Austin and the surrounding cities near Austin have been experiencing incredible growth over the past few years due in large part to the excellent quality of life, beautiful weather, education opportunities, and the tech boom. If you are among the growing number of people thinking about relocating to Austin, TX, there are a few things you should know before you plan your move to Wolf Ranch and this vibrant and fast-growing metropolitan area.
1. Austin is Consistently Ranked as a Top Place to Live and Retire
Whatever has your eyes set on relocating to the Austin, Texas area, this city and the communities near Austin top numerous lists for best places to live and retire. For three years running, Austin was ranked the #1 city to live 2017-2019 by the U.S. News and World Report 150 Best Places to Live in the U.S., and for the 2020-21 list, Austin still tops the charts at #3. Austin is also a great place to retire to, according to Retirable and U.S. News and World Report, which lists the city as #4 on the Best Places to Retire in Texas 2020. The cities near Austin are also ranked among the top safest in Texas, with Georgetown, TX, home to Wolf Ranch, being #3 according to SafeHome.org.
2. You Can Be Close Without Paying Downtown Prices
We get it; the list of reasons to relocate to Austin is pretty long. Still, for those who want the benefits of living here without paying downtown Austin prices, other communities in Georgetown, TX, and the surrounding area offer more affordable homes with great proximity to what you love about Austin. Wolf Ranch is an outstanding new community ideally situated just off I-35 in Georgetown, TX, that offers stunning Hill Country views, an award-winning lifestyle, beautifully designed homes, and more. And how far is Georgetown, Texas, from Austin, Texas? It’s only 20-30 minutes to top employers, music venues, Austin FC, and more.
3. Mostly Warm Sunny Days Are the Norm
If you like warm, hot sunny days, then Austin is for you. The average daily temperatures range throughout the year, but the hot season typically starts in June and goes through mid-to late-September and sees lows in the mid-70s and highs in the mid-to-upper 90s. August is the hottest month of the year. Winters are short, with average low temperatures rarely below the 30s and highs in the low 60s. The mostly mild year-round weather and limited rainfall make it easy to enjoy activities outside, and with all the lakes, pools, and water parks, there are plenty of ways to cool down in the hot months.
4. The Job and Housing Market are Booming
The Austin metropolitan area grew by 22% between 2010 and 2019, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The Austin real estate market has always been a sound investment, and now it is one of the best in the country, according to WalletHub, which lists Austin as #7 on the Best Places to Buy a House based on economic growth, home values, appreciation, and more. While housing prices are increasing due to the demand from people relocating to Austin from California and a few other places, home buyers will continue to see a return on investment. During 2020 home prices went up 10%. In February 2021, Zillow predicted the median home value for the Austin-Round Rock metro area would rise by 16% over the next year. Austin’s housing demand continues to grow every year and isn't looking like slowing down anytime soon. With major employers like Tesla moving to the area, huge tech giants like Dell, Apple, Amazon just to name a few, and major medical hospital systems like St. David’s and Ascension Seton throughout Austin, the job market is booming!
Some of the top employers in the Austin area include:
- DELL
- APPLE
- AMAZON
- INTEL
- ORACLE
- SAMSUNG
- IBM
- INDEED
- ST. DAVID’S MEDICAL
- ASCENSION SETON MEDICAL
- TESLA (UNDERWAY)
5. It’s a Feast! BBQ, Tacos, Gourmet Food Trucks, and More
Great food is always accessible in Austin. Whatever delights your tastebuds, you can find it here among the myriad of iconic to lesser-known restaurants and food trucks. BBQ lovers have plenty of options to sample from, including Salt Lick, Sam’s Bar-B-Que, Terry Black’s, and Franklin Barbecue. If you want to try a variety of food, there are an endless array of Food Trucks and Food Truck parks to satisfy your cravings. You'll find everything from vegan fare to Asian-BBQ fusion, Cajun, street tacos, gourmet cupcakes and donuts, liquid nitrogen-infused desserts, and so much more. And you can never go wrong visiting one of the many Tex-Mex favorites in Austin, including Chuy’s, Guero’s Taco Bar, Maudie’s Café, El Patio, and more.
6. It’s a Casual Kind of Place
You can ditch the suit, at least for the most part. Austin tends to be a pretty casual place when it comes to both work and play. Don’t be surprised if you see someone wearing shorts and flip-flops at the office or even in a fine dining establishment. You won’t find too many dress codes in Austin businesses or restaurants, and people tend to dress however they are most comfortable.
7. Hundreds of Fun Festivals Year-Round
The Austin area offers some of the largest and most popular festivals in Texas! There is a festival for everyone. For music lovers, South by Southwest (SXSW), Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL), Blues on the Green, and more. There are the Pecan Street Festival, The Red Poppy Festival in Georgetown, TX, the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar, and more for the art and artisan aficionados. For the food lovers, Austin Food and Wine Festival, Texas VegFest, Georgetown Wine & Music Festival, The Hot Sauce Festival, and more. And one-of-a-kind events you can only experience in Austin, including Bat Fest, Eeyore’s Birthday Party and Keeping Austin Weird Fest & 5k.
8. Austin's Lakes and Rivers Provide Plenty of Summer Fun
Austin is famous for its endless rivers, lakes, and stunning hill country views. The San Marcos, Comal, and Guadalupe rivers are most commonly referred to as the "big three" for floating and swimming near Austin and Central Texas. However, there are plenty of alternatives close by as well! It's a good thing too as summers in Texas can be quite hot.
Check out our personal favorite lakes, rivers, and swimming holes to visit in the Austin area:
- Lady Bird Lake (Town Lake)
- Lake Austin
- Lake Travis
- Hamilton Pool Nature Preserve
- Barton Springs
- Krause Springs
- Blue Hole Regional Park
9. Austin Now Has a Major Sports Team
Unless you are entirely new to Austin, you would have heard by now that the Longhorn city finally has its very own major sports team and incredible new Q2 Stadium, now home to the Major League Soccer team, Austin FC. There are plenty of collegiate sports to enjoy throughout the year as well, including University of Texas’ football, baseball, and basketball, and you’re within day-trip distance to see the San Antonio Spurs, Dallas Mavericks, or Cowboys, and the Houston Rockets or Texans.
10. Fitness is a State of Mind
Whether you love to run or hike the trails, bike the hills, or take a dip in the lake or river, you’ll find like-minded people outside enjoying the sunshine and great weather year-round. There are endless options to enjoy your favorite activities, too, from beautiful parks and green spaces, including Zilker Park, Barton Springs, and Lady Bird Lake. Or head further out of the city into communities near Austin, including Georgetown, TX, where you will find more gorgeous parks and places to enjoy your favorite exercise or recreation at places like San Gabriel Park, the San Gabriel River Trail, or Lake Georgetown.
Looking for the perfect place to move to in Georgetown? Look no further than Wolf Ranch in Georgetown, TX! Wolf Ranch is located just alongside the beautiful San Gabriel River and is just a few minutes away from the bustling downtown Georgetown - truly it is the best of both worlds.