It had been on my record 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 doable.
Home sitting in the course of my keep allowed me to completely get my ft below the desk as an Austin digital nomad. There are many glorious services 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 numerous conventional allure and a bunch of welcoming locals.
Austin labels itself because the ‘Live Music Capital of the USA‘, and rightly so! There are tons of live music venues and daily performances in the city. Comedy has taken a stronghold in recent years since Joe Rogan opened The Comedy Mothership.
It’s the proper metropolis to pair outside adventures with unbelievable meals – one among 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
Me with Rascal and Luna, the 2 canine below my care whereas home sitting in Austin.
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 services, enjoyable locations to blow off steam, and the prospect to get out into the nice outside. Austin ticked all of those packing containers for me.
Though I used to be home sitting throughout my keep and had a stupendous residence 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 splendid 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 Secure?
Austin is mostly a protected metropolis for guests, with family-friendly neighborhoods and a welcoming ambiance. Nonetheless, like every metropolis, staying conscious of your environment is essential. Persist with well-lit areas at night time and keep away from remoted spots.
Downtown Austin is full of life and fashionable, 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 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 Dwell in Austin
Austin is an enormous metropolis, however an amazingly well-connected one too. Listed below are just a few nice areas to contemplate basing your self in that provide their very own allure whereas retaining you in contact with all of Austin’s greatest points of interest.
1. Downtown Austin
Residing in Downtown Austin places you on the middle of the town’s vitality, with numerous bars, eating places, and dwell music venues. I beloved the walkable way of life of Downtown, with points of interest together with Girl Hen Lake and Sixth Road all inside simple attain.
Lodging may be dear, however the comfort and entry to leisure make it price it. Excessive-rise flats and lodges 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 take pleasure in an eclectic combination of retailers, various meals vans, breweries, and dwell music whereas staying right here.
The realm appeals to a various group of residents with extra reasonably priced housing, lodges, 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 gives 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 group and peaceable ambiance.
There are glorious parks and trails, plus handy procuring, cool bars, eating places, and cafes which make it a cushty place to base your self. Should you’re concerned with home sitting in Austin, take a look at my earlier article: Every little thing You Must Know About Home Sitting.
4. East Austin
East Austin is a quickly evolving neighborhood with a mix of historic allure and fashionable developments. Identified for its road artwork, fashionable espresso outlets, and various delicacies, this space highlights the artistic aspect of Austin.
With fewer high-end lodges in comparison with the central elements of the town, rental flats or home sitting alternatives are prone to be the best way to go on the subject of discovering respectable long-term lodging. This can be a enjoyable a part of Austin with quick access to the town middle.
5. Zilker
Zilker ought to be a prime consideration for nature fans 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 outside 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 the town’s pleasure.
The way to Discover Lodging in Austin
Should you plan to be a digital nomad residing in Austin listed here are the highest 4 methods to search out lodging within the metropolis.
1. Reserving.com: The long-term traveler’s greatest pal, Reserving.com gives reserving with out pre-payment, cancellation at late discover, and the very best costs round. It’s not simply lodges, there’s a full vary of Austin lodging choices on the location.
2. Airbnb: One other dependable instrument, Airbnb shall 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 all the time enquire immediately with hosts about reductions for longer stays.
3. TrustedHousesitters.com: The largest home sitting platform round, Trusted Housesitters frequently has hundreds 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 reminiscent of Austin Room Mate. Personal householders frequently provide sublets, spare rooms, and reasonably priced however versatile lodging choices.
Value of Residing in Austin
Returning to the US after just a few years touring round Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand I used to be a bit involved concerning the pending value of residing 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 potentialities 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 value round $15-$18pp.
I used to be glad to search out my outdated pal Aldi in Austin. The price range grocery store was my go-to when residing 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 reasonably priced – 1lb of hen for below $5, and eggs for $3-$4 a dozen. Store round and hold 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 outdoors of the town middle can scale back your prices to a extra affordable determine of $1500/month.
Airbnbs with month-stay reductions, price range 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 experience. For longer journeys Greyhound and Flix Bus provide reasonably priced charges for traversing the town, state, and additional afield.
Uber continues to be a really reasonably priced choice when you select to remain outdoors of the town however need common entry. The 20-minute experience from Pflugerville to Sixth Road often value me lower than $20. Gasoline is fairly low-cost too at below $3 a gallon.
SIM Playing cards and Information
Getting a SIM card within the US is a bit trickier than in another international locations however not not possible or overly costly for guests. Sadly, it’s not doable to simply choose up a SIM at Walmart and pop it in your cellphone, belief me I discovered this the laborious approach.
I counsel heading to a cellphone retailer reminiscent of T-Cellular and buying a SIM in particular person, the place it is going to be activated then and there. I picked up 2 GB of knowledge for $10/month. There was alleged to be a $25 activation price however for some motive, 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 respectable WiFi so I all the time go for the bottom value and most versatile information plan, which often begins at round $10/month.
Cash Saving Suggestions for Austin
Listed below are just a few 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.
Completely happy Hours: Many bars and eating places provide nice glad hour offers. Right here’s an excellent web site to assist discover the very best offers.
Airbnb Reductions: Hosts usually provide massive reductions for longer stays – the most important reductions often come at precisely 28 days.
Go to Free Sights: There are various free outside spare time activities to take pleasure in across the metropolis reminiscent of Girl Hen Lake.
Use Public Transport: Austin’s Capmetro system is an reasonably priced and dependable approach to get across the metropolis.
Dine at Meals Vehicles: There are a great deal of glorious 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 improbable devoted coworking areas. Listed below are a pair I attempted out throughout my keep within the metropolis:
1. WeWork
WeWork is a wonderful coworking house for professionals needing a productive surroundings. There are 7 areas throughout the town and for $47 a day, you get quick WiFi, snug workstations, and a targeted ambiance excellent 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, working 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 good choice for critical freelancers in search of an excellent scorching desking expertise.
Costs are as little as $30/day when you can persuade an extra 2 mates, workers, 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 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 sturdy 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 massive tables, quick WiFi, and glorious 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 hold you occupied when not on the laptop computer. For a full itinerary learn – 15 Greatest Issues To Do in Austin, however listed here are my prime recommendations:
1. Guided Dwell Music Downtown Pub Crawl
Having fun with just a few beers on Sixth Road.
There are plenty of glorious bars downtown, however head out with an area brimming with information of the scene and luxuriate in a number of the greatest Sixth Road has to supply. This can be a nice approach to shortly familiarize your self with Austin’s nightlife – be taught extra right here.
2. Get Out on Girl Hen Lake
I’ve already talked about Girl Hen Lake just a few instances because it’s a stupendous and tranquil spot that feels one million 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’ll be able to simply go to sit back out!
I extremely advocate you try 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 have 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 scorching so that you’ll benefit from the consolation of a door-to-door service in a cushty air-conditioned automobile.
Tick off the Texas Capital Constructing, well-known road artwork, parks, and dwell music venues, and luxuriate in a candy deal with from one of many metropolis’s fashionable 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 the 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 outside actions fashionable year-round. Spring and fall deliver milder temperatures, excellent 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 cushty season for having fun with the town’s many parks and trails.
Rainfall is average, with Might and June sometimes 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 Residing 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 Residing in Austin
Thriving Job Market: Austin is a tech and enterprise hub, it’s residence to Tesla amongst quite a few different massive companies. There are rising alternatives in areas reminiscent of know-how, healthcare, and artistic arts.
Energetic Social Scene: From dwell 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 climbing trails, Austin is a perfect metropolis for outside fans with year-round potentialities.
The Meals: I can attest to the town’s unbelievable meals scene. There are sensational barbecue eating places, reasonably priced but beautiful meals vans, and various eating choices to fulfill each style and price range.
12 months-Spherical Local weather: Each day common temperatures not often drop beneath 62°F through the winter and rainfall is average. It’s the perfect metropolis for these, like me, who dislike the chilly.
Cons of Residing in Austin
Rising Value of Residing: Housing and rental costs have surged in recent times, making affordability a rising concern for a lot of.
Visitors Points: Subsequently, this fast progress has led to congested roads. There was plenty of highway work and improvement 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 automobiles and turns into a fairly 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. Nonetheless, distant employees can discover different visa choices to remain in Austin. The B-1 Enterprise Visa permits short-term stays for enterprise functions, nevertheless it’s important to know its limitations.
The Visa Waiver Program permits residents of collaborating international locations, 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 might keep for as much as six months.
It’s essential to notice that partaking in employment or vital distant work whereas on a vacationer visa or below the VWP might violate US immigration legislation. Due to this fact, 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 glad 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 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!