It had been on my listing for some time, however I simply completed a implausible 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 during my keep allowed me to totally get my ft below the desk as an Austin digital nomad. There are many wonderful 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 a lot 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 dwell music venues and each day performances within the metropolis. Comedy has taken a stronghold in recent times since Joe Rogan opened The Comedy Mothership.
It’s the proper metropolis to pair outside adventures with unimaginable meals – certainly one of my favourite methods to spend a day right here is by mountain 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 listing of nice cities I’ve visited and labored remotely from.
I like locations that provide a whole mix of comfy and dependable amenities, enjoyable locations to blow off steam, and the prospect 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 lovely dwelling 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 without doubt 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 Secure?
Austin is typically a protected metropolis for guests, with family-friendly neighborhoods and a welcoming ambiance. Nonetheless, like every metropolis, staying conscious of your environment is vital. Keep on with well-lit areas at night time and keep away from remoted spots.
Downtown Austin is full of life and well-liked, however petty crimes reminiscent of pickpocketing can occur. Preserve your belongings safe, particularly round Sixth Road at night time. 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 mountain climbing alone late within the day and through peak sizzling and dry spells.
Finest Areas to Stay in Austin
Austin is a giant metropolis, however an amazingly well-connected one too. Listed below are just a few nice areas to think about basing your self in that provide their very own attraction whereas conserving you in contact with all of Austin’s finest points of interest.
1. Downtown Austin
Dwelling in Downtown Austin places you on the heart of town’s power, with numerous bars, eating places, and dwell music venues. I cherished the walkable way of life of Downtown, with points of interest together with Woman Fowl Lake and Sixth Road all inside simple attain.
Lodging could be dear, however the comfort and entry to leisure make it value it. Excessive-rise residences 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 without doubt 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 outlets, numerous meals vans, 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 could go well with these searching for a enjoyable but neighborly vibe.
3. Pflugerville
Pflugerville is simply 20 minutes from Downtown and presents a quieter suburban way of life 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 wonderful parks and trails, plus handy buying, cool bars, eating places, and cafes which make it a cushty place to base your self. In case you’re keen on home sitting in Austin, try 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 attraction and fashionable developments. Identified for its avenue artwork, stylish espresso outlets, and numerous delicacies, this space highlights the artistic aspect of Austin.
With fewer high-end lodges 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 first rate long-term lodging. This can be a enjoyable a part of Austin with quick access to town heart.
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 related 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.
Easy methods to Discover Lodging in Austin
In case you plan to be a digital nomad residing 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 pal, Reserving.com presents reserving with out pre-payment, cancellation at late discover, and the most effective costs round. It’s not simply lodges, there’s a full vary of Austin lodging choices on the location.
2. Airbnb: One other dependable instrument, Airbnb will likely 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 large 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 usually 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. Personal owners usually provide sublets, spare rooms, and reasonably priced however versatile lodging choices.
Price 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 a little bit involved concerning the pending value 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 median, a hearty meal at a good BBQ joint will value round $15-$18pp.
I used to be pleased to seek out my outdated pal Aldi in Austin. The price range 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 range considerably from retailer to retailer and though costs have crept up in recent times, meat is routinely fairly reasonably priced – 1lb of hen for below $5, and eggs for $3-$4 a dozen. Store round and hold a watch out for clearance and sale objects.
Lodging Prices
Dwelling in Austin is just not low-cost. Count on to pay $2k/month and above for a central house earlier than month-to-month utilities of round $300. Staying outdoors of town heart can scale back your prices to a extra cheap determine of $1500/month.
Airbnbs with month-stay reductions, price range resort/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 town, state, and additional afield.
Uber continues to be a really reasonably priced possibility if you happen to select to remain outdoors of town however need common entry. The 20-minute trip 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 nations however not unattainable 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 onerous approach.
I counsel heading to a telephone retailer reminiscent of 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 charge however for some cause, 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 first rate WiFi so I at all times go for the bottom value 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.
- Completely happy Hours: Many bars and eating places provide nice pleased hour offers. Right here’s a terrific web site to assist discover the most effective offers.
- Airbnb Reductions: Hosts usually provide large reductions for longer stays – the largest 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 reminiscent of Woman Fowl Lake.
- Use Public Transport: Austin’s Capmetro system is an reasonably priced and dependable option to get across the metropolis.
- Dine at Meals Vans: There are a great deal of wonderful meals vans in Austin, so scrumptious doesn’t must imply costly.
Coworking Areas and WiFi Pace in Austin
Working remotely in Austin is simple with a number of implausible devoted coworking areas. Listed below 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 surroundings. There are 7 areas throughout town and for $47 a day, you get quick WiFi, comfy workstations, and a targeted ambiance good 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 offers the whole lot you want.
2. Widespread Desk
Providing a barely cheaper various in Austin metropolis heart whereas sustaining all of the perks {and professional} high quality of a coworking area, Widespread Desk is a good possibility for critical freelancers searching for a terrific sizzling desking expertise.
Costs are as little as $30/day if you happen to can persuade a further 2 pals, 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 kids, it’s as little as $50 a month!
Finest 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 simple to focus whereas sipping on expertly brewed espresso.
- Mozarts Espresso Roasters: Set alongside Lake Austin, Mozart’s Espresso Roasters presents breathtaking views. Its sturdy 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 massive tables, quick WiFi, and wonderful espresso make it good for targeted work classes.
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 hold you occupied when not on the laptop computer. For a full itinerary learn – 15 Finest Issues To Do in Austin, however listed below are my high solutions:
1. Guided Stay Music Downtown Pub Crawl
There are loads of wonderful bars downtown, however head out with an area brimming with information of the scene and revel in among the finest Sixth Road has to supply. This can be a nice option to rapidly familiarize your self with Austin’s nightlife – study extra right here.
2. Get Out on Woman Fowl Lake
I’ve already talked about Woman Fowl Lake just a few instances because it’s a lovely and tranquil spot that feels 1,000,000 miles away from the busy metropolis. It’s simple to get to and is the proper spot for mountain climbing, biking, and outside pursuits. Or you’ll be able to simply go to relax out!
I extremely suggest you attempt 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 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 primary sights of town. It will get sizzling so that you’ll benefit from the consolation of a door-to-door service in a cushty air-conditioned car.
Tick off the Texas Capital Constructing, well-known avenue artwork, parks, and dwell music venues, and revel in a candy deal with from one of many metropolis’s well-liked meals vans in a 2-hour small group tour. Click on right here to study extra.
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 ebook your countryside journey at present.
Climate in Austin
Austin’s climate is famously heat, with August averages of 97°F. Sunny days dominate, making outside actions well-liked year-round. Spring and fall carry 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 town’s many parks and trails.
Rainfall is average, with Might and June sometimes being the wettest months. I witnessed a few epic thunderstorms that are identified to sometimes roll by means of. Regardless of this, Austin enjoys extra sunny days than cloudy ones.
Execs and Cons of Dwelling in Austin
Like every metropolis, Austin presents distinctive alternatives and challenges that make residing right here an thrilling but nuanced expertise. Right here’s what I realized throughout my keep:
Execs 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 expertise, healthcare, and artistic arts.
- Vigorous Social Scene: From dwell music and world-class comedy reveals to meals festivals and brewery excursions, there’s at all times one thing thrilling taking place to maintain issues enjoyable.
- Outside Way of life: With parks, lakes, and mountain climbing 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 vans, and numerous eating choices to fulfill each style and price range.
- Yr-Spherical Local weather: Every day common temperatures not often drop under 62°F through the winter and rainfall is average. 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.
- Site visitors Points: Subsequently, this fast progress 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 Road closes to automobiles and turns into a reasonably wild occasion scene. It’s not for the faint-hearted.
Digital Nomad Visa for Austin
The US doesn’t at the moment provide a particular digital nomad visa. Nonetheless, distant staff can discover different visa choices to remain in Austin. The B-1 Enterprise Visa permits short-term stays for enterprise functions, however it’s important to grasp its limitations.
The Visa Waiver Program permits residents of collaborating nations, together with the UK, to remain within the US for as much as 90 days with out a 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 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 received 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, residing in Austin as a digital nomad will current you with all of the alternatives you require. Have enjoyable!
