It had been on my list for a while, but I just finished a fantastic month living in Austin, Texas. The state capital lived up to all my hopes and expectations and is a city I’ll return to as soon as possible.
House sitting for the duration of my stay allowed me to fully get my feet under the table as an Austin digital nomad. There are plenty of excellent facilities for remote workers, all complemented by one of the best social scenes I’ve come across in the USA.
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About Austin, Texas
Austin is the 4th largest city in the state and the 11th most populous in the USA. It’s a huge metropolis that maintains a small city feel with lots of traditional charm and a host of welcoming locals.
Austin labels itself as 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 perfect city to pair outdoor adventures with incredible food – one of my favorite ways to spend a day here is by hiking along the trails of Barton Creek, cooling off with a visit to Lake Travis, and then diving into some legendary Texas barbecue at Terry Black’s.
Digital Nomad in Austin: Personal Experience
I thoroughly enjoyed being a digital nomad in Austin. I’ve spent the last three years traveling full-time, and it’s high up on the list of great cities I’ve visited and worked remotely from.
I like places that offer a complete blend of comfortable and reliable facilities, fun places to blow off steam, and the chance to get out into the great outdoors. Austin ticked all of these boxes for me.
Although I was house sitting during my stay and had a beautiful home to work from, I’ve always found I’m motivated by changing up my scenery and working from different cafes, coworking spaces, and libraries. Austin was ideal for this.
Balancing work and life while traveling is one of the biggest challenges digital nomads face. I found the pace of Austin suited my workload while offering plenty of fun social opportunities and healthy recreational pursuits.
Is Austin Safe?
Austin is generally a safe city for visitors, with family-friendly neighborhoods and a welcoming atmosphere. However, like any city, staying aware of your surroundings is key. Stick to well-lit areas at night and avoid isolated spots.
Downtown Austin is lively and popular, but petty crimes such as pickpocketing can happen. Keep your belongings secure, especially around Sixth Street at night. It gets pretty rowdy around here on weekends.
Austin’s parks and trails are beautiful, but be mindful of wildlife and carry plenty of water. It gets hot and there are plenty of creatures in Texas that can bite you! So avoid hiking alone late in the day and during peak hot and dry spells.
Best Areas to Live in Austin
Austin is a big city, but an amazingly well-connected one too. Here are a few great areas to consider basing yourself in that offer their own charm while keeping you in touch with all of Austin’s best attractions.
1. Downtown Austin
Living in Downtown Austin puts you at the center of the city’s energy, with countless bars, restaurants, and live music venues. I loved the walkable lifestyle of Downtown, with attractions including Lady Bird Lake and Sixth Street all within easy reach.
Accommodation can be pricey, but the convenience and access to entertainment make it worth it. High-rise apartments and hotels dominate the area, many offering spectacular views. Downtown is perfect for anyone who thrives in the excitement of urban areas.
2. South Congress (SoCo)
South Congress is one of the city’s trendiest and most iconic neighborhoods. Life in Austin feels authentic in SoCo, where quirky meets cool. You’ll enjoy an eclectic mixture of shops, diverse food trucks, breweries, and live music while staying here.
The area appeals to a diverse group of residents with more affordable housing, hotels, and Airbnbs. The streets are usually bustling around SoCo but there’s also a strong sense of community. It would suit those seeking a fun yet neighborly vibe.
3. Pflugerville
Pflugerville is just 20 minutes from Downtown and offers a quieter suburban lifestyle with easy access to Austin’s attractions. This is precisely where I spent a month house sitting and I enjoyed the welcoming community and peaceful atmosphere.
There are excellent parks and trails, plus convenient shopping, cool bars, restaurants, and cafes which make it a comfortable place to base yourself. If you’re interested in house sitting in Austin, check out my previous article: Everything You Need to Know About House Sitting.
4. East Austin
East Austin is a rapidly evolving neighborhood with a blend of historic charm and modern developments. Known for its street art, trendy coffee shops, and diverse cuisine, this area highlights the creative side of Austin.
With fewer high-end hotels compared to the central parts of the city, rental apartments or house sitting opportunities are likely to be the way to go when it comes to finding decent long-term accommodation. This is a fun part of Austin with easy access to the city center.
5. Zilker
Zilker should be a top consideration for nature enthusiasts and families, thanks to its proximity to Zilker Park and Barton Springs. Living here means being more connected to nature as these are both lush green spaces with ample outdoor activities.
The neighborhood is primarily residential but caters to a wide range of budgets. It’s easy to the best of both worlds in Zilker – a peaceful retreat close to the city’s excitement.
How to Find Accommodation in Austin
If you plan to be a digital nomad living in Austin here are the top 4 ways to find accommodation in the city.
1. Booking.com: The long-term traveler’s best friend, Booking.com offers booking without pre-payment, cancellation at late notice, and the best prices around. It’s not just hotels, there’s a full range of Austin accommodation options on the site.
2. Airbnb: Another reliable tool, Airbnb will be handy for anyone wanting to stay in more suburban areas of Austin. Try to hit 7-day or 28-day stay markers to secure huge discounts and always enquire directly with hosts about reductions for longer stays.
3. TrustedHousesitters.com: The biggest house sitting platform around, Trusted Housesitters regularly has thousands of listings accepting applications globally. It’s how I secured a month of free accommodation in Austin.
4. Facebook Groups: If you’re planning a longer stay in the city check out Facebook groups such as Austin Room Mate. Private homeowners regularly offer sublets, spare rooms, and affordable but flexible accommodation options.
Cost of Living in Austin
Returning to the US after a few years traveling around Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand I was a little concerned about the pending cost of living in Austin. But I was pleasantly surprised. Here’s the breakdown.
Restaurants and Groceries
You’ll find a full spectrum of dining possibilities in Austin, from super high-end restaurants to budget-friendly fast food. As an average, a hearty meal at a reputable BBQ joint will cost around $15-$18pp.
I was happy to find my old friend Aldi in Austin. The budget supermarket was my go-to when living back in England and I always enjoy its familiarity and low prices. There’s a broad range of supermarkets in Austin, from Walmart to H-E-B.
Prices vary significantly from store to store and although prices have crept up in recent years, meat is routinely quite affordable – 1lb of chicken for under $5, and eggs for $3-$4 a dozen. Shop around and keep an eye out for clearance and sale items.
Accommodation Costs
Living in Austin is not cheap. Expect to pay $2k/month and above for a central apartment before monthly utilities of around $300. Staying outside of the city center can reduce your costs to a more reasonable figure of $1500/month.
Airbnbs with month-stay discounts, budget hotel/motel stays, and house sitting placements are great ideas for reducing your accommodation expenses as a digital nomad in Austin.
Transportation Costs in Austin
Austin is serviced by a well-connected and efficient public transport service that costs as little as $2.50 a ride. For longer journeys Greyhound and Flix Bus offer affordable rates for traversing the city, state, and further afield.
Uber is still a very affordable option if you choose to stay outside of the city but want regular access. The 20-minute ride from Pflugerville to Sixth Street usually cost me less than $20. Gasoline is pretty cheap too at under $3 a gallon.
SIM Cards and Data
Getting a SIM card in the US is a little trickier than in some other countries but not impossible or overly expensive for visitors. Unfortunately, it’s not possible to just pick up a SIM at Walmart and pop it in your phone, trust me I learned this the hard way.
I advise heading to a phone store such as T-Mobile and purchasing a SIM in person, where it will be activated then and there. I picked up 2 GB of data for $10/month. There was supposed to be a $25 activation fee but for some reason, the system let me off – bonus!
You’ll find a full range of data, calls, and message bundles to suit your needs. Most places in Austin have decent WiFi so I always opt for the lowest cost and most flexible data plan, which usually starts at around $10/month.
Money Saving Tips for Austin
Here are a few of my top tips for saving money while living as a digital nomad in Austin:
- Find a House Sit: Avoid paying any accommodation costs by securing a house sit in Austin. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
- Happy Hours: Many bars and restaurants offer great happy hour deals. Here’s a great website to help find the best deals.
- Airbnb Discounts: Hosts often offer big discounts for longer stays – the biggest discounts usually come at exactly 28 days.
- Visit Free Attractions: There are many free outdoor leisure pursuits to enjoy around the city such as Lady Bird Lake.
- Use Public Transport: Austin’s Capmetro system is an affordable and reliable way to get around the city.
- Dine at Food Trucks: There are loads of excellent food trucks in Austin, so delicious doesn’t have to mean expensive.
Coworking Spaces and WiFi Speed in Austin
Working remotely in Austin is easy with several fantastic dedicated coworking spaces. Here are a couple I tried out during my stay in the city:
1. WeWork
WeWork is an excellent coworking space for professionals needing a productive environment. There are 7 locations across the city and for $47 a day, you get fast WiFi, comfortable workstations, and a focused atmosphere perfect for tackling tasks.
The amenities at WeWork include unlimited coffee, stylish lounges, and private booths for calls or virtual meetings. Whether you’re freelancing, running a business, or just need a change of scenery, WeWork provides everything you need.
2. Common Desk
Offering a slightly cheaper alternative in Austin city center while maintaining all the perks and professional quality of a coworking space, Common Desk is a great option for serious freelancers seeking a great hot desking experience.
Prices are as low as $30/day if you can persuade an additional 2 friends, employees, or fellow digital nomads to come along for the day. With a membership, 8 individual day passes cost just $150, for students, it’s as low as $50 a month!
Best Cafes to Work From in Austin
If a more casual approach to remote working is what you are after, Austin’s cafe scene has you covered. I’ll start you off with a couple of my favorite spots:
- Houndstooth Coffee: A popular place for remote workers because of its welcoming and spacious atmosphere and reliable WiFi. The minimalist decor and affordable menu make it easy to focus while sipping on expertly brewed coffee.
- Mozarts Coffee Roasters: Set along Lake Austin, Mozart’s Coffee Roasters offers breathtaking views. Its strong WiFi and ample power outlets make it laptop-friendly, while the lakeside setting adds a relaxing touch while working.
- The Meteor: The Meteor uniquely blends coffee, wine, and a bike shop – its tagline is ‘Espresso, Champagne, Chain Lube’. Its large tables, fast WiFi, and excellent coffee make it perfect for focused work sessions.
Activities and Things to Do in Austin
Enough about where to work, let’s talk about where to spend your free time in Austin. It’s a fun city that will easily keep you occupied when not on the laptop. For a full itinerary read – 15 Best Things To Do in Austin, but here are my top suggestions:
1. Guided Live Music Downtown Pub Crawl
There are a lot of excellent bars downtown, but head out with a local brimming with knowledge of the scene and enjoy some of the best Sixth Street has to offer. This is a great way to quickly familiarize yourself with Austin’s nightlife – learn more here.
2. Get Out on Lady Bird Lake
I’ve already mentioned Lady Bird Lake a few times as it’s a beautiful and tranquil spot that feels a million miles away from the busy city. It’s easy to get to and is the perfect spot for hiking, biking, and outdoor pursuits. Or you can just go to chill out!
I highly recommend you try and get out on the water. The calm lake is great for kayaking, and you can rack up some serious distance. Click here to pre-book kayaks with the same company I did. They were reliable, helpful, and offered the best prices.
3. See the Best of Austin – Driven Tour
If walking tours aren’t your thing, then let Austin come to you with a guided-driven tour around all the main sights of the city. It gets hot so you’ll enjoy the comfort of a door-to-door service in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle.
Tick off the Texas Capital Building, famous street art, parks, and live music venues, and enjoy a sweet treat from one of the city’s popular food trucks in a 2-hour small group tour. Click here to learn more.
4. City Escape BBQ and Wine Tour
Escape the city to enjoy legendary Texas flavors at Salt Lick BBQ. Afterward, explore the scenic countryside and visit two award-winning wineries for delicious local wine tastings. Transfers are included too – click here to book your countryside adventure today.
Weather in Austin
Austin’s weather is famously warm, with August averages of 97°F. Sunny days dominate, making outdoor activities popular year-round. Spring and fall bring milder temperatures, perfect for festivals and exploring nature.
Winters in Austin are mild and I enjoyed plenty of beer garden weather during my November stay. Average highs hit 62°F but the nights are cooler. It’s a comfortable season for enjoying the city’s many parks and trails.
Rainfall is moderate, with May and June typically being the wettest months. I witnessed a couple of epic thunderstorms which are known to occasionally roll through. Despite this, Austin enjoys more sunny days than cloudy ones.
Pros and Cons of Living in Austin
Like any city, Austin offers unique opportunities and challenges that make living here an exciting yet nuanced experience. Here’s what I learned during my stay:
Pros of Living in Austin
- Thriving Job Market: Austin is a tech and business hub, it’s home to Tesla among numerous other large corporations. There are growing opportunities in areas such as technology, healthcare, and creative arts.
- Lively Social Scene: From live music and world-class comedy shows to food festivals and brewery tours, there’s always something exciting happening to keep things fun.
- Outdoor Lifestyle: With parks, lakes, and hiking trails, Austin is an ideal city for outdoor enthusiasts with year-round possibilities.
- The Food: I can attest to the city’s incredible food scene. There are sensational barbecue restaurants, affordable yet exquisite food trucks, and diverse dining options to satisfy every taste and budget.
- Year-Round Climate: Daily average temperatures rarely drop below 62°F during the winter and rainfall is moderate. It’s the ideal city for those, like me, who dislike the cold.
Cons of Living in Austin
- Rising Cost of Living: Housing and rental prices have surged in recent years, making affordability a growing concern for many.
- Traffic Issues: Subsequently, this rapid growth has led to congested roads. There was a lot of road work and development happening during my stay.
- Intense Summers: Temperatures often soar above 100°F, which can make living in Austin uncomfortable.
- Crazy Nightlife: On weekend nights, Sixth Street closes to vehicles and becomes a pretty wild party scene. It’s not for the faint-hearted.
Digital Nomad Visa for Austin
The US doesn’t currently offer a specific digital nomad visa. However, remote workers can explore other visa options to stay in Austin. The B-1 Business Visa allows temporary stays for business purposes, but it’s essential to understand its limitations.
The Visa Waiver Program permits citizens of participating countries, including the UK, to stay in the US for up to 90 days without a visa. Canadian citizens generally do not require a visa for tourism or business visits and can stay for up to six months.
It’s crucial to note that engaging in employment or significant remote work while on a tourist visa or under the VWP may violate US immigration law. Therefore, individuals planning to work remotely from Austin should consult with an immigration attorney.
In Conclusion
I hope my digital nomad guide to Austin has given you a taste of what to expect from a remote working stay in the city. I am so happy I got to tick it off my travel wish list, and I’ll certainly be back in Texas before too long.
Whether your focus is dedicated workspaces, exploring an extensive cafe culture, or embracing an epic nightlife scene, living in Austin as a digital nomad will present you with all the opportunities you require. Have fun!
