It had been on my record for some time, however I simply completed a incredible 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 potential.
Home sitting throughout my keep allowed me to completely get my toes beneath the desk as an Austin digital nomad. There are many glorious amenities 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 numerous conventional allure and a number of welcoming locals.
Austin labels itself because the ‘Dwell 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 in recent times since Joe Rogan opened The Comedy Mothership.
It’s the right metropolis to pair outside adventures with unbelievable meals – considered one of my favourite methods to spend a day right here is by climbing 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 provide an entire mix of comfy and dependable amenities, enjoyable locations to blow off steam, and the possibility to get out into the good outside. Austin ticked all of those bins for me.
Though I used to be home sitting throughout my keep and had a stupendous house to work from, I’ve at all times discovered I’m motivated by altering up my surroundings and dealing from totally different cafes, coworking areas, and libraries. Austin was excellent 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 Secure?
Austin is typically a secure metropolis for guests, with family-friendly neighborhoods and a welcoming environment. Nevertheless, like all metropolis, staying conscious of your environment is vital. Persist with well-lit areas at evening and keep away from remoted spots.
Downtown Austin is full of life and common, however petty crimes equivalent to pickpocketing can occur. Preserve 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 climbing alone late within the day and through peak scorching and dry spells.
Finest Areas to Dwell in Austin
Austin is a giant metropolis, however an amazingly well-connected one too. Listed here are a number of nice areas to think about basing your self in that provide their very own allure whereas retaining you in contact with all of Austin’s greatest sights.
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 way of life of Downtown, with sights together with Woman Hen Lake and Sixth Avenue all inside straightforward attain.
Lodging will be dear, however the comfort and entry to leisure make it value it. Excessive-rise flats and resorts dominate the realm, 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, various meals vans, breweries, and dwell music whereas staying right here.
The realm appeals to a various group of residents with extra inexpensive housing, resorts, and Airbnbs. The streets are normally bustling round SoCo however there’s additionally a robust sense of group. It will swimsuit these looking for a enjoyable but neighborly vibe.
3. Pflugerville
Pflugerville is simply 20 minutes from Downtown and gives a quieter suburban way of life with quick access 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 procuring, cool bars, eating places, and cafes which make it a snug place to base your self. For those who’re thinking about home sitting in Austin, take a look at my earlier article: The whole lot You Have to Know About Home Sitting.
4. East Austin
East Austin is a quickly evolving neighborhood with a mix of historic allure and fashionable developments. Identified for its avenue artwork, fashionable espresso retailers, and various delicacies, this space highlights the inventive facet of Austin.
With fewer high-end resorts in comparison with the central elements of the town, rental flats or home sitting alternatives are prone to be the best way to go in relation to discovering respectable long-term lodging. It is a enjoyable a part of Austin with quick access to the town middle.
5. Zilker
Zilker ought to be a prime consideration for nature fans and households, because of 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 the most effective of each worlds in Zilker – a peaceable retreat near the town’s pleasure.
How you can Discover Lodging in Austin
For those who plan to be a digital nomad residing 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 pal, Reserving.com gives reserving with out pre-payment, cancellation at late discover, and the most effective costs round. It’s not simply resorts, there’s a full vary of Austin lodging choices on the location.
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 big reductions and at all times enquire immediately with hosts about reductions for longer stays.
3. TrustedHousesitters.com: The most important home sitting platform round, Trusted Housesitters repeatedly has hundreds of listings accepting functions 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 equivalent to Austin Room Mate. Non-public owners repeatedly supply sublets, spare rooms, and inexpensive however versatile lodging choices.
Price of Dwelling in Austin
Returning to the US after a number of years touring round Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand I used to be just a little involved in regards to the pending price of residing in Austin. However I used to be pleasantly shocked. 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 pleased to search out my previous pal Aldi in Austin. The funds grocery store was my go-to when residing 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 fluctuate considerably from retailer to retailer and though costs have crept up in recent times, meat is routinely fairly inexpensive – 1lb of hen for beneath $5, and eggs for $3-$4 a dozen. Store round and maintain a watch out for clearance and sale objects.
Lodging Prices
Dwelling in Austin just isn’t low cost. Count on 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 scale back your prices to a extra affordable determine of $1500/month.
Airbnbs with month-stay reductions, funds resort/motel stays, and home sitting placements are nice concepts for lowering 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 supply inexpensive charges for traversing the town, state, and additional afield.
Uber continues to be a really inexpensive possibility for those who select to remain outdoors of the town however need common entry. The 20-minute trip from Pflugerville to Sixth Avenue normally price 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 just a little trickier than in another international locations however not not possible or overly costly for guests. Sadly, it’s not potential to simply decide up a SIM at Walmart and pop it in your cellphone, belief me I discovered this the arduous manner.
I counsel heading to a cellphone retailer equivalent 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 information for $10/month. There was purported to be a $25 activation payment however for some motive, the system let me off – bonus!
You’ll discover a full vary of information, calls, and message bundles to fit your wants. Most locations in Austin have respectable WiFi so I at all times go for the bottom price and most versatile information plan, which normally begins at round $10/month.
Cash Saving Ideas for Austin
Listed here are a number of of my prime ideas 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 supply nice pleased hour offers. Right here’s a fantastic web site to assist discover the most effective offers.
- Airbnb Reductions: Hosts usually supply large reductions for longer stays – the largest reductions normally come at precisely 28 days.
- Go to Free Points of interest: There are numerous free outside spare time activities to get pleasure from across the metropolis equivalent to Woman Hen Lake.
- Use Public Transport: Austin’s Capmetro system is an inexpensive and dependable method to get across the metropolis.
- Dine at Meals Vehicles: There are a great deal of glorious meals vans in Austin, so scrumptious doesn’t should imply costly.
Coworking Areas and WiFi Velocity in Austin
Working remotely in Austin is straightforward 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 wonderful 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 environment excellent 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 gives the whole lot 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 possibility for critical freelancers looking for a fantastic scorching desking expertise.
Costs are as little as $30/day for those who can persuade a further 2 buddies, workers, or fellow digital nomads to come back alongside for the day. With a membership, 8 particular person day passes price simply $150, for college kids, it’s as little as $50 a month!
Finest Cafes to Work From in Austin
If a extra informal strategy to distant working is what you might be after, Austin’s cafe scene has you lined. I’ll begin you off with a few my favourite spots:
- Houndstooth Espresso: A preferred place for distant staff 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 gives breathtaking views. Its robust WiFi and ample energy shops 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 excellent for targeted 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 can simply maintain 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 prime strategies:
1. Guided Dwell Music Downtown Pub Crawl
There are loads of glorious bars downtown, however head out with an area brimming with data of the scene and luxuriate in a number of the greatest Sixth Avenue has to supply. It is a nice method to rapidly familiarize your self with Austin’s nightlife – be taught extra right here.
2. Get Out on Woman Hen Lake
I’ve already talked about Woman Hen Lake a number of occasions because it’s a stupendous and tranquil spot that feels 1,000,000 miles away from the busy metropolis. It’s straightforward to get to and is the right spot for climbing, biking, and outside pursuits. Or you may simply go to sit back out!
I extremely advocate you try to get out on the water. The calm lake is nice for kayaking, and you’ll 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 supplied 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 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 automobile.
Tick off the Texas Capital Constructing, well-known avenue artwork, parks, and dwell music venues, and luxuriate in a candy deal with from one of many metropolis’s common meals vans in a 2-hour small group tour. Click on right here to be taught 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 e-book your countryside journey as we speak.
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, 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 reasonable, with Could and June usually being the wettest months. I witnessed a few epic thunderstorms that are recognized to often roll by means of. Regardless of this, Austin enjoys extra sunny days than cloudy ones.
Execs 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 discovered throughout my keep:
Execs of Dwelling in Austin
- Thriving Job Market: Austin is a tech and enterprise hub, it’s house to Tesla amongst quite a few different massive companies. There are rising alternatives in areas equivalent to expertise, healthcare, and artistic arts.
- Full of life Social Scene: From dwell music and world-class comedy exhibits to meals festivals and brewery excursions, there’s at all times one thing thrilling taking place to maintain issues enjoyable.
- Out of doors Way of life: With parks, lakes, and climbing trails, Austin is a perfect metropolis for outside fans with year-round prospects.
- The Meals: I can attest to the town’s unbelievable meals scene. There are sensational barbecue eating places, inexpensive but beautiful meals vans, and various eating choices to fulfill each style and funds.
- Yr-Spherical Local weather: Each day common temperatures not often drop beneath 62°F in the course of the winter and rainfall is reasonable. It’s the best metropolis for these, like me, who dislike the chilly.
Cons of Dwelling in Austin
- Rising Price of Dwelling: Housing and rental costs have surged in recent times, making affordability a rising concern for a lot of.
- Visitors Points: Subsequently, this fast development has led to congested roads. There was loads of street work and growth taking place throughout my keep.
- Intense Summers: Temperatures usually soar above 100°F, which may make residing in Austin uncomfortable.
- Loopy Nightlife: On weekend nights, Sixth Avenue closes to autos and turns into a fairly wild get together scene. It’s not for the faint-hearted.
Digital Nomad Visa for Austin
The US doesn’t at the moment supply 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 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 partaking in employment or important distant work whereas on a vacationer visa or beneath the VWP could 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 pleased I received 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, residing in Austin as a digital nomad will current you with all of the alternatives you require. Have enjoyable!