The Reasons to Make Austin Your Home

Living the Austin Lifestyle: Outdoors, Food, and Neighborhoods

Austin has a way of pulling people outside. Life here often revolves around places like Zilker Park, where weekends mean picnics, pickup games, and long afternoons in the sun. Right next door is Barton Springs Pool, a local favorite that stays cool year-round, perfect during those hot Texas summers.

For daily walks, runs, or bike rides, locals love the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, a 10-mile loop around Lady Bird Lake. It cuts right through downtown and offers some of the best skyline views in the city.

Austin’s food scene is just as iconic. Franklin Barbecue is world-famous for its brisket (yes, the line is worth it), while Uchi is a go-to for elevated Japanese cuisine and special occasions.

One of the most uniquely Austin traditions happens at dusk from spring through early fall. Crowds gather at the Congress Avenue Bridge to watch the largest urban bat colony in North America fly out over the city, it's an experience you won’t forget. 

Austin Real Estate: A Neighborhood for Every Lifestyle

Austin’s housing market offers something for nearly every buyer. In Westlake, single-family homes sit at a median price around $2,425,000, reflecting the area’s luxury appeal and top-tier schools. East Austin tells a different story, with a median single-family price closer to $750,000, popular with buyers who love a creative, urban vibe. Hyde Park, known for its charm and central location, lands around $800,000 for single-family homes.

Citywide, the median sale price is about $560,000. Townhomes typically average $489,500, while single-family homes come in closer to $605,000. Condos remain one of the more accessible entry points, with one-bedroom units around $285,000 and two-bedroom condos averaging $360,000.

Cost of Living, Taxes, and Education

Living in Austin costs about 3.1% less than the national average, which surprises many newcomers. A family with school-aged children generally needs around $103,000 per year to live comfortably, budgeting roughly $30,000 for housing and $18,000 for groceries.

Property taxes in Travis County average 1.54%, slightly lower than Williamson County at 1.71%. Texas doesn’t have a state income tax, though residents do pay a combined 8.20% sales tax.

Families have strong education options, from well-rated public schools like Westlake High School to private schools such as St. Andrew’s Episcopal School. For higher education, the city is home to University of Texas at Austin, St. Edward’s University, and Concordia University Texas.