Is It Still Worth Moving to Austin in 2025? A Real Look Compared to 2024

Robert Rutkowski
Apr 7
5 min read

Updated: Apr 17

The skyline of Austin keeps changing—new cranes, new startups, new residents. But if you’ve been watching the city's evolution from afar or have been seriously considering making a move, you might be wondering: Is Austin still a good place to relocate to in 2025, or has its moment passed?

After years of being one of the most hyped cities in America, Austin has gone through a transformation. Some people say it’s overhyped, overcrowded, and overpriced. Others still call it the land of opportunity, culture, and sunshine. The truth? It’s somewhere in between.

This deep dive into Austin in 2025 compared to the previous year—2024—aims to help you decide whether the move still makes sense for you or your family.

The Economy: A City That Doesn’t Sleep (But Does Evolve)

One thing that hasn’t changed is Austin’s economic engine. It’s still humming along—though it’s shifted gears. In 2024, the city was adjusting to post-pandemic slowdowns, tech layoffs, and inflation fatigue. There was uncertainty in the air. But 2025 brought a more stable, confident rhythm.

The tech industry hasn’t left. In fact, it’s matured. Rather than overhiring and overpromising, companies are now growing sustainably. There's more intention behind hiring, better leadership, and a focus on quality over quantity. Startups are still being born in coffee shops and co-working spaces, and venture capital continues to trickle in. It’s just quieter now—less noisy, more strategic.

Other sectors like healthcare, clean energy, and construction are also picking up steam, providing diverse opportunities for newcomers. If you're someone looking for long-term growth and career potential, Austin continues to hold promise.

The Job Market: From Sprint to Marathon

In 2024, the job market in Austin was still trying to find its footing after a turbulent few years. Some companies froze hiring, while others cautiously restructured. Job seekers faced more competition and less predictability.

But 2025 feels different. The hiring landscape is more focused, and that’s actually a good thing. There’s less fluff and more substance. Remote jobs are still available, especially in tech and creative industries, but many employers are gently nudging their teams back into hybrid models—particularly those with Austin-based offices.

One noticeable shift? Skilled trades and healthcare roles are in high demand. As Austin continues to grow outward—especially in suburban and exurban areas—the need for contractors, electricians, plumbers, nurses, and therapists has become more pronounced.

It’s no longer just a tech haven. It’s an all-around opportunity city.

Real Estate: Is the Dream Still Within Reach?

Ask anyone who lived in Austin before the boom, and they’ll tell you—home prices have skyrocketed. That was the story in 2024 too, though the market had started to cool slightly due to high interest rates. Buyers waited. Sellers hesitated. Properties sat longer on the market.

But in 2025, there's been a gentle awakening. Interest rates have begun to soften, and more buyers are returning with cautious optimism. Sellers are more realistic with pricing, and there’s a growing sense of balance between supply and demand.

If you’re hoping to buy a home in Austin proper, be prepared for competition—but not the frenzied bidding wars of years past. If you’re open to the suburbs, you’ll find more space, better deals, and vibrant master-planned communities in areas like Kyle, Hutto, Liberty Hill, and Leander. These areas have flourished with new infrastructure, schools, and retail development.

Renters are seeing some relief too. While prices remain higher than pre-pandemic levels, rental rates have stabilized, and more inventory is hitting the market. Whether you’re buying or renting, 2025 offers a more approachable landscape than the chaos of years past.

Cost of Living: Still Cheaper Than California—But Not “Cheap”

Let’s get one thing straight—Austin is no longer the budget-friendly hidden gem it once was. But it’s also not San Francisco, New York, or Los Angeles. In 2024, many residents felt squeezed by rising costs, from groceries and gas to dining and daycare.

In 2025, things feel a bit more manageable. Inflation has cooled, wages have adjusted slightly, and the overall cost of living has plateaued—at least for now. Locals are adapting by being more intentional with how and where they spend. There’s a stronger culture of local support, community collaboration, and even bartering services or time in creative ways.

If you're coming from a high-cost city, Austin will still feel like a win. You’ll get more home, more sunshine, and more elbow room for your dollar. But don’t expect 2015 prices or small-town simplicity. Those days are gone.

The Vibe: Culture, Lifestyle, and That “Keep Austin Weird” Energy

This is where Austin continues to shine.

The music scene is alive. Food trucks are everywhere. Paddleboarders still glide across Lady Bird Lake. Farmers markets buzz every weekend. There’s always a festival, a meetup, or an open mic happening somewhere.

In 2024, locals were vocal about the city’s growing pains—traffic, affordability, and overcrowding were common complaints. And those issues haven’t vanished in 2025, but they’re being addressed more thoughtfully.

More green spaces are being protected. Community initiatives around sustainability, local business support, and affordable housing are taking root. Neighborhoods are finding their voice again. There’s a quiet revival of the Austin soul, and it’s being led by locals and thoughtful newcomers alike.

If you’re someone who values creativity, outdoor life, independent businesses, and progressive thinking, Austin still delivers in 2025—maybe even more authentically than in the high-speed growth days of the late 2010s.

Infrastructure & Transportation: Growing Into Itself

Anyone who has driven on I-35 during rush hour knows Austin’s infrastructure hasn’t kept pace with its growth. In 2024, this was one of the biggest points of frustration.

But 2025 is showing signs of improvement.

Major roadway expansions, new toll routes, and smart city planning are finally making a visible impact. The long-promised Project Connect—a massive transit plan that includes a light rail system—is inching forward, with construction breaking ground in several key zones.

More bike lanes, pedestrian paths, and greenway projects are also helping people get around in alternative ways. In downtown Austin, scooters, bikes, and small electric vehicles have become part of daily life.

Is traffic still a pain? Yes. But compared to 2024, there’s a more proactive approach being taken—and that’s encouraging for anyone planning to stay for the long haul.

Education & Family Life: A Growing Place for Young Minds

If you have kids or plan to, Austin remains one of the better big cities to raise a family—especially when you look at the surrounding suburbs.

Public schools are improving in many districts thanks to population growth and better funding. Magnet programs, charter options, and STEM-focused curriculums are drawing families from all over. Meanwhile, higher education remains strong, with the University of Texas at Austin continuing to be a major draw for students and employers alike.

In 2025, there’s also more emphasis on community-based learning, mental health support for students, and after-school enrichment programs. Families moving from larger metros often find a more balanced, outdoor-friendly lifestyle here, where kids can play, grow, and thrive without the hustle of big-city chaos.

Final Thoughts: So, Is Austin Still Worth the Move?

Let’s answer the big question honestly.

Yes—Austin is still worth moving to in 2025.But it depends on your expectations.

If you're dreaming of the old Austin, where you could buy a house for a fraction of what you’d pay in L.A. and walk into a six-figure tech job immediately—that ship has sailed.

If you're looking for a vibrant, evolving city with strong economic foundations, a collaborative culture, and access to both urban energy and natural beauty—Austin still has it.

Compared to 2024, 2025 offers a more grounded, balanced version of the city. It's not just growing outward anymore—it's growing up. The hype may have settled, but the heart remains. And for many, that makes now a better time to move than ever before.

Thinking of making the move? As a local expert, I help people explore Austin the right way—by getting to know the neighborhoods, understanding the lifestyle, and creating a plan tailored to their goals. Austin isn’t just a city—it’s a mindset. And if it aligns with yours, I’ll help you feel right at home.