It’s no secret that California is one of the most expensive states in which to live. The cost of living here is 38% higher than any other state in the US, not to mention the cost of housing and utilities, which has escalated sky-high to a whopping 97%. With the inflation at the highest it’s ever been, it’s no surprise that many people, both natives and recent Californians are choosing to move out towards more affordable living conditions. Their stop? No other place than Austin, Texas.
Austin, also known as Silicon Hills, is a hub of culture, business, and development, with excellent living conditions, a dynamic job market, and cultural tapestries that can’t be found anywhere. Not to mention, the silver living of Austin—no state income tax.
So, if you’re someone who’s considering moving to Austin from California, you might be on the fence about the trade-offs. To get a clear view about moving to Austin, It’s important to learn about the living expenses, financial perks, career prospects, and lifestyle changes to help you make informed decisions along the way.
Top Perks of Moving to Austin from California
Austin has been growing in popularity for decades now. The city itself is home to vibrant lifestyles made attainable due to reasonable living costs, affordable real estate, an expanding job market, and a welcoming community of diverse individuals. Here are some top benefits of moving to Austin that make transitioning to this city an attractive alternative for people bidding farewell to the Californian life:
Sustainable Living Costs
Austin’s financial charm often gets most people, especially Californians, to do a double-take when they first hear about it. The average gross housing expenses in Austin are remarkably affordable by 16.0% than in California’s metropolitan regions such as Los Angeles or San Jose.
Since it’s the pride and joy of Texas, people living here get to benefit from its lack of state income tax, which serves as a big, if not the biggest, “I’m sold” factor for moving to this city. Austin has also recently introduced lower costs on fundamental living needs such as groceries and sales tax brackets, which makes moving to Austin from California a decision not to be regretted.
Dynamic Job Market & Career Prospects
Austin houses one of the biggest tech sectors in America, with its job pool expanding to 41% from 2015. Quickly becoming the “BoomTown” of the US, the city has attracted economic powerhouses such as Apple, Tesla, and Dell and is nurturing a prosperous start-up culture.
Since it’s still garnering attention by the day, the job market is not yet as competitive as California’s, providing dynamic job opportunities in thriving sectors such as technology, architecture, etc. Coupled with the tax incentives and lower living costs, moving to Austin from California is likely to be the decision that propels your career forward.
Housing & Real Estate
Most metropolitan areas in California, especially Los Angeles have been experiencing surges of relocations, which contribute to the sky-rocketed cost of housing. Moving to Austin, however, serves as a stark contrast. The real estate market in Texas generally offers more reasonable and affordable options, with the average home value being $527K, dipping down by 5.3% by the year. Here are some factors that contribute to the healthy real estate market in Austin:
- Growing population
- Thriving economic market
- Diverse job pool and career prospects
- Low taxes due to state income tax
Moving to Austin offers people from all over the US a breath of fresh air in terms of the housing market, allowing them to access more sustainable properties and settle in comfortably to continue long-term family planning and adapt to fulfilling lifestyles.
Education Quality & Opportunities
Austin is known to prioritize education and offers diverse and competitive academic options and opportunities to its demographic. The city alone has over 94 public schools which range from elementary to high school levels. Those who seek advanced education for their children and themselves can benefit from the city’s 113 private institutions.
Six of them are prestigious private colleges and universities such as Southwestern University, University of Texas at Austin, St, Edwards University, and more. The quality of educational infrastructure in Austin is included in the US News & World Report’s Best High School list, contributing to fostering an educated and qualified workforce and community in the city.
Elevated Lifestyle & Culture
Moving to Austin from California is a golden opportunity for people to indulge in a vibrant and serene lifestyle that’s a reflection of the diversely accumulated culture of Texas. Here are some factors that offer insights into the multi-faceted lifestyle of Austin that are hard to find elsewhere:
- Friendly Neighborhoods: Austin boasts a balanced fusion of urban and suburban life with friendly neighbors such as Brushy Creek, Hudson Bend, and West Lake Hills. These communities stand out with their peaceful and accepting atmosphere and diverse living amenities.
- Culinary Landscape: Most people know Austin for its iconic and delectable culinary scene, offering delicious fusions of traditional Texan, Mexican, Oriental, and International cuisine. The city also has diverse gastronomy options for vegans and vegetarians alike, making it a welcoming place for everyone.
- Nature and Outdoor Attractions: Despite being a bustling metropolis, Austin attracts tourists from all over the world as an idyllic and scenic destination with plenty of outdoor attractions. Lady Bird Lake, Barton Springs Pool, and Old Enfield are popular spots for outdoor pursuits with plenty of picturesque scenery.
Moving to Austin allows you to appreciate why it is Texas’s “One-Stop” for all. Here, people can truly appreciate life the way it’s meant to be lived, allowing their families to live in a cultivating and nurturing atmosphere.
Is Moving to Austin from California Worth It?
Austin is a stand-out choice for people wishing to live a sustainable life and access low-cost living with all the necessary utilities such as houses, job opportunities, education, food, transportation, etc. As the living conditions in California become tougher by the day, many people are actively considering the option of relocation to Austin. From financial benefits to lifestyle amenities that are hard to maintain living in California, Austin proves to be the most sought-after choice for elevated living.
Unlocking Premium Living in the Gem of Texas—Austin
It’s hard to select just one factor that keeps luring Californians to Austin. The city offers a compelling fusion of affordability, career prospects, and a vibrantly diverse cultural landscape which all combine to position it as the most attractive option for relocation. If you’re considering moving to Austin from California, it’s vital to list down all the perks you’ll be getting and the ones you’ll be trading in return to determine whether it’s the right choice for you.
