What Your New Hires Wish You Knew About Moving to Austin

Relocating to Austin for work is exciting but comes with challenges. From skyrocketing housing costs to navigating traffic and choosing neighborhoods, new hires often face significant hurdles. Here’s what you need to know:

• Housing Costs: Median home prices are $577,400, and average rents are $1,940 – up 68% since 2019.
• Transportation Woes: Limited public transit and heavy traffic make commutes tricky.
• Neighborhood Choices: Downtown offers convenience but is pricey. Areas like Mueller and East Austin provide balance between cost and lifestyle.
• Employer Support Matters: Helping with relocation, housing searches, and community integration boosts satisfaction and retention.

Quick Tip: Services like Taco Street Locating simplify housing searches, while local groups and events help newcomers settle in. Addressing these needs ensures your hires thrive in Austin.

Read on for detailed insights into housing, neighborhoods, commutes, and how to support your team.

Finding Apartments in Austin’s Competitive Market

Austin’s rental market moves at lightning speed, often leaving new hires feeling overwhelmed by the fierce competition. As one of the fastest-growing U.S. metros from 2020 to 2022, Austin’s rapid expansion has led to a tight housing market. While median rent for studios and two-bedroom apartments dropped 8% to $1,670 as of August 2023, overall rents are still about 17% higher than they were before the pandemic.

Common Problems When Apartment Hunting in Austin

The competitive nature of Austin’s rental market presents several challenges for newcomers:

• Acting quickly is essential. Affordable apartments can disappear within hours. For new hires, this often means struggling to secure a place, especially when rental prices are more affordable.
• Navigating unfamiliar neighborhoods can be tricky. Without local knowledge, it’s easy to pick an area that looks great online but doesn’t suit your lifestyle or commute. Considering Austin ranks as the 18th most-congested city in the U.S., choosing the right neighborhood can make a big difference in your daily life.
• Missing paperwork can slow you down. Many new hires lack essential documents like proof of income, references, or ID, which can delay applications. In such a competitive market, even a slight delay can mean losing out to someone better prepared.
• Seasonal price changes can impact your budget. Rent prices often drop during the cooler months – December, January, and February – but most people don’t plan their moves around these trends.

How Taco Street Locating Makes Apartment Hunting Easier

Taco Street Locating simplifies the apartment search process for new hires. Their free, personalized service helps clients navigate Austin’s challenging rental market with ease. Acting as your personal concierge, they offer honest advice and local expertise to help you find the perfect apartment.

Here’s how it works: They start with a consultation to understand your budget, preferred location, lifestyle, and move-in timeline. Then, they create custom research spreadsheets that include detailed information on potential apartments – like pricing, square footage, availability, and any move-in specials. This saves you hours of scrolling through outdated listings. They also arrange apartment tours, which can be done in-person or remotely, giving you a clear picture of your options without the hassle of dealing directly with leasing offices. Finally, they guide you through the application process, ensuring all your paperwork is ready so you can act fast when the right apartment becomes available.

Austin Neighborhood Comparison Guide

Once you’ve secured an apartment, choosing the right neighborhood is just as important. Below is a comparison of key Austin neighborhoods based on rent, walkability, transit options, bike-friendliness, and income levels.

Neighborhood	Median 1-BR Rent	Walk Score	Transit Score	Bike Score	Median Household Income
Downtown Austin	$2,635	92	68	90	$122,182
East Austin	$2,863	84	53	85	$72,061
Zilker	$2,241	75	47	82	$75,233
The Domain	N/A	72	45	64	$58,106
Mueller	$2,031	62	47	72	$65,812

• Downtown Austin is ideal for those who want to ditch their cars. With excellent walkability and good transit options, it’s close to major employers like Google and Facebook. While it offers unmatched convenience, the high rent reflects its central location.
• East Austin combines a lively, creative vibe with urban amenities. It’s a great spot for dining and entertainment, and its walkability and bike-friendliness make it appealing to young professionals.
• Mueller stands out as a more affordable option with plenty of community amenities. With parks, trails, and a regular farmer’s market, it’s a great choice for those seeking balance between work and leisure.
• The Domain is often referred to as Austin’s “second downtown.” This area features luxury apartments within walking distance of shopping and dining, making it popular among tech workers and urbanites.
• Zilker is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. It’s close to Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool, offering a mix of nature and city life. Plus, its proximity to downtown makes it a convenient choice.

Understanding these neighborhood differences can help new hires find the best fit for their budget, lifestyle, and commute priorities.

Getting Comfortable in Austin Neighborhoods

Relocating to a new city means finding a place that feels like home. Each of Austin’s neighborhoods has its own vibe, and understanding these differences can help newcomers settle in faster and feel more connected.

Best Austin Neighborhoods for Young Professionals

Once you’ve tackled the rental market, choosing the right neighborhood can make all the difference in your daily life. For young professionals, priorities often include affordable rent, short commutes, and a lively social scene. Austin has several neighborhoods that check these boxes:

• North University: With a median age of 26 and a median rent of $1,285, this area is perfect for those keeping an eye on their budget. Its proximity to the University of Texas brings an energetic vibe, complete with cozy coffee shops, inexpensive eateries, and charming historic buildings.
• South Lamar (SoLa): This neighborhood strikes a balance between affordability and modern living. The median age here is 30.4, and the median rent is $1,449. Recent revitalization has introduced trendy local businesses and easy access to outdoor spaces, offering a well-rounded lifestyle.
• East Austin: Known for its creative, laid-back atmosphere, this area draws professionals looking for something a little different. Think food trucks, quirky bars, and live music venues that come alive every night.
• Downtown Austin: If you’re willing to splurge, Downtown offers unparalleled convenience. With a median rent of $2,006, it puts you at the heart of the action, surrounded by major employers and endless entertainment options.

Neighborhood	Median Age	Median Rent	Best For
North University	26	$1,285	Budget-conscious professionals
South Lamar	30.4	$1,449	A mix of affordability and amenities
East Austin	N/A	N/A	Creative professionals seeking variety
Downtown Austin	N/A	$2,006	Urban living and convenience

For tech professionals, The Domain in North Austin is a popular choice. This area offers upscale apartments, modern conveniences, and a growing tech scene.

Once you’ve settled on a neighborhood, the next step is to immerse yourself in the community.

Ways to Connect with the Local Community

Finding your neighborhood is only part of the journey – getting involved locally is what truly makes Austin feel like home. Thankfully, the city offers plenty of ways to meet people and get involved.

The Austin Newcomers Club is a great starting point. They host a packed calendar with activities ranging from board games and book clubs to hiking and movie nights. You can reach them at vpmembership@austinnewcomers.com for more details.

For professional connections, the Austin Young Chamber helps young professionals network within the business community. Meanwhile, the Austin Sports and Social Club organizes recreational sports leagues and social events, making it easy to stay active while meeting new people.

Volunteering is another fantastic way to build relationships. Opportunities include working with the Austin Animal Center, participating in community clean-up projects through the Neighborhood Partnering Program, or joining hands-on efforts like tree planting with the Austin Parks Foundation.

Interest-based groups are also a great way to meet like-minded people. Whether you join Meetup groups for niche hobbies, attend book discussions hosted by BookPeople, or go on outdoor adventures with the Austin Sierra Club, there’s something for everyone.

Finally, neighborhood-specific events can help you feel more connected to your immediate community. Programs like the Neighborhood Partnering Program encourage residents to collaborate on local projects, while community centers regularly host workshops and gatherings to bring neighbors together.

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Getting Around Austin: Transportation and Walking

Getting familiar with Austin’s transit options and walkable neighborhoods can make life a lot easier for new hires adjusting to the city. While Austin tends to favor cars, understanding its public transit system and neighborhood walkability can help streamline commutes and daily routines.

Austin’s Public Transit and Transportation Options

Austin’s public transit, managed by CapMetro, offers several ways to get around, including MetroBus, MetroRapid, MetroRail, and Pickup services. These options can help new residents save on transportation costs and reduce commuting hassles.

The MetroRail stands out with its 97% on-time performance, thanks to dedicated tracks. A single ride costs $3.50, while a monthly pass is $96.25. MetroBus, on the other hand, covers more areas but has faced challenges with reliability – its on-time performance dropped to 80% in 2022 due to driver shortages and vehicle availability, falling short of CapMetro’s goal of 83%. Despite this, buses remain budget-friendly at $1.25 per ride or $41.25 for a monthly pass.

To simplify travel, the CapMetro app offers features like route planning, ticket purchases, and real-time tracking.

Looking ahead, Project Connect aims to expand Austin’s transit system with a new light rail. Phase 1 of Austin Light Rail is expected to run trains every 5–10 minutes, which will significantly boost connectivity.

For those who prefer cycling, Austin provides bike-sharing programs and an extensive network of bike lanes. Many residents combine biking with bus routes or ride-sharing services, making it a practical alternative to owning a car.

How Walkable Each Neighborhood Is

Walkability in Austin varies greatly depending on the neighborhood, which can have a big impact on daily life. While Austin as a whole has a Walk Score of 42, ranking 30th nationally, some neighborhoods are far more pedestrian-friendly.

Downtown Austin leads the way with a Walk Score of 90–95, making it easy to accomplish errands on foot. Residents enjoy close access to landmarks like the Texas State Capitol, museums, music venues, and a variety of restaurants.

The West University and University of Texas areas also rank high, with Walk Scores of 92 and 89, respectively. These neighborhoods combine the perks of campus living with nearby shops, restaurants, and services.

Other walkable neighborhoods popular with young professionals include:

• North University and East Cesar Chavez, both scoring 84
• Central East Austin and Central West Austin, each with a Walk Score of 84
• Old West Austin, which scores 83
• Bouldin Creek, with a score of 82

Mueller stands out as a planned community designed for walkability, boasting a Walk Score of 70+. Nearly all streets have sidewalks, compared to Austin’s average of 23.7%, and the area dedicates 20% of its space to parks and open areas, well above the city average of 8.9%.

Neighborhood	Walk Score	Transit Score	Bike Score
Downtown	92	68	90
University of Texas	92	65	94
South Congress	79	58	81
The Domain/North Burnet	45	40	59
Central East	84	53	85
Old West	83	49	85
Mueller Lake	82	49	78
East Cesar Chavez	84	49	93

Interestingly, a study on Mueller residents found that moving to a walkable neighborhood increased both physical activity and social interactions.

While walkability is important, understanding commute times can also help new hires decide where to live.

Commute Times from Major Neighborhoods

In Austin, most trips average about 20 minutes. However, rush hour – typically 7–9 AM and 4–7 PM on weekdays – can add 25 to 35 minutes to travel times depending on the route. On average, expect an extra 12 minutes per 30 minutes of travel in the morning and 19 minutes per 30 minutes in the evening.

Key roads include I-35, U.S. 183, Loop 1, Loop 360, and SH-45, with some, like Loop 1 and SH-130, operating as toll roads. To avoid downtown congestion, routes like the Mopac Expressway (Loop 1) or SH-130 Toll Road can be helpful alternatives.

With over 70,000 new residents arriving in Austin in 2022, traffic has become a growing concern. Timing trips wisely can make a big difference – traveling during off-peak hours (9:30 AM–3:00 PM on weekdays or before 8:00 AM and after 7:00 PM) generally leads to smoother commutes.

Public transit, especially the MetroRail with its dedicated tracks, often proves more reliable than driving during peak hours. Other options like carpooling and cycling can also help avoid traffic delays. To stay ahead of potential disruptions from construction or events, use real-time traffic apps and monitor updates.

Austin’s Food and Entertainment Options

Austin is a city where food and entertainment collide, offering newcomers a chance to experience its lively culture while meeting others along the way. Whether you’re savoring dishes from award-winning food trucks or soaking in live music, Austin has something for everyone.

Top Restaurants and Food Trucks to Try

Austin has firmly established itself as a food truck hotspot, with nine local trucks making Yelp’s 2025 list of the Top 100 Food Trucks. This recognition reflects the city’s culinary creativity and its place in a $1.8 billion national food truck industry.

One standout is Jim’s Smokehouse, located at 6900 Ranch Road 620 N. Ranked #2 nationally, this food truck is renowned for its traditional barbecue techniques and boasts a 94% five-star rating. For a streamlined experience, Yelp suggests placing your order online.

Another must-try is T-Loc’s Sonora Hot Dogs, ranked #8 nationally and found at 5000 Burnet Road. Known for its bacon-wrapped hot dogs served in Mexican bolillo buns from Tucson, this spot offers a flavor-packed experience. Owner Miguel Kaiser, who honed his skills in a three-Michelin-starred restaurant, describes the dish as:

"It’s a combination of hot, cold, tangy, spicy, sweet and salty"

Here’s a quick look at some of Austin’s celebrated food trucks:

Food Truck	Yelp Ranking	Location	Cuisine
Jim’s Smokehouse	#2	6900 Ranch Road 620 N	Barbecue
T-Loc’s Sonora Hot Dogs	#8	5000 Burnet Road	Hot Dogs
Paprika ATX	#19	6539 N. Lamar Blvd.	Mexican
Bodhi Viet Vegan	#23	2301 W. Parmer Lane	Vegan Vietnamese
Ceviche7	#30	502 W. 30th St.	Peruvian

Beyond food trucks, Austin’s entertainment scene is equally enticing, with live music and arts venues offering countless ways to connect with the city.

Music Venues and Cultural Activities

After indulging in Austin’s food scene, dive into its renowned music and arts culture. Known as the "Live Music Capital of the World®", Austin offers an unparalleled lineup of live performances. Iconic venues like the Continental Club, Saxon Pub, and Stubb’s Bar-B-Q host everything from local talent to touring bands, creating intimate and unforgettable experiences.

For art lovers, Austin showcases its creative spirit through galleries, museums, and street art. The Blanton Museum of Art, The Contemporary Austin, and Mexic-Arte Museum highlight diverse artistic expressions, while venues like the Long Center for the Performing Arts and ZACH Theatre bring world-class performances to the stage.

Austin’s nightlife districts cater to every vibe:

• Sixth Street: High-energy bars and live music.
• Rainey Street: Relaxed atmosphere in converted houses.
• Warehouse District: Upscale cocktails and DJs for a more mature crowd.
• East Austin: Gritty and creative with a unique edge.
• South Congress and South Lamar: Casual spots with craft drinks and walkable streets.

Exploring these areas is a great way for newcomers to experience Austin’s unique blend of creativity, community, and inclusivity.

Getting Local Recommendations

Settling into Austin becomes much easier with tips from locals who know the city inside and out. While online guides and Instagram can point you to trending spots, personal recommendations often lead to hidden gems that tourists might miss.

Joining local groups like Austin Newcomers can help you quickly build a social circle and discover the best the city has to offer. Community events – like neighborhood festivals, art gallery openings, and live performances – are perfect opportunities to meet people and gather firsthand advice. Immersing yourself in Austin’s arts and cultural scene not only deepens your connection to the city but also makes the transition feel more seamless.

How Employers Can Help New Hires Moving to Austin

Helping employees settle into Austin isn’t just a nice gesture – it’s a smart way to boost retention and job satisfaction. By stepping in to assist new hires with the city’s tight housing market and vibrant lifestyle, companies can create a smoother transition and set the stage for long-term success.

Key Ways to Support Relocating Employees

One of the biggest hurdles for new hires moving to Austin is finding a place to live. Employers can make a huge difference by offering resources like apartment locating services, which help employees navigate the competitive rental market. Comprehensive relocation programs can also take care of essential tasks like setting up bank accounts, obtaining Social Security Numbers, and securing Texas driver’s licenses – tasks that can feel overwhelming for newcomers. Providing access to corporate apartments for temporary stays is another great way to ease the pressure of finding permanent housing.

Transportation is another area where companies can step in. Austin’s sprawling layout means commutes can be tricky, but employers can help by offering transportation solutions. For example, Cirrus Logic, an Austin-based company, has provided shuttle buses for employees since 2012, showing a commitment to simplifying daily commutes. Partnering with organizations like Movability or CommuteWISE can connect employees to options like CapMetro public transit, carpooling, or bike-sharing programs, making it easier for them to get around.

Helping new hires feel at home in Austin’s culture is equally important. Employers can provide guides to local events, such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival or SXSW, and suggest outdoor activities like kayaking on Lady Bird Lake or hiking in the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Encouraging participation in employee resource groups based on shared interests or backgrounds can also foster a sense of belonging and community.

Easing the Transition for New Hires

Including relocation details in new hire packets is a simple yet powerful way to show immediate support. Tailoring assistance to individual needs – whether it’s helping a family move or arranging temporary accommodations – sends a clear message that employees are valued from the start.

Partnering with services like Taco Street Locating can offer new hires personalized housing support, ensuring they feel guided and cared for during their move. Whether handled internally by HR or through external relocation services, this personalized approach builds trust and loyalty. Companies that invest in this kind of support often see employees not only stay longer but also become enthusiastic ambassadors for both their workplace and their new city.

Additionally, teaming up with relocation service providers can lighten the load for HR teams while ensuring employees receive expert advice. These partnerships often include extras like relocation packets filled with local information and city tours, helping new hires quickly get acquainted with Austin’s unique vibe.

FAQs

How can new hires find affordable housing when relocating to Austin?

Finding a place to live in Austin without breaking the bank can be tough, but there are smart strategies to make it more manageable. One option is to look into income-restricted housing or keep an eye out for rent specials, like reduced rates or waived fees, which can cut down on those initial costs.

Another approach is to search for apartments in neighborhoods that aren’t as trendy or are located just outside the city center. These areas often offer more affordable options. Many newcomers find that staying open-minded about location and acting fast when a good deal pops up can make a big difference. Lastly, tapping into local resources or using apartment locating services can save you time and help uncover budget-friendly places you might not find otherwise.

How can employers help new hires navigate Austin’s transportation options?

Employers can help new hires settle into Austin by offering support with transportation. Start by sharing details about public transit options like CapMetro, which provides bus and rail services throughout the city. You might also consider offering commuter perks, such as discounted transit passes or carpool incentives, to make commuting more affordable.

Another idea is to collaborate with local groups that focus on commuter solutions or provide advice on Austin’s Transportation Demand Management strategies. These steps can make commuting less stressful, improve access to transportation, and give new employees a boost of confidence when navigating their new city.

How can new hires build a social network and feel at home in Austin?

Moving to a new city can be a lot to take in, but settling into Austin doesn’t have to be daunting. One of the best ways to feel at home is by diving into the city’s lively community. Look into joining local groups, hobby clubs, or attending meetups that align with your interests. Austin’s social scene is buzzing, and these activities offer a natural way to meet new people.

Another great option is to participate in city-sponsored volunteer programs or neighborhood events. Not only will you contribute to the community, but you’ll also create opportunities to connect with others. Social media groups and local online forums are also excellent tools for staying in the loop about events and finding people who share your passions. By embracing Austin’s vibrant personality and getting involved in your neighborhood, you’ll quickly build connections and start to feel at home.

Related posts

• What to expect when moving to Austin from New York City
• Austin Neighborhoods: Newcomer Guide
• The Ultimate Guide to Relocating Employees to Austin: What HR Teams Need to Know
• The Best Austin Neighborhoods for Young Professionals (HR’s Quick Reference Guide)