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 doable.
Home sitting all through my keep allowed me to completely get my toes beneath the desk as an Austin digital nomad. There are many glorious services for distant staff, all complemented by probably the greatest 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 number 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 in recent times since Joe Rogan opened The Comedy Mothership.
It’s the proper metropolis to pair out of doors adventures with unbelievable meals – one in all 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 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 snug 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 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 splendid for this.
Balancing work and life whereas touring is without doubt one of 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 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 night time and keep away from remoted spots.
Downtown Austin is vigorous and widespread, however petty crimes comparable 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 conscious of wildlife and carry loads of water. It will get scorching and there are many creatures in Texas that may chunk you! So keep away from mountain climbing alone late within the day and through peak scorching and dry spells.
Finest Areas to Reside 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 attraction whereas retaining you in contact with all of Austin’s greatest points of interest.
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 liked the walkable way of life of Downtown, with points of interest together with Woman Chook Lake and Sixth Road all inside simple attain.
Lodging may be expensive, however the comfort and entry to leisure make it value it. Excessive-rise residences and inns 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 without doubt one of 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 outlets, various meals vans, breweries, and stay music whereas staying right here.
The world appeals to a various group of residents with extra inexpensive housing, inns, and Airbnbs. The streets are often bustling round SoCo however there’s additionally a robust sense of neighborhood. It will go well with these in search of a enjoyable but neighborly vibe.
3. Pflugerville
Pflugerville is simply 20 minutes from Downtown and provides 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 environment.
There are glorious parks and trails, plus handy purchasing, cool bars, eating places, and cafes which make it a snug place to base your self. In the event you’re thinking about home sitting in Austin, try my earlier article: Every thing You Must 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 retailers, and various delicacies, this space highlights the inventive aspect of Austin.
With fewer high-end inns in comparison with the central components of town, rental residences or home sitting alternatives are prone to be the best way to go in relation to discovering first rate 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, because of its proximity to Zilker Park and Barton Springs. Dwelling right here means being extra linked 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 one of the best of each worlds in Zilker – a peaceable retreat near town’s pleasure.
How one can Discover Lodging in Austin
In the event you plan to be a digital nomad residing in Austin listed below are the highest 4 methods to search out lodging within the metropolis.
1. Reserving.com: The long-term traveler’s greatest buddy, Reserving.com provides reserving with out pre-payment, cancellation at late discover, and one of the best costs round. It’s not simply inns, there’s a full vary of Austin lodging choices on the location.
2. Airbnb: One other dependable device, Airbnb can 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 large reductions and all the time enquire instantly with hosts about reductions for longer stays.
3. TrustedHousesitters.com: The largest home sitting platform round, Trusted Housesitters frequently has hundreds of listings accepting functions globally. It’s how I secured a month of free lodging in Austin.
4. Fb Teams: In the event you’re planning an extended keep within the metropolis try Fb teams comparable to Austin Room Mate. Non-public owners frequently supply sublets, spare rooms, and inexpensive however versatile lodging choices.
Value of Dwelling in Austin
Returning to the US after a couple of years touring round Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand I used to be a little bit involved in regards to the pending price 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 median, a hearty meal at a good BBQ joint will price round $15-$18pp.
I used to be glad to search out my previous buddy Aldi in Austin. The price range grocery store was my go-to when residing again in England and I all the time get pleasure from its familiarity and low costs. There’s a broad vary of supermarkets in Austin, from Walmart to H-E-B.
Costs differ considerably from retailer to retailer and though costs have crept up in recent times, meat is routinely fairly inexpensive – 1lb of hen for beneath $5, and eggs for $3-$4 a dozen. Store round and hold a watch out for clearance and sale gadgets.
Lodging Prices
Dwelling in Austin is just not low cost. Anticipate to pay $2k/month and above for a central condominium earlier than month-to-month utilities of round $300. Staying exterior of town heart can cut back your prices to a extra cheap determine of $1500/month.
Airbnbs with month-stay reductions, price range resort/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 supply inexpensive charges for traversing town, state, and additional afield.
Uber remains to be a really inexpensive choice should you select to remain exterior of town however need common entry. The 20-minute journey from Pflugerville to Sixth Road often price me lower than $20. Gasoline is fairly low cost too at beneath $3 a gallon.
SIM Playing cards and Knowledge
Getting a SIM card within the US is a little bit trickier than in another nations however not not possible or overly costly for guests. Sadly, it’s not doable to only choose up a SIM at Walmart and pop it in your cellphone, belief me I discovered this the arduous means.
I counsel heading to a cellphone retailer comparable to T-Cell and buying a SIM in particular person, the place will probably be activated then and there. I picked up 2 GB of information for $10/month. There was speculated to be a $25 activation payment however for some motive, the system let me off – bonus!
You’ll discover a full vary of information, calls, and message bundles to fit your wants. Most locations in Austin have first rate WiFi so I all the time go for the bottom price and most versatile information plan, which often 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.
- Glad Hours: Many bars and eating places supply nice glad hour offers. Right here’s an important web site to assist discover one of the best offers.
- Airbnb Reductions: Hosts typically supply massive reductions for longer stays – the most important reductions often come at precisely 28 days.
- Go to Free Points of interest: There are various free out of doors spare time activities to get pleasure from across the metropolis comparable to Woman Chook Lake.
- Use Public Transport: Austin’s Capmetro system is an inexpensive and dependable method to get across the metropolis.
- Dine at Meals Vehicles: There are a great deal of glorious meals vans in Austin, so scrumptious doesn’t need to imply costly.
Coworking Areas and WiFi Pace in Austin
Working remotely in Austin is simple 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 house for professionals needing a productive atmosphere. There are 7 places throughout town and for $47 a day, you get quick WiFi, snug workstations, and a targeted environment 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 supplies every part 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 severe freelancers in search of an important scorching desking expertise.
Costs are as little as $30/day should you can persuade a further 2 associates, 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 kids, 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 coated. I’ll begin you off with a few my favourite spots:
- Houndstooth Espresso: A well-liked place for distant staff 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.
- Mozarts Espresso Roasters: Set alongside Lake Austin, Mozart’s Espresso Roasters provides 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 massive tables, quick WiFi, and glorious espresso make it good for targeted 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 Finest Issues To Do in Austin, however listed below are my high recommendations:
1. Guided Reside Music Downtown Pub Crawl
There are plenty of glorious bars downtown, however head out with an area brimming with data of the scene and revel in among the greatest Sixth Road has to supply. This can be a nice method to shortly familiarize your self with Austin’s nightlife – be taught extra right here.
2. Get Out on Woman Chook Lake
I’ve already talked about Woman Chook Lake a couple of 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 mountain climbing, biking, and out of doors 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 severe distance. Click on right here to pre-book kayaks with the identical firm I did. They had been dependable, useful, and provided one of the 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 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 revel 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 be taught extra.
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 ebook your countryside journey at present.
Climate in Austin
Austin’s climate is famously heat, with August averages of 97°F. Sunny days dominate, making out of doors 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 Might and June usually being the wettest months. I witnessed a few epic thunderstorms that are recognized to often roll by way of. Regardless of this, Austin enjoys extra sunny days than cloudy ones.
Execs and Cons of Dwelling in Austin
Like every metropolis, Austin provides 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 comparable to know-how, healthcare, and inventive arts.
- Full of life 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 lovers with year-round prospects.
- 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 price range.
- 12 months-Spherical Local weather: Every 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 Value of Dwelling: Housing and rental costs have surged in recent times, making affordability a rising concern for a lot of.
- Site visitors Points: Subsequently, this fast progress has led to congested roads. There was plenty of highway work and growth occurring throughout my keep.
- Intense Summers: Temperatures typically 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 fairly wild get together scene. It’s not for the faint-hearted.
Digital Nomad Visa for Austin
The US doesn’t presently supply a particular digital nomad visa. Nonetheless, distant staff can discover different visa choices to remain in Austin. The B-1 Enterprise Visa permits non permanent stays for enterprise functions, however it’s important to know 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 out a visa. Canadian residents typically don’t require a visa for tourism or enterprise visits and might 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 beneath 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 glad I obtained to tick it off my journey want listing, and I’ll actually 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!