Austin, a city in Texas, has been a popular destination for techies from all over the world as it provides them with a plethora of business employment opportunities.
However, migrating to a new place, thousands of miles away from your home, involves understanding the place and its people and culture and finding a residence quickly.
This is a guide I’ve written specifically for people who are planning to relocate to Austin. This should help your smooth transition.
A offer a special gratitude to Colonial Van Lines for helping me write this article.
Why Austin Attracts Techies?
Let’s first check out why Austin, also known as Silicon Hills, attracts so many techies.
1. Austin Fosters Start-Ups
To facilitate businesses, especially start-ups, the Silicon Hills administration has introduced a low-tax structure for entrepreneurs. This low tax liability helps new businesses to grow easily.
For individual employees, the administration has waived the tax liability completely.
2. The Open Market Factor
Austin has an excellent open market where an inclusive business environment prevails that doesn’t encourage monopoly. That’s why many young entrepreneurs from different countries make it their home.
3. Low Cost of Living
Though home to tech giants like Dell, Google etc, the cost of living in Austin is surprisingly low compared to other US cities. This is another major reason for geeks to go and grow there.
How To Find the Right Neighbourhood?
Finding a neighbourhood in a new country that aligns well with your personal and professional objectives can be challenging. This section will help you select your ideal neighbourhood.
If you are a man who loves his work as well as maintaining a high-tech urban lifestyle, South Congress or Downtown may be the kind of place you are looking for.
Relatively costly, these areas are hubs of top-rated business organisations and offer a luxury lifestyle amidst opulence and multiple entertainment options.
If you need a budget-friendly neighbourhood, areas like Round Rock and Cedar Park should be ideal for you.
Most employees with big to small IT companies, even many new entrepreneurs gravitate towards these areas.
The USPs of these places are their quiet neighbourhood and access to a modern urban lifestyle. If you have school-going kids, these places are ideal for you as many top educational institutions are situated there.
Immigrants with a cultural flavour usually prefer to live in East Austin, which is considered the cultural capital of Silicon Hills.
Wherever you decide to live in Austin, remember travelling across Austin can be a challenge.
Your best bet is to select an area near your workplace. It should have good road connectivity and preferably adequate public transport facilities.
I strongly recommend thorough research in Austin neighbourhoods before going there.
How to Find Your Dream Home in Austin
Finding your house in Austin will be a tough job due to the costs and high demands.
Techies from all over the world make it their home, jacking up housing costs sky-high.
Do some research on the city’s housing market before boarding the flight to Austin. You need a house that suits your personal and professional objectives without burning a hole in your pocket.
If necessary, talk to a local housing consultant or realtor. They know the ropes and can provide you with invaluable pieces of advice and suggestions.
You need a home close to your workplace that offers an excellent cost-effective proposition. If you want to live in posh areas like Downtown or SoCo, be prepared to invest a lot of money in your house.
If you want to buy a house, Austin offers old houses in excellent condition for sale. Or you can build your own home. If you go for the second option, you will have to invest heavily.
Keep one thing in mind, there is no fixed housing cost across the board in Austin. Residential investment varies widely from location to location.
So do your homework well before heading for Silicon Hills.
Building Network in Tech Community
After settling down, your next job is to build a strong network with your industry people to acclimatise yourself with the tech ecosystem in Austin.
There are many organisations and groups that offer techies an outstanding scope of building networks.
Austin is the playground of tech giants like Google, Dell and Tesla. It also has a booming start-up crowd in its industry pool. So finding and befriending people in your industry will not be a problem.
Besides, Austin has a strong inclusive culture that embraces people from diverse castes, cultures and professions. This migrant-friendly atmosphere helps newcomers settle down there quickly and easily.
Be open to suggestions and new networking opportunities and you can quickly build a strong supportive network of like-minded people in Austin, Texas.
Conclusion
Austin, Texas attracts hundreds of migrants, especially techies, every year.
Its vibrant IT culture and outstanding professional, cultural and recreational options offer job seekers as well as budding entrepreneurs in the IT industry outstanding opportunities to live and grow there.
If you plan to relocate to Austin, you are advised to do some research to select the neighbourhood that aligns well with your personal taste and professional demands.
Also, build strong relationships with like-minded people in your industry to make the transition smooth and hassle-free.
