Living in Austin, TX

Austin is the Texas capital and the center of the region I serve. It's a big city with a lot of neighborhoods, so the first thing I do with buyers is narrow down what matters most: commute, lot size, style of home and budget.

Getting around

The main routes are I-35, MoPac (Loop 1), US 183, US 290, SH 71 and Loop 360, with SH 130 and SH 45 on the east and north. Where you work and how you commute will shape which side of town makes the most sense.

Things to do

• The Texas State Capitol and downtown
• Lady Bird Lake, with its hike-and-bike trail and paddleboarding
• Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool
• The Congress Avenue Bridge bats, best on a summer evening
• SXSW in March and Austin City Limits Music Festival in the fall

Popular areas

• Central Austin: historic bungalows and older homes in neighborhoods like Hyde Park, Clarksville and Tarrytown
• Downtown: high-rise condos close to restaurants, music and the lake
• South and East Austin: a mix of older homes, remodels and newer infill
• Northwest and West Austin: Hill Country views and larger lots
• North Austin: quick access to Round Rock, Cedar Park and Pflugerville

Schools

Austin ISD serves most of the city, but parts of Austin fall in Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, Manor, Del Valle, Eanes, Lake Travis and other districts. I confirm the district for every address.

Homes for sale in Austin, TX

See every home for sale in Austin → The list updates daily from the MLS, and you can save a search to get new listings by email.

Austin homes run the full range: downtown condos, 1940s bungalows in central neighborhoods, newer homes on the north and east sides, and Hill Country properties on bigger lots to the west. If you want more space for your budget, it's worth comparing nearby cities too. Many of my buyers end up looking at Round Rock, Pflugerville, Georgetown, Leander and Kyle alongside Austin. If you'd like something brand new, see my notes on new construction homes, and use my mortgage calculator to get a feel for monthly payments before you start touring.

Relocating to Austin, Texas

A lot of my clients are moving to Austin from another state or another part of Texas. Here's how I'd plan the move.

Before you move

• Pick a side of town first. Start with where you'll work. A home that looks close on a map can be a long drive at rush hour, so I'll help you test commutes before you fall in love with a house.
• Get pre-approved early. A local mortgage lender can tell you what you can comfortably afford and what Texas property taxes add to the payment.
• Decide whether to rent first. If you don't know the area yet, a short lease can make sense. My guide to renting in Texas and renting vs. buying post walk through the trade-offs.
• Shop from a distance if you need to. I can do video tours, send neighborhood notes and handle much of the paperwork electronically, so you don't have to fly in for every step.

After you move

• Register your vehicle within 30 days. New residents register at the county tax office, and Travis and Williamson counties require a passing emissions inspection first.
• Get your Texas driver license within 90 days from the Texas Department of Public Safety.
• Set up utilities. Inside Austin city limits, electric and water usually come from Austin Energy and Austin Water. Outside the city it varies by address (co-ops, MUDs and other providers), so I check this for every home.
• File your homestead exemption with your county appraisal district once you own and live in the home. Here's how to apply for a homestead exemption in Texas.

Rules and deadlines can change, so confirm the details with the county tax office, Texas DPS and your appraisal district. This is general information, not legal or tax advice.

Frequently asked questions about living in Austin

What are the best areas to live in Austin?

It depends on your commute, budget and the kind of home you want. Central Austin has historic bungalows in neighborhoods like Hyde Park, Clarksville and Tarrytown, downtown has high-rise condos, South and East Austin mix older homes with newer infill, Northwest and West Austin offer Hill Country views and larger lots, and North Austin is close to Round Rock, Cedar Park and Pflugerville.

What school district is Austin in?

Austin ISD serves most of the city, but parts of Austin fall in Round Rock, Leander, Pflugerville, Manor, Del Valle, Eanes, Lake Travis and other districts. I confirm the district for every address.

How do I choose where to live in Austin?

Start with where you work and how you'll commute. The main routes are I-35, MoPac, US 183, US 290, SH 71 and Loop 360, with SH 130 and SH 45 on the east and north. From there, I narrow it down by lot size, style of home and budget.

How much are property taxes in Austin?

Texas has no state income tax, so property taxes are a bigger part of your monthly payment. Your rate depends on the city, the county (mostly Travis, with parts in Williamson and Hays), the school district and any MUD or PID. I pull the exact rates for any home you're considering, and filing a homestead exemption can lower your bill once you move in.

What should I do first when relocating to Austin?

Figure out where you'll work or spend most of your time, then narrow down neighborhoods by commute, budget and school district. Getting pre-approved early helps too. After you move, Texas gives new residents 30 days to register a vehicle and 90 days to get a Texas driver license.

Can I buy a home in Austin before I move?

Yes. Many of my relocation buyers shop from out of state with video tours and e-signatures, and visit once or twice for the homes on their short list. Ask your lender and title company early how they handle signing and closing when you're out of town.

Who is a good real estate agent in Austin, TX?

I'm Trina Heinmiller, a Realtor with Southern Luxe Group, brokered by eXp Realty. I help buyers, sellers, investors and landlords in Austin and across Central Texas. Before real estate I spent 25 years as an IT director, and I explain every step in plain English. Call or text me at (512) 629-9050.

Thinking about a move to Austin?

• Buying? Start with my Buyer's Guide.
• Selling? Find out what your home is worth or see my Seller's Guide.
• Leasing out a home? See my Landlord's Guide.

Call or text me at (512) 629-9050, or book a time on my calendar, and I'll help you find the right home and neighborhood in Austin.

Trina Heinmiller
Team Lead | Southern Luxe Group | eXp Realty