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 attainable.
Home sitting at some stage in my keep allowed me to completely get my toes underneath the desk as an Austin digital nomad. There are many wonderful services for distant staff, all complemented by the most effective 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 appeal and a bunch of welcoming locals.
Austin labels itself because the ‘Reside 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 proper metropolis to pair outside adventures with unimaginable meals – one in every of my favourite methods to spend a day right here is by 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 checklist of nice cities I’ve visited and labored remotely from.
I like locations that provide an entire mix of snug and dependable services, enjoyable locations to blow off steam, and the prospect to get out into the good outdoor. Austin ticked all of those containers for me.
Though I used to be home sitting throughout my keep and had a stupendous 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 superb for this.
Balancing work and life whereas touring is among 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 protected metropolis for guests, with family-friendly neighborhoods and a welcoming ambiance. Nevertheless, like several metropolis, staying conscious of your environment is essential. Keep on with well-lit areas at night time and keep away from remoted spots.
Downtown Austin is full of life and fashionable, however petty crimes equivalent to 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 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 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 here are a couple of nice areas to contemplate basing your self in that provide their very own appeal whereas protecting you in contact with all of Austin’s greatest points of interest.
1. Downtown Austin
Dwelling in Downtown Austin places you on the middle of town’s power, with numerous bars, eating places, and reside music venues. I liked 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 dear, however the comfort and entry to leisure make it price it. Excessive-rise residences and motels 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 among 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 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, motels, and Airbnbs. The streets are often bustling round SoCo however there’s additionally a robust sense of neighborhood. It could swimsuit these in search of 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 neighborhood and peaceable ambiance.
There are wonderful parks and trails, plus handy purchasing, cool bars, eating places, and cafes which make it a cushty place to base your self. For those who’re involved in home sitting in Austin, try my earlier article: Every thing 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. Identified for its avenue artwork, fashionable espresso outlets, and numerous delicacies, this space highlights the artistic aspect of Austin.
With fewer high-end motels in comparison with the central components of town, rental residences or home sitting alternatives are more likely to be the best way to go on the subject of discovering first rate long-term lodging. This can be a enjoyable a part of Austin with easy accessibility to town middle.
5. Zilker
Zilker ought to be a high consideration for nature lovers 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 outside actions.
The neighborhood is primarily residential however caters to a variety of budgets. It’s simple to the perfect of each worlds in Zilker – a peaceable retreat near town’s pleasure.
Methods to Discover Lodging in Austin
For those who 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 greatest buddy, Reserving.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 location.
2. Airbnb: One other dependable device, Airbnb will probably 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 straight with hosts about reductions for longer stays.
3. TrustedHousesitters.com: The largest home sitting platform round, Trusted Housesitters repeatedly has 1000’s of listings accepting functions globally. It’s how I secured a month of free lodging in Austin.
4. Fb Teams: For those who’re planning an extended keep within the metropolis try Fb teams equivalent to Austin Room Mate. Personal owners repeatedly provide sublets, spare rooms, and reasonably priced however versatile lodging choices.
Value 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 of involved in regards to the pending price 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 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 comfortable to search out my outdated buddy Aldi in Austin. The funds 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 reasonably priced – 1lb of rooster for underneath $5, and eggs for $3-$4 a dozen. Store round and hold a watch out for clearance and sale objects.
Lodging Prices
Dwelling in Austin just 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 middle can cut back your prices to a extra cheap determine of $1500/month.
Airbnbs with month-stay reductions, funds 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 provide reasonably priced charges for traversing town, state, and additional afield.
Uber continues to be a really reasonably priced possibility when you select to remain outdoors of 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 underneath $3 a gallon.
SIM Playing cards and Knowledge
Getting a SIM card within the US is a bit of trickier than in another nations however not unattainable or overly costly for guests. Sadly, it’s not attainable to simply choose 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 equivalent 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 information for $10/month. There was purported to be a $25 activation price however for some purpose, 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 often begins at round $10/month.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Austin
Listed here are a couple 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.
- Completely happy Hours: Many bars and eating places provide nice comfortable hour offers. Right here’s a fantastic web site to assist discover the perfect offers.
- Airbnb Reductions: Hosts usually provide huge reductions for longer stays – the largest reductions often come at precisely 28 days.
- Go to Free Sights: There are numerous free outside spare time activities to get pleasure from across the metropolis equivalent to Girl Chook Lake.
- Use Public Transport: Austin’s Capmetro system is an reasonably priced and dependable strategy to get across the metropolis.
- Dine at Meals Vans: There are a great deal of wonderful meals vehicles in Austin, so scrumptious doesn’t need to 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 superb coworking area for professionals needing a productive atmosphere. There are 7 areas throughout town and for $47 a day, you get quick WiFi, snug workstations, and a centered ambiance excellent for tackling duties.
The facilities at WeWork embrace 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 offers all the pieces you want.
2. Widespread Desk
Providing a barely cheaper different in Austin metropolis middle whereas sustaining all of the perks {and professional} high quality of a coworking area, Widespread Desk is a superb possibility for critical freelancers in search of a fantastic scorching desking expertise.
Costs are as little as $30/day when 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 price 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 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 ambiance 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 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 motorbike store – its tagline is ‘Espresso, Champagne, Chain Lube’. Its giant tables, quick WiFi, and wonderful espresso make it excellent 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 Greatest Issues To Do in Austin, however listed below are my high strategies:
1. Guided Reside Music Downtown Pub Crawl
There are a number of wonderful 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. This can be a nice strategy to rapidly familiarize your self with Austin’s nightlife – study 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 a stupendous and tranquil spot that feels 1,000,000 miles away from the busy metropolis. It’s simple to get to and is the proper spot for climbing, biking, and outside pursuits. Or you possibly can simply go to relax out!
I extremely advocate you try 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 provided 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 town. It will get scorching so that you’ll benefit from the consolation of a door-to-door service in a cushty air-conditioned car.
Tick off the Texas Capital Constructing, well-known avenue artwork, parks, and reside 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 study extra.
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 e-book your countryside journey right this moment.
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 carry 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 cushty season for having fun with 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 recognized to sometimes roll via. 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 realized 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 firms. There are rising alternatives in areas equivalent to know-how, healthcare, and inventive arts.
- Vigorous Social Scene: From reside 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 climbing trails, Austin is a perfect metropolis for outside lovers with year-round potentialities.
- The Meals: I can attest to town’s unimaginable 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: Each day common temperatures not often drop under 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 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 fast progress has led to congested roads. There was a number of street work and improvement 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 occasion scene. It’s not for the faint-hearted.
Digital Nomad Visa for Austin
The US doesn’t at present provide a particular digital nomad visa. Nevertheless, distant staff can discover different visa choices to remain in Austin. The B-1 Enterprise Visa permits short-term stays for enterprise functions, however it’s important to grasp 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 and not using 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 important distant work whereas on a vacationer visa or underneath the VWP could 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 comfortable I bought 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 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!