It had been on my checklist for some time, however I simply completed a unbelievable 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 potential.
Home sitting in the course of my keep allowed me to totally get my toes below the desk as an Austin digital nomad. There are many wonderful amenities 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 number 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 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 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 supply a whole mix of comfy and dependable amenities, enjoyable locations to blow off steam, and the possibility to get out into the good outside. Austin ticked all of those bins for me.
Though I used to be home sitting throughout my keep and had a ravishing 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 preferrred 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 protected metropolis for guests, with family-friendly neighborhoods and a welcoming ambiance. Nevertheless, like all metropolis, staying conscious of your environment is essential. Stick with well-lit areas at evening and keep away from remoted spots.
Downtown Austin is vigorous and widespread, however petty crimes similar to pickpocketing can occur. Preserve your belongings safe, particularly round Sixth Road 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 sizzling and there are many creatures in Texas that may chew you! So keep away from climbing alone late within the day and through peak sizzling and dry spells.
Finest Areas to Stay in Austin
Austin is a giant metropolis, however an amazingly well-connected one too. Listed here are a couple of nice areas to think about basing your self in that supply their very own appeal whereas preserving 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 stay music venues. I beloved the walkable way of life of Downtown, with points of interest together with Woman Fowl Lake and Sixth Road all inside straightforward attain.
Lodging may be expensive, however the comfort and entry to leisure make it value it. Excessive-rise flats and resorts 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 retailers, various meals vehicles, breweries, and stay music whereas staying right here.
The world appeals to a various group of residents with extra reasonably priced housing, resorts, and Airbnbs. The streets are often bustling round SoCo however there’s additionally a robust sense of neighborhood. It will go well with these looking for a enjoyable but neighborly vibe.
3. Pflugerville
Pflugerville is simply 20 minutes from Downtown and presents 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 ambiance.
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. For those who’re eager about 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 appeal and fashionable developments. Recognized for its avenue artwork, stylish espresso outlets, and various delicacies, this space highlights the inventive aspect of Austin.
With fewer high-end resorts in comparison with the central elements of town, rental flats or home sitting alternatives are prone to be the best way to go relating to discovering respectable long-term lodging. This can be a enjoyable a part of Austin with quick access to town middle.
5. Zilker
Zilker needs to 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 linked 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.
The right way to Discover Lodging in Austin
For those who 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 presents 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 positioning.
2. Airbnb: One other dependable software, Airbnb can 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 straight with hosts about reductions for longer stays.
3. TrustedHousesitters.com: The most important home sitting platform round, Trusted Housesitters commonly has hundreds of listings accepting purposes 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 take a look at Fb teams similar to Austin Room Mate. Non-public owners commonly supply 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 just a little 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 mean, a hearty meal at a good BBQ joint will price round $15-$18pp.
I used to be comfortable to search out my outdated pal Aldi in Austin. The funds 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 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 residence 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, funds 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 supply reasonably priced charges for traversing town, state, and additional afield.
Uber continues to be a really reasonably priced choice 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 below $3 a gallon.
SIM Playing cards and Information
Getting a SIM card within the US is just a little trickier than in another nations however not not possible or overly costly for guests. Sadly, it’s not potential to simply decide up a SIM at Walmart and pop it in your cellphone, belief me I realized this the exhausting manner.
I counsel heading to a cellphone retailer similar to T-Cellular and buying a SIM in individual, 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 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 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 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.
- Comfortable Hours: Many bars and eating places supply nice comfortable hour offers. Right here’s an amazing web site to assist discover the perfect offers.
- Airbnb Reductions: Hosts usually supply massive reductions for longer stays – the largest reductions often come at precisely 28 days.
- Go to Free Points of interest: There are lots of free outside spare time activities to take pleasure in across the metropolis similar to Woman Fowl Lake.
- Use Public Transport: Austin’s Capmetro system is an reasonably priced and dependable solution to get across the metropolis.
- Dine at Meals Vehicles: There are a great deal of wonderful meals vehicles in Austin, so scrumptious doesn’t need to 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 house 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 targeted ambiance 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, working a enterprise, or simply want a change of surroundings, WeWork supplies every thing 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 house, Widespread Desk is a good choice for critical freelancers looking for an amazing sizzling desking expertise.
Costs are as little as $30/day when you can persuade a further 2 associates, staff, or fellow digital nomads to come back 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!
Finest 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 preferred place for distant staff due to its welcoming and spacious ambiance and dependable WiFi. The minimalist decor and reasonably priced menu make it straightforward to focus whereas sipping on expertly brewed espresso.
- Mozarts Espresso Roasters: Set alongside Lake Austin, Mozart’s Espresso Roasters presents breathtaking views. Its sturdy WiFi and ample energy retailers 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 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 here are my high recommendations:
1. Guided Stay Music Downtown Pub Crawl
There are lots of wonderful bars downtown, however head out with a neighborhood brimming with data of the scene and revel in among the greatest Sixth Road 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 Fowl Lake
I’ve already talked about Woman Fowl Lake a couple of occasions because it’s a ravishing and tranquil spot that feels one million miles away from the busy metropolis. It’s straightforward to get to and is the proper spot for climbing, biking, and outside pursuits. Or you may simply go to sit back out!
I extremely advocate you attempt 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 sizzling 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 stay music venues, and revel in a candy deal with from one of many metropolis’s widespread meals vehicles 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 at the moment.
Climate in Austin
Austin’s climate is famously heat, with August averages of 97°F. Sunny days dominate, making outside actions widespread year-round. Spring and fall carry milder temperatures, good 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 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 Dwelling in Austin
Like every metropolis, Austin presents 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 residence to Tesla amongst quite a few different giant firms. There are rising alternatives in areas similar to know-how, healthcare, and inventive arts.
- Full of life Social Scene: From stay music and world-class comedy reveals to meals festivals and brewery excursions, there’s all the time one thing thrilling taking place to maintain issues enjoyable.
- Outside Way of life: With parks, lakes, and climbing trails, Austin is a perfect metropolis for outside fanatics 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 various eating choices to fulfill each style and funds.
- Yr-Spherical Local weather: Day by day common temperatures not often drop beneath 62°F in the course of 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.
- Visitors Points: Subsequently, this speedy progress has led to congested roads. There was lots of street work and growth taking place 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 autos 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 supply a selected 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, 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 partaking in employment or important distant work whereas on a vacationer visa or below the VWP could violate US immigration legislation. Due to this fact, 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 received 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 in depth 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!
