Is Austin Still a Good Place to Move in 2025? If you have been researching a potential move, you are not alone. Austin continues to rank as one of the most searched cities for relocation in the country. But with rising inventory, shifting prices, and lifestyle changes across the metro, many people are asking a simple question: Is it still worth moving here?

Here is what you need to know.

🌤️ Lifestyle and Quality of Life
People move to Austin for a reason. The city offers a blend of outdoor living, top tech jobs, food culture, and a laid back but entrepreneurial energy. Trails, lakes, live music, and local restaurants remain major draws. Compared to other major tech hubs, Austin still provides a strong balance of opportunity and overall lifestyle.

That said, traffic has increased and suburban growth has expanded quickly. If you are coming from a walkable city, you will want to research which neighborhoods align with your daily needs and preferred pace of life.

💰 Cost of Living
Austin is no longer the quiet bargain it was in the early 2010s. Prices climbed quickly during the pandemic, and although the market has corrected since then, home prices remain higher than pre-2020 levels.

The good news is that the cost of living is stabilizing. Rent growth has flattened, inventory has increased, and buyers have far more negotiating power than they did two years ago. New construction communities are offering incentives, and resale homes are often providing credits or repairs.

For many newcomers, Austin is still more affordable than cities like San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle, Boston, and parts of New York. But compared to smaller metros, Austin will feel pricier.

🏡 Housing Market Conditions
If you are planning to buy, this is one of the most favorable markets Austin has seen in years. With over 6 months of inventory, buyers have time to shop, review options, and avoid bidding wars. Sellers with homes on the market for more than 40 days are frequently offering closing cost credits or rate buydowns.

Relocating buyers also have strong options in suburbs like Leander, Cedar Park, Kyle, Buda, and Georgetown. These areas offer more space, lower taxes, and community amenities that appeal to families, remote workers, and first time buyers.

🚀 Jobs and Economy
Even with tech layoffs across the country, Austin continues to attract employers. The metro remains strong in software, semiconductors, medical technology, and advanced manufacturing. Apple, Tesla, Oracle, Google, Meta, Dell, Samsung, Indeed, AMD, and dozens of high growth startups maintain a major presence.

Unemployment remains low and the city continues to draw talent from across the country. If your move is career driven, Austin still offers strong professional opportunity.

🎓 Schools and Education
Many incoming families want to know which areas have strong schools. Austin ISD has seen changes, but suburban districts like Leander ISD, Round Rock ISD, Dripping Springs ISD, and Georgetown ISD continue to attract relocations. The key is researching school ratings alongside property taxes, which vary widely across neighborhoods.

🌳 Outdoor Living and Recreation
For those looking for hiking, water access, fitness culture, and green space, Austin still excels. Lady Bird Lake, Barton Springs, Lake Austin, Lake Travis, and the citywide trail network remain major selling points. Relocation buyers coming from colder climates often consider this one of Austin's biggest advantages.

📌 So Is Austin Still a Good Place to Move?
Yes, as long as you understand the current landscape. Austin offers a unique mix of opportunity, lifestyle, and long term growth. If you value a warm climate, job mobility, outdoor recreation, and a tech forward environment, the city continues to deliver.

If you are coming from a lower cost area or need walkability above all else, you will want to partner with a local expert who can help you narrow down the neighborhoods that match your goals.

Thinking About Making the Move?

Whether you need guidance on neighborhoods, commute times, schools, pricing trends, or investment potential, connecting with the best realtor in Austin, Brendan Sanford, is the ideal place to start.

📱 Call or text: (512) 696 0673
📧 Email: [email protected]

Ready to explore Austin the right way? Let’s get started.