Is Austin, TX Still a Good Place to Move To?

So you’re wondering if Austin, Texas is still worth the hype? You’ve probably heard all the things—live music capital, booming job market, tech bros in Teslas, tacos for days. But lately, the buzz has shifted. Prices are up, traffic is wild, and people are asking, “Wait… is Austin still a good place to move to?”

Let’s break it down honestly, like we’re chatting over coffee (or Lone Star beer if you prefer). I’ll tell you the good, the bad, and the weird—because this is Austin we’re talking about, and weird still reigns.

Why Was Austin Such a Hotspot in the First Place?

Before we talk about now, let’s rewind a bit. Austin wasn’t always the place everyone was flocking to. It used to be Texas’ cool underdog—laid-back, creative, and way cheaper than LA or New York. But then came the tech boom.

Big players like Apple, Google, Oracle, Tesla, and Samsung showed up. Suddenly, Austin wasn’t just cool—it was cash-flowing. Jobs exploded, home values soared, and people from all over the country started packing their bags and heading south.

Add in no state income tax, warm weather (most of the time), and a live music scene that’s straight-up electric, and you had the perfect storm.

Okay, But What’s Changed?

This is where things get interesting. Austin’s grown—like, fast. Maybe too fast. With that growth came real problems. Let’s talk about the biggest ones.

1. Housing Ain’t What It Used to Be

If you’re moving from California or New York, Austin still feels like a steal. But for locals? The prices have been brutal. The median home price skyrocketed in 2020–2022. It’s cooled off a bit in 2024 and 2025, but it’s still high—especially compared to what Austin used to be.

Rent's no joke either. Average rent for a one-bedroom is hovering around $1,600–$2,000 depending on where you’re looking. Want to be near downtown, the Domain, or South Congress? Expect to pay premium prices.

2. Traffic is Getting… LA-Level Bad

One of the biggest complaints you’ll hear from Austinites today? The traffic. I-35 is practically a parking lot during rush hour. Mopac isn’t much better. Austin’s public transportation system is minimal—there’s no real subway or light rail like you’d find in bigger metros.

There are improvements in the works (shoutout to Project Connect), but it’s slow-going.

3. The Vibe is Changing

Let’s be real: the Austin that used to be grungy, artsy, and ultra-local has started to shift. Some call it “San Francisco Jr.” now. High-rise condos are replacing dive bars. Local joints are being pushed out by big chains. It’s still fun, but the city’s soul is evolving—and not everyone’s on board with the new version.

So… What’s Still Great About Austin?

Despite all that, people keep coming—and for good reason. Austin still has a lot to offer, especially if you know what you’re getting into.

1. The Job Market Is Fire (Especially for Tech)

If you’re in tech, engineering, creative, or remote work, Austin is still gold. Big names are hiring, and the startup scene is alive and well. Even non-tech industries are growing—healthcare, education, construction, and real estate are all solid.

Wages have also risen to match the cost of living (somewhat), so if you’re career-minded, Austin still has strong upside.

2. Nature Is Everywhere

People forget how outdoorsy Austin is. You’ve got Lady Bird Lake running through downtown (paddleboarders galore), miles of hike and bike trails, and the greenbelt for hiking, swimming, or just escaping the city for a bit.

Plus: Zilker Park, Barton Springs, Lake Travis, and Hamilton Pool. If you like to move your body outside—Austin delivers.

3. It’s STILL Weird (In a Good Way)

Yes, Austin’s changed, but it still leans hard into its weird roots. You’ll still find food trucks on every corner, live music pouring out of bars on a Tuesday night, and someone roller skating down South Congress in a unicorn onesie. The city’s got personality, and it’s not afraid to show it.

Best Neighborhoods to Move To in Austin (Right Now)

If you're still thinking of moving to Austin, location matters more than ever. Here's a quick vibe check on some of the top spots:

1. East Austin

Trendy, artsy, and full of character. Great food, cool bars, and close to downtown—but gentrification is strong here, and prices have followed.

2. South Austin

Still has that old-school Austin charm. Think quirky houses, vintage shops, and breakfast tacos that hit just right. Zilker and Bouldin are fan favorites.

3. Mueller

Family-friendly, walkable, and full of green space. Great if you’re raising kids but still want to be near downtown.

4. The Domain / North Burnet

AKA Austin’s “second downtown.” Tons of jobs, shops, and new apartments. Super modern vibe—less weird, more efficient.

5. Cedar Park / Round Rock / Pflugerville

Not technically Austin, but close enough. More affordable, more space, great schools. Ideal for families or anyone wanting suburban life with city access.

Austin Vs Other Texas Cities: Is It Still #1?

Let’s compare Austin to a few Texas favorites:

• Houston: Bigger, more diverse, way more affordable—but humid as heck and way more industrial.

• Dallas: Polished, business-minded, with major entertainment and shopping—but doesn’t have that same laid-back energy.

• San Antonio: Super chill, rich history, and cheaper housing—but job market isn’t as dynamic.

• Bastrop / Taylor / Georgetown: These satellite towns around Austin are exploding. Lower prices, slower pace, but still close to the action.

Austin still wins on vibe and opportunity—but the gap is closing as surrounding cities rise up.

Is Austin a Good Place for Families?

Short answer: yes—but you need to plan wisely.

Austin has some excellent schools (especially in the suburbs), tons of family-friendly activities, and neighborhoods where kids can bike to parks or pools. But affordability and traffic can make life stressful if you’re not in the right area.

Top family-friendly neighborhoods include:

• Circle C Ranch

• Westlake Hills (if you can afford it)

• Steiner Ranch

• Brushy Creek

• Avery Ranch

Also worth noting: there’s a huge homeschool and alternative school scene here, plus TONS of outdoor learning opportunities.

Is Austin Still a Good Investment?

From a real estate and business perspective—Austin’s still hot. Maybe not boiling lava hot like 2021, but definitely still cooking.

• Home prices are leveling out but long-term appreciation looks strong.

• Rent demand remains high (especially near tech centers).

• Commercial real estate is growing alongside the population boom.

• New builds, infrastructure, and big-name employers continue to roll in.

And with Tesla, Samsung, and other mega-corps setting up massive campuses, there’s long-term job growth baked in.

If you’re looking to buy property, invest, or start a business, Austin is still one of the top places to plant roots—just go in with eyes wide open.

Things People Don’t Tell You About Living in Austin

Let’s get real about the parts no one brags about on Instagram:

• Allergies are brutal. Seriously, “Cedar Fever” is a real thing.

• The summer heat can crush your soul. June–September? It’s a sweat-fest.

• Homelessness is visible, especially downtown.

• The city runs on events. SXSW, ACL, F1… great for fun, not great for traffic.

• Construction is constant. Like, never-ending.

Still, for many, those trade-offs are worth it.

So, Is Austin Still a Good Place to Move To?

Here’s the honest take: It depends on what you’re looking for.

If you want:

• Career opportunities (especially in tech or creative fields)

• A city with personality

• Access to nature and outdoor living

• Great food, music, and events

• No state income tax

Then yes, Austin is still a great place to move to.

But if you’re hoping for:

• Affordable housing (without compromise)

• Easy commuting

• Small-town vibes

• A place that’s just like it was 10 years ago

You might want to look at the towns orbiting Austin—or further out entirely.

Final Thoughts

Austin isn’t perfect. It’s grown fast, it’s changed a lot, and it’s not the under-the-radar gem it once was. But it’s still vibrant, full of opportunity, and home to a community that’s creative, smart, and determined to keep the spirit of the city alive—even as skyscrapers go up and rents climb.

So is Austin, Texas still a good place to move to?

If you're ready for the adventure, the heat, the traffic, the tacos, and the growth—it just might be the perfect place for you.