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 in the course of my keep allowed me to completely get my ft beneath the desk as an Austin digital nomad. There are many glorious 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 numerous conventional appeal and a number of welcoming locals.
Austin labels itself because the ‘Reside 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 lately since Joe Rogan opened The Comedy Mothership.
It’s the proper metropolis to pair out of doors adventures with unimaginable meals – one in all 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 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 supply an entire mix of comfy and dependable services, enjoyable locations to blow off steam, and the prospect to get out into the nice outdoor. Austin ticked all of those bins for me.
Though I used to be home sitting throughout my keep and had a good looking residence to work from, I’ve all the time discovered I’m motivated by altering up my surroundings and dealing from totally different cafes, coworking areas, and libraries. Austin was perfect for this.
Balancing work and life whereas touring is among 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 Protected?
Austin is usually a secure metropolis for guests, with family-friendly neighborhoods and a welcoming environment. Nonetheless, like all metropolis, staying conscious of your environment is vital. Follow well-lit areas at evening and keep away from remoted spots.
Downtown Austin is energetic and standard, however petty crimes akin to pickpocketing can occur. Hold 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 aware of wildlife and carry loads of water. It will get scorching and there are many creatures in Texas that may chunk you! So keep away from mountaineering alone late within the day and through peak scorching and dry spells.
Finest Areas to Reside in Austin
Austin is an enormous metropolis, however an amazingly well-connected one too. Listed here are a number of nice areas to think about basing your self in that supply their very own appeal whereas maintaining you in contact with all of Austin’s greatest sights.
1. Downtown Austin
Residing in Downtown Austin places you on the heart of the town’s power, with numerous bars, eating places, and stay music venues. I cherished the walkable life-style of Downtown, with sights together with Girl Chicken Lake and Sixth Avenue all inside straightforward attain.
Lodging may be expensive, however the comfort and entry to leisure make it price it. Excessive-rise flats and motels 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 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 outlets, numerous meals vehicles, breweries, and stay music whereas staying right here.
The realm appeals to a various group of residents with extra inexpensive housing, motels, and Airbnbs. The streets are often bustling round SoCo however there’s additionally a robust sense of group. It might swimsuit these searching for a enjoyable but neighborly vibe.
3. Pflugerville
Pflugerville is simply 20 minutes from Downtown and provides a quieter suburban life-style with easy accessibility to Austin’s sights. That is exactly the place I spent a month home sitting and I loved the welcoming group and peaceable environment.
There are glorious parks and trails, plus handy buying, cool bars, eating places, and cafes which make it a snug place to base your self. For those who’re excited by home sitting in Austin, take a look at my earlier article: The whole lot You Must Know About Home Sitting.
4. East Austin
East Austin is a quickly evolving neighborhood with a mix of historic appeal and trendy developments. Identified for its road artwork, fashionable espresso outlets, and numerous delicacies, this space highlights the inventive aspect of Austin.
With fewer high-end motels in comparison with the central elements of the 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 easy accessibility to the town heart.
5. Zilker
Zilker must be a high consideration for nature fanatics and households, due to its proximity to Zilker Park and Barton Springs. Residing right here means being extra linked 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 the town’s pleasure.
Find out how to Discover Lodging in Austin
For those who plan to be a digital nomad dwelling 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 buddy, Reserving.com provides reserving with out pre-payment, cancellation at late discover, and one of the best costs round. It’s not simply motels, there’s a full vary of Austin lodging choices on the location.
2. Airbnb: One other dependable instrument, 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 enormous reductions and all the time enquire instantly 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 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 akin to 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 number of years touring round Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand I used to be a bit of involved in regards to the pending value 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 value round $15-$18pp.
I used to be comfortable to search out my previous buddy Aldi in Austin. The finances grocery store was my go-to when dwelling again in England and I all the time 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 lately, meat is routinely fairly inexpensive – 1lb of hen for beneath $5, and eggs for $3-$4 a dozen. Store round and preserve a watch out for clearance and sale objects.
Lodging Prices
Residing 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 the town heart can cut back your prices to a extra cheap 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 experience. For longer journeys Greyhound and Flix Bus supply inexpensive charges for traversing the town, state, and additional afield.
Uber continues to be a really inexpensive possibility when you select to remain outdoors of the town however need common entry. The 20-minute experience 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 Information
Getting a SIM card within the US is a bit of trickier than in another international locations however not inconceivable or overly costly for guests. Sadly, it’s not doable to only decide up a SIM at Walmart and pop it in your telephone, belief me I discovered this the exhausting means.
I counsel heading to a telephone retailer akin to T-Cell and buying a SIM in individual, 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 payment 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 first rate 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 here 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.
- Glad Hours: Many bars and eating places supply nice comfortable hour offers. Right here’s an excellent web site to assist discover one of the best offers.
- Airbnb Reductions: Hosts usually supply massive reductions for longer stays – the most important reductions often come at precisely 28 days.
- Go to Free Points of interest: There are a lot of free out of doors spare time activities to get pleasure from across the metropolis akin to Girl Chicken Lake.
- Use Public Transport: Austin’s Capmetro system is an inexpensive and dependable approach to get across the metropolis.
- Dine at Meals Vans: There are a great deal of glorious meals vehicles 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 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 the town and for $47 a day, you get quick WiFi, comfy workstations, and a centered environment 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 supplies all the things you want.
2. Widespread Desk
Providing a barely cheaper various in Austin metropolis heart whereas sustaining all of the perks {and professional} high quality of a coworking house, Widespread Desk is a superb possibility for severe freelancers searching for an excellent scorching desking expertise.
Costs are as little as $30/day when you can persuade an extra 2 buddies, staff, or fellow digital nomads to return 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 coated. 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 provides 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 motorcycle store – its tagline is ‘Espresso, Champagne, Chain Lube’. Its giant tables, quick WiFi, and glorious espresso make it excellent for centered work classes.
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 may 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 Reside Music Downtown Pub Crawl
There are lots of glorious bars downtown, however head out with an area brimming with data of the scene and revel in a few of the greatest Sixth Avenue has to supply. This can be a nice approach to rapidly familiarize your self with Austin’s nightlife – study extra right here.
2. Get Out on Girl Chicken Lake
I’ve already talked about Girl Chicken Lake a number of occasions because it’s a good looking 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 mountaineering, biking, and out of doors pursuits. Or you may simply go to relax out!
I extremely suggest you attempt to get out on the water. The calm lake is nice for kayaking, and you’ll rack up some severe distance. Click on right here to pre-book kayaks with the identical firm I did. They have 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 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 snug air-conditioned car.
Tick off the Texas Capital Constructing, well-known road artwork, parks, and stay music venues, and revel in a candy deal with from one of many metropolis’s standard meals vehicles in a 2-hour small group tour. Click on right here to study extra.
4. Metropolis Escape BBQ and Wine Tour
Escape the 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 guide your countryside journey right this moment.
Climate in Austin
Austin’s climate is famously heat, with August averages of 97°F. Sunny days dominate, making out of doors actions standard 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 snug season for having fun with the town’s many parks and trails.
Rainfall is average, with Could and June sometimes being the wettest months. I witnessed a few epic thunderstorms that are identified to often roll by. Regardless of this, Austin enjoys extra sunny days than cloudy ones.
Execs 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 discovered throughout my keep:
Execs of Residing 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 akin to know-how, healthcare, and inventive arts.
- Energetic 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.
- Out of doors Life-style: With parks, lakes, and mountaineering trails, Austin is a perfect metropolis for out of doors fanatics with year-round prospects.
- The Meals: I can attest to the town’s unimaginable meals scene. There are sensational barbecue eating places, inexpensive but beautiful meals vehicles, and numerous eating choices to fulfill each style and finances.
- Yr-Spherical Local weather: Day by day common temperatures hardly ever drop under 62°F throughout 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 Price of Residing: Housing and rental costs have surged lately, making affordability a rising concern for a lot of.
- Site visitors Points: Subsequently, this fast progress has led to congested roads. There was lots of highway work and improvement taking place throughout my keep.
- Intense Summers: Temperatures usually 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 celebration scene. It’s not for the faint-hearted.
Digital Nomad Visa for Austin
The US doesn’t presently supply a particular digital nomad visa. Nonetheless, distant employees can discover different visa choices to remain in Austin. The B-1 Enterprise Visa permits non permanent stays for enterprise functions, however it’s important to know its limitations.
The Visa Waiver Program permits residents of taking part international locations, together with the UK, to remain within the US for as much as 90 days with out a visa. Canadian residents usually 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 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 comfortable 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!
