A Local's Guide to Austin Living
I'm often asked why I moved to Austin right after college, and there's honestly too many reasons to count. From it's young vibe, to endless activities and pop-ups, to an incredible food and music scene, Austin will leave you with more things to check off your to do list than you came with.
​
The city truly has something for everyone, and I have loved calling it my home base for this post-grad piece of my life. If you're visiting, I hope you love it just as much as I do!
WHERE TO STAY
A basic guide to where to stay or live in Austin - including popular neighborhoods & their vibes. See what's yours!
Neighborhoods
Austin neighborhoods offer unique options for anything you're looking for. If you're simply visiting, you'll probably want to stick to Downtown, South & the south half East Austin for the most iconic and centrally located things to do.
Downtown Austin
If you're visiting or love "city life", this is a great central location. Obviously you'll pay more because of that but it's fairly easy to walk to anything you'll need. Close to bars, restaurants, shopping & Lady Bird Lake.
South Austin
Another great spot if you want to be close to a good amount to do. Home to the popular S. Congress St. and some of my favorite coffee patios, South Austin is a little more residential but still filled with life and conveniently located to downtown, bars, restaurants & more.
East Austin
East Austin is a little bit more casual and chill than its surrounding counterparts. It's home to E. 6th St. and recent growth has given us lots of cool new spots. However, you may encounter more homeless here than in other locations.
West Austin
A very residential part of Austin (Tarrytown) where families and wealthier folks live. There's not tons to do here unless you're on the lake, checking out a park, or grabbing coffee on the water.
North Austin
Because it can take 30+ min to get to this area, unless you work here, you'll want to stay closer to downtown. It's worth a visit if you want to shop at the Domain or catch an Austin FC game.
Mueller, Riverside, UT
Mueller: A cute, family-friendly area with farmer's markets, a lake & park, and shopping/restaurants.
Riverside: Home to Oracle's HQ and lots of apartments. Not a ton to do here.
UT: Home to college kids! Great to catch a game or a concert/event. Probably not somewhere you'll want to stay or live though.
Where to Stay
Visitors looking to stay in Austin have tons of options from Airbnbs to hotels. I recommend staying downtown if you're looking for a classic experience or are short on time. If you're traveling with a large party, looking at AirBnbs might be best as there are many central "house" style options that will be cheaper overall. There's no shortage of boutique hotels and unique stays.
THINGS TO DO
It's truly difficult to run out of things to do in this city. There's endless restaurants, tons of pop-up experiences, live music every night, bar streets, watering holes & pools, and so much more!
An Overview
Endless Activities in Austin
01
Tourist Attractions
Get ready to dive into Austin's vibrant tourist scene! From historic landmarks like the State Capitol to cultural hotspots along South Congress Avenue, there's something for everyone to explore. Don't forget to check out local museums and unique boutiques for a taste of Austin's eclectic charm.
03
Nature + Outdoor Activities
Austin is an outdoor enthusiast's paradise, offering a plethora of activities to enjoy amidst its natural beauty. Whether you're hiking the trails of Barton Creek Greenbelt, paddling along Lady Bird Lake, or lounging in Zilker Park, there's no shortage of adventures to be had.
02
Bars, Night Life & Music
From cozy dives to trendy rooftop lounges, the city offers a kaleidoscope of venues where you can sip craft cocktails, local brews, and creative libations. Whether you're seeking the twang of country, the rhythm of blues, or the pulse of indie rock, Austin's live music scene promises unforgettable nights
04
Festivals + Events (Seasonal)
Austin has an ever-changing landscape of seasonal and pop-up events, where each turn of the calendar brings something new and exciting to the city. From vibrant festivals celebrating music, art, and food to quirky pop-up markets showcasing local artisans and creatives, there's always something fresh and unexpected around the corner.
Must-See Tourist Attractions
-
Texas State Capitol: Explore Texas history through cool exhibits and stunning architecture.
-
Congress Ave Bridge: Don't miss the huge bat colony under the bridge – it's like a real-life nature show every sunset from ~March-October!
-
South Congress Avenue: Get your shopping and eating fix – it's the perfect spot to soak up Austin's funky vibe.
-
Bullock Texas State History Museum: Dive into Texas-sized history with interactive exhibits and cool artifacts at this awesome museum.
-
Blanton Museum of Art: Lose yourself in a world of art at the Blanton Museum – it's a must-visit for any art lover.
-
Austin Public Library: Immerse yourself in literature and culture, and don't forget to head up to the rooftop for breathtaking views of the city skyline.
-
The Domain: Shop 'til you drop at The Domain – it's retail therapy at its finest.
-
Museum of Ice Cream: A world of sweetness – it's a whimsical wonderland that's sure to satisfy your sweet tooth with unlimited ice cream!
-
Circuit of the Americas: Get your adrenaline pumping at the ultimate destination for motorsports enthusiasts and thrill-seekers alike!
Bars, Night Life, Music Scene
-
East Sixth Street: Casual patio bars with creative cocktails, where spots like Whisler's and Lucky Duck offer a unique blend of craft drinks and live music.
-
West Sixth Street: Upscale bars/clubs and swanky lounges, home to spots like Whiskey Tango Foxtrot and Buford's (a more similar vibe to Nashville's bars).
-
Rainey Street: An eclectic vibe, charming bungalow bars offer craft cocktails and a laid-back atmosphere (has undergone major construction but still a cool day drinking spot).
-
Dirty Sixth Street: Known for its rowdy bars and vibrant nightlife scene. Check out spots like The Jackalope and Maggie Mae's for a taste of Austin's party spirit.
-
The Continental Club: Step into a piece of Austin's musical history where iconic acts and up-and-coming artists take the stage in an intimate setting.
-
Antone's Nightclub: Immerse yourself in the blues at Antone's, a legendary venue that has hosted some of the biggest names in music since the 1970s.
-
Stubbs BBQ: Enjoy a side of live music with your barbecue at Stubbs, where you can catch outdoor concerts in the iconic amphitheater or intimate shows in the indoor venue.
-
Mohawk Austin: Experience the energy of Mohawk, a popular spot for live music and local bands, featuring indoor and outdoor stages and a laid-back atmosphere.
-
First Thursdays on S. Congress: Experience the vibrant energy of First Thursdays on the 1st Thursday of every month, a block party with live music that is "the place to be".
Nature and Outdoor Activities
-
Lady Bird Lake: Whether you're kayaking, walking, or biking, Lady Bird Lake is the place to be for outdoor fun and beautiful views.
-
Zilker Park: Whether you're picnicking or playing, Zilker Park is THE place to be for outdoor fun.
-
Barton Springs Pool: Take a refreshing dip in Barton Springs Pool – it's a local favorite for cooling off on hot Texas days.
-
Mount Bonnell: Hike to the top of Mount Bonnell for breathtaking views of Austin.
-
Barton Creek Greenbelt: Lace up your hiking boots and explore the scenic trails and hidden swimming holes of the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
-
McKinney Falls State Park: Hike, bike, fish, picnic, and swim amidst scenic waterfalls and lush vegetation.
-
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail: Take a leisurely stroll or bike ride along the this scenic route that loops around Lady Bird Lake and offers breathtaking views the city.
-
Deep Eddy Pool: Take a refreshing dip in the oldest swimming pool in Texas, known for its cool waters and laid-back atmosphere.
-
Boat Day: Explore the scenic beauty of Lake Travis or Lake Austin, where you can enjoy boating, water sports, and breathtaking views of the surrounding Hill Country.
-
Peter Pan Mini Golf: Putt your way through the whimsical world of Peter Pan Mini Golf featuring two 18-hole courses filled with colorful obstacles and quirky surprises.
-
Red Bud Isle Park: Discover the natural beauty of Red Bud Isle Park, where you can hike, picnic, and enjoy stunning views of Lake Austin.
Festivals and Events
-
South by Southwest (SXSW): The ultimate celebration of music, film, and interactive media, a world-renowned festival that takes over the city every March with concerts, screenings, conferences, brand events, and more.
-
Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL): Rock out to an eclectic lineup of musical acts at this two-weekend music festival held in Zilker Park every October, featuring performances across multiple stages and genres.
-
Austin Food + Wine Festival: A weekend-long celebration of food and drink featuring tastings, cooking demonstrations, and events with top chefs and beverage experts.
-
Trail of Lights: An annual winter event held in Zilker Park during the holiday season featuring dazzling light displays, festive activities, and live entertainment, family-friendly.
-
Austin Marathon: An annual race held in February that attracts thousands of runners from around the world to compete in full and half marathons, as well as a 5K and kids run.
-
Austin Reggae Festival: An annual event held in April that features live performances from local and international artists, as well as food vendors, craft booths, and activities.
-
Austin Rodeo: An annual event held in March that features rodeo competitions, live music, carnival rides, and family-friendly activities.
-
Pecan Street Festival: An annual event held in May and September that features live music, food vendors, and unique handmade goods along historic Sixth Street.
THE FOOD SCENE
Austin is known for its impressive Tex-Mex and barbecue options, but there's so much more to experience. Because of the lack of chain brands, the restaurants here are truly top notch.
Where to Get...
Barbecue
Terry Black's Barbecue
Franklin's Barbecue
Interstellar BBQ
la Barbecue
Lambert's
Valentina's
Salt Lick BBQ
Tex Mex
Matt's El Rancho
Maudie's Tex Mex
Curra's Grill
Fonda San Miguel
El Alma
Habanero Mexican Cafe
Licha's Cantina
Asian
Loro
Uchiko
Elizabeth St. Cafe
Ramen Tatsu-ya
Maiko Sushi Lounge
Lucky Robot
Wu Chow
Comfort
Bird Bird Biscuit
Colleen's Kitchen
Moonshine Patio + Bar
Sawyer & Co.
The Diner Bar
Jacoby's Restaurant & Mercantile
The Little Darlin'
Pizza
Homeslice
Palm Pizza
Sammataro
Via 313
DeSano Pizzeria Napoletana
Love Supreme Pizza Bar
Bambino
Italian
Poeta
Intero
Il Brutto
Sammie's Italian
Juniper
Patrizi's (Food Truck)
Numero 28
Healthy
Flower Child
Honest Mary's
Blenders & Bowls
ATX Food Co.
Citizen Eatery
Juiceland
Conscious Cravings
Other
Bésame (ice cream)
Hopdoddy (burgers)
Aba (Mediterranean)
Cabo Bobs (better Chipotle)
Chi'Lantro (asian Chipotle)
Paperboy (American)
Tumble 22 (Nashville hot chicken)
WHAT TO KNOW
If you've never been to Austin and plan on visiting or even making the move, here's a few important and relevant things you might want to consider and know before you get here.
Important Notes
While Austin is an amazing city with tons to offer any traveler or future resident, the city might not be everyone's cup of tea, and that's okay. On the other hand, these might be your deciding factors. Either way, here's a few things I think are important to know before you get here.
Weather
Austin summers are no joke. It's not uncommon to see consecutive 100°F - 110°F+ days during July and August. The best time of year to visit is fall (late September - November) or spring (March - early May). You'll catch 70° - 80° days and cool nights. Winter is usually mild with many days in the 50° - 60° range, but beware when it freezes here - everything shuts down.
Transportation & Traffic
Horrible. Although we technically have public buses (they're a little sketchy) and an abundance of electric scooters, there is no real public transportation. People often drive or take Ubers, which can get expensive. Rush hour traffic is also no joke. The highway through the city is particularly bad, so it's best to avoid it if you can. If you're commuting, you're going to want to live on the same side of the river you work on.
Overall Vibe
Austin is often referred to as being "in" Texas without being "Texas" and you've probably heard the city's slogan is "keep Austin weird". Austin is very open minded and welcoming, and the people are generally the same. Everyone is free to be exactly who they are here without judgement. It's also a very young city, so you'll find a lot of 20's and 30 year olds here. Personally, I love Austin's vibe and hope you do too!
Cost of Living
I have mixed reviews here - it really depends where you're coming from. As a popular city, Austin can be on the cheaper side if you're comparing it to New York, California, Boston, etc. As a city in Texas, it's going to be much more expensive than other places. Overall, I would say for what you get, Austin's cost of living is very friendly especially for a post-grad move. And, the further from downtown the cheaper.
Walkability
This is highly dependent on the neighborhood. However, Austin is on the more walkable side as Lady Bird Lake Trail connects a both sides of the river in a big loop. Even if you're not walking, almost anywhere you're needing to go is within 10-15 minutes by car. Personally, I don't mind walking when the weather is cooler, and a lot of people will bike places too. The city has rentable electric bikes as well.
Working in Austin
With lots of huge tech companies making the move to Austin, the job market here is pretty strong. You'll find a lot of folks in the beginning of their careers here. It's also a bonus that living in Texas means there is no state income tax. Aside from all this, the Austin community is very active and social, so you'll see a pretty heavy focus on work-life balance and activities like company sponsored events or happy hours.