It had been on my checklist for some time, however I simply completed a improbable 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 potential.
Home sitting at some point of my keep allowed me to completely get my ft beneath the desk as an Austin digital nomad. There are many wonderful amenities for distant employees, 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 plenty of conventional allure and a number of welcoming locals.
Austin labels itself because the ‘Stay Music Capital of the USA‘, and rightly so! There are tons of stay music venues and each 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 outside adventures with unimaginable meals – certainly 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 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 checklist 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 possibility to get out into the good outside. Austin ticked all of those containers for me.
Though I used to be home sitting throughout my keep and had a fantastic 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 excellent 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 Protected?
Austin is typically a protected metropolis for guests, with family-friendly neighborhoods and a welcoming environment. Nevertheless, like several metropolis, staying conscious of your environment is essential. Keep on with well-lit areas at evening and keep away from remoted spots.
Downtown Austin is vigorous and fashionable, however petty crimes corresponding to pickpocketing can occur. Preserve your belongings safe, particularly round Sixth Road at evening. 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 sizzling and there are many creatures in Texas that may chunk you! So keep away from mountaineering alone late within the day and through peak sizzling and dry spells.
Greatest Areas to Stay in Austin
Austin is an enormous metropolis, however an amazingly well-connected one too. Listed here are a couple of nice areas to contemplate basing your self in that provide their very own allure whereas protecting you in contact with all of Austin’s finest points of interest.
1. Downtown Austin
Dwelling in Downtown Austin places you on the heart of the town’s power, with numerous bars, eating places, and stay music venues. I liked the walkable life-style of Downtown, with points of interest together with Girl Fowl Lake and Sixth Road all inside straightforward attain.
Lodging could be dear, however the comfort and entry to leisure make it value it. Excessive-rise flats 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 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 get pleasure from an eclectic combination of outlets, various meals vehicles, breweries, and stay music whereas staying right here.
The realm appeals to a various group of residents with extra inexpensive housing, motels, and Airbnbs. The streets are normally bustling round SoCo however there’s additionally a powerful sense of neighborhood. It could go well with these searching for a enjoyable but neighborly vibe.
3. Pflugerville
Pflugerville is simply 20 minutes from Downtown and gives a quieter suburban life-style 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 wonderful parks and trails, plus handy purchasing, cool bars, eating places, and cafes which make it a snug place to base your self. When you’re enthusiastic about home sitting in Austin, take a look at my earlier article: The whole lot You Have to 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 avenue artwork, stylish espresso retailers, and various delicacies, this space highlights the inventive facet of Austin.
With fewer high-end motels 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 on the subject of discovering respectable long-term lodging. It is a enjoyable a part of Austin with easy accessibility to the town heart.
5. Zilker
Zilker must be a prime 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 straightforward to the very best of each worlds in Zilker – a peaceable retreat near the town’s pleasure.
The right way to Discover Lodging in Austin
When 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 finest buddy, Reserving.com gives reserving with out pre-payment, cancellation at late discover, and the very best costs round. It’s not simply motels, there’s a full vary of Austin lodging choices on the location.
2. Airbnb: One other dependable instrument, Airbnb will likely 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 enormous reductions and at all times enquire instantly with hosts about reductions for longer stays.
3. TrustedHousesitters.com: The largest home sitting platform round, Trusted Housesitters commonly has 1000’s 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 corresponding to Austin Room Mate. Non-public owners commonly supply sublets, spare rooms, and inexpensive however versatile lodging choices.
Price 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 slightly involved concerning the pending value of residing 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 joyful to search out my outdated buddy Aldi in Austin. The price range grocery store was my go-to when residing again in England and I at all times get pleasure from 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 inexpensive – 1lb of rooster for beneath $5, and eggs for $3-$4 a dozen. Store round and maintain a watch out for clearance and sale gadgets.
Lodging Prices
Dwelling in Austin will not be 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 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 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 inexpensive charges for traversing the town, state, and additional afield.
Uber continues to be a really inexpensive choice for those who select to remain exterior of the town however need common entry. The 20-minute trip from Pflugerville to Sixth Road normally value 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 slightly trickier than in another international locations however not unattainable or overly costly for guests. Sadly, it’s not potential to simply decide up a SIM at Walmart and pop it in your telephone, belief me I discovered this the exhausting means.
I counsel heading to a telephone retailer corresponding to T-Cellular and buying a SIM in individual, the place it is going to 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 cause, 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 knowledge plan, which normally begins at round $10/month.
Cash Saving Ideas for Austin
Listed here are a couple of of my prime 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 joyful hour offers. Right here’s an excellent web site to assist discover the very best offers.
- Airbnb Reductions: Hosts usually supply large reductions for longer stays – the largest reductions normally come at precisely 28 days.
- Go to Free Sights: There are numerous free outside spare time activities to get pleasure from across the metropolis corresponding to Girl Fowl Lake.
- Use Public Transport: Austin’s Capmetro system is an inexpensive and dependable option to get across the metropolis.
- Dine at Meals Vans: There are a great deal of wonderful meals vehicles in Austin, so scrumptious doesn’t should imply costly.
Coworking Areas and WiFi Velocity in Austin
Working remotely in Austin is straightforward with a number of improbable devoted coworking areas. Listed here are a pair I attempted out throughout my keep within the metropolis:
1. WeWork
WeWork is a wonderful coworking area for professionals needing a productive setting. There are 7 places throughout the town and for $47 a day, you get quick WiFi, comfy workstations, and a targeted 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 supplies every part you want.
2. Widespread Desk
Providing a barely cheaper various in Austin metropolis heart whereas sustaining all of the perks {and professional} high quality of a coworking area, Widespread Desk is a good choice for critical freelancers searching for an excellent sizzling desking expertise.
Costs are as little as $30/day for those who can persuade a further 2 mates, 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 method to distant working is what you’re after, Austin’s cafe scene has you coated. 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 inexpensive menu make it straightforward to focus whereas sipping on expertly brewed espresso.
- Mozarts Espresso Roasters: Set alongside Lake Austin, Mozart’s Espresso Roasters gives 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 motorcycle store – its tagline is ‘Espresso, Champagne, Chain Lube’. Its giant tables, quick WiFi, and wonderful espresso make it excellent for targeted work classes.
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 maintain you occupied when not on the laptop computer. For a full itinerary learn – 15 Greatest Issues To Do in Austin, however listed below are my prime recommendations:
1. Guided Stay Music Downtown Pub Crawl
There are numerous wonderful bars downtown, however head out with a neighborhood brimming with information of the scene and luxuriate in a number of the finest Sixth Road has to supply. It is a nice option to shortly familiarize your self with Austin’s nightlife – be taught extra right here.
2. Get Out on Girl Fowl Lake
I’ve already talked about Girl Fowl Lake a couple of instances because it’s a fantastic and tranquil spot that feels one million miles away from the busy metropolis. It’s straightforward to get to and is the proper spot for mountaineering, biking, and outside pursuits. Or you possibly can 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 had been dependable, useful, and supplied the very 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 the town. It will get sizzling 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 avenue artwork, parks, and stay music venues, and luxuriate in a candy deal with from one of many metropolis’s fashionable meals vehicles in a 2-hour small group tour. Click on right here to be taught extra.
4. Metropolis Escape BBQ and Wine Tour
Escape the 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 guide your countryside journey as we speak.
Climate in Austin
Austin’s climate is famously heat, with August averages of 97°F. Sunny days dominate, making outside actions fashionable year-round. Spring and fall convey milder temperatures, excellent 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 the town’s many parks and trails.
Rainfall is average, with Might and June usually being the wettest months. I witnessed a few epic thunderstorms that are identified to often roll by means of. Regardless of this, Austin enjoys extra sunny days than cloudy ones.
Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in Austin
Like every metropolis, Austin gives distinctive alternatives and challenges that make residing right here an thrilling but nuanced expertise. Right here’s what I discovered throughout my keep:
Professionals of Dwelling 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 corresponding to expertise, 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 at all times one thing thrilling occurring to maintain issues enjoyable.
- Out of doors Life-style: With parks, lakes, and mountaineering trails, Austin is a perfect metropolis for outside fans with year-round prospects.
- The Meals: I can attest to the town’s unimaginable meals scene. There are sensational barbecue eating places, inexpensive but beautiful meals vehicles, and various eating choices to fulfill each style and price range.
- 12 months-Spherical Local weather: Each day common temperatures not often drop under 62°F throughout the winter and rainfall is average. It’s the perfect metropolis for these, like me, who dislike the chilly.
Cons of Dwelling in Austin
- Rising Price 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 development has led to congested roads. There was numerous highway work and growth occurring throughout my keep.
- Intense Summers: Temperatures usually soar above 100°F, which may 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. Nevertheless, distant employees can discover different visa choices to remain in Austin. The B-1 Enterprise Visa permits short-term stays for enterprise functions, but it surely’s important to know its limitations.
The Visa Waiver Program permits residents of taking part international locations, together with the UK, to remain within the US for as much as 90 days with no 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 participating in employment or vital distant work whereas on a vacationer visa or beneath the VWP might violate US immigration regulation. Due to this fact, 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 joyful I obtained to tick it off my journey want checklist, 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!