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 attainable.
Home sitting in the course of my keep allowed me to completely get my ft underneath the desk as an Austin digital nomad. There are many glorious services for distant staff, all complemented by top-of-the-line 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 attraction and a number of welcoming locals.
Austin labels itself because the ‘Reside Music Capital of the USA‘, and rightly so! There are tons of dwell 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 right metropolis to pair outside adventures with unimaginable meals – considered 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 checklist of nice cities I’ve visited and labored remotely from.
I like locations that provide an entire mix of comfy and dependable services, enjoyable locations to blow off steam, and the possibility 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 an exquisite dwelling 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 best 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 Protected?
Austin is usually a secure metropolis for guests, with family-friendly neighborhoods and a welcoming ambiance. Nevertheless, like several metropolis, staying conscious of your environment is vital. Persist with well-lit areas at evening and keep away from remoted spots.
Downtown Austin is energetic and common, however petty crimes reminiscent of 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 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 mountaineering alone late within the day and through peak sizzling and dry spells.
Greatest Areas to Reside 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 attraction whereas protecting you in contact with all of Austin’s finest points of interest.
1. Downtown Austin
Dwelling in Downtown Austin places you on the middle of the town’s power, with numerous bars, eating places, and dwell music venues. I beloved the walkable life-style of Downtown, with points of interest together with Woman Chook Lake and Sixth Avenue all inside straightforward attain.
Lodging could be expensive, 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 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, numerous meals vehicles, breweries, and dwell music whereas staying right here.
The world 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 powerful 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 gives 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 neighborhood 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. In case you’re thinking about home sitting in Austin, try my earlier article: All the pieces You Must Know About Home Sitting.
4. East Austin
East Austin is a quickly evolving neighborhood with a mix of historic attraction and fashionable developments. Identified for its road artwork, stylish espresso outlets, and numerous delicacies, this space highlights the inventive aspect of Austin.
With fewer high-end lodges in comparison with the central components of the town, rental flats or home sitting alternatives are more likely to be the way in which to go in terms of discovering respectable long-term lodging. It is a enjoyable a part of Austin with quick access to the 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 one of the best of each worlds in Zilker – a peaceable retreat near the town’s pleasure.
Methods to Discover Lodging in Austin
In case you plan to be a digital nomad residing in Austin listed here are the highest 4 methods to seek out lodging within the metropolis.
1. Reserving.com: The long-term traveler’s finest good friend, Reserving.com gives reserving with out pre-payment, cancellation at late discover, and one of the best costs round. It’s not simply lodges, there’s a full vary of Austin lodging choices on the positioning.
2. Airbnb: One other dependable instrument, Airbnb will probably 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 straight with hosts about reductions for longer stays.
3. TrustedHousesitters.com: The most important home sitting platform round, Trusted Housesitters recurrently has 1000’s of listings accepting functions 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 try Fb teams reminiscent of Austin Room Mate. Non-public householders recurrently provide sublets, spare rooms, and reasonably priced however versatile lodging choices.
Value of Dwelling in Austin
Returning to the US after just a few years touring round Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand I used to be slightly 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 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 comfortable to seek out my previous good friend Aldi in Austin. The finances grocery store was my go-to when residing 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 differ considerably from retailer to retailer and though costs have crept up lately, meat is routinely fairly reasonably priced – 1lb of rooster for underneath $5, and eggs for $3-$4 a dozen. Store round and hold an eye fixed out for clearance and sale objects.
Lodging Prices
Dwelling in Austin will not be 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 the 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 trip. 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 in case you select to remain outdoors of the town however need common entry. The 20-minute trip from Pflugerville to Sixth Avenue often price me lower than $20. Gasoline is fairly low cost too at underneath $3 a gallon.
SIM Playing cards and Knowledge
Getting a SIM card within the US is slightly trickier than in another international locations however not unattainable or overly costly for guests. Sadly, it’s not attainable to simply decide up a SIM at Walmart and pop it in your telephone, belief me I realized this the exhausting means.
I counsel heading to a telephone retailer reminiscent of T-Cell and buying a SIM in particular person, the place it will likely be activated then and there. I picked up 2 GB of knowledge for $10/month. There was purported to be a $25 activation charge 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 below are just a few 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 provide nice comfortable hour offers. Right here’s an ideal web site to assist discover one of the best offers.
- Airbnb Reductions: Hosts typically provide large reductions for longer stays – the most important reductions often come at precisely 28 days.
- Go to Free Points of interest: There are lots of free outside spare time activities to get pleasure from across the metropolis reminiscent of Woman Chook 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 glorious meals vehicles in Austin, so scrumptious doesn’t should imply costly.
Coworking Areas and WiFi Pace in Austin
Working remotely in Austin is straightforward with a number of unbelievable devoted coworking areas. Listed below 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 surroundings. There are 7 areas throughout the town and for $47 a day, you get quick WiFi, comfy workstations, and a targeted ambiance good 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, operating a enterprise, or simply want a change of surroundings, WeWork offers every thing you want.
2. Frequent Desk
Providing a barely cheaper various in Austin metropolis middle whereas sustaining all of the perks {and professional} high quality of a coworking house, Frequent Desk is a superb choice for critical freelancers looking for an ideal sizzling desking expertise.
Costs are as little as $30/day in case 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 method to distant working is what you might be 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 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 gives breathtaking views. Its robust 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 massive tables, quick WiFi, and glorious 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 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 high solutions:
1. Guided Reside Music Downtown Pub Crawl
There are a number of glorious bars downtown, however head out with an area brimming with data of the scene and revel in a number of the finest Sixth Avenue has to supply. It is a nice solution to shortly 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 just a few occasions because it’s an exquisite 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 may 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 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 sizzling 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 revel in a candy deal with from one of many metropolis’s common 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 at this time.
Climate in Austin
Austin’s climate is famously heat, with August averages of 97°F. Sunny days dominate, making outside actions common year-round. Spring and fall deliver 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 cushty season for having fun with the town’s many parks and trails.
Rainfall is reasonable, with Might and June usually being the wettest months. I witnessed a few epic thunderstorms that are identified to often roll by way of. Regardless of this, Austin enjoys extra sunny days than cloudy ones.
Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in Austin
Like all metropolis, Austin gives 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 dwelling to Tesla amongst quite a few different massive companies. There are rising alternatives in areas reminiscent of know-how, healthcare, and inventive arts.
- Full of life Social Scene: From dwell music and world-class comedy exhibits to meals festivals and brewery excursions, there’s all the time one thing thrilling occurring to maintain issues enjoyable.
- Out of doors Life-style: With parks, lakes, and mountaineering trails, Austin is a perfect metropolis for outside fanatics with year-round prospects.
- The Meals: I can attest to the town’s unimaginable meals scene. There are sensational barbecue eating places, reasonably priced but beautiful meals vehicles, and numerous eating choices to fulfill each style and finances.
- Yr-Spherical Local weather: Every day common temperatures not often drop beneath 62°F throughout 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 Value of Dwelling: Housing and rental costs have surged lately, making affordability a rising concern for a lot of.
- Site visitors Points: Subsequently, this speedy progress has led to congested roads. There was a number of highway work and growth occurring throughout my keep.
- Intense Summers: Temperatures typically soar above 100°F, which might make residing in Austin uncomfortable.
- Loopy Nightlife: On weekend nights, Sixth Avenue 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 provide a selected digital nomad visa. Nevertheless, distant staff can discover different visa choices to remain in Austin. The B-1 Enterprise Visa permits non permanent stays for enterprise functions, but it surely’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 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 partaking in employment or vital distant work whereas on a vacationer visa or underneath the VWP might violate US immigration legislation. 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 obtained 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 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!
