It had been on my record for some time, however I simply completed a implausible 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 at some stage in my keep allowed me to completely get my toes beneath the desk as an Austin digital nomad. There are many wonderful amenities for distant staff, all complemented by probably the greatest social scenes I’ve come throughout within the USA.
Are you able to stay 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 begin constructing their dream distant way of life. Study extra & see if we can assist you obtain your objectives!
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 allure 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 excellent 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 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 snug and dependable amenities, enjoyable locations to blow off steam, and the prospect to get out into the nice outside. Austin ticked all of those packing containers for me.
Though I used to be home sitting throughout my keep and had an attractive house to work from, I’ve at all times 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 likely one of 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. Nonetheless, like all metropolis, staying conscious of your environment is essential. Follow well-lit areas at night time and keep away from remoted spots.
Downtown Austin is energetic and fashionable, however petty crimes corresponding to pickpocketing can occur. Preserve 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 stunning, however be aware of wildlife and carry loads of water. It will get scorching and there are many creatures in Texas that may chew you! So keep away from mountain climbing alone late within the day and through peak scorching and dry spells.
Greatest Areas to Reside in Austin
Austin is an enormous metropolis, however an amazingly well-connected one too. Listed below are a number of nice areas to contemplate basing your self in that provide their very own allure whereas retaining you in contact with all of Austin’s greatest points of interest.
1. Downtown Austin
Residing in Downtown Austin places you on the middle of the town’s vitality, with numerous bars, eating places, and stay music venues. I cherished the walkable way of life of Downtown, with points of interest together with Girl Fowl Lake and Sixth Road all inside straightforward attain.
Lodging might be dear, however the comfort and entry to leisure make it value it. Excessive-rise flats and inns 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 likely 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 vans, breweries, and stay music whereas staying right here.
The realm appeals to a various group of residents with extra reasonably priced housing, inns, and Airbnbs. The streets are often 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 presents a quieter suburban way of life with quick access 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 wonderful 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 thinking about home sitting in Austin, take a look at my earlier article: All the pieces You Must Know About Home Sitting.
4. East Austin
East Austin is a quickly evolving neighborhood with a mix of historic allure and fashionable developments. Recognized for its road artwork, stylish espresso outlets, and various delicacies, this space highlights the inventive facet of Austin.
With fewer high-end inns in comparison with the central components of the town, rental flats or home sitting alternatives are more likely to be the way in which to go relating to discovering respectable long-term lodging. This can be a enjoyable a part of Austin with quick access to the town middle.
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 out of doors 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.
How you can Discover Lodging in Austin
If you happen to plan to be a digital nomad residing in Austin listed here are the highest 4 methods to seek out lodging within the metropolis.
1. Reserving.com: The long-term traveler’s greatest good friend, Reserving.com presents reserving with out pre-payment, cancellation at late discover, and the perfect costs round. It’s not simply inns, there’s a full vary of Austin lodging choices on the location.
2. Airbnb: One other dependable instrument, Airbnb shall 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 at all times enquire straight with hosts about reductions for longer stays.
3. TrustedHousesitters.com: The most important home sitting platform round, Trusted Housesitters often has 1000’s of listings accepting functions globally. It’s how I secured a month of free lodging in Austin.
4. Fb Teams: If you happen to’re planning an extended keep within the metropolis take a look at Fb teams corresponding to Austin Room Mate. Personal owners often supply sublets, spare rooms, and reasonably priced 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 of 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 completely happy to seek out my outdated good friend Aldi in Austin. The finances grocery store was my go-to when residing 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 fluctuate considerably from retailer to retailer and though costs have crept up in recent times, meat is routinely fairly reasonably priced – 1lb of hen for beneath $5, and eggs for $3-$4 a dozen. Store round and preserve an eye fixed out for clearance and sale objects.
Lodging Prices
Residing in Austin isn’t 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 the town middle can cut back your prices to a extra cheap determine of $1500/month.
Airbnbs with month-stay reductions, finances 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 trip. 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 in the event you select to remain exterior of the town however need common entry. The 20-minute trip 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 bit of trickier than in another international locations however not inconceivable 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 realized this the arduous means.
I counsel heading to a cellphone retailer corresponding 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 imagined to be a $25 activation price however for some motive, 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 at all times go for the bottom price and most versatile knowledge plan, which often begins at round $10/month.
Cash Saving Ideas for Austin
Listed below are a number of of my high ideas 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.
- Pleased Hours: Many bars and eating places supply nice completely happy hour offers. Right here’s an ideal web site to assist discover the perfect offers.
- Airbnb Reductions: Hosts usually supply huge reductions for longer stays – the largest reductions often come at precisely 28 days.
- Go to Free Sights: There are lots of free out of doors spare time activities to take pleasure in across the metropolis corresponding to Girl Fowl Lake.
- Use Public Transport: Austin’s Capmetro system is an reasonably priced and dependable solution to get across the metropolis.
- Dine at Meals Vehicles: There are a great deal of wonderful meals vans in Austin, so scrumptious doesn’t must imply costly.
Coworking Areas and WiFi Velocity in Austin
Working remotely in Austin is simple with a number of implausible 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 atmosphere. There are 7 areas 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 embody 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 all the pieces you want.
2. Frequent Desk
Providing a barely cheaper various in Austin metropolis middle whereas sustaining all of the perks {and professional} high quality of a coworking house, Frequent Desk is a good possibility for critical freelancers searching for an ideal scorching desking expertise.
Costs are as little as $30/day in the event you can persuade an extra 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 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 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 Espresso Roasters: Set alongside Lake Austin, Mozart’s Espresso Roasters presents breathtaking views. Its sturdy 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 excellent for centered work periods.
Actions and Issues to Do in Austin
Sufficient about the place to work, let’s discuss 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 high options:
1. Guided Reside Music Downtown Pub Crawl
There are quite a lot of wonderful bars downtown, however head out with a neighborhood brimming with data of the scene and luxuriate in among the greatest Sixth Road has to supply. This can be a nice solution 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 instances because it’s an attractive and tranquil spot that feels 1,000,000 miles away from the busy metropolis. It’s straightforward 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 sit back 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 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 principle 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 Constructing, well-known road artwork, parks, and stay music venues, and luxuriate in a candy deal with from one of many metropolis’s fashionable 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 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 on right here to e book your countryside journey in the present day.
Climate in Austin
Austin’s climate is famously heat, with August averages of 97°F. Sunny days dominate, making out of doors actions fashionable 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 reasonable, with Might and June sometimes 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.
Professionals and Cons of Residing in Austin
Like all metropolis, Austin presents distinctive alternatives and challenges that make residing right here an thrilling but nuanced expertise. Right here’s what I realized throughout my keep:
Professionals of Residing in Austin
- Thriving Job Market: Austin is a tech and enterprise hub, it’s house to Tesla amongst quite a few different massive companies. There are rising alternatives in areas corresponding to know-how, healthcare, and inventive arts.
- Vigorous Social Scene: From stay music and world-class comedy exhibits to meals festivals and brewery excursions, there’s at all times one thing thrilling occurring to maintain issues enjoyable.
- Outside Way of life: With parks, lakes, and mountain climbing trails, Austin is a perfect metropolis for out of doors 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 vans, and various eating choices to fulfill each style and finances.
- 12 months-Spherical Local weather: Day by day common temperatures hardly ever drop beneath 62°F through the winter and rainfall is reasonable. 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.
- Site visitors Points: Subsequently, this speedy progress has led to congested roads. There was quite a lot of highway work and growth occurring throughout my keep.
- Intense Summers: Temperatures usually 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 celebration 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, nevertheless it’s important to grasp its limitations.
The Visa Waiver Program permits residents of collaborating 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 vital distant work whereas on a vacationer visa or beneath the VWP might violate US immigration legislation. 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 completely happy I bought to tick it off my journey want record, and I’ll definitely 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!