It had been on my checklist 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 throughout 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 among the finest 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 a lot of conventional appeal and a bunch 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 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 good metropolis to pair out of doors 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 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 comfy and dependable services, enjoyable locations to blow off steam, and the possibility 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 an attractive dwelling 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 ideally suited for this.
Balancing work and life whereas touring is likely 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 Protected?
Austin is usually a protected metropolis for guests, with family-friendly neighborhoods and a welcoming environment. Nevertheless, like every metropolis, staying conscious of your environment is vital. Follow well-lit areas at night time and keep away from remoted spots.
Downtown Austin is energetic and common, however petty crimes reminiscent of 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 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 mountaineering alone late within the day and through peak scorching and dry spells.
Finest 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 supply their very own appeal whereas conserving 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 town’s power, 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 Chook Lake and Sixth Road all inside simple attain.
Lodging will 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 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 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 normally bustling round SoCo however there’s additionally a robust sense of neighborhood. It might swimsuit these in search of 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 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 buying, cool bars, eating places, and cafes which make it a snug place to base your self. In case you’re fascinated with home sitting in Austin, try my earlier article: All the pieces You Have to Know About Home Sitting.
4. East Austin
East Austin is a quickly evolving neighborhood with a mix of historic appeal and trendy developments. Recognized for its road artwork, fashionable 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 town, rental residences or home sitting alternatives are more likely to be the way in which to go relating to discovering first rate long-term lodging. This can be a enjoyable a part of Austin with quick access to town heart.
5. Zilker
Zilker needs to be a prime consideration for nature fans and households, because of its proximity to Zilker Park and Barton Springs. Dwelling 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 simple to the very best of each worlds in Zilker – a peaceable retreat near town’s pleasure.
How one can Discover Lodging in Austin
In case 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 finest buddy, Reserving.com affords reserving with out pre-payment, cancellation at late discover, and the very 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 will likely 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 largest home sitting platform round, Trusted Housesitters commonly has hundreds of listings accepting functions globally. It’s how I secured a month of free lodging in Austin.
4. Fb Teams: In case you’re planning an extended keep within the metropolis try Fb teams reminiscent of Austin Room Mate. Personal owners commonly provide 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 a bit involved in regards to the pending price of dwelling 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 mean, a hearty meal at a good BBQ joint will price round $15-$18pp.
I used to be glad to search out my outdated buddy Aldi in Austin. The finances grocery store was my go-to when dwelling 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 fluctuate 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 an eye fixed out for clearance and sale gadgets.
Lodging Prices
Dwelling in Austin isn’t low-cost. Anticipate to pay $2k/month and above for a central condo earlier than month-to-month utilities of round $300. Staying outdoors of town heart can cut back your prices to a extra affordable 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 provide inexpensive charges for traversing town, state, and additional afield.
Uber remains to be a really inexpensive choice for those who select to remain outdoors of town however need common entry. The 20-minute trip from Pflugerville to Sixth Road normally 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 trickier than in another nations however not not possible or overly costly for guests. Sadly, it’s not attainable to simply decide up a SIM at Walmart and pop it in your cellphone, belief me I realized this the laborious means.
I counsel heading to a cellphone retailer reminiscent of T-Cell 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 speculated 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 first rate WiFi so I at all times go for the bottom price and most versatile information 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 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.
- Blissful Hours: Many bars and eating places provide nice glad hour offers. Right here’s a terrific web site to assist discover the very best offers.
- Airbnb Reductions: Hosts usually provide massive reductions for longer stays – the largest reductions normally come at precisely 28 days.
- Go to Free Points of interest: There are a lot of free out of doors spare time activities to get pleasure from across the metropolis reminiscent of Girl Chook Lake.
- Use Public Transport: Austin’s Capmetro system is an inexpensive and dependable solution to get across the metropolis.
- Dine at Meals Vans: There are a great deal of glorious meals vans 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 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 area for professionals needing a productive atmosphere. There are 7 places throughout town and for $47 a day, you get quick WiFi, comfy workstations, and a centered environment good for tackling duties.
The facilities at WeWork embody limitless espresso, fashionable 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 little thing 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 severe freelancers in search of a terrific scorching desking expertise.
Costs are as little as $30/day for those who can persuade a further 2 pals, workers, or fellow digital nomads to return 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 might be after, Austin’s cafe scene has you lined. 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 affords breathtaking views. Its robust WiFi and ample energy shops 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 centered 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 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 here are my prime strategies:
1. Guided Stay Music Downtown Pub Crawl
There are lots of glorious bars downtown, however head out with a neighborhood brimming with data of the scene and luxuriate in a few of the finest Sixth Road has to supply. This can be a nice solution to shortly familiarize your self with Austin’s nightlife – be taught extra right here.
2. Get Out on Girl Chook Lake
I’ve already talked about Girl Chook Lake a couple of instances because it’s an attractive and tranquil spot that feels one million miles away from the busy metropolis. It’s simple to get to and is the right spot for mountaineering, biking, and out of doors pursuits. Or you possibly can simply go to relax out!
I extremely suggest you attempt 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 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 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 luxuriate in a candy deal with from one of many metropolis’s common meals vans in a 2-hour small group tour. Click on right here to be taught extra.
SEE ALSO: Weekend in Austin: The Good 2-Day Itinerary
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 guide your countryside journey at the moment.
Climate in Austin
Austin’s climate is famously heat, with August averages of 97°F. Sunny days dominate, making out of doors actions common year-round. Spring and fall carry milder temperatures, good 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 town’s many parks and trails.
Rainfall is reasonable, with Could and June sometimes being the wettest months. I witnessed a few epic thunderstorms that are identified to often roll via. 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 dwelling to Tesla amongst quite a few different massive firms. There are rising alternatives in areas reminiscent of know-how, healthcare, and inventive arts.
- Vigorous 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 Way of life: With parks, lakes, and mountaineering trails, Austin is a perfect metropolis for out of doors fans with year-round prospects.
- The Meals: I can attest to town’s unimaginable meals scene. There are sensational barbecue eating places, inexpensive but beautiful meals vans, and various eating choices to fulfill each style and finances.
- Yr-Spherical Local weather: Day by day common temperatures not often 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 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 speedy development has led to congested roads. There was lots of street work and improvement occurring 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 automobiles and turns into a reasonably wild celebration scene. It’s not for the faint-hearted.
Digital Nomad Visa for Austin
The US doesn’t presently provide a selected digital nomad visa. Nevertheless, distant staff can discover different visa choices to remain in Austin. The B-1 Enterprise Visa permits momentary stays for enterprise functions, but it surely’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 usually 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. 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 glad 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 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!