It had been on my listing for some time, however I simply completed a improbable 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 potential.
Home sitting all through my keep allowed me to completely get my toes below the desk as an Austin digital nomad. There are many wonderful services for distant employees, 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 number of conventional attraction and a number of welcoming locals.
Austin labels itself because the ‘Stay Music Capital of the USA‘, and rightly so! There are tons of reside music venues and every day performances within the metropolis. Comedy has taken a stronghold in recent times since Joe Rogan opened The Comedy Mothership.
It’s the excellent 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 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 listing of nice cities I’ve visited and labored remotely from.
I like locations that supply a whole mix of comfy and dependable services, enjoyable locations to blow off steam, and the possibility to get out into the nice 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 at all times discovered I’m motivated by altering up my surroundings and dealing from completely different cafes, coworking areas, and libraries. Austin was ultimate for this.
Balancing work and life whereas touring is likely one of 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 typically a protected metropolis for guests, with family-friendly neighborhoods and a welcoming ambiance. Nonetheless, like several metropolis, staying conscious of your environment is essential. Keep on with well-lit areas at evening and keep away from remoted spots.
Downtown Austin is full of life and fashionable, 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 aware of wildlife and carry loads of water. It will get scorching and there are many creatures in Texas that may chew you! So keep away from mountaineering alone late within the day and through peak scorching and dry spells.
Greatest Areas to Stay in Austin
Austin is a giant metropolis, however an amazingly well-connected one too. Listed here are just a few nice areas to think about basing your self in that supply their very own attraction whereas retaining you in contact with all of Austin’s finest points of interest.
1. Downtown Austin
Residing in Downtown Austin places you on the heart of town’s power, with numerous bars, eating places, and reside music venues. I beloved the walkable way of life of Downtown, with points of interest together with Girl Chook Lake and Sixth Road all inside simple attain.
Lodging will be expensive, however the comfort and entry to leisure make it value it. Excessive-rise residences 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 likely one of 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 reside music whereas staying right here.
The world appeals to a various group of residents with extra reasonably priced housing, motels, and Airbnbs. The streets are often bustling round SoCo however there’s additionally a robust sense of neighborhood. It might go well with these looking for a enjoyable but neighborly vibe.
3. Pflugerville
Pflugerville is simply 20 minutes from Downtown and affords a quieter suburban way of life with easy accessibility 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 buying, cool bars, eating places, and cafes which make it a snug place to base your self. When you’re considering home sitting in Austin, try my earlier article: All the pieces You Have to 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 retailers, and numerous delicacies, this space highlights the artistic aspect of Austin.
With fewer high-end motels in comparison with the central elements of town, rental residences or home sitting alternatives are more likely to be the way in which to go on the subject of discovering respectable long-term lodging. This can be a enjoyable a part of Austin with easy accessibility to 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 outside actions.
The neighborhood is primarily residential however caters to a variety of budgets. It’s simple to the most effective of each worlds in Zilker – a peaceable retreat near town’s pleasure.
How you can Discover Lodging in Austin
When you plan to be a digital nomad dwelling in Austin listed below are the highest 4 methods to seek out lodging within the metropolis.
1. Reserving.com: The long-term traveler’s finest buddy, Reserving.com affords reserving with out pre-payment, cancellation at late discover, and the most effective costs round. It’s not simply motels, there’s a full vary of Austin lodging choices on the positioning.
2. Airbnb: One other dependable instrument, Airbnb can be helpful 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 at all times enquire immediately with hosts about reductions for longer stays.
3. TrustedHousesitters.com: The largest home sitting platform round, Trusted Housesitters often has hundreds of listings accepting functions globally. It’s how I secured a month of free lodging in Austin.
4. Fb Teams: When you’re planning an extended keep within the metropolis try Fb teams similar to Austin Room Mate. Non-public householders often supply sublets, spare rooms, and reasonably priced however versatile lodging choices.
Value of Residing in Austin
Returning to the US after just a few years touring round Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand I used to be a little bit involved concerning 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 median, a hearty meal at a good BBQ joint will value round $15-$18pp.
I used to be pleased to seek out my previous buddy Aldi in Austin. The finances grocery store was my go-to when dwelling again in England and I at all times get pleasure from its familiarity and low costs. There’s a broad vary of supermarkets in Austin, from Walmart to H-E-B.
Costs range considerably from retailer to retailer and though costs have crept up in recent times, meat is routinely fairly reasonably priced – 1lb of rooster for below $5, and eggs for $3-$4 a dozen. Store round and maintain a watch out for clearance and sale objects.
Lodging Prices
Residing in Austin isn’t low cost. Count on to pay $2k/month and above for a central condominium earlier than month-to-month utilities of round $300. Staying exterior of town heart 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 experience. For longer journeys Greyhound and Flix Bus supply reasonably priced charges for traversing town, state, and additional afield.
Uber remains to be a really reasonably priced possibility in case you select to remain exterior of town however need common entry. The 20-minute experience from Pflugerville to Sixth Road often value me lower than $20. Gasoline is fairly low cost too at below $3 a gallon.
SIM Playing cards and Knowledge
Getting a SIM card within the US is a little bit trickier than in another international locations however not inconceivable or overly costly for guests. Sadly, it’s not potential to simply decide up a SIM at Walmart and pop it in your telephone, belief me I realized this the arduous method.
I counsel heading to a telephone retailer similar to T-Cellular 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 presupposed 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 at all times 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 just a few 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.
- Completely satisfied Hours: Many bars and eating places supply nice pleased hour offers. Right here’s an incredible web site to assist discover the most effective offers.
- Airbnb Reductions: Hosts typically supply massive reductions for longer stays – the most important reductions often come at precisely 28 days.
- Go to Free Sights: There are a lot of free outside spare time activities to get pleasure from across the metropolis similar to Girl Chook Lake.
- Use Public Transport: Austin’s Capmetro system is an reasonably priced and dependable method to get across the metropolis.
- Dine at Meals Vans: There are a great deal of wonderful meals vehicles in Austin, so scrumptious doesn’t should imply costly.
Coworking Areas and WiFi Velocity in Austin
Working remotely in Austin is simple with a number of improbable devoted coworking areas. Listed here are a pair I attempted out throughout my keep within the metropolis:
1. WeWork
WeWork is a superb coworking area 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 centered ambiance 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 every little thing you want.
2. Frequent Desk
Providing a barely cheaper various in Austin metropolis heart whereas sustaining all of the perks {and professional} high quality of a coworking area, Frequent Desk is a superb possibility for severe freelancers looking for an incredible scorching desking expertise.
Costs are as little as $30/day in case you can persuade a further 2 mates, workers, or fellow digital nomads to come back 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!
Greatest 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 preferred place for distant employees due to its welcoming and spacious ambiance and dependable WiFi. The minimalist decor and reasonably priced menu make it simple to focus whereas sipping on expertly brewed espresso.
- Mozarts Espresso Roasters: Set alongside Lake Austin, Mozart’s Espresso Roasters affords 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 motorbike store – its tagline is ‘Espresso, Champagne, Chain Lube’. Its giant tables, quick WiFi, and wonderful espresso make it excellent for centered work periods.
Actions and Issues to Do in Austin
Sufficient about the place to work, let’s discuss the place to spend your free time in Austin. It’s a enjoyable metropolis that can simply maintain you occupied when not on the laptop computer. For a full itinerary learn – 15 Greatest Issues To Do in Austin, however listed below are my high strategies:
1. Guided Stay Music Downtown Pub Crawl
There are lots of wonderful bars downtown, however head out with an area brimming with data of the scene and luxuriate in a few of the finest Sixth Road has to supply. This can be a nice method to rapidly familiarize your self with Austin’s nightlife – study extra right here.
2. Get Out on Girl Chook Lake
I’ve already talked about Girl Chook Lake just a few occasions because it’s a ravishing and tranquil spot that feels 1,000,000 miles away from the busy metropolis. It’s simple to get to and is the right spot for mountaineering, biking, and outside pursuits. Or you possibly can simply go to sit back out!
I extremely suggest you try 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 provided the most effective 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 scorching so that you’ll benefit from the consolation of a door-to-door service in a snug air-conditioned automobile.
Tick off the Texas Capital Constructing, well-known road artwork, parks, and reside music venues, and luxuriate in a candy deal with from one of many metropolis’s fashionable 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 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 fashionable year-round. Spring and fall convey milder temperatures, excellent 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 usually 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 affords distinctive alternatives and challenges that make dwelling right here an thrilling but nuanced expertise. Right here’s what I realized 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 similar to expertise, healthcare, and inventive arts.
- Energetic Social Scene: From reside music and world-class comedy exhibits to meals festivals and brewery excursions, there’s at all times one thing thrilling occurring to maintain issues enjoyable.
- Out of doors Way of life: With parks, lakes, and mountaineering trails, Austin is a perfect metropolis for outside fanatics with year-round prospects.
- The Meals: I can attest to 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 hardly ever drop beneath 62°F in the course of the winter and rainfall is reasonable. It’s the perfect metropolis for these, like me, who dislike the chilly.
Cons of Residing in Austin
- Rising Value of Residing: Housing and rental costs have surged in recent times, making affordability a rising concern for a lot of.
- Site visitors Points: Subsequently, this speedy progress has led to congested roads. There was lots of highway work and improvement occurring throughout my keep.
- Intense Summers: Temperatures typically soar above 100°F, which may make dwelling 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 at present supply a selected digital nomad visa. Nonetheless, distant employees can discover different visa choices to remain in Austin. The B-1 Enterprise Visa permits short-term stays for enterprise functions, nevertheless 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 no visa. Canadian residents typically 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 below the VWP might violate US immigration regulation. 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 pleased I acquired to tick it off my journey want listing, 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, dwelling in Austin as a digital nomad will current you with all of the alternatives you require. Have enjoyable!Â
