Lakeway / Lake Travis
Upscale waterfront living with luxury estates, marinas, championship golf, and stunning Hill Country vistas.
Lauren A. Petty · REALTOR®
A Relocation Guide
Your Guide to
Living in Austin,
Texas
The vibrant capital of Texas — where innovation, culture, nature, and creativity blend into one of the most dynamic lifestyles in the country. Big-city opportunity with authentic Hill Country charm.
Scroll ↓
Strategically positioned in Central Texas, Austin offers residents convenient access to Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and the scenic Hill Country — a destination and a launchpad in one.
01 · Comparison
Austin vs. the other
Texas metroplexes
Austin stands distinctly apart from Texas's largest metros, carving its own identity through tech-driven growth, vibrant culture, and an exceptional quality of life.
Houston
Global energy and healthcare powerhouse
San Antonio
Affordable, historic, family-friendly
Dallas / Fort Worth
Two metros merged into one — Dallas as the corporate hub
Austin
Tech, creativity, and lifestyle leader — the smallest of the four
02 · Culture
The Live Music
Capital of the
World®
Austin holds more live music venues per capita than any other major U.S. city — officially the registered trademark title. Music isn't entertainment here; it's woven into daily life, from neighborhood bars to world-renowned halls.
Legendary blues guitarist Stevie Ray Vaughan catapulted Austin onto the global music stage in the 1980s. His iconic bronze statue stands overlooking Lady Bird Lake near Auditorium Shores.
Premier Music Festivals
01
Austin City Limits (ACL)
Two consecutive weekends every fall at Zilker Park featuring global headliners across rock, hip-hop, country and more.
02
South by Southwest (SXSW)
The world's premier convergence of music, film, interactive media, and technology — a cultural phenomenon each March.
03
Levitation Festival
Celebrating psychedelic, indie, and experimental sounds with underground and emerging artists from around the globe.
04
Blues on the Green
Beloved free summer concert series at Zilker Park — locals with picnic blankets under the Texas sky.
By no means a complete list — music festivals and events span every genre. Whether an intimate show on Sixth Street or a headliner at a major festival, music is the heartbeat of Austin's identity.
03 · History
The deep history
of Austin
Austin's story began along the banks of the Colorado River as a modest frontier settlement called Waterloo. In 1839, this riverside community was selected as the permanent capital of the newly independent Republic of Texas.
The town was renamed Austin to honor Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas," recognized for his role in establishing Anglo-American colonization in Mexican Texas.
1839
Republic of Texas moves capital to Waterloo; city planner Edwin Waller designs the iconic street grid still visible today in downtown Austin.
1880s
Railroad expansion transforms Austin into a thriving regional center for commerce, trade, and educational development.
1883
The University of Texas at Austin opens its doors, forever shaping the city's intellectual culture and creative identity.
20th C.
Steady growth fueled by state government expansion, emergence of live music culture, and the development of arts institutions.
Early 2000s → Now
Austin explodes onto the national stage as a major tech hub — Apple, Google, Tesla, Oracle and hundreds more establish significant operations.
04 · Neighborhoods
Regions of Austin
Austin's diverse neighborhoods each offer distinct character, amenities, and lifestyle — from lakefront luxury to urban creativity, there is a perfect community for every priority.
Tech Corridor Northwest
The Domain and Parmer Lane host Apple, Amazon, VRBO, IBM — walkable mixed-use near major employers.
Central Austin
Hyde Park, Tarrytown, and Rosedale — timeless architecture, tree-lined streets, close to UT and downtown.
North Austin
Well-established family neighborhoods with strong retail corridors, excellent schools, and easy tech-campus access.
East Austin
The trendiest, most artistic quarter — craft breweries, iconic murals, food trucks, sleek modern homes.
West Austin
Scenic rolling hills, prestigious estates, top-rated Eanes schools, and peaceful private communities.
Austin Appeal
Why buyers choose Austin proper
Walkability
Pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods with shops, restaurants, and services within easy reach.
Cultural Richness
Immediate access to live music, arts, festivals, dining, and entertainment.
Vibrant Lifestyle
Food trucks, coffee shops, parks, and community energy — the quintessential Austin experience.
Employer Access
Shorter commutes to major tech campuses, downtown offices, and business districts.
Diverse Housing
Historic bungalows, modern condos, luxury estates — variety for every taste.
Transit & Mobility
Expanding public transportation and bike-friendly infrastructure throughout the city.
05 · Education
Education
& schools
Austin offers an exceptional educational landscape with top-rated public school districts, innovative charter schools, prestigious private institutions, and The University of Texas at Austin — one of the nation's premier flagship universities.
Public school districts
Austin ISD
The city's largest district serving central and east Austin with diverse programs and magnet schools.
Eanes ISD
Consistently ranked among Texas's best districts, serving West Austin with exceptional academic outcomes.
Lake Travis ISD
High-performing lakeside district known for strong academics, athletics, and community involvement.
Round Rock ISD
Large, well-resourced district serving North Austin and surrounding suburbs with comprehensive programs.
Leander ISD
One of Texas's fastest-growing districts with modern facilities and robust STEM offerings.
UT Austin
World-class research institution and cultural anchor of the city — a Tier-1 flagship university.
Educational excellence highlights
- ◆Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) programs
- ◆Dual-credit opportunities to earn college credits in high school
- ◆STEAM pathways emphasizing science, tech, engineering, arts, math
- ◆Nationally recognized arts programs in music, theater, and visual arts
- ◆Championship athletic programs in football, soccer, swimming and more
- ◆Extensive private and charter school options for alternative approaches
06 · Economy
Career opportunities
& economic powerhouse
Austin consistently ranks among the strongest-performing economies in the United States, attracting top talent with its diverse industry base, competitive wages, and entrepreneurial energy.
3.4%
Unemployment Rate
Metropolitan area — well below the national average.
1.99%
Average Property Tax
Travis County rates range from 0.019% up to 3.39% depending on location.
$132K
Average Household Income
Reflecting the high concentration of professionals.
Major employers & industries
Technology Giants
Apple, Google, Meta, Tesla, Oracle, Amazon, Dell, Indeed, VRBO — Austin hosts major operations for the world's most influential tech companies.
Healthcare & Biotech
Ascension Seton, St. David's HealthCare, Dell Medical School, and emerging biotech startups driving medical innovation.
Creative Industries
Film production, digital media, game development, design agencies, and music production companies.
Government & Education
State of Texas government, The University of Texas system, and related public sector employment.
Manufacturing
Tesla Gigafactory, Samsung semiconductor facilities, and advanced manufacturing operations.
Clean Energy
Solar technology, battery storage, and renewable energy companies establishing Austin headquarters.
Texas has no state income tax, so each county's Central Appraisal District collects property taxes to fund schools and infrastructure — expect higher-than-national property tax rates.
07 · Outdoors
Parks, trails
& outdoor paradise
Austin is an outdoor enthusiast's dream. With over 300 days of sunshine annually, mild winters, and an extensive network of parks, trails, and waterways, the city offers endless opportunities to reconnect with nature.
Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail
A 10-mile urban oasis circling the lake through downtown — running, cycling, kayaking, paddleboarding.
Barton Springs Pool
A beloved natural spring-fed pool maintaining a constant 68–70°F year-round — an Austin institution.
Zilker Park
Austin's crown jewel — 350 acres of green space hosting festivals, sports, picnics, and the Zilker Botanical Garden.
Barton Creek Greenbelt
Rugged limestone trails, swimming holes, rock climbing, and mountain biking through pristine Hill Country terrain.
Lake Austin & Lake Travis
Two massive Highland Lakes offering boating, fishing, cliff jumping, lakeside dining, and endless recreation.
Mount Bonnell
Climb 102 stone steps to breathtaking panoramic views of the Colorado River, downtown, and Hill Country.
A Geological Story
Texas waterways — millions of years in the making
Over time, as sea levels rose and fell and tectonic forces shifted the land, a complex landscape of sediments, ancient reefs, and limestone shelves formed beneath what is now Texas. This ancient marine history is why the state has such an extensive and varied network of waterways today.
Ancient seas created the foundation
When Texas sat under shallow oceans in the Cretaceous, limestone, sandstone, and marine sediment built up — the source of the Edwards Aquifer, Barton Springs, San Marcos and Comal Springs.
Tectonic uplift shaped the terrain
As the Gulf of Mexico formed, the Hill Country uplifted, creating limestone cliffs, canyons, and spring-fed rivers. The Balcones Fault guides the Colorado and Guadalupe Rivers.
Erosion and rainfall carved rivers
Rainfall runoff carved riverbeds over millions of years. Texas today has over 190,000 miles of streams and rivers.
Karst topography → springs & lakes
Water dissolves limestone to form caverns, sinkholes, and natural springs. Many Hill Country rivers are exceptionally clear and stable, even in summer.
Cavern networks with underground waters
Natural Bridge Caverns, Inner Space Cavern in Georgetown, and Cave Without a Name in Boerne — Texas is home to many caves.
Human engineering added reservoirs
Texas relies on dammed rivers for drinking water, flood control, power, and recreation. Austin's water comes mainly from the Colorado River.
08 · Culinary
Dining, shopping
& entertainment
Austin has earned national acclaim for its innovative culinary scene, eclectic shopping districts, and boundless entertainment. Food trucks serve world-class cuisine, neighborhood bars host Grammy-winning musicians, and creativity flows through every corner.
Michelin recognition
The Michelin Guide recently recognized several Austin establishments, cementing the city as a serious dining destination:
Michelin
Suerte
Modern Mexican, seasonal, locally sourced
Michelin
Hestia
Wood-fired tasting menus, Texas ingredients
Michelin
Otoko
Intimate Japanese-inspired omakase
Michelin
Birdie's
Michelin-recommended upscale casual with creative wine pairings
Shopping & entertainment districts
The Domain
Upscale outdoor shopping destination with luxury retailers, restaurants, and entertainment in North Austin.
South Congress (SoCo)
Austin's most iconic street — vintage shops, boutiques, food trucks, live music, and the famous 'I Love You So Much' mural.
2nd Street District
Downtown's premier shopping and dining corridor with local boutiques, national brands, and outdoor patios.
Live entertainment beyond music
★
Austin FC
Major League Soccer at Q2 Stadium
★
Texas Longhorns
NCAA athletics at Darrell K Royal Stadium
★
Alamo Drafthouse
Innovative cinema experience born in Austin
★
Local theaters
Zach Theatre, Paramount, Long Center
★
Art galleries
Contemporary Austin, Blanton, East studio tours
★
Festivals year-round
Film, food, culture, and community celebrations
09 · Quality of Life
Safety, infrastructure
& quality of life
Austin maintains a strong foundation of public services, modern infrastructure, and community-focused initiatives that contribute to an exceptionally high quality of life across all neighborhoods.
Expanding transit network
Project Connect — Austin's multi-billion dollar investment in light rail, rapid bus lines, and enhanced public transportation.
Infrastructure investment
Ongoing city commitment to road improvements, water management, green building standards, and smart city tech.
Welcoming communities
Diverse, inclusive neighborhoods fostering belonging — Austin ranks high in LGBTQ+ friendliness and cultural acceptance.
World-class healthcare
Nationally ranked hospital systems including Dell Medical School, Ascension Seton, and St. David's.
Green spaces & parks
Over 300 parks, 50 miles of trails, and aggressive tree preservation ordinances protecting natural beauty.
Public safety services
Professional police, fire, and EMS with community policing and responsive neighborhood programs.
"Hill Country living, modern amenities — Austin uniquely blends the relaxed, friendly atmosphere of Texas Hill Country with the sophisticated infrastructure and conveniences of a major metropolitan area."
The Honest Catch
It sounds perfect — what's the catch?
Road improvements are a constant as state and local municipalities keep pace with aging infrastructure and a growing population. That means construction is ever-present, which leads to a common complaint — traffic. All Texas metroplexes deal with traffic, and Austin is no exception. Something to be aware of when considering a move here.
10 · Your Guide
Move smart. Settle easy.
Feel at home in Austin.
Lauren A. Petty, REALTOR®
Brokered by eXp Realty
As your dedicated Austin real estate professional, I bring deep local market expertise, neighborhood insight, and a genuine commitment to making your relocation seamless. I'd love to introduce you to my home with the Southern hospitality we're known for — and once you see it yourself, you'll discover why so many people choose to plant roots here.
When you work with me
- ◆Deep knowledge of Austin neighborhoods, schools, and market trends
- ◆Personalized relocation assistance and community orientation
- ◆Strong negotiation skills to get you the best possible deal
- ◆Extensive network of local service providers and resources
- ◆20+ years as a project management professional — precision-run transactions
Ready?
Ready to make Austin
your home?
Contact me today to receive your complimentary Austin Relocation Package, including detailed neighborhood guides, school information, local service providers, and exclusive market insights.
—
Schedule Your Tour
Let me show you around Austin's best neighborhoods and help you experience the community firsthand.
—
Get Market Updates
Exclusive listings, market insights, and community news delivered directly to your inbox.
—
Start Your Search
Access my comprehensive database of available homes and begin finding your perfect match today.