It had been on my checklist for some time, however I simply completed a improbable month dwelling 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 during my keep allowed me to completely get my toes below the desk as an Austin digital nomad. There are many glorious services for distant staff, all complemented by among the best social scenes I’ve come throughout within the USA.
Are you able to dwell a distant way of life?
Take the quiz and see if we can assist.
Our Creator Kickstarter Teaching Program shall be accepting a most of 10 individuals to start out constructing their dream distant way of life. Study extra & see if we can assist you obtain your targets!
About Austin, Texas
Austin is the 4th largest city in the state and the 11th most populous in 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 ‘Live Music Capital of the USA‘, and rightly so! There are tons of dwell music venues and every day performances within the metropolis. Comedy has taken a stronghold in recent times since Joe Rogan opened The Comedy Mothership.
It’s the right metropolis to pair outside adventures with unbelievable meals – considered one of 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 checklist 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 possibility to get out into the nice outdoor. Austin ticked all of those containers for me.
Though I used to be home sitting throughout my keep and had an exquisite house to work from, I’ve at all times discovered I’m motivated by altering up my surroundings and dealing from completely 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 generally a safe city for visitors, with family-friendly neighborhoods and a welcoming environment. Nevertheless, like every metropolis, staying conscious of your environment is vital. Persist with well-lit areas at evening and keep away from remoted spots.
Downtown Austin is full of life and standard, however petty crimes similar to pickpocketing can occur. Hold your belongings safe, particularly round Sixth Street at evening. It will get fairly rowdy round right here on weekends.
Austin’s parks and trails are stunning, however be aware of wildlife and carry loads of water. It gets hot and there are many creatures in Texas that may chunk you! So keep away from mountaineering alone late within the day and through peak scorching and dry spells.
Greatest Areas to Dwell 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 attraction whereas maintaining you in contact with all of Austin’s finest points of interest.
1. Downtown Austin
Residing in Downtown Austin places you on the heart of the town’s power, with numerous bars, eating places, and dwell music venues. I liked the walkable way of life of Downtown, with points of interest together with Lady Bird Lake and Sixth Road all inside straightforward attain.
Lodging will be dear, however the comfort and entry to leisure make it value it. Excessive-rise residences and motels 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 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 take pleasure in an eclectic combination of retailers, various meals vehicles, breweries, and dwell music whereas staying right here.
The realm appeals to a various group of residents with extra reasonably priced housing, motels, and Airbnbs. The streets are often bustling round SoCo however there’s additionally a robust sense of group. It will swimsuit these looking for a enjoyable but neighborly vibe.
3. Pflugerville
Pflugerville is simply 20 minutes from Downtown and gives 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 group and peaceable environment.
There are glorious parks and trails, plus handy procuring, cool bars, eating places, and cafes which make it a snug place to base your self. If you happen to’re fascinated by home sitting in Austin, try my earlier article: Everything You Need to Know About House Sitting.
4. East Austin
East Austin is a quickly evolving neighborhood with a mix of historic attraction and trendy developments. Recognized for its avenue artwork, stylish espresso outlets, and various delicacies, this space highlights the artistic facet of Austin.
With fewer high-end motels in comparison with the central elements of the town, rental residences or home sitting alternatives are more likely to be the best way to go in terms 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 must be a prime consideration for nature fanatics and households, due to its proximity to Zilker Park and Barton Springs. Residing right here means being extra linked 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 straightforward to the perfect of each worlds in Zilker – a peaceable retreat near the town’s pleasure.
Methods to Discover Lodging in Austin
If you happen to plan to be a digital nomad dwelling in Austin listed here are the highest 4 methods to search out lodging within the metropolis.
1. Booking.com: The long-term traveler’s finest buddy, Booking.com gives reserving with out pre-payment, cancellation at late discover, and the perfect 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 at all times enquire straight with hosts about reductions for longer stays.
3. TrustedHousesitters.com: The most important home sitting platform round, Trusted Housesitters frequently has 1000’s of listings accepting functions globally. It’s how I secured a month of free lodging in Austin.
4. Facebook Groups: If you happen to’re planning an extended keep within the metropolis try Fb teams similar to Austin Room Mate. Non-public owners frequently supply sublets, spare rooms, and reasonably priced however versatile lodging choices.
Value of Residing 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 dwelling 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 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 value round $15-$18pp.
I used to be pleased to search out my previous buddy Aldi in Austin. The price range grocery store was my go-to when dwelling again in England and I at all times take pleasure in 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 reasonably priced – 1lb of chicken for under $5, and eggs for $3-$4 a dozen. Store round and preserve a watch out for clearance and sale gadgets.
Lodging Prices
Residing in Austin isn’t low cost. Anticipate to pay $2k/month and above for a central residence earlier than month-to-month utilities of around $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 lodge/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 ride. For longer journeys Greyhound and Flix Bus supply reasonably priced charges for traversing the town, state, and additional afield.
Uber continues to be a really reasonably priced possibility should you select to remain outdoors of the town however need common entry. The 20-minute trip from Pflugerville to Sixth Road often value me lower than $20. Gasoline is fairly low cost too at under $3 a gallon.
SIM Playing cards and Knowledge
Getting a SIM card within the US is a bit trickier than in another international locations however not unimaginable or overly costly for guests. Sadly, it’s not doable to only decide up a SIM at Walmart and pop it in your cellphone, belief me I discovered this the exhausting method.
I counsel heading to a cellphone retailer similar to T-Mobile and buying a SIM in individual, the place will probably be activated then and there. I picked up 2 GB of information for $10/month. There was presupposed to be a $25 activation charge 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 respectable WiFi so I at all times 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 prime suggestions for saving cash whereas dwelling as a digital nomad in Austin:
- Discover a Home Sit: Keep away from paying any lodging prices by securing a home sit in Austin. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
- Pleased Hours: Many bars and eating places supply nice pleased hour offers. Here’s a great website to help find the best deals.
- Airbnb Reductions: Hosts usually supply huge reductions for longer stays – the most important 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 similar to Lady Bird Lake.
- Use Public Transport: Austin’s Capmetro system is an reasonably priced and dependable option to get across the metropolis.
- Dine at Meals Vehicles: There are a great deal of glorious meals vehicles in Austin, so scrumptious doesn’t must 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 surroundings. There are 7 locations throughout the town and for $47 a day, you get quick WiFi, snug workstations, and a centered environment excellent 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 gives 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, Common Desk is a good possibility for critical freelancers looking for an ideal scorching desking expertise.
Costs are as little as $30/day should you can persuade an extra 2 buddies, staff, or fellow digital nomads to return 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 strategy 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 Coffee: A well-liked place for distant staff due to its welcoming and spacious environment and dependable WiFi. The minimalist decor and reasonably priced menu make it straightforward to focus whereas sipping on expertly brewed espresso.
- Mozarts Coffee 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.
- 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 glorious espresso make it excellent 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 can simply preserve 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 ideas:
1. Guided Dwell Music Downtown Pub Crawl
There are loads of glorious bars downtown, however head out with an area brimming with data of the scene and luxuriate in a number of the finest Sixth Road has to supply. This can be a nice option to shortly familiarize your self with Austin’s nightlife – learn more here.
2. Get Out on Girl Chicken Lake
I’ve already talked about Girl Chicken Lake just a few instances because it’s an exquisite and tranquil spot that feels one million miles away from the busy metropolis. It’s straightforward to get to and is the right spot for mountaineering, biking, and outside pursuits. Or you may simply go to sit back 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 here to pre-book kayaks with the same company I did. They had 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 the town. It will get scorching 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 Building, well-known avenue artwork, parks, and dwell music venues, and luxuriate in a candy deal with from one of many metropolis’s standard meals vehicles in a 2-hour small group tour. Click here to learn more.
SEE ALSO: Weekend in Austin: The Good 2-Day Itinerary
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 here to book your countryside adventure today.
Climate in Austin
Austin’s climate is famously heat, with August averages of 97°F. Sunny days dominate, making outside actions standard year-round. Spring and fall convey 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 moderate, with Might and June usually being the wettest months. I witnessed a few epic thunderstorms that are recognized to often roll via. Regardless of this, Austin enjoys extra sunny days than cloudy ones.
Execs and Cons of Residing in Austin
Like all metropolis, Austin gives distinctive alternatives and challenges that make dwelling right here an thrilling but nuanced expertise. Right here’s what I discovered throughout my keep:
Execs 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 companies. There are rising alternatives in areas similar to know-how, healthcare, and artistic arts.
- Vigorous Social Scene: From dwell music and world-class comedy exhibits to meals festivals and brewery excursions, there’s at all times 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 the town’s unbelievable 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: Every day common temperatures hardly ever drop under 62°F in the course of the winter and rainfall is average. It’s the best metropolis for these, like me, who dislike the chilly.
Cons of Residing in Austin
- Rising Value of Residing: Housing and rental costs have surged in recent times, making affordability a rising concern for a lot of.
- Visitors Points: Subsequently, this speedy progress has led to congested roads. There was loads of highway work and growth taking place throughout my keep.
- Intense Summers: Temperatures usually soar above 100°F, which may make dwelling in Austin uncomfortable.
- Loopy Nightlife: On weekend nights, Sixth Road closes to autos and turns into a reasonably wild occasion scene. It’s not for the faint-hearted.
Digital Nomad Visa for Austin
The US doesn’t presently supply a selected digital nomad visa. Nevertheless, distant staff can discover different visa choices to remain in Austin. The B-1 Business Visa permits momentary stays for enterprise functions, but it surely’s important to grasp its limitations.
The Visa Waiver Program permits residents of participating countries, 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 partaking in employment or vital distant work whereas on a vacationer visa or below 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 pleased I obtained to tick it off my journey want checklist, 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, dwelling in Austin as a digital nomad will current you with all of the alternatives you require. Have enjoyable!
