Moving to Texas has been all the rage in recent years. Ever since 2019, the state saw a huge increase in newcomers. According to statistics, more than half a million people chose Texas to be their new home last year alone. The Lone Star State is slowly becoming one of the most popular moving choices in America. And it is easy to see why – a dynamic job market and low cost of living are attractive factors. However, not every city is created equal. Since you are looking into moving from Houston to Austin you must know that yourself. If Houston was not a good match for your needs, perhaps you can find a place to call home in the state capital. Here at Verified Movers, we will walk you through the differences between these two cities.
Houston vs Austin – key differences
Just as you should research top Houston movers before a relocation, you need to read up on all things Austin, TX. If you are serious about relocating from Houston to Austin, proper research can save you a world of headaches. Especially if you have not had luck in your past moving adventures. While Houston and Austin are similar in some aspects, their differences could make or break your final decision. You can find the main differences between these two cities outlined below:
- Austin has more sunny days and you do not have to worry about hurricanes
- Compared to Houston, Austin has a smaller metro area of only 2.3 million residents
- Austin currently has a median home price of $440,000, which is above the national average
- The cost of living is roughly 11% higher in Austin – largely due to home prices
- Houston is an energy giant, while IT and technology fields are exploding in Austin
- Austin has a lower unemployment rate of just 3.8%
As you can see, each city offers different benefits to its residents. We will explore some of these points in more detail, to paint a clearer picture of Austin. Knowing what to expect when moving is half the battle.
Moving from Houston to Austin could deplete your budget
Making a move to Austin could end up being pretty expensive. The city used to be one of the most affordable places to live in Texas, but that is not the case today. The average median home price skyrocketed in the last decade – from $189,000 to more than $450,000 in 2021. That is more than a 250% increase. But look on the bright side. Since the cities are close, you will not have to spend time and money searching for long distance moving companies Austin. The money you save on moving costs can go towards your housing costs.
However, experts are saying a change is on the horizon. Austin’s housing market is beginning to slow down and the prices could even fall in the coming months. Meanwhile, Houston’s housing market is slowly heating up. It is hard to say just how expensive Houston could become in the future. It is unlikely it will get as expensive as Austin any time soon though. The home prices here are hard to match.
The job market is livelier than ever
Back in the day, Austin used to be a simple college town – the main employer was the University of Texas. Nowadays, things have changed a lot. The technology boom is simply undeniable. While Houston is home to more than 500 oil and gas firms, Austin’s job market is flourishing. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has even dubbed it “Little California”. The reason for this is that many IT companies decided to make Austin their home. The presence of Google, Amazon, Dell, and Oracle is attracting young professionals from all over the country. From established fortune 500 giants to small startups, everyone is looking to move to Texas with the help of long distance moving companies Houston residents trust. And it does not look like things will slow down any time soon. Experts predict the economy will expand by roughly 40% over the next ten years.
If you are moving with your kids, you will be happy to know it’s a family-friendly city
In general, the entire state of Texas is popular with families. This is due to many factors, revolving around good educational opportunities and generally low cost of living. When it comes to Austin in particular, one great aspect is the low crime rate. Compared to Houston, Austin is a much safer city. According to statistics from the FBI, Austin is the 8th safest city in America. Taking the time to inform yourself about the safety of a place you are moving to is almost as important as finding top movers in Austin. Especially if you are moving with your family.
But low crime rates are not the only thing that makes Austin family-friendly. The Texas capital offers excellent education. It has top-quality high schools that are among the best in the country. When it comes to higher education, the University of Texas does not need a special introduction. Another great benefit is that Austin is a quieter, cleaner city. There are more opportunities for outdoor recreation and relaxation, thanks to the various lakes in the area. Last but not least, you can easily explore Austin on foot and it is even bike-friendly.
Moving to a different city is exciting as it is terrifying, but knowing what to expect should quell your worries. Planning a move is not easy but it is easier if you prepare yourself properly. If Houston was not to your liking, Austin could be the perfect match. While these two Texas cities are close by, they are more different than you may think. Whenever you start feeling scared, look at the big picture. Moving from Houston to Austin could potentially open a sea of opportunities for you. From the growing economy to education, recreation, and culture there is a lot to look forward to.