It had been on my listing for some time, however I simply completed a unbelievable 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 attainable.
Home sitting all through my keep allowed me to totally get my ft beneath the desk as an Austin digital nomad. There are many glorious amenities for distant employees, all complemented by probably the greatest social scenes I’ve come throughout within the USA.
Are you able to reside a distant way of life?
Take the quiz and see if we will help.
Our Creator Kickstarter Teaching Program might be accepting a most of 10 individuals to start out constructing their dream distant way of life. Be taught extra & see if we will help you obtain your targets!
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 lot of conventional allure and a number of welcoming locals.
Austin labels itself because the ‘Dwell Music Capital of the USA‘, and rightly so! There are tons of reside 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 excellent metropolis to pair outside adventures with unbelievable meals – one among 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 provide a whole mix of comfy and dependable amenities, enjoyable locations to blow off steam, and the prospect to get out into the good outside. Austin ticked all of those packing containers for me.
Though I used to be home sitting throughout my keep and had a fantastic residence 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 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 Protected?
Austin is usually a secure metropolis for guests, with family-friendly neighborhoods and a welcoming environment. Nonetheless, like all metropolis, staying conscious of your environment is essential. Persist with well-lit areas at night time and keep away from remoted spots.
Downtown Austin is vigorous and well-liked, however petty crimes resembling 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 stunning, 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 mountain climbing alone late within the day and through peak sizzling and dry spells.
Finest Areas to Dwell in Austin
Austin is a giant metropolis, however an amazingly well-connected one too. Listed here 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 sights.
1. Downtown Austin
Dwelling in Downtown Austin places you on the heart of the town’s power, with numerous bars, eating places, and reside music venues. I beloved the walkable way of life of Downtown, with sights together with Girl Chicken Lake and Sixth Road all inside simple attain.
Lodging might be expensive, however the comfort and entry to leisure make it value it. Excessive-rise flats and resorts 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 retailers, numerous meals vehicles, breweries, and reside music whereas staying right here.
The realm appeals to a various group of residents with extra reasonably priced housing, resorts, 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 way of life 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 environment.
There are glorious parks and trails, plus handy procuring, cool bars, eating places, and cafes which make it a cushty place to base your self. When you’re occupied with 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 numerous delicacies, this space highlights the inventive facet of Austin.
With fewer high-end resorts 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 in terms of discovering first rate long-term lodging. It is a enjoyable a part of Austin with quick access to the town heart.
5. Zilker
Zilker must be a high consideration for nature fans and households, due to 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 outside actions.
The neighborhood is primarily residential however caters to a variety of budgets. It’s simple to the most effective of each worlds in Zilker – a peaceable retreat near the town’s pleasure.
Learn how to Discover Lodging in Austin
When you plan to be a digital nomad dwelling in Austin listed here are the highest 4 methods to search out lodging within the metropolis.
1. Reserving.com: The long-term traveler’s greatest pal, Reserving.com affords reserving with out pre-payment, cancellation at late discover, and the most effective costs round. It’s not simply resorts, there’s a full vary of Austin lodging choices on the positioning.
2. Airbnb: One other dependable software, Airbnb might 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 big reductions and at all times enquire straight with hosts about reductions for longer stays.
3. TrustedHousesitters.com: The largest home sitting platform round, Trusted Housesitters often has hundreds of listings accepting purposes globally. It’s how I secured a month of free lodging in Austin.
4. Fb Teams: When you’re planning an extended keep within the metropolis take a look at Fb teams resembling Austin Room Mate. Non-public householders often provide sublets, spare rooms, and reasonably priced however versatile lodging choices.
Value of Dwelling 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 concerning the pending price 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 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 price round $15-$18pp.
I used to be completely happy to search out my outdated pal Aldi in Austin. The funds 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 range considerably from retailer to retailer and though costs have crept up in recent times, meat is routinely fairly reasonably priced – 1lb of rooster for beneath $5, and eggs for $3-$4 a dozen. Store round and maintain an eye fixed out for clearance and sale gadgets.
Lodging Prices
Dwelling in Austin isn’t low-cost. Count on to pay $2k/month and above for a central residence earlier than month-to-month utilities of round $300. Staying outdoors of the town heart can scale back your prices to a extra affordable determine of $1500/month.
Airbnbs with month-stay reductions, funds 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 experience. For longer journeys Greyhound and Flix Bus provide reasonably priced charges for traversing the town, state, and additional afield.
Uber continues to be a really reasonably priced possibility when you select to remain outdoors of the town however need common entry. The 20-minute experience 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 Information
Getting a SIM card within the US is a bit of trickier than in another international locations however not not possible or overly costly for guests. Sadly, it’s not attainable to only decide up a SIM at Walmart and pop it in your telephone, belief me I realized this the laborious means.
I counsel heading to a telephone retailer resembling T-Cellular 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 presupposed 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 first rate WiFi so I at all times go for the bottom price and most versatile information plan, which often begins at round $10/month.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Austin
Listed here are a number of of my high 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. Right here’s a step-by-step information.
- Joyful Hours: Many bars and eating places provide nice completely happy hour offers. Right here’s an awesome web site to assist discover the most effective offers.
- Airbnb Reductions: Hosts usually provide massive reductions for longer stays – the most important reductions often come at precisely 28 days.
- Go to Free Sights: There are a lot of free outside spare time activities to take pleasure in across the metropolis resembling Girl Chicken Lake.
- Use Public Transport: Austin’s Capmetro system is an reasonably priced and dependable method 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 Velocity in Austin
Working remotely in Austin is straightforward with a number of unbelievable devoted coworking areas. Listed here 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 areas throughout the town and for $47 a day, you get quick WiFi, comfy 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, operating a enterprise, or simply want a change of surroundings, WeWork gives every part 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 house, Frequent Desk is a superb possibility for critical freelancers looking for an awesome sizzling desking expertise.
Costs are as little as $30/day when 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 students, it’s as little as $50 a month!
Finest Cafes to Work From in Austin
If a extra informal strategy 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 environment 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 sturdy 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 motorbike store – its tagline is ‘Espresso, Champagne, Chain Lube’. Its massive tables, quick WiFi, and glorious espresso make it excellent 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 can simply maintain you occupied when not on the laptop computer. For a full itinerary learn – 15 Finest Issues To Do in Austin, however listed here are my high solutions:
1. Guided Dwell Music Downtown Pub Crawl
There are quite a lot of glorious bars downtown, however head out with a neighborhood brimming with information of the scene and luxuriate in a number of the greatest Sixth Road has to supply. It is a nice method to shortly familiarize your self with Austin’s nightlife – study extra right here.
2. Get Out on Girl Chicken Lake
I’ve already talked about Girl Chicken Lake a number of occasions because it’s a fantastic and tranquil spot that feels one million miles away from the busy metropolis. It’s simple to get to and is the proper spot for mountain climbing, biking, and outside pursuits. Or you may simply go to sit back out!
I extremely suggest you attempt to get out on the water. The calm lake is nice for kayaking, and you may 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 supplied the most effective 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 sizzling so that you’ll benefit from the consolation of a door-to-door service in a cushty air-conditioned automobile.
Tick off the Texas Capital Constructing, well-known road artwork, parks, and reside music venues, and luxuriate in a candy deal with from one of many metropolis’s well-liked meals vehicles 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 ebook 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 outside actions well-liked year-round. Spring and fall deliver 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 cushty season for having fun with the 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 identified to often roll by way of. Regardless of this, Austin enjoys extra sunny days than cloudy ones.
Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in Austin
Like all metropolis, Austin affords distinctive alternatives and challenges that make dwelling right here an thrilling but nuanced expertise. Right here’s what I realized throughout my keep:
Professionals of Dwelling in Austin
- Thriving Job Market: Austin is a tech and enterprise hub, it’s residence to Tesla amongst quite a few different massive companies. There are rising alternatives in areas resembling know-how, healthcare, and artistic arts.
- Full of life Social Scene: From reside 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 Life-style: With parks, lakes, and mountain climbing trails, Austin is a perfect metropolis for outside fans with year-round potentialities.
- 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 numerous eating choices to fulfill each style and funds.
- Yr-Spherical Local weather: Day by day common temperatures hardly ever drop under 62°F through 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 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 dwelling in Austin uncomfortable.
- Loopy Nightlife: On weekend nights, Sixth Road closes to automobiles and turns into a fairly wild occasion scene. It’s not for the faint-hearted.
Digital Nomad Visa for Austin
The US doesn’t at the moment provide a particular digital nomad visa. Nonetheless, distant employees 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 and not using a 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 partaking in employment or important distant work whereas on a vacationer visa or beneath the VWP could violate US immigration legislation. Subsequently, 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 completely happy 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 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!
