10 Reasons to Move to Austin

Austin, Texas, boasts the laid-back lifestyle typical of country living but with all the perks of big city life. It’s no surprise young people are flocking to The Lonestar State’s capital, with lower cost of living than other big cities, lower costs for big businesses (which means plenty of job opportunities), and all the watering holes you could want. These are just a few reasons to move to Austin, though, and there are many. 

Austin has been ranked as the #1 place to live in America by U.S. News for three years in a row—and it isn’t easy to earn that spot. U.S. News ranks cities based on major criteria that make a city attractive to the masses, such as its job market, value, quality of life, desirability, and net migration.

If you’re considering relocating to Austin, we’ll dive into all the reasons why it’s a good idea below, but—we’re warning you—don’t scroll on unless you are ready to be convinced. Then, pick out the perfect furnished apartment in Austin and pack your bags.

1. Jobs 

Austin’s job market is undoubtedly one of the most appealing reasons to move to the major city. Considering the vast array of top companies to work for in Austin, the city is flush with opportunity and is only expanding. Austin, TX, is home to a wide variety of industries, from hospitality and tourism to health and lifestyle to technology and science so that everyone can find opportunities.  

Speaking of the tech industry, the tech bubble that began in Austin back in the ’80s with Dell’s launch won’t be popping any time soon. In fact, it just keeps growing. Tech companies like Apple and Facebook are expanding their hubs in the city, which is also home to other big tech businesses such as Amazon, Oracle, and Google. 

2. Innovation

While the odds of getting hired in Austin are good, the odds of bringing your business idea to life are just as promising. While big brands have set up shop in the capital of where “everything is bigger,” small startups make up a large portion of the city’s businesses as well. The startup culture that has been solidified in Austin attracts both entrepreneurs and venture capitalists who invest a billion dollars annually in Austin-based businesses, making it the place to start something. Plus, the businesses in this major city value community over competition, making it a place rich with moral support in addition to monetary backing.  

3. Nightlife

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a good cocktail, a spot where you can show up in boots, a casual joint to root on your favorite sports team, or a club to dance the night away in, you’ll find it in Austin. While West 6th Street may be known for its raucous establishments, you’ll find slightly more tame bars and restaurants just down the road in East Austin, and plenty of cool spots on South Congress that feature creative bartenders whipping up incredible concoctions. 

But Austin isn’t only lively at night. In Downtown Austin, Rainey Street is home to a slew of fun bars (that occupy old homes) that are jam-packed during the day as well, and brunch culture is no joke either among Austin residents. Needless to say, your weekends won’t be boring. 

4. Music

While the drinks flow easy in Austin, the entertainment provides an even better reason to visit the city’s hotspots. In case you aren’t entirely in the know when asked, “What is Austin known for?” the answer usually points to the vibrant music scene. Live music plays almost anywhere in town year-round at rad venues such as Empire Control Room and The Continental Club. If a music festival scene is more your thing, you’ll be able to attend the major Austin City Limits and South by SouthWest Festivals right in your backyard.  

5. Incredible food

The Tex-Mex cuisine with all the queso and tacos one could want would be enough to make us want to move to Austin, but the city’s food scene is far more robust than that. If barbecue is the second Austin specialty that comes to mind, you’re not wrong. The finger-licking good options include the famous Franklin Barbecue and SaltLick BBQ to name a few. Austin is also known for its food truck scene.

Beyond the sauces, you’ll find plenty of food truck options ideal for a quick bite, healthy options perfect for post-hike, and high-end dining experiences as well. If you prefer a liquid diet, you won’t go hungry either; breweries, wineries, and excellent coffee shops abound in town. 

6. Outdoor activities

If we could put a value on it, we’d say this particular reason to move to Austin is worth tenfold what it was pre-pandemic. The ability to spend time outside in warm weather, be it eating, drinking, hiking, etc. is invaluable. And luckily, Austin is the perfect place to do so. 

While outdoor restaurants and bars are plenty, outdoor activities are even more abundant. There are dozens of beautiful parks, many swimming holes, a river that runs right through town, and miles of trails along that river that make lounging, running, biking, and walking easily accessible no matter what neighborhood you live in. A few popular attractions and natural wonders include the natural Barton Springs Pool, Lady Bird Lake, Mount Bonnell (the highest point in Austin), Mayfield Park, and Lake Travis. These are just a few of the many opportunities for outdoor adventure in town, but if you expand your radius to an hour or so outside of Austin, the options are even more endless.

7. Sunshine

Speaking of outdoor activities, the climate in Austin provides plenty of time to enjoy them. While the summers are hot and humid, and the winters can be chilly and unpredictable, the sun is a constant year-round, and that’s not to be overlooked. It’s no surprise that some of the happiest cities see the most sunshine. Sunny weather can turn anyone’s day around, and Austin is full of it, plus plenty of ways to cool off when it causes temperatures to rise.  

8. Welcoming culture

Moving to a new city is hard enough without sideways glances from the locals, but that’s not Austin’s issue. The city is welcoming of new-to-towners for probably two main reasons:

1. The people’s good Texas manners

2. Most now “locals” were once transplants too.

You’ll be able to walk into any shop, restaurant, or bar and easily settle into conversation with a friendly face. If you don’t walk away with a new acquaintance, you will surely gain a good recommendation or two. 

Plus, with the variety of unique and charming neighborhoods to live in and industries to work, it’s easy to find a spot where you fit in among other Austin residents. 

9. The local life

In addition to being welcoming, Austinites take a lot of pride in living in Austin for many reasons listed above. Acknowledging how good you have it is crucial to happiness and residents know how good it is to live in Austin. Most of the businesses you’ll find around town such as shops and restaurants are locally-owned one-off kinds, which is important to both the businesses and their patrons. Pride over local businesses goes way back, but their protection spawned with the “Keep Austin Weird” slogan back in the year 2000, meant to highlight Austin’s uniqueness compared to other big cities inundated with chain businesses. Now, “weird” is an integral part of Austin and the local pride it represents is contagious.

10. Easy living

It’s not every day you can find a beautiful, ready-to-move-in apartment in a prime location. However, when it comes to finding the best places to live In Austin, Landing provides just that. Whether you want to be steps from South Congress or a stone’s throw from the river, there’s a fully furnished Landing ready and waiting for you. With flexible leases, concierge services, top-tier furnishings, ready-stocked basics, and 24/7 support, Landing is not only a new way to live but the best way to live in a new city.

When you live with Landing, you can spend your precious first moments in Austin exploring everything the city has to offer, not unpacking cardboard boxes and making countless back-and-forth trips to target. 

As you can see, the reasons to move to Austin are many, so, what are you waiting for? You don’t have to waste any time searching for a place to live. Let Landing take care of finding you a fully furnished apartment in Austin so you can start enjoying it.