Moving to Austin, Texas, sounds like a dream for many—imagine tacos on every corner, live music filling the streets, and endless sunshine. But the reality? It’s a bit more complex than that. We moved here expecting all the charm and fun, but instead, we found ourselves navigating 100-degree heat, battling cedar fever, and sitting in traffic jams that stretch for miles every afternoon. If you’re thinking about moving to Austin Texas, there are some crucial things you need to know before making your move. Getting the right expectations upfront can save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration.
We’re Alisha and Matthew Wilson, real estate agents in Austin, and we’ve helped countless people just like you make smart, stress-free moves to this vibrant city. From the traffic to the weather, the culture to the utilities, we’re sharing everything we wish we knew before we moved here so you can hit the ground running and truly enjoy Austin from day one.
Table of Contents
- How Bad Is Austin Traffic? What You Need to Know
- Getting Connected in Your Neighborhood
- Can You Handle the Texas Heat? Austin Weather Tips
- What Makes Austin, TX So Unique? Culture & Lifestyle
- Setting Up Utilities and Internet in Austin TX
- Understanding the Cost of Living in Austin TX
- Healthcare and Medical Services in Austin TX
- The Truth About Austin Allergies (And How to Cope)
- Is Austin the Right Move for You?
- Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Austin Texas
How Bad Is Austin Traffic? What You Need to Know
Let’s get the biggest elephant out of the way first: traffic in Austin is a challenge. It’s not just the infamous Mopac and I-35 corridors that slow you down. You’ll find congestion on South Lamar on a Tuesday afternoon and East Austin at 11 a.m. Traffic jams pop up everywhere, and when there’s a big event like Austin City Limits, South by Southwest, or UT football games, forget about smooth driving anywhere near downtown or even on surrounding side streets.
The spillover effect from these events impacts delivery times, ride-share availability, and your daily commute. Here’s the secret weapon we rely on: the Waze app. It’s a lifesaver for navigating Austin traffic because it crowdsources real-time data and often suggests routes that seem illogical but save loads of time—even if that means taking a dirt road.
Don’t just rely on one navigation app. Google Maps and Apple Maps all calculate traffic differently, so check them all and pick the route that makes the most sense in the moment.
If your job offers hybrid or flexible hours, take advantage of it. Shifting your work hours to avoid the 5 p.m. rush or running errands mid-morning can be a game changer. Trust us, avoiding that rush hour traffic is a lifestyle win you won’t regret.
Getting Connected in Your Neighborhood
Once you’ve mastered the art of getting around, the next step to truly feeling at home in Austin is getting plugged into your neighborhood. Austin is full of friendly, helpful people, and tapping into local networks can make your transition much smoother.
Apps like Nextdoor, neighborhood-specific Facebook groups, and Reddit threads for your zip code or community are gold mines for hyper-local advice. Whether you need recommendations for local service providers, want to sell or give away something quickly, or find out about road closures and lost pets, these platforms have you covered.
For example, we sold our deep freeze fast through Nextdoor and have used the app countless times for helpful tips and community updates. Many neighborhoods also maintain private Facebook groups. These groups are great for everything from finding a reliable babysitter to catching the latest HOA news.
Reddit might surprise you with its brutally honest feedback on neighborhoods. Search your zip code or community name to get real opinions from locals. And don’t underestimate the power of attending local meetups or front yard happy hours. A simple hello can connect you to someone who owns that ladder you desperately need or help you find a dog walker or babysitter.
People here are genuinely friendly and willing to lend tools, answer questions, and even help you find the best grocery store parking spots—trust us, that’s a real challenge in Austin!
Can You Handle the Texas Heat? Austin Weather Tips
If you’re moving to Austin during the summer, prepare yourself for triple-digit temperatures. Stepping outside can feel like sticking your head in a convection oven. If your air conditioning isn’t performing well, you’re in for a tough time.
One of our top summer survival tips? Change your AC filters monthly. We swear by this simple habit—it keeps the system running efficiently and your home cool.
Blackout curtains are another must-have. Austin’s early sunrises can roast your living room like a rotisserie chicken if you’re not careful. Installing a whole-house fan or programming your thermostat to run early in the morning or late at night can help you save on your electric bill—and keep everyone in the family happy.
The Lawn Game: To Mow or Not To Mow
That beautiful lush green grass you see in real estate photos? It takes dedication. Weekly mowing, regular edging, and watering on a strict schedule (thanks to city water restrictions) are necessary to maintain that look.
And then there are fire ants—the worst little surprise. You might walk barefoot outside to grab your mail, only to find yourself doing an impromptu fire ant dance in the driveway. Treat your yard monthly with bait or granules, especially if you have kids or pets.
If you’d rather spend your weekends relaxing than battling grass and bugs, consider xeriscaping. Gravel beds, yucca, and agave plants create a stunning, low-maintenance landscape that uses less water and lets you skip lawn day without judgment.
What Makes Austin, TX So Unique? Culture & Lifestyle
You can’t live in Austin without embracing the chaos, the live music, the festivals, and the wonderfully weird vibe that defines this city. “Keep Austin Weird” isn’t just a slogan—it’s a way of life.
Before you move in, check the city event calendar. Scheduling a furniture delivery or picking a brunch spot without checking can lead to unexpected surprises, especially on Sundays when things can get wild.
The good news? Tons of events in Austin are free or low cost. You might catch live music in a parking lot, stumble upon a pop-up food truck festival, or wander into an outdoor art market without even planning it.
Look out for disco ball helmets, block parties, and street art that will make you do a double take. These quirks are what make Austin unforgettable.
Pro tip: Sign up for local newsletters like Do512, ATX Today, or your neighborhood email blasts. These are great for getting insider info on cool events before they hit TikTok, keeping you in the loop without the hassle.
Setting Up Utilities and Internet in Austin TX
If you’re moving to Austin proper, you’re in luck. The City of Austin Utilities handles your electric, water, and trash all in one account, making setup pretty straightforward—at least on paper.
However, if you’re headed to the suburbs like Pflugerville, Round Rock, or Manor, prepare for separate providers for electricity, water, and trash. Each city has its own quirks, so don’t assume you can just click and go.
Electricity setup requires special attention. Some providers need a few days’ notice to activate your meter. No one wants to move into a house in the Texas summer without AC or lights.
Internet service is another adventure. Google Fiber, AT&T, Spectrum—they all advertise fast speeds, but actual availability depends on your street. We recommend buying the fastest service possible. Reddit is a great resource for real user reviews that tell you who’s reliable and who will keep you on hold forever.
If you’re adding smart home features, ask your electric provider about a smart meter. It shows real-time usage and can alert you to energy hogs, like a rogue fridge, before your bill skyrockets.
If all of this sounds overwhelming, don’t worry. You can book FREE a consultation with us who will walk you through every step, because the internet doesn’t always know what street you live on.
Understanding the Cost of Living in Austin TX
If you’re holding on to the idea that Texas is cheap, here’s a reality check. Austin’s cost of living is actually about 13% below the national average, which is good news. This includes housing, groceries, transportation, gas, and restaurants.
For those relocating from expensive cities like California, New York, or Seattle, Austin might feel like you just got a raise. For example, rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Austin averages just under $2,250 per month, compared to the national average of $2,430. That’s over $180 a month in savings before factoring in cheaper dinners, gas, and the absence of $20 cocktails.
Utilities and groceries are slightly below average, and gas is nearly 40 cents cheaper per gallon than the national average. So yes, your budget will breathe easier here.
But—and this is important—if you’re moving from other Texas cities like Houston, Dallas, or San Antonio, Austin might feel like an upgrade you didn’t exactly ask for. It’s the same Texas charm but with a premium price tag. Austin’s affordability depends heavily on your starting point.
That’s why moving here blind is a bad idea. We help people figure out where their budget and lifestyle align to avoid the dreaded sticker shock.
Healthcare and Medical Services in Austin TX
Austin boasts top-tier medical care with renowned facilities like St. David’s, Ascension Seton, and Dell Children’s. But here’s the catch: you’ll need to act fast to get on doctors’ schedules. New patient appointments can take 4 to 6 weeks.
As soon as your closing date is set, start calling doctors, dentists, and specialists. For us, having a dentist just three minutes away at our neighborhood entrance in Shadow Glenn is a blessing.
If you’re moving to suburbs like Pflugerville or Dripping Springs, prepare for longer drives—sometimes 20 minutes or more—to access specialists like pediatricians or high-risk care providers.
Don’t forget your pets! Emergency vet clinics fill up fast on weekends, so find your closest 24/7 option and save their number.
Mental health resources are growing in Austin, with many therapists offering telehealth options. Bookmark a few providers early—you’ll thank yourself later. Building your healthcare team before you actually need it is one of the smartest moves you can make.
The Truth About Austin Allergies (And How to Cope)
Austin allergies are no joke. You get a free trial of every airborne irritant: cedar in winter, oak in spring, ragweed in fall. The best advice? Start allergy medications before symptoms hit.
Pick up a neti pot—it’s not glamorous, but it works wonders. Keep windows closed on high pollen days and use apps like pollen.com or Zyrtec Tracker to monitor pollen levels.
One tip from my doctor: if you have pets that sleep in your bed, wash their feet and bodies with a wet towel regularly. Pets can bring allergens into your bed, which makes symptoms worse. Easier said than done, we know.
Hose off cars, patios, and shoes to keep pollen from sneaking into your house. Investing in a HEPA filter for the bedroom makes a big difference. We even purchased unlimited monthly car washes just to combat the pollen buildup.
Is Austin the Right Move for You?
So that’s our “what we wish we knew” list: traffic hacks, community tips, utility setups, weather warnings, allergy strategies, and everything in between. Austin is a city full of life, culture, and opportunity, but it comes with its quirks and challenges.
If you’re planning on moving to Austin Texas, take the time to prepare and get informed. It will save you stress and help you enjoy this amazing city from day one.
We recommend booking a FREE consultation with our team who can walk you through the entire process, help you avoid common pitfalls, and tailor a plan that fits your timeline and lifestyle.
And don’t forget to download a FREE Austin Relocation Guide to get started on your Austin adventure with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Austin Texas
How bad is traffic in Austin Texas?
Traffic in Austin Texas is challenging and widespread, not limited to major highways like Mopac and I-35. Congestion can happen on side streets and at various times of day, especially during big events. Using apps like Waze and adjusting your schedule can help you avoid the worst traffic.
What are some good ways to get connected in Austin neighborhoods?
Utilize apps and platforms like Nextdoor, Facebook neighborhood groups, and Reddit threads for your zip code. Attend local meetups or community events to meet neighbors and find resources like babysitters, dog walkers, and service providers.
How do I prepare for Austin Texas’ heat?
Prepare your air conditioning by changing filters monthly, use blackout curtains to block early sunlight, and consider running your thermostat during cooler parts of the day. Also, consider xeriscaping your yard to reduce maintenance and water use.
What should I know about utilities and internet setup?
In Austin city limits, utilities are bundled through City of Austin Utilities, but suburbs have separate providers. Start utility setup early, especially electricity. Internet availability varies by street, so choose the fastest reliable provider and check user reviews.
Is Austin Texas affordable?
Austin Texas cost of living is about 13% below the national average, which is attractive for people moving from high-cost cities. However, if you’re relocating from other Texas cities, Austin might feel more expensive.
How is healthcare access in Austin Texas?
Austin Texas has excellent healthcare facilities, but new patient appointments can take weeks. Start scheduling as soon as your move date is set. Suburban residents may face longer drives for specialists.
What about allergies in Austin Texas?
Austin Texas has high pollen seasons with cedar, oak, and ragweed allergies. Start allergy meds early, use neti pots, keep windows closed on high pollen days, and wash pets regularly to reduce allergens in your home.
Moving to Austin Texas is an exciting journey filled with opportunities and unique experiences. With the right preparation, you can turn the challenges into advantages and truly enjoy all that this vibrant city has to offer.
