For many people, Austin, TX is a great place to live, but some regret moving there. It offers plenty of amenities, decent weather, good schools, and more. But not everyone thinks Austin is the best city, at least not for them and their family. The truth is that even the best cities aren’t the right city for many folks.
There’s also the fact that Austin does have a few problems that are hard to overlook. Their crime and safety record is lacking, and the weather can get blazing hot. Even worse, the cost of living is higher than in many other Texas cities.
If you regret moving to Austin and you want to get out ASAP, we’ve got a great tip for you; try another Texas city! There are several within a couple of hours of Austin that, while close, feel like a world away in terms of character, vibe and safety. Read on to discover them!
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Try Moving to Another City Instead of Austin, TX
There are, at last count, three fantastic, inspiring, and opportunity-filled cities very close to Austin. They are Dallas, Houston, and San Antonio, all of which are top American cities.
Of the three, San Antonio is the closest, then Houston and finally, Dallas. All three of these fine Texas cities offer similar traits and amenities if you regret moving to Austin. The weather is practically the same, as are many of the perks. San Antonio is the quietest and most laid-back of the three cities, with a hometown vibe. Houston is an older city with a young heart and plenty of style and trendiness.
Then there’s Dallas, the shining gem of Texas. If Austin isn’t your thing, Dallas just might be. A rival to New York, Chicago, and Los Angeles, it’s got all the perks of a cosmopolitan city and then some. Plus, the Dallas Cowboys play there, one of the NFL’s most storied franchises! Keep reading to find out more about these three excellent Texas alternatives to Austin!
Consider San Antonio In Place of Austin, TX
San Antonio is far different from Austin, with a lower cost of living, highly-rated public schools, and various outdoor amenities and activities. It’s more cultured, with a more substantial, more profound history. The neighborhoods are more closely knit, too, a tribute to San Antonio’s diversity.
Do you want to buy your own home sometime soon? If yes, you’ll be glad to know that housing prices in San Antonio are nearly half of what they are in Austin. While the median home value in Austin is $337,000, in San Antonio, it’s $146,000, a significant difference. If you regret moving to Austin, you’ll be excited to know that you can get much more home for far fewer dollars in san Antonio. A few more perks of life in San Antonio include:
- Lots of jobs
- An affordable cost of living
- Diversity
- Short commute times
- Good weather
If you move here from Austin, be sure to rent a San Antonio storage unit before you arrive. That way, you can take your time house hunting and find the home of your dreams.
Try Houston When You Regret Moving to Austin
One of the best cities in America to raise a family, Houston is twice as big as Austin and offers more big-city amenities by far. Houston has it all if you enjoy living in the city and all the excitement that comes with it. From nightlife to outdoor activities, the cuisine, the arts, and more, you’ll find it here.
The cost of housing in Houston is, surprisingly, more affordable than in Austin as well. If money is why you regret moving to Austin, you’ll love Houston! That’s probably because, over the last decade, Austin has increased significantly in population while Houston has remained relatively stagnant. (The demand for housing is less, creating a buyer’s market.) The overall cost of living is lower also, including transportation, utilities, and healthcare. Some other reasons Houston might be a better choice than Austin include:
- More museums, galleries, and expositions.
- Exciting nightlife
- A very diverse population
- Big city style
- The Houston Texans and Astros
When moving to Houston, we always recommend renting a Houston storage unit. That way, if a closing falls through, you’re covered. Also, you can store your things in an affordable self storage unit while you search for the best Houston neighborhood to buy a home.
Consider Dallas Instead of Moving to Austin, TX
Like Houston and San Antonio, the cost of living in Dallas is lower than in Austin. (The cost of living is one of the main reasons people regret moving to Austin.) That might be why it’s one of the best cities in the United States for young professionals. Another might be that Dallas offers a city experience similar to New York and Los Angeles but at a fraction of the cost.
With more green spaces and better schools, Dallas is also better for families than Austin. Plus, With a median home value of $188,000, Dallas puts Austin, TX, to shame. (Their median home prices start at $337,000.) Remember to reserve your self storage unit in Dallas before you arrive. Here are a few more perks the city offers:
- Safer communities with less crime
- More big-city perks like fine dining and Broadway shows.
- Affordable housing close to the city
- Excellent scores on health and wellness
Rent Storage While You Look for a New Place
Whether you’ve just moved in or want to move out, renting a storage unit is a good plan. Moving in, you can store your things while you search for the perfect not-Austin home for you and your family. Moving out? You can put your stuff in a storage unit and go out to find a new, better city. (Better, that is, for you. Some people really like Austin.)
We’re iStorage, the self storage experts. We have clean, secure, affordable storage units all over Texas, including Austin, Dallas, San Antonio, and Houston. If you need help, you can chat with a friendly manager online anytime.
Even better, come down to one of our facilities and say hello! Our onsite manager will be glad to show you around and answer any questions you might have. Until then, do go out and explore Austin as much as possible. You might not like it now, but we think it will grow on you after a while.
Learn more about our favorite Texas cities!
