It had been on my listing 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 attainable.
Home sitting at some stage in 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 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 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 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 good metropolis to pair outside adventures with unbelievable meals – one among 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 listing of nice cities I’ve visited and labored remotely from.
I like locations that supply a whole mix of snug and dependable services, enjoyable locations to blow off steam, and the prospect to get out into the good outdoor. Austin ticked all of those containers for me.
Though I used to be home sitting throughout my keep and had a gorgeous dwelling 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 ultimate for this.
Balancing work and life whereas touring is among 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 Secure?
Austin is usually a secure metropolis for guests, with family-friendly neighborhoods and a welcoming ambiance. Nonetheless, like several metropolis, staying conscious of your environment is vital. Follow well-lit areas at evening and keep away from remoted spots.
Downtown Austin is energetic and fashionable, however petty crimes reminiscent of 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 lovely, 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 mountaineering alone late within the day and through peak sizzling and dry spells.
Greatest Areas to Reside in Austin
Austin is an enormous metropolis, however an amazingly well-connected one too. Listed below are just a few nice areas to think about basing your self in that supply their very own appeal whereas retaining you in contact with all of Austin’s finest sights.
1. Downtown Austin
Dwelling in Downtown Austin places you on the heart of town’s vitality, with numerous bars, eating places, and stay music venues. I beloved the walkable life-style of Downtown, with sights together with Girl Hen Lake and Sixth Avenue all inside simple attain.
Lodging may be dear, however the comfort and entry to leisure make it value it. Excessive-rise residences and lodges 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 outlets, numerous meals vehicles, breweries, and stay music whereas staying right here.
The world appeals to a various group of residents with extra reasonably priced housing, lodges, and Airbnbs. The streets are often bustling round SoCo however there’s additionally a robust sense of group. It might swimsuit these looking for a enjoyable but neighborly vibe.
3. Pflugerville
Pflugerville is simply 20 minutes from Downtown and affords 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 wonderful parks and trails, plus handy purchasing, cool bars, eating places, and cafes which make it a snug place to base your self. Should you’re fascinated about home sitting in Austin, try my earlier article: Every thing You Have to Know About Home Sitting.
4. East Austin
East Austin is a quickly evolving neighborhood with a mix of historic appeal and fashionable developments. Recognized for its road artwork, fashionable espresso retailers, and numerous delicacies, this space highlights the inventive aspect of Austin.
With fewer high-end lodges 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. This can be a enjoyable a part of Austin with quick access to town heart.
5. Zilker
Zilker ought to be a high consideration for nature fanatics and households, because of 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 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.
Easy methods to Discover Lodging in Austin
Should 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 finest good friend, Reserving.com affords reserving with out pre-payment, cancellation at late discover, and the perfect costs round. It’s not simply lodges, there’s a full vary of Austin lodging choices on the positioning.
2. Airbnb: One other dependable software, Airbnb might 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 straight with hosts about reductions for longer stays.
3. TrustedHousesitters.com: The most important home sitting platform round, Trusted Housesitters commonly has 1000’s of listings accepting purposes globally. It’s how I secured a month of free lodging in Austin.
4. Fb Teams: Should you’re planning an extended keep within the metropolis try Fb teams reminiscent of Austin Room Mate. Personal owners commonly provide sublets, spare rooms, and reasonably priced however versatile lodging choices.
Price of Dwelling in Austin
Returning to the US after just a few years touring round Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand I used to be a bit involved in regards to 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 median, a hearty meal at a good BBQ joint will value round $15-$18pp.
I used to be glad to search out my previous good friend Aldi in Austin. The funds 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 range considerably from retailer to retailer and though costs have crept up lately, meat is routinely fairly reasonably priced – 1lb of rooster for underneath $5, and eggs for $3-$4 a dozen. Store round and hold a watch out for clearance and sale objects.
Lodging Prices
Dwelling 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 scale back your prices to a extra affordable determine of $1500/month.
Airbnbs with month-stay reductions, funds 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 provide reasonably priced charges for traversing town, state, and additional afield.
Uber continues to be a really reasonably priced possibility in case you select to remain outdoors of town however need common entry. The 20-minute journey from Pflugerville to Sixth Avenue often 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 nations however not unimaginable or overly costly for guests. Sadly, it’s not attainable to only choose up a SIM at Walmart and pop it in your cellphone, belief me I discovered this the laborious approach.
I counsel heading to a cellphone retailer reminiscent of 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 speculated to be a $25 activation charge however for some purpose, 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 often begins at round $10/month.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Austin
Listed below are just a few 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 glad hour offers. Right here’s an excellent web site to assist discover the perfect offers.
- Airbnb Reductions: Hosts typically provide massive reductions for longer stays – the largest reductions often come at precisely 28 days.
- Go to Free Points of interest: There are lots of free outside spare time activities to take pleasure in across the metropolis reminiscent of Girl Hen Lake.
- Use Public Transport: Austin’s Capmetro system is an reasonably priced and dependable strategy to get across the metropolis.
- Dine at Meals Vans: There are a great deal of wonderful meals vehicles in Austin, so scrumptious doesn’t need to imply costly.
Coworking Areas and WiFi Velocity 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 wonderful coworking area for professionals needing a productive surroundings. There are 7 places throughout town and for $47 a day, you get quick WiFi, snug workstations, and a centered ambiance 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, working a enterprise, or simply want a change of surroundings, WeWork offers every little thing 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 good possibility for critical freelancers looking for an excellent sizzling desking expertise.
Costs are as little as $30/day in case you can persuade an extra 2 pals, 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!
Greatest Cafes to Work From in Austin
If a extra informal method 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:
- Houndstooth Espresso: A preferred place for distant employees due to its welcoming and spacious ambiance 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 affords 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 motorbike store – its tagline is ‘Espresso, Champagne, Chain Lube’. Its massive tables, quick WiFi, and wonderful espresso make it good for centered work classes.
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 Greatest Issues To Do in Austin, however listed here are my high solutions:
1. Guided Reside Music Downtown Pub Crawl
There are loads of wonderful bars downtown, however head out with a neighborhood brimming with information of the scene and revel in a number of the finest Sixth Avenue has to supply. This can be a nice strategy to shortly familiarize your self with Austin’s nightlife – be taught extra right here.
2. Get Out on Girl Hen Lake
I’ve already talked about Girl Hen Lake just a few occasions because it’s a gorgeous and tranquil spot that feels 1,000,000 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’ll be able to simply go to relax out!
I extremely suggest you try 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 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 principle 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 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.
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 guide your countryside journey at the moment.
Climate in Austin
Austin’s climate is famously heat, with August averages of 97°F. Sunny days dominate, making outside actions fashionable year-round. Spring and fall carry 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 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.
Execs and Cons of Dwelling in Austin
Like all metropolis, Austin affords 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 Dwelling 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 reminiscent of expertise, healthcare, and inventive arts.
- Vigorous Social Scene: From stay music and world-class comedy exhibits to meals festivals and brewery excursions, there’s all the time one thing thrilling taking place to maintain issues enjoyable.
- Outside Way of life: With parks, lakes, and mountaineering trails, Austin is a perfect metropolis for outside fanatics with year-round potentialities.
- The Meals: I can attest to town’s unbelievable meals scene. There are sensational barbecue eating places, reasonably priced but beautiful meals vehicles, and numerous eating choices to fulfill each style and funds.
- Yr-Spherical Local weather: Each day common temperatures hardly ever drop under 62°F in the course of the winter and rainfall is reasonable. It’s the perfect metropolis for these, like me, who dislike the chilly.
Cons of Dwelling in Austin
- Rising Price of Dwelling: Housing and rental costs have surged lately, making affordability a rising concern for a lot of.
- Visitors Points: Subsequently, this fast development has led to congested roads. There was loads of street work and improvement 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 reasonably wild celebration 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 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 participating in employment or important distant work whereas on a vacationer visa or underneath the VWP might violate US immigration regulation. Subsequently, people planning to work remotely from Austin ought to seek the advice of with an immigration legal professional.
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 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!
