Welcome to Austin. The paperwork is complete, the keys are in hand, and your move is official- but living well here requires more than knowing where to find the best tacos or which festival is happening next weekend.
Austin is a city where lifestyle, logistics, and long-term planning intersect. For those relocating from major metros or establishing a second residence, understanding the nuances early allows you to move with confidence and ease. Consider this your insider guide- written for those who value both quality of life and informed decision-making.
1. File for a Homestead Exemption- Early and Correctly
Texas offers a compelling tax environment, most notably no state income tax. That advantage, however, is balanced by higher-than-average property taxes. One of the most effective ways to manage this is by filing for a homestead exemption on your primary residence.
This exemption can significantly reduce your taxable value and is a must for full-time residents. Timing and accuracy matter, and many new homeowners delay longer than necessary. In addition, Texas law requires new residents to register vehicles locally and update driver’s licenses within 30 days of establishing residency- small details that prevent unnecessary penalties.
Local insight: Properly aligning your homestead status early can have a meaningful long-term impact on your annual housing costs.
2. Understand Austin’s Climate- And Plan for It
Austin living comes with a few seasonal realities, the most famous being Cedar Fever. From December through February, mountain cedar pollen can affect even those who have never experienced allergies before. Locals rely on air purifiers, proactive allergy care, and a lighter schedule during peak weeks.
Summer is the other headline. Triple-digit temperatures are common, and air-conditioning usage rises accordingly. Many homeowners budget an additional 10–15 percent for utilities during the hottest months.
The upside? Austin is designed for outdoor living- even in the heat. Early mornings around Lady Bird Lake, shaded patios, private pools, and lake access are woven into daily life. August is less about over-scheduling and more about embracing a slower, intentional rhythm.
3. Protect Your Home’s Foundation From the Start
Austin’s clay-heavy soil expands when wet and contracts when dry, creating ongoing pressure on home foundations. This is not a reason for alarm- it is simply a reality of building in Central Texas.
Proactive homeowners monitor drainage, irrigation, and soil moisture year-round. If concerns arise, the gold standard is to engage a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) for an independent evaluation rather than relying solely on repair companies with a vested interest.
Strategic takeaway: Thoughtful maintenance today protects long-term property value and minimizes disruption later.
4. Evaluate Commutes in Real Time- Not by Distance
In Austin, travel is measured in minutes, not miles. A route that looks manageable on a map can change dramatically during school drop-off windows or peak traffic hours.
Before finalizing daily routines, drive your commute during true rush hour- typically 7–10 AM and 4–7 PM. Major corridors like I-35 and MoPac are known for unpredictable slowdowns, and school zones can significantly affect timing.
For many buyers, proximity to lifestyle- schools, private clubs, outdoor amenities, and dining- ultimately outweighs raw square footage when evaluating location.
5. Lean Into Austin’s Culture- It’s Part of the Luxury
Austin’s aesthetic is famously understated. High design meets casual confidence. Tailored denim often replaces formalwear, and it is not unusual to see dogs at brunch or on shaded restaurant patios.
Community engagement happens organically- on the trail at Lady Bird Lake, through paddleboarding groups, private clubs, local charities, or neighborhood gatherings. Those who settle in most seamlessly tend to engage early and embrace the city’s relaxed sophistication rather than resist it.
6. Putting Down Roots in Austin
Austin is not just a destination- it is a place people choose intentionally and stay for decades. Understanding the practical realities early allows you to spend less time adjusting and more time enjoying what truly defines life here: space to breathe, access to nature, cultural depth, and a sense of belonging.
At the Petri Group, we guide clients through every layer of the Austin lifestyle- from initial relocation considerations to long-term ownership strategy. If you are new to the city or considering a move, we are always happy to serve as a trusted local resource.
Written by Lauren Frank, experienced Austin real estate advisor with The Petri Group at Moreland Properties, serving Central Austin, Zilker, West Lake Hills, Tarrytown, Rosedale, Bryker Woods, Rollingwood, Dripping Springs, Lake Austin, and Southwest Austin buyers and sellers.
