South Austin is affectionately known by locals as a “taste of old Austin.” From quaint houses to iconic restaurants and eateries, South Austin serves as a respite from the hustle and bustle of the downtown area. Still, moving to South Austin awards you the same benefits that other Austinites have, such as living in a place with great weather year-round and a culture that celebrates the arts.
With the recent mass exodus of people relocating to Austin, the South Austin real estate market was in the midst of a massive boom. Since then, the housing market has somewhat normalized. According to the Austin Board of REALTORS®, new listings increased by six percent in March of 2023, while the median sale price for houses has dropped by 13 percent. This tells us that now is an excellent time to buy property in the area.
Beyond the current state of the South Austin housing market, here are the top nine reasons to relocate to this part of Texas.
1. No state income tax
Much like the rest of Texas, one of the biggest perks of moving to Austin is the lack of state income tax. As of 2023, only nine states in the country do not levy a state income tax, including Texas. This means your take-home pay will be much larger than if you were living in one of the other 41 states.
2. Boomi3ng job market
In recent years, major companies, such as Google and Tesla, have moved part or all of their operations to Austin. Because of this, analysts predict that job growth in Austin will continue to grow by 47 percent over the next 10 years. Furthermore, Austin was recently ranked as the second hottest job market in the country. This is great news for people relocating to the area hoping to find employment.
3. Delicious food scene
It’s no secret that Texas has some of the best food scenes in the country. From the fabled Tex-Mex cuisine to smoking hot barbecue joints, there are no shortages of great restaurants to try. Austin is no different. In fact, the city is consistently ranked as one of the best food cities in the U.S. While Austin has numerous must-eat restaurants, it’s the city’s food truck scene that has really captured locals and visitors alike. These food trucks dish up some serious eats that rival many restaurants found throughout the nation.
4. Great weather year-round
Many people moving to South Austin often remark how great the weather is year-round. While summers can reach a staggering 100 degrees, the three other seasons of the year bring cool, comfortable temperatures. Winters in Austin typically stay within the 60s and 70s, while spring and fall bring highs in the 80s. Still, seven months of the year consistently hold an average high in the 70s, perfect for people looking to spend their days outdoors.
5. Low cost of living
Typically, areas with high salaries are usually accompanied by a higher cost of living. That isn’t the case for South Austin. Residents of this Texas city, on average, receive a decent salary without having to spend it all on food and housing. This means people can expect to pay less for utilities, groceries, transportation, and goods and services. Couple this with the fact that Texas does not levy any state income tax, and you have a recipe for more money in your pocket.
6. Thriving art scene
Austin is a quirky city that has gained the motto “Keep Austin Weird” for a reason. From local collectives to diverse art galleries to sprawling murals, residents of Austin continue to celebrate the city’s rich art scene. Furthermore, going beyond the day-to-day art displays, the city also hosts the annual South by Southwest festival that showcases live music, art shows, and films. It is truly a spectacle that should not be missed.
7. Live music performances
Going along with Austin’s art scene, the city is known for its live musical performances, so much so that it earned the nickname the “Live Music Capital of the World.” Throughout the city, you will find a never-ending stream of live music that can be accessed day or night. You’ll find great musical acts wherever you go, from country and blues to hip-hop and jazz. Some noteworthy establishments that provide live music include the Paramount Theater, the Moody Theater, and the Empire Control Room. Moving to South Austin unlocks the keys to these daily live performances.
8. Incredible school system
Those relocating to South Austin can take comfort in knowing that the city contains some of the best schools in the nation. Expansion Management Magazine listed four of the public school systems in the Austin metro area as being the best in the country, while U.S. News & World Report highly ranked 14 of the area’s high schools. There are also plenty of options for colleges and universities. For instance, the University of Texas provides a superior education in several areas of study, such as technology and healthcare.
9. Friendly hospitality
Entertainment and jobs are certainly a draw for most people; however, it’s the city’s friendliness that keeps them around. South Austin is definitely one of those places. Drawing upon its heritage of good old-fashioned Texan hospitality, Austin is known as a friendly city brimming with love, compassion, and support. From easy conversations with cashiers while running errands to finding assistance in times of need, Austin is a community of friendly residents willing to help each other out. While the area is large and may feel like a big city, it still holds a small-town charm that residents love.
Thinking of moving to South Austin?
From South Austin’s great economy to its friendly demeanor, deciding to relocate to this Texas city is easier than ever. Not only will you find great weather year-round, but you’ll also find a community that looks after one another. If you need any more reasons to move to South Austin, contact a local real estate agent to see if it’s right for you.
Austin Locals Group is a South Austin real estate team that has helped numerous clients find the home of their dreams. Using their knowledge of the area, Austin Locals Group knows what it takes to secure a good deal on a property. If you’re relocating to the area, contact him today.
