 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 supply a selected digital nomad visa. Nevertheless, distant employees can discover different visa choices to remain in Austin. The B-1 Enterprise Visa permits momentary stays for enterprise functions, however it’s important to grasp 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 with out a 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 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 completely happy I bought 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!