Moving to Austin

I've lived in Austin for over 20 years, since coming down for UT in 2006. I've watched it grow fast. Some of that growth is great, and some of it shows up in traffic on I-35 and MoPac. If you're moving here, this is the honest version.

Pick your commute before your neighborhood

Austin is spread out, and where you work shapes everything. Drive your commute at rush hour before you fall for a house. A 20-minute drive on Sunday can be 50 minutes on a Tuesday. Toll roads like 183A, SH 130 and MoPac Express help, but they add up.

Plan for property taxes and summer

Texas has no state income tax, so property taxes do more of the work. Combined rates around Austin run about 1.4% to 2.4%, and a MUD can add up to 1% more. Summers are long and hot, so ask about the age of the AC and roof on every home you tour.

Where people land

Most buyers moving here look at a mix of central and suburban areas. Start with my area guides: Mueller, East Austin, South Austin, Round Rock & Pflugerville, Cedar Park & Leander and Kyle & Buda. Buying for the first time? Read my first-time buyer guide.

Buying from out of state

Many relocating buyers make one trip to tour a short list, then handle the rest from wherever they are. Tell me your timeline and I'll plan the search around it. The full process is on my Buyers page.

Let's talk

Tell me where you'll be working, your budget and your timeline. I'll send you a short list of areas that fit. Get in touch here, or follow the market in my weekly Austin updates.