Austin 83 Exceptional
Austin Livability #9 ranked city in Texas#703 ranked city in the USARanks better than 97% of areas

Pros and Cons of Living in Austin

PROS
  • Amenities

    An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.

  • Commute

    High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.

  • Employment

    The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.

  • Housing

    This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.

  • Health & Safety

    A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.

CONS
  • Crime

    This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.

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What's it like Living in Austin?

Austin is a big city located in the state of Texas. The city has a population of 965,872 people. Austin has a population density of 3,019 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. According to the most recent Census, 69% of Austin residents are White, 8% Black and 8% Asian. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Austin are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 22% of the population also speak Spanish. Single men and women might be happy to hear that in Austin, only 45% of the population is married. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Austin, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 25 minutes.

Without the right tools, moving to any new city can be very stressful and challenging. Living in Austin, Texas could be a fulfilling experience for anyone who puts in the time to do the research required. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is paramount, ensuring a secure environment for you and your family. Proximity to workplaces or schools reduces commuting time and enhances convenience. Access to amenities like parks, grocery stores and healthcare facilities contributes to a comfortable lifestyle. Reliable public transportation options promote easy mobility. A strong sense of community fosters social connections and a welcoming atmosphere. With useful information like cost of living, commute, education, employment, housing and other key data points, finding the best places to live in Austin and in the areas around Austin is a much easier task.

Using data and statistics Austin has received a livability score of 83 out of 100. This score is ranked in the 98th percentile when compared to all other cities. Clearly, Austin is doing something right, as this score ranks well above the average of most cities. This city is also ranked in the top 10 percentile of all cities across the USA. If we probe a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Austin has higher than average scores for the following: cost of living (B-), employment (A-) and housing (A+). Austin does not do well for the following: crime (F). It might be a smart idea to take a closer look at each category to find out why.

The mantra of real estate, "location, location, location," underscores the importance of where a property is situated, making it a pivotal factor in your quest for a new home. Fortunately, when you're living in Austin, you'll discover an abundance of exceptional local amenities and lots of things to do. Among these are conveniently located grocery stores, charming coffee shops, diverse dining options and plenty of spacious parks. These local amenities contribute significantly to its overall appeal, ensuring that your daily needs are met and offering ample opportunities for leisure and recreation. When considering your next move, the thriving local scene in Austin undoubtedly enhances its desirability, affirming the significance of its prime location. Here are some of the more popular things to do in Austin: State Capitol, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, and Barton Springs Pool.

A healthy real estate market serves as a key economic indicator. It could signify overall local economic strength, stability and reflects consumer confidence in the area. Based on multiple factors including: median home and rental prices, appreciation rates and home affordability, Austin has received high marks in the housing category. Based on these calculations, the apartment rental and real estate market appears to be very healthy.

There are many factors that go into deciding if an area is the right fit for your lifestyle. Certain “must haves” like low crime, great schools and nearby amenities are all at the top of most people's lists. But before even considering if those options are attainable, we'll need to know if the real estate in Austin is actually affordable. Median real estate prices in Austin come in at $358,600, which is 151.3% higher than the Texas average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Austin, the home price to income ratio is 4.7, which is 80.8% higher than the Texas average.

Best Places to Live in and Around Austin

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How Do You Rate The Livability In Austin?

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Compare Austin, TX Livability

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      Austin transportation information

      Statistic Austin Texas National
      Average one way commute25min26min26min
      Workers who drive to work70.1%80.3%76.4%
      Workers who carpool8.5%10.6%9.3%
      Workers who take public transit2.9%1.5%5.1%
      Workers who bicycle1.2%0.3%0.6%
      Workers who walk2.6%1.6%2.8%
      Working from home13.4%4.3%4.6%
      Source: The Austin, TX data and statistics displayed above are derived from the United States Census Bureau American Community Survey (ACS).