🏡 Living in Austin, Texas: 3 Things You'll Love (and 3 You Might Not)

Thinking of moving to Austin, Texas? You’ve probably heard about the breakfast tacos, the live music, and yes… the traffic. But is Austin the right city for you?

I’m Nicole Cooper, a local Austin real estate expert—and former University of Texas golfer—who’s helped people find their dream homes in the Austin area for over a decade. In this guide, I’m sharing the real pros and cons of living in Austin, complete with insider tips and personal stories.

✅ PRO #1: The Active, Outdoor Lifestyle

Warm weather year-round + incredible green spaces = Austin’s biggest lifestyle perk.

Top outdoor spots to explore:

  • Auditorium Shores: Dog-friendly, picnic-ready, and home to festivals.

  • Barton Springs Pool: A spring-fed swimming hole that’s chilly in summer and cozy in winter.

  • Zilker Park: Volleyball courts, playgrounds, and the home of Austin City Limits Music Festival.

  • Barton Creek Greenbelt: Hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and natural swimming holes like Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls.

  • Lady Bird Lake: Paddleboarding, kayaking, and even floating DJ parties in the summer.

Whether you're a trail-runner, yogi, or dog parent—Austin makes it easy to stay active.

✅ PRO #2: The Live Music Capital of the World

In Austin, you can find live music every night of the week—from tiny dive bars to world-famous festivals.

Must-visit venues:

  • Continental Club – Legendary and intimate. Willie and Gary Clark Jr. have both played here.

  • Saxon Pub – Up-close acoustic magic, often with multiple shows nightly.

  • Hotel Vegas – Indoor and outdoor stages with an East Austin edge.

Austin’s famous festivals include:

  • Austin City Limits (ACL)

  • South by Southwest (SXSW)

  • Blues on the Green

  • Eeyore’s Birthday (yes, it’s as quirky as it sounds)

If you’re passionate about music, there’s truly no better city in the U.S.

✅ PRO #3: A Food Scene You’ll Never Get Bored Of

Let’s talk about tacos, queso, and barbecue.

What you can’t miss:

  • Torchy’s Tacos – For queso and every taco under the sun.

  • Neon rooftops like Nido at the Loren Hotel – For fine dining with a view.

  • Casino El Camino – Home to one of the nation’s best burgers (according to Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives).

And if you love craft beer? Breweries like Live Oak and Meanwhile offer shaded beer gardens, disc golf, and that casual Austin vibe we all love.

🚫 But It’s Not All Sunshine and Salsa…

❌ CON #1: The Traffic is Rough

We didn’t build the roads. But people still came.

With rapid growth and a car-dependent layout, I-35 during rush hour is a parking lot. Want a tip? Make a podcast while you wait.

❌ CON #2: Limited Public Transportation

Austin has one commuter train (that runs north to south) and buses—but no major subway system, airport connection, or city-wide transit grid.

If you’re moving from NYC, Chicago, or LA, this will feel like a step back.

❌ CON #3: Urban Sprawl

The closer to downtown, the more expensive the housing. Many residents end up buying in suburbs like Pflugerville, Kyle, Round Rock, or Georgetown—which means longer commutes and less walkability.

Combine that with traffic, and it’s clear: choosing the right neighborhood matters. A lot.

🏠 So… Is Austin Right for You?

If you’re looking for:

  • Sunshine, trails, and taco trucks 🍳

  • World-class live music 🎸

  • A relaxed, dog-friendly vibe 🐶

Then yes—Austin just might be your perfect fit.

Just keep in mind:

  • Commutes can be long

  • Public transit is limited

  • And living close to the action comes at a premium

But with the right neighborhood, you’ll love it here.

📲 Ready to Make the Move?

My team and I help people just like you find the perfect home that matches your lifestyle—whether that’s next to a greenbelt, walkable to live music, or close to your favorite taco spot.

Call, text, or email us today.
We’d love to help you find your place in Austin.

Until next time,
Be kind to yourself and others—and I can’t wait to see you around town.