Austin is a great city. It’s got a lot going for it: a thriving music scene, great weather year-round, and miles of hiking trails. But before moving to Austin, TX, there are some things you need to know about the capital of Texas.
Austin Is Weird
Austin is weird. There’s just no way around it. If you go to Austin, you will be forced to deal with the fact that it’s a strange place. But there’s a reason for these quirks—the city was founded by people who wanted to make their own rules and distance themselves from the rest of Texas. So if Austin is weird, it’s because it has always been different from its surroundings, but in a good way!
Austin Traffic Is As Bad As You Might Have Heard
You may have heard that Austin traffic is terrible. Well, it’s true! But here’s the thing: you don’t have to let it ruin your life.
- Plan accordingly and leave early if you’re commuting somewhere in the city on a weekday. Traffic will be heaviest during rush hour (7-9 AM and 4-6 PM), but if possible, try to avoid traveling during peak hours altogether.
- If possible, stay out of town on weekends for errands or other activities—it’ll be easier on everyone around you! Traffic tends to be worse on Saturdays and Sundays—even more so than on weekdays in some cases—so if there’s any way for you not to go out of town during those times, then do yourself a favor and don’t do it!
Public Transportation In Austin Isn’t Great
There is a bus system, but it could be better. It’s mostly limited to downtown and doesn’t run late at night. The city is working on improving public transportation, but Austin still needs to catch up to other cities like Dallas and Houston in terms of its transportation options.
Stay Away From Central Austin If You Want Affordable Housing
So, you want to live in Austin but want to spend your entire paycheck on something other than rent. In that case, you’ll be looking at either North Austin or South Austin. West and East Austin are also options; they’re more affordable than Central but have some things in common with their neighboring neighborhoods.
If you can afford it (and if your job or other factors allow for it), Central is the most convenient location for housing in the city because of its proximity to downtown and public transportation. However, this area has become increasingly expensive over recent years.
Summers In Austin Are Hot And Humid
The summers in Austin are hot and humid. The average temperature reaches above 90 degrees from June through September, but it may feel much hotter with the humidity. You should be prepared for this by staying hydrated, wearing light clothing when you go outside, or even just running your air conditioner home to stay cool.
When you’re out on a hike or enjoying a summer evening outdoors, there are some things you can do to help protect yourself:
- Wear sunscreen! This will protect your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause sunburns, cancer, and other health problems over time.
- Wear sunglasses! Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays that cause eye damage, such as cataracts or macular degeneration (an age-related disease). They also look cool if they match your outfit!
Conclusion
We hope that this list helps you be prepared for the next time you move to a new city. We know moving can be stressful, but we promise it’s worth it! The best part about Austin is its people: they’re friendly and welcoming to newcomers, so go out there and make some friends.
