Luxury home buyers in search of their dream property in the Austin area often find themselves weighing two compelling options: Dripping Springs vs Austin luxury homes. These two markets, though separated by just 30–45 minutes, could not be more different in terms of lifestyle, home offerings, and overall vibe. Whether you prioritize sprawling acreage with […]
Living in Austin TX
Living in Austin TX offers something that's increasingly rare: a major city that still feels livable. It's grown fast — very fast — but underneath the construction cranes and new arrivals, Austin has held onto a distinctive culture, a strong job market, and a quality of life that draws people from across the country every year.
This blog covers what it's actually like to live here. Not the glossy brochure version, but the real information you need — whether you're thinking about relocating, already here and trying to navigate homeownership, or trying to understand what makes Austin tick.
The Job Market
Austin consistently ranks among the top metro areas for job growth in the United States. The tech sector anchors much of the economy, with major employers including Apple, Dell, Tesla, Oracle, and Amazon all maintaining significant presences here. But the job market isn't one-dimensional — healthcare, education, government, construction, and professional services all provide substantial employment. For remote workers, Austin's combination of no state income tax, relative affordability compared to coastal tech hubs, and quality of life has made it a popular destination.
Cost of Living and Housing
Austin is not cheap, but it's more affordable than the coastal cities many newcomers are leaving. Housing prices rose sharply between 2020 and 2022, then softened — the current market offers more options and better negotiating room than buyers had a few years ago. Property taxes are the ongoing cost most people underestimate: Travis County rates are among the highest in Texas, and understanding how the appraisal and protest process works can save homeowners thousands of dollars each year.
Neighborhoods and Schools
Choosing where to live in Austin means choosing a lifestyle. North Austin offers suburban amenities and some of the metro's top-rated school districts. South Austin trades square footage for walkability and character. East Austin has become one of the most talked-about areas in the city for its dining, arts, and new development. The Hill Country communities to the west offer more land and a slower pace. School quality varies considerably by area and is one of the first questions most families ask when beginning a home search.
Ready to Make the Move?
At Eleven Oaks Realty, we've helped buyers navigate every corner of the Austin metro for years. Browse the articles below for a real picture of life here, and reach out when you're ready to talk about your search.
Best Austin Neighborhoods for Nightlife: Where to Live for Walkable Bars, Music & Fun
Looking for the best Austin neighborhoods for nightlife? Austin isn’t called the Live Music Capital of the World without good reason! Its neighborhoods boast a variety of hotspots for night owls, whether you’re into live music, chic rooftop bars, or vibrant breweries serving locally crafted beer well into the night. Here are some standout neighborhoods […]
Why People Still Love Living in Austin, Texas: A Deep Dive Into the City’s Enduring Appeal
If you’re considering relocating to Austin, Texas, you’re not alone. Year after year, people from across the country flock to this Central Texas gem, drawn by its unique culture, thriving economy, kid-friendly atmosphere, and a lifestyle that’s hard to match anywhere else. Despite challenges like escalating housing prices, summer heat, and rapid growth, Austin continues […]
Working from Home? Here’s How to Choose a Neighborhood You’ll Love 24/7
Working from home has redefined how we think about neighborhoods. Without the need for a daily commute, professionals are prioritizing lifestyle, convenience, and comfort over proximity to a traditional office. But with so many options to consider, how do you find the perfect neighborhood that aligns with your work-from-home lifestyle? We gave you our list […]
Retiring in Austin? What You Need to Know About Texas Property Taxes and Exemptions
Considering retirement in the Austin area? Perhaps you’re moving here to be near kids and grandkids or maybe because you’re trying to get away from the higher cost of living states. Though Texans enjoy a lower cost of living in a lot of categories, housing costs and especially property taxes are something to budget for […]
Best School Districts Around Austin
The Austin ISD has numerous high performing schools with a few, like the Liberal Arts and Science Academy, Harmony Science Academy and Anderson High School, receiving national acclaim. The Austin ISD as a whole is one of the lesser performing Austin Area School Districts, but has some top rated schools within the district like Bowie […]
Top 3 School Districts in Austin
Austin is known for a lot of things from live music to funky food trucks, but it’s also know for it’s highly rated schools. For home buyers with kids, or who plan to have kids, schools will likely be an important factor in your home buying decision. But, even if you don’t have school aged […]
Luxury Acreage Communities Near Austin with Amenities
Austin’s surrounding hill country isn’t just about scenic views—it’s a destination for discerning buyers seeking privacy, prestige, and space to roam. Fortunately, Central Texas offers a number of exceptional luxury acreage communities where you don’t have to choose between open land and upscale amenities. Whether you’re after lake access, equestrian trails, resort-style pools, or gated […]
What Do Areas of Austin Look Like?
Austin’s scenic diversity is one of Central Texas’ greatest attributes. Only a few other cities can offer the variety of landscapes and picturesque vistas of the greater Austin area. A remarkable blend of sky touching condominiums, trendy city scapes, gentrified haunts, Old Austin “summer homes” surrounded by majestic Oak Trees, waterfront abodes, hillside lake view […]
What Do Austin Suburbs Look Like?
When choosing which area of Austin to live in, one shouldn’t overlook the Austin suburbs where housing choices abound for every taste and budget. Cedar Park, Leander, Round Rock, Georgetown, Dripping Springs, Driftwood, Kyle, Buda, Lake Travis, Bee Cave, Lakeway or Spicewood, each is a little different. How will you decide which Austin suburb is […]
