It were on my record for some time, however I simply completed an unbelievable month dwelling in Austin, Texas. The state capital lived as much as all my hopes and expectancies and is a town I’ll go back to once imaginable.
House sitting during my reside allowed me to completely get my toes beneath the desk as an Austin virtual nomad. There are many superb amenities for far flung staff, all complemented through one of the crucial perfect social scenes I’ve come throughout within 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 an enormous city that maintains a small town really feel with numerous conventional attraction and a number of welcoming locals.
Austin labels itself because the ‘Live Music Capital of the USA‘, and rightly so! There are heaps of are living tune venues and day-to-day performances within the town. Comedy has taken a stronghold in recent times since Joe Rogan opened The Comedy Mothership.
It’s the perfect city to pair out of doors adventures with unbelievable meals – one in every of my favourite tactics to spend an afternoon here’s through mountain climbing alongside the paths of Barton Creek, cooling off with a consult with to Lake Travis, after which diving into some mythical Texas fish fry at Terry Black’s.
Virtual Nomad in Austin: Private Revel in
I completely loved being a virtual nomad in Austin. I’ve spent the ultimate 3 years touring full-time, and it’s excessive up at the record of significant towns I’ve visited and worked remotely from.
I really like puts that provide an entire mix of cushty and dependable amenities, amusing puts to blow off steam, and the danger to get out into the good outdoor. Austin ticked all of those bins for me.
Despite the fact that I used to be space sitting all over my reside and had a wonderful house to paintings from, I’ve all the time discovered I’m motivated through converting up my surroundings and dealing from other cafes, coworking areas, and libraries. Austin was once preferrred for this.
Balancing work and life whilst touring is without doubt one of the greatest demanding situations virtual nomads face. I discovered the tempo of Austin suited my workload whilst providing a lot of amusing social alternatives and wholesome leisure interests.
Is Austin Protected?
Austin is generally a safe city for visitors, with family-friendly neighborhoods and a welcoming surroundings. On the other hand, like every town, staying acutely aware of your atmosphere is vital. Stick with well-lit spaces at night time and keep away from remoted spots.
Downtown Austin is full of life and well-liked, however petty crimes comparable to pickpocketing can occur. Stay your assets safe, particularly round Sixth Street at night time. It will get beautiful rowdy round right here on weekends.
Austin’s parks and trails are stunning, however keep in mind of natural world and raise a lot of water. It gets hot and there are many creatures in Texas that may chew you! So keep away from mountain climbing on my own overdue within the day and all over height sizzling and dry spells.
Highest Spaces to Are living in Austin
Austin is a huge town, however an amazingly well-connected one too. Listed here are a couple of nice spaces to believe basing your self in that provide their very own attraction whilst conserving you involved with all of Austin’s perfect sights.
1. Downtown Austin
Dwelling in Downtown Austin places you on the heart of town’s power, with numerous bars, eating places, and are living tune venues. I liked the walkable way of life of Downtown, with sights together with Lady Bird Lake and 6th Boulevard all inside of simple achieve.
Lodging can also be dear, however the comfort and get right of entry to to leisure make it price it. Top-rise residences and inns dominate the realm, many providing impressive perspectives. Downtown is easiest for any person who flourishes within the pleasure of city spaces.
2. South Congress (SoCo)
South Congress is without doubt one of the town’s trendiest and maximum iconic neighborhoods. Existence in Austin feels original in SoCo, the place quirky meets cool. You’ll experience an eclectic mix of retail outlets, various meals vehicles, breweries, and are living tune whilst staying right here.
The realm appeals to a various staff of citizens with extra reasonably priced housing, inns, and Airbnbs. The streets are most often bustling round SoCo however there’s additionally a powerful sense of neighborhood. It could swimsuit the ones in search of a amusing but neighborly vibe.
3. Pflugerville
Pflugerville is solely 20 mins from Downtown and provides a quieter suburban way of life with simple get right of entry to to Austin’s sights. That is exactly the place I spent a month space sitting and I loved the welcoming neighborhood and non violent surroundings.
There are superb parks and trails, plus handy buying groceries, cool bars, eating places, and cafes which make it a comfy position to base your self. When you’re involved in space sitting in Austin, take a look at my earlier article: Everything You Need to Know About House Sitting.
4. East Austin
East Austin is a unexpectedly evolving group with a mix of ancient attraction and trendy tendencies. Recognized for its side road artwork, fashionable espresso retail outlets, and various delicacies, this space highlights the ingenious facet of Austin.
With fewer high-end inns in comparison to the central portions of town, condominium residences or space sitting alternatives usually are the right way to cross with regards to discovering first rate long-term lodging. It is a amusing a part of Austin with simple get right of entry to to town heart.
5. Zilker
Zilker will have to be a best attention for nature fanatics and households, because of its proximity to Zilker Park and Barton Springs. Dwelling right here approach being extra related to nature as those are each lush inexperienced areas with considerable out of doors actions.
The group is basically residential however caters to quite a lot of budgets. It’s simple to the most efficient of each worlds in Zilker – a relaxed retreat as regards to town’s pleasure.
How you can In finding Lodging in Austin
When you plan to be a virtual nomad dwelling in Austin listed here are the highest 4 tactics to search out lodging within the town.
1. Booking.com: The long-term traveler’s perfect buddy, Booking.com gives reserving with out pre-payment, cancellation at overdue realize, and the most efficient costs round. It’s no longer simply inns, there’s a complete vary of Austin lodging choices at the web site.
2. Airbnb: Any other dependable device, Airbnb might be to hand for any person in need of to stick in additional suburban spaces of Austin. Attempt to hit 7-day or 28-day reside markers to safe massive reductions and all the time enquire immediately with hosts about discounts for longer remains.
3. TrustedHousesitters.com: The largest space sitting platform round, Trusted Housesitters continuously has 1000’s of listings accepting packages globally. It’s how I secured a month of loose lodging in Austin.
4. Facebook Groups: When you’re making plans an extended reside within the town take a look at Fb teams comparable to Austin Room Mate. Non-public house owners continuously be offering sublets, spare rooms, and reasonably priced however versatile lodging choices.
Price of Dwelling in Austin
Returning to america after a couple of years touring round Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand I used to be a bit of involved concerning the pending price of dwelling in Austin. However I used to be pleasantly stunned. Right here’s the breakdown.
Eating places and Groceries
You’ll discover a complete spectrum of eating chances in Austin, from tremendous high-end eating places to budget-friendly rapid meals. As a mean, a hearty meal at a credible BBQ joint will price round $15-$18pp.
I used to be glad to search out my previous buddy Aldi in Austin. The price range grocery store was once my go-to when dwelling again in England and I all the time experience its familiarity and coffee costs. There’s a extensive vary of supermarkets in Austin, from Walmart to H-E-B.
Costs range considerably from retailer to retailer and even supposing costs have crept up in recent times, meat is mechanically reasonably reasonably priced – 1lb of chicken for under $5, and eggs for $3-$4 a dozen. Store round and stay a watch out for clearance and sale pieces.
Lodging Prices
Dwelling in Austin isn’t reasonable. Be expecting to pay $2k/month and above for a central condominium prior to per month utilities of around $300. Staying out of doors of town heart can cut back your prices to a extra affordable determine of $1500/month.
Airbnbs with month-stay reductions, price range lodge/motel remains, and space sitting placements are nice concepts for decreasing your lodging bills as a virtual nomad in Austin.
Transportation Prices in Austin
Austin is serviced through a well-connected and environment friendly public transport service that prices as low as $2.50 a ride. For longer trips Greyhound and Flix Bus be offering reasonably priced charges for traversing town, state, and extra afield.
Uber continues to be an excessively reasonably priced possibility if you select to stick out of doors of town however need common get right of entry to. The 20-minute experience from Pflugerville to 6th Boulevard most often price me not up to $20. Gas is beautiful reasonable too at under $3 a gallon.
SIM Playing cards and Knowledge
Getting a SIM card in america is a bit of trickier than in any other nations however no longer unimaginable or overly pricey for guests. Sadly, it’s no longer imaginable to simply pick out up a SIM at Walmart and pa it to your telephone, agree with me I discovered this the arduous means.
I counsel heading to a telephone retailer comparable to T-Mobile and buying a SIM in particular person, the place it’ll be activated then and there. I picked up 2 GB of information for $10/month. There was once meant to be a $25 activation price however for some reason why, the gadget let me off – bonus!
You’ll discover a complete vary of information, calls, and message bundles to fit your wishes. Maximum puts in Austin have first rate WiFi so I all the time go for the bottom price and maximum versatile knowledge plan, which most often begins at round $10/month.
Cash Saving Guidelines for Austin
Listed here are a couple of of my best guidelines for saving cash whilst dwelling as a virtual nomad in Austin:
- Discover a Space Take a seat: Steer clear of paying any lodging prices through securing a space sit down in Austin. Here’s a step-by-step guide.
- Satisfied Hours: Many bars and eating places be offering nice glad hour offers. Here’s a great website to help find the best deals.
- Airbnb Reductions: Hosts incessantly be offering large reductions for longer remains – the largest reductions most often come at precisely 28 days.
- Consult with Loose Sights: There are lots of loose out of doors hobbies to experience across the town comparable to Lady Bird Lake.
- Use Public Delivery: Austin’s Capmetro gadget is an reasonably priced and dependable approach to get across the town.
- Dine at Meals Vans: There are plenty of superb meals vehicles in Austin, so scrumptious doesn’t must imply pricey.
Coworking Areas and WiFi Pace in Austin
Running remotely in Austin is straightforward with a number of unbelievable devoted coworking areas. Listed here are a pair I attempted out all over my reside within the town:
1. WeWork
WeWork is a wonderful coworking area for pros wanting a productive atmosphere. There are 7 locations around the town and for $47 an afternoon, you get rapid WiFi, comfy workstations, and a targeted surroundings easiest for tackling duties.
The facilities at WeWork come with limitless espresso, fashionable lounges, and personal cubicles for calls or digital conferences. Whether or not you’re freelancing, operating a industry, or simply want a exchange of surroundings, WeWork supplies the entirety you wish to have.
2. Not unusual Table
Providing a reasonably inexpensive selection in Austin town heart whilst keeping up the entire perks {and professional} high quality of a coworking area, Common Desk is a brilliant possibility for critical freelancers in search of an ideal sizzling desking enjoy.
Costs are as little as $30/day if you’ll be able to convince an extra 2 buddies, staff, or fellow virtual nomads to return alongside for the day. With a club, 8 particular person day passes price simply $150, for college students, it’s as little as $50 a month!
Highest Cafes to Paintings From in Austin
If a extra informal strategy to far flung operating is what you’re after, Austin’s cafe scene has you lined. I’ll get started you off with a few my favourite spots:
- Houndstooth Coffee: A well-liked position for far flung staff as a result of its welcoming and spacious surroundings and dependable WiFi. The minimalist decor and reasonably priced menu make it simple to focal point whilst sipping on expertly brewed espresso.
- Mozarts Coffee Roasters: Set alongside Lake Austin, Mozart’s Espresso Roasters gives breathtaking perspectives. Its sturdy WiFi and considerable energy retailers make it laptop-friendly, whilst the lakeside environment provides a calming contact whilst operating.
- The Meteor: The Meteor uniquely blends espresso, wine, and a motorcycle store – its tagline is ‘Coffee, Champagne, Chain Lube’. Its huge tables, rapid WiFi, and superb espresso make it easiest for targeted paintings periods.
Actions and Issues to Do in Austin
Sufficient about the place to paintings, let’s discuss the place to spend your loose time in Austin. It’s a amusing town that may simply stay you occupied when no longer at the laptop computer. For a complete itinerary learn – 15 Best Things To Do in Austin, however listed here are my best ideas:
1. Guided Are living Song Downtown Pub Move slowly
There are a large number of superb bars downtown, however head out with a neighborhood brimming with wisdom of the scene and experience one of the vital perfect 6th Boulevard has to supply. It is a nice approach to temporarily make yourself familiar with Austin’s nightlife – learn more here.
2. Get Out on Girl Fowl Lake
I’ve already discussed Girl Fowl Lake a couple of instances because it’s a wonderful and tranquil spot that feels one million miles clear of the busy town. It’s simple to get to and is the very best spot for mountain climbing, cycling, and out of doors interests. Or you’ll be able to simply cross to calm down!
I extremely counsel you try to get out at the water. The calm lake is superb for kayaking, and you’ll be able to rack up some critical distance. Click here to pre-book kayaks with the same company I did. They had been dependable, useful, and presented the most efficient costs.
3. See the Highest of Austin – Pushed Excursion
If strolling excursions aren’t your factor, then let Austin come to you with a guided-driven excursion round the entire primary points of interest of town. It will get sizzling so that you’ll benefit from the convenience of a door-to-door carrier in a comfy air-conditioned car.
Tick off the Texas Capital Building, well-known side road artwork, parks, and are living tune venues, and experience a candy deal with from one of the crucial town’s well-liked meals vehicles in a 2-hour small staff excursion. Click here to learn more.
SEE ALSO: Weekend in Austin: The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary
4. Town Get away BBQ and Wine Excursion
Get away town to experience mythical Texas flavors at Salt Lick BBQ. In a while, discover the scenic nation-state and consult with two award-winning wineries for scrumptious native wine tastings. Transfers are incorporated too – click here to book your countryside adventure today.
Climate in Austin
Austin’s climate is famously heat, with August averages of 97°F. Sunny days dominate, making out of doors actions well-liked year-round. Spring and fall convey milder temperatures, easiest for fairs and exploring nature.
Winters in Austin are delicate and I loved a lot of beer lawn climate all over my November reside. Moderate highs hit 62°F however the nights are cooler. It’s a comfy season for playing town’s many parks and trails.
Rainfall is moderate, with Would possibly and June normally being the wettest months. I witnessed a few epic thunderstorms which can be recognized to sometimes roll thru. Regardless of this, Austin enjoys extra sunny days than cloudy ones.
Professionals and Cons of Dwelling in Austin
Like several town, Austin gives distinctive alternatives and demanding situations that make dwelling right here an exhilarating but nuanced enjoy. Right here’s what I discovered all over my reside:
Professionals of Dwelling in Austin
- Thriving Task Marketplace: Austin is a tech and industry hub, it’s house to Tesla amongst a lot of different huge firms. There are rising alternatives in spaces comparable to era, healthcare, and inventive arts.
- Energetic Social Scene: From are living tune and world-class comedy presentations to meals fairs and brewery excursions, there’s all the time one thing thrilling going down to stay issues amusing.
- Outside Way of life: With parks, lakes, and mountain climbing trails, Austin is a perfect town for out of doors fanatics with year-round chances.
- The Meals: I will attest to town’s unbelievable meals scene. There are sensational fish fry eating places, reasonably priced but beautiful meals vehicles, and various eating choices to meet each and every style and price range.
- Yr-Spherical Local weather: Day-to-day reasonable temperatures hardly ever drop beneath 62°F all over the iciness and rainfall is reasonable. It’s the best town for the ones, like me, who dislike the chilly.
Cons of Dwelling in Austin
- Emerging Price of Dwelling: Housing and condominium costs have surged in recent times, making affordability a rising worry for plenty of.
- Visitors Problems: Therefore, this fast expansion has ended in congested roads. There was once a large number of street paintings and construction going down all over my reside.
- Intense Summers: Temperatures incessantly bounce above 100°F, which may make dwelling in Austin uncomfortable.
- Loopy Nightlife: On weekend nights, 6th Boulevard closes to cars and turns into a beautiful wild birthday party scene. It’s no longer for the faint-hearted.
Virtual Nomad Visa for Austin
The United States doesn’t recently be offering a particular virtual nomad visa. On the other hand, far flung staff can discover different visa choices to stick in Austin. The B-1 Business Visa lets in brief remains for industry functions, however it’s very important to know its boundaries.
The Visa Waiver Program lets in electorate of participating countries, together with the United Kingdom, to stick in america for as much as 90 days and not using a visa. Canadian electorate in most cases don’t require a visa for tourism or industry visits and will reside for as much as six months.
It’s a very powerful to notice that enticing in employment or vital far flung paintings whilst on a vacationer visa or beneath the VWP might violate US immigration regulation. Subsequently, folks making plans to paintings remotely from Austin will have to seek advice from an immigration legal professional.
In Conclusion
I’m hoping my virtual nomad information to Austin has given you a style of what to anticipate from a far flung operating reside within the town. I’m so glad I were given to tick it off my go back and forth want record, and I’ll undoubtedly be again in Texas prior to too lengthy.
Whether or not your focal point is devoted workspaces, exploring an intensive cafe tradition, or embracing an epic nightlife scene, dwelling in Austin as a virtual nomad will provide you with the entire alternatives you require. Have amusing!
