Austin Travel Forum

Hello, hello!

I've seen quite a few posts from people interested in moving to Austin, and I'm adding myself to the list. My fiance and I want a better climate. We're both teachers from Michigan, and are interested in relocating to the west coast or down to Austin. I've seen that several people have asked this, but haven't read a really straight response...

Is downtown Austin developed enough that it's realistic to live without or with only one car (as a couple where both work)?? Can you get an apartment in a central location that is within a few blocks of the necessities (grocery, post office, bank, etc)?

Thanks! ~Steve

Austin is developed enough to live downtown, but you would need 1 car. There is a huge new Whole Foods grocery store at 6th & Lamar, as well as a nearby post office. Banks are everywhere downtown.

There are a few apartments downtown, but the area is moving to more permanent types of residence. There are some new ones planned that start in the 180's, but you're not getting much square footage.

Good Luck

As the other comment said, one car would be helpful, but if you really couldn't get a car for a while, you could make it in Austin without one if you did work and live close to the downtown area. I didn't have a car for 2 months and I easily got around on the bus without it. I live near Barton Springs and work downtown. It only took 10 minutes on a direct bus or I was able to walk to a free bus called the Dillo from my apartment or if I really wanted to I could walk to downtown in about 30 minutes. There are lots of apartments in the area that I live and also many close to downtown. You could find an apartment in the SOCO area, off Barton Springs Road, downtown or in Clarksville and you will have everything you need close by. Right at 6th and Lamar (a few blocks from downtown) is Whole Foods, coffee shops, movie rental, restaurants, banks...(everything!)
If I can help you with anything else, please let me know. Good luck with your decision.