Relocating to Austin: What You Need to Know Before You Move

Thinking about making the move to Austin? You’re not alone. With its vibrant culture, strong job market and outdoor-friendly lifestyle, the Texas capital continues to attract newcomers. At Quinn Real Estate, we’re more than just your agents — we’re your neighbours. We’ve lived here for years, and we’re here to help you land in the right place, with confidence and ease.

Austin at a glance

Austin is a mix of urban energy and down-to-earth friendliness. Music venues, tech employers, lakefronts and hill country views all come together in one city. But with this appeal comes housing competition, rising cost-of-living, and evolving neighbourhoods. The good news: by working with locals who know the terrain, you can clear the fog and find your fit.

Finding your right neighbourhood

Not all parts of Austin are the same. Whether you’re after something walkable near downtown or a family-friendly suburb with top schools, location matters. At Quinn Real Estate we cover a broad span — from Central Austin (Hyde Park, West Campus) to West Austin (West Lake Hills, Rollingwood), and from South Austin (Zilker, South Congress) to North Austin (Domain, Allandale). As you explore, ask: How long is the commute? How are the schools (if relevant)? What lifestyle matters most (walkability vs quiet yards)? We’ll help you match neighborhood to your priorities.

Cost of living & housing market snapshot

The Austin-area housing market is in transition. For instance, the Q1 2025 median sales price in the Austin–Round Rock–San Marcos area dropped to about $429,869, down 2.3% from Q1 2024. At the same time, active listings increased by nearly 18.9% compared to the previous year, giving buyers somewhat more choice.

Rental markets are changing too: as of May 2025, the median rent in the city of
Austin was about $2,295/month for certain categories, showing stable demand. The takeaway? You’ll want to move into Austin with a strategy — a trusted local partner can help you evaluate value, negotiate strongly and avoid surprises.

Schools, transport & everyday life

If you’re relocating with family, or even thinking long-term, consider local amenities beyond just the home. Schools in West Austin (for example West Lake Hills) are among the region’s strongest. Transit, walkability, and green spaces matter too — think Lady Bird Lake, Zilker Park, and neighbourhoods like Barton Hills. Because we live here, we know which blocks are quieter, which have future development, and which are likely to retain value. That insight makes the difference.

Working with a local agent matters

When you partner with Quinn Real Estate, you’re getting more than listings. You’re getting:

  • A team that lives in Austin and knows the neighbourhood quirks.
  • Access to our network of local pros (inspectors, contractors, designers) so you land clean and move-in ready.
  • A strategy informed by real local data — not generic trends.

Relocation doesn’t have to be stressful. It should feel like coming home.


Ready to make Austin your home? Let’s talk about your move — where you live, how you live, and what makes a property the right fit for you.

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