It had been on my record for some time, however I simply completed a incredible 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 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 employees, 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 attraction and a number of welcoming locals.
Austin labels itself because the ‘Stay 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 good metropolis to pair out of doors 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 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 possibility to get out into the nice open air. Austin ticked all of those packing containers for me.
Though I used to be home sitting throughout my keep and had a fantastic house to work from, I’ve all the time discovered I’m motivated by altering up my surroundings and dealing from completely different cafes, coworking areas, and libraries. Austin was perfect for this.
Balancing work and life whereas touring is without doubt 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 Secure?
Austin is usually a secure metropolis for guests, with family-friendly neighborhoods and a welcoming environment. Nevertheless, like several metropolis, staying conscious of your environment is essential. Follow well-lit areas at evening and keep away from remoted spots.
Downtown Austin is vigorous and in style, however petty crimes resembling pickpocketing can occur. Maintain your belongings safe, particularly round Sixth Avenue 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 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.
Finest Areas to Stay in Austin
Austin is a giant metropolis, however an amazingly well-connected one too. Listed below are a couple of nice areas to contemplate basing your self in that provide their very own attraction whereas conserving you in contact with all of Austin’s finest sights.
1. Downtown Austin
Residing in Downtown Austin places you on the middle of town’s power, with numerous bars, eating places, and reside music venues. I cherished the walkable way of life of Downtown, with sights together with Woman Hen Lake and Sixth Avenue all inside straightforward attain.
Lodging may 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 without doubt 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 outlets, numerous meals vans, breweries, and reside music whereas staying right here.
The realm appeals to a various group of residents with extra inexpensive housing, inns, and Airbnbs. The streets are often bustling round SoCo however there’s additionally a powerful 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 provides a quieter suburban way of life with easy accessibility to Austin’s sights. 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 buying, cool bars, eating places, and cafes which make it a snug place to base your self. Should you’re all in favour of home sitting in Austin, take a look at my earlier article: All the things You Have to Know About Home Sitting.
4. East Austin
East Austin is a quickly evolving neighborhood with a mix of historic attraction and trendy developments. Recognized for its avenue artwork, fashionable espresso outlets, and numerous delicacies, this space highlights the artistic facet of Austin.
With fewer high-end inns in comparison with the central components of town, rental flats or home sitting alternatives are more likely to be the way in which to go with regards to discovering respectable long-term lodging. This can be a enjoyable a part of Austin with easy accessibility to town middle.
5. Zilker
Zilker must be a high consideration for nature lovers and households, because of 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 one of the best of each worlds in Zilker – a peaceable retreat near town’s pleasure.
Tips on how to Discover Lodging in Austin
Should you plan to be a digital nomad dwelling 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 good friend, Reserving.com provides reserving with out pre-payment, cancellation at late discover, and one of the 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 instrument, Airbnb might 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 big reductions and all the time enquire immediately 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: Should you’re planning an extended keep within the metropolis take a look at Fb teams resembling Austin Room Mate. Non-public householders repeatedly supply sublets, spare rooms, and inexpensive however versatile lodging choices.
Price of Residing in Austin
Returning to the US after a couple of years touring round Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand I used to be somewhat involved in regards to the pending value 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 median, a hearty meal at a good BBQ joint will value round $15-$18pp.
I used to be joyful to search out my outdated good friend Aldi in Austin. The funds grocery store was my go-to when dwelling again in England and I all the time take pleasure in its familiarity and low costs. There’s a broad vary of supermarkets in Austin, from Walmart to H-E-B.
Costs differ 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 preserve an eye fixed out for clearance and sale objects.
Lodging Prices
Residing in Austin isn’t low-cost. Count on to pay $2k/month and above for a central condominium earlier than month-to-month utilities of round $300. Staying exterior 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 journey. For longer journeys Greyhound and Flix Bus supply inexpensive charges for traversing town, state, and additional afield.
Uber remains to be a really inexpensive possibility should you select to remain exterior of town however need common entry. The 20-minute journey from Pflugerville to Sixth Avenue often 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 somewhat trickier than in another nations however not unimaginable or overly costly for guests. Sadly, it’s not doable to only choose up a SIM at Walmart and pop it in your telephone, belief me I realized this the exhausting manner.
I counsel heading to a telephone retailer resembling T-Cell and buying a SIM in particular person, 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 price however for some motive, 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 all the time go for the bottom value and most versatile knowledge plan, which often begins at round $10/month.
Cash Saving Ideas for Austin
Listed below are a couple of of my high ideas 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.
- Comfortable Hours: Many bars and eating places supply nice joyful hour offers. Right here’s an awesome web site to assist discover one of the best offers.
- Airbnb Reductions: Hosts typically supply huge reductions for longer stays – the largest reductions often come at precisely 28 days.
- Go to Free Points of interest: There are various free out of doors spare time activities to take pleasure in across the metropolis resembling Woman Hen Lake.
- Use Public Transport: Austin’s Capmetro system is an inexpensive and dependable strategy to get across the metropolis.
- Dine at Meals Vans: 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 incredible 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 surroundings. There are 7 places throughout town and for $47 a day, you get quick WiFi, snug workstations, and a targeted environment good 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 offers every little thing you want.
2. Widespread Desk
Providing a barely cheaper various in Austin metropolis middle whereas sustaining all of the perks {and professional} high quality of a coworking house, Widespread Desk is a superb possibility for critical freelancers in search of an awesome scorching desking expertise.
Costs are as little as $30/day should you can persuade an extra 2 associates, staff, or fellow digital nomads to come back alongside for the day. With a membership, 8 particular person day passes value simply $150, for college students, it’s as little as $50 a month!
Finest 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 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 provides breathtaking views. Its robust WiFi and ample energy shops 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 good for targeted work periods.
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 preserve you occupied when not on the laptop computer. For a full itinerary learn – 15 Finest Issues To Do in Austin, however listed below are my high options:
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 revel in a few of the finest Sixth Avenue has to supply. This can be a nice strategy to shortly familiarize your self with Austin’s nightlife – study extra right here.
2. Get Out on Woman Hen Lake
I’ve already talked about Woman Hen 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 right spot for mountain climbing, biking, and out of doors pursuits. Or you possibly can simply go to relax 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 one of the 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 primary 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 car.
Tick off the Texas Capital Constructing, well-known avenue artwork, parks, and reside music venues, and revel in a candy deal with from one of many metropolis’s in style 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 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 immediately.
Climate in Austin
Austin’s climate is famously heat, with August averages of 97°F. Sunny days dominate, making out of doors actions in style year-round. Spring and fall convey 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 average, with Could and June usually being the wettest months. I witnessed a few epic thunderstorms that are recognized to sometimes roll by way of. Regardless of this, Austin enjoys extra sunny days than cloudy ones.
Professionals and Cons of Residing in Austin
Like several metropolis, Austin provides 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 Residing 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 resembling expertise, healthcare, and artistic arts.
- Vigorous Social Scene: From reside music and world-class comedy reveals to meals festivals and brewery excursions, there’s all the time 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 lovers with year-round prospects.
- The Meals: I can attest to town’s unbelievable meals scene. There are sensational barbecue eating places, inexpensive but beautiful meals vans, and numerous eating choices to fulfill each style and funds.
- 12 months-Spherical Local weather: Every day common temperatures not often drop beneath 62°F in the course of the winter and rainfall is average. It’s the best metropolis for these, like me, who dislike the chilly.
Cons of Residing in Austin
- Rising Price 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 fast progress has led to congested roads. There was numerous street work and improvement occurring throughout my keep.
- Intense Summers: Temperatures typically soar above 100°F, which might make dwelling in Austin uncomfortable.
- Loopy Nightlife: On weekend nights, Sixth Avenue 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 the moment supply a particular digital nomad visa. Nevertheless, distant employees 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 grasp its limitations.
The Visa Waiver Program permits residents of taking part nations, 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 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 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 joyful I received to tick it off my journey want record, 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!
