It had been on my record for some time, however I simply completed a improbable 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 at some stage in my keep allowed me to totally get my ft below the desk as an Austin digital nomad. There are many wonderful services for distant employees, all complemented by among the best 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 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 excellent 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 record 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 prospect to get out into the good outdoor. 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 totally different cafes, coworking areas, and libraries. Austin was supreme 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 Secure?
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 essential. Follow well-lit areas at night time and keep away from remoted spots.
Downtown Austin is vigorous and standard, however petty crimes corresponding to pickpocketing can occur. Maintain your belongings safe, particularly round Sixth Avenue 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 scorching and there are many creatures in Texas that may chew you! So keep away from mountaineering alone late within the day and through peak scorching and dry spells.
Greatest Areas to Stay in Austin
Austin is an enormous metropolis, however an amazingly well-connected one too. Listed below are a number of nice areas to contemplate basing your self in that supply their very own appeal whereas maintaining 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 vitality, with numerous bars, eating places, and reside music venues. I liked the walkable life-style of Downtown, with points of interest together with Woman Chook Lake and Sixth Avenue all inside straightforward attain.
Lodging will be dear, however the comfort and entry to leisure make it price it. Excessive-rise flats and resorts 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, various meals vans, breweries, and reside music whereas staying right here.
The realm appeals to a various group of residents with extra inexpensive housing, resorts, and Airbnbs. The streets are often bustling round SoCo however there’s additionally a robust sense of group. It could go well with these in search of a enjoyable but neighborly vibe.
3. Pflugerville
Pflugerville is simply 20 minutes from Downtown and affords a quieter suburban life-style 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 group 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. In case you’re concerned with home sitting in Austin, take a look at my earlier article: Every part You Must Know About Home Sitting.
4. East Austin
East Austin is a quickly evolving neighborhood with a mix of historic appeal and fashionable developments. Recognized for its avenue artwork, stylish espresso retailers, and various delicacies, this space highlights the artistic facet of Austin.
With fewer high-end resorts in comparison with the central components of town, rental flats or home sitting alternatives are more likely to be the best way to go in the case of discovering first rate long-term lodging. This can be a enjoyable a part of Austin with quick access to town middle.
5. Zilker
Zilker must be a high consideration for nature fanatics and households, due to 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 straightforward to the perfect of each worlds in Zilker – a peaceable retreat near town’s pleasure.
Methods to Discover Lodging in Austin
In case 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 greatest buddy, Reserving.com affords reserving with out pre-payment, cancellation at late discover, and the perfect costs round. It’s not simply resorts, there’s a full vary of Austin lodging choices on the location.
2. Airbnb: One other dependable software, 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 immediately with hosts about reductions for longer stays.
3. TrustedHousesitters.com: The largest home sitting platform round, Trusted Housesitters usually has 1000’s of listings accepting purposes 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 take a look at Fb teams corresponding to Austin Room Mate. Non-public householders usually provide sublets, spare rooms, and inexpensive however versatile lodging choices.
Price 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 little bit involved in regards to 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 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 completely happy 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 rooster for below $5, and eggs for $3-$4 a dozen. Store round and preserve a watch 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 middle 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 decreasing 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 provide inexpensive charges for traversing town, state, and additional afield.
Uber remains to be a really inexpensive choice when you select to remain outdoors of town however need common entry. The 20-minute journey from Pflugerville to Sixth Avenue often price me lower than $20. Gasoline is fairly low cost too at below $3 a gallon.
SIM Playing cards and Knowledge
Getting a SIM card within the US is a little bit 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 cellphone, belief me I realized this the arduous manner.
I counsel heading to a cellphone retailer corresponding to T-Cell and buying a SIM in particular person, the place will probably be activated then and there. I picked up 2 GB of knowledge for $10/month. There was presupposed to be a $25 activation price however for some cause, 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 Ideas for Austin
Listed below are a number 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.
- Completely satisfied Hours: Many bars and eating places provide nice completely happy hour offers. Right here’s an important web site to assist discover the perfect offers.
- Airbnb Reductions: Hosts typically provide large reductions for longer stays – the largest reductions often come at precisely 28 days.
- Go to Free Points of interest: There are numerous free outside spare time activities to get pleasure from across the metropolis corresponding to Woman 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 wonderful meals vans in Austin, so scrumptious doesn’t should imply costly.
Coworking Areas and WiFi Velocity in Austin
Working remotely in Austin is simple with a number of improbable devoted coworking areas. Listed below 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, comfy workstations, and a targeted environment 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 gives all the things 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 good choice for critical freelancers in search of an important scorching desking expertise.
Costs are as little as $30/day when you can persuade a further 2 pals, staff, 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!
Greatest 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 well-liked 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 affords 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 massive 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 may simply preserve 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 recommendations:
1. Guided Stay Music Downtown Pub Crawl
There are a whole lot of wonderful bars downtown, however head out with an area brimming with information of the scene and luxuriate in among the greatest Sixth Avenue has to supply. This can be a nice solution to rapidly familiarize your self with Austin’s nightlife – study extra right here.
2. Get Out on Woman Chook Lake
I’ve already talked about Woman Chook 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 straightforward to get to and is the right spot for mountaineering, biking, and outside pursuits. Or you’ll be able to simply go to relax out!
I extremely suggest 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 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 automobile.
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 standard meals vans in a 2-hour small group tour. Click on right here to study 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 ebook your countryside journey right now.
Climate in Austin
Austin’s climate is famously heat, with August averages of 97°F. Sunny days dominate, making outside actions standard 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 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.
Execs and Cons of Dwelling in Austin
Like several 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:
Execs 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 firms. There are rising alternatives in areas corresponding to know-how, healthcare, and artistic arts.
- Full of life Social Scene: From reside music and world-class comedy reveals to meals festivals and brewery excursions, there’s at all times one thing thrilling taking place to maintain issues enjoyable.
- Outside Way of life: With parks, lakes, and mountaineering trails, Austin is a perfect metropolis for outside fanatics 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.
- 12 months-Spherical Local weather: Each day common temperatures hardly ever drop under 62°F in the course of 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 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 a whole lot of street work and improvement taking place throughout my keep.
- Intense Summers: Temperatures typically soar above 100°F, which may make dwelling in Austin uncomfortable.
- Loopy Nightlife: On weekend nights, Sixth Avenue 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 presently provide a selected 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, however it’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 with no 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 below 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 completely happy I bought to tick it off my journey want record, 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!
