Why Young Professionals Are Moving to Austin

By Molly Hammond, Storage.com

Finding your place in this world can be pretty difficult, not to mention how hard it can be to move there. Storage.com is here to help with the moving process, either by providing storage or helping you find the ideal place to call home.

There’s no better time to pick up and move than in the months just following college graduation. Young professionals have fewer commitments that hinder big moves (children, mortgages, or long-term job), which makes it a prime time to follow passions across the country, whether they’re personal or professional.

Even for twenty-somethings who have already taken that first salary-paying, perk-having job, there’s often an overwhelming urge to pack it all in and move to one of the big cities. In the past that would’ve meant, almost exclusively, New York or California (with your choice of Bay Area or SoCal sun). But these days, there are a number of growing cities that young people flock to. One of the most notable? Austin, Texas.

Texas might seem like an interesting choice for people who just years ago would’ve chosen coastal cities known for their culture and progression, but the truth is that Austin has a lot of the things young professionals seek. Because Austin is the perfect place to…

LIVE

Photo by Ed Schipui
Photo by Ed Schipui

If you’re looking for a vibrant and unique place to live with the culture of a big city and the community of somewhere smaller, Austin may be just the place. Culture thrives in the music, museums, and food, and young professionals looking for a place to work and play will be hard-pressed to find somewhere with as many opportunities. Austin may be “weird” and looking to stay that way, but it’s no wonder that young people are eschewing Manhattan rent prices and Los Angeles traffic for this blue dot in a red state.

WORK

Photo by Roy Niswanger
Photo by Roy Niswanger

Austin is known as a center for tech jobs and startups, as well as pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies. In addition to big companies like Keller Williams Realty and the headquarters of Whole Foods, Austin is renowned for its strong local business scene. Whether you’re a student at the University of Texas at Austin looking for an internship or you’re a new transplant looking for tons of employment opportunities, Austin is a fantastic place to snag that real-world job.

Studying at UT and need summer storage? Find storage near University of Texas.

EAT

Photo by Wally Gobetz
Photo by Wally Gobetz

Food is important. And not just in that “need it to sustain us” way—a city’s food scene can be a big deciding factor for people looking to make a move. Fortunately, the food in Austin is fantastic. There’s serious Tex Mex that may well ruin you for any other regions attempts at the cuisine (Hello, spicy gravy!) and, of course, the barbecue game is so strong it’s practically a religion. No mere mortal could tell you the single best place to grab Tex Mex or fall-off-the-bone meats, but Chuy’s and Rudy’s are great places to start.

It would also be irresponsible not to mention the food truck haven that is Austin. From Kebabalicious and Love Balls to every kind of portable dessert, if you have the appetite for it, Austin probably has the food truck. Get ready to learn all about the gospel of the breakfast taco.

MOVING TO AUSTIN?
COMPARE STORAGE UNIT PRICES

DRINK

Photo by Gary J. Wood
Photo by Gary J. Wood

In Austin, wetting your whistle is just as fun as whetting your appetite. 6th Street is a well-known row of bars and pubs with establishments of every kind along the strip. Want rowdy bars that remind you of your college days? That’s “Dirty 6th Street,” the most famed stretch. Dig upscale rooms and maybe even mixology? West Sixth. Chill vibes and outdoor seating? East Sixth. The scene is popular with locals and tourists alike, but you’ll be able to find a perfect pub in almost any neighborhood.

LAUGH

Photo by David French
Photo by David French

Between festivals like Out of Bounds and Moontower Comedy & Oddity Fest and a number of well-known clubs that draw big names and showcase new talent, the live comedy scene in Austin is no joke. It’s a nice alternative to dinner and movie for a night out, as well as a haven for huge fans of certain comedians. Austin is a great place to watch stand-up, sketch comedy, or improv—whatever tickles your funny bone.

SWEAT

Photo by kris krug
Photo by kris krug

There’s no two ways about it: Austin is hot. The city routinely sees temps in the high ’90s, and there’s nothing “dry” about the heat, which can mean a serious adjustment for transplants who are used to rainy springs and white Christmases. But the heat doesn’t stop residents. With numerous parks, trails, and outdoor activities like Austin BikeFest and the Austin Marathon, Austinites take advantage of the serious sunshine. In fact, that’s why Austin is frequently listed as one of the fittest cities in the country.

ROCK

Photo by Anthony Quintano
Photo by Anthony Quintano

Since 1991, Austin has been officially known as “the live music capital of the world” because the city is simply unparalleled in live music venues. Nearly 200 venues bring thousands of bands to Austin every year, so catching your favorite artist or finding a new band to love is second nature to Austin residents.

In addition to the permanent venues and the groups that never tour without a stop in Austin, the city is home to some of the most-famed music festivals in the country. South by Southwest, Austin City Limits, and Fun Fun Fun Fest all call Austin home, and while some locals bemoan the traffic and the rabid fans, there’s no arguing with the classic Austin atmosphere and tons of talent.

So…what are you waiting for? Austin could be your new home.

SEARCH, COMPARE, AND RENT
STORAGE UNITS IN AUSTIN, TX