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Austin is a weird, culturally rich, culinarily exquisite paradise located in the heart of Texas. It boasts music, history, culture, food, and art, creating an incredible metropolis that’s as historic as it is exciting. Living in Austin, Texas may seem like a guaranteed success, but there are various pros and cons to keep in mind before you commit to the move down south.
The Pros of Living in Austin
The Music
If you’re a music-lover, there’s no better city in the world than Austin, Texas. Known as the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin is full of live acts and raucous musical performances, ranging from honky-tonk bars to theaters and outdoor festivals. No matter what style of music you’re into, you’re sure to find something you love in Austin.
The Scenery
Austin is a beautiful metropolis that manages to incorporate many beautiful natural elements into its regular urban lifestyle. If you live in Austin, Texas, you can take walks or ride your bike along the bank of Lady Bird Lake. You can also take a stroll through Zilker Park and enjoy the natural spring there for added effect, or drive out into Hill Country for jaw-dropping sunsets.
No Income Tax
If you are comparing the pros and cons of moving to Austin, the State of Texas does not assess your income tax. So if you live in Austin, you’re guaranteed to take home more of your own money every year. Another good reason to consider moving to Austin!
The Barbeque
The barbeque of Austin deserves a mention all on its own. Austin practically originated Southern barbecue, and today you can find it on every street corner at every price range. Try family tested recipes or high-stakes culinary takes on the fan-favorites. We’re sure no matter where you get it, you’ll love it.
The Cons of Moving to Austin
The UT
Austin is home to many things, and the sprawling UT campus is one of them. Unfortunately, this means Austin is also home to hordes of raucous college students who are less than polite at times, especially after football games. Living near the campus might be a recipe for disaster.
Heavy Traffic
I-35 is notorious for traffic congestion. Once the traffic becomes severe, people have been known to leave their parked cars on the freeway to get food and come back. If you are analyzing the pros and cons of living in Austin, it’s important to be aware that a majority of the streets in Austin have heavy traffic. So either plan plenty of time to get from place to place or get ready to invest in a bike.
The Heat
Austin continues to boast a record number of days above 100 degrees, especially in the summer. The heat is going to become a regular part of your day while you live in Austin. This can affect everything from your general mood to your overall health. Make sure you accommodate the cost of more air conditioning into your new financial plans!
Breaking In Can Be Hard
Like many Southern cities, Austin has experienced a huge number of recent transplants to the city, and not every resident has loved that. Many people have been known to complain about the new Austin residents who aren’t natives, and as a result, breaking into the local scene can feel a bit intimidating at first. Our advice is to stick with it, be patient, and be persistent: Austin is a home to everyone after a little patience and barbecue!
Featured Image Credit: Ryan Kyte via Visit Austin