A Guide for Remote and Relocating Professionals Moving to Austin

Austin, Texas has cemented itself as one of the top destinations for people looking for new job opportunities, especially tech workers—whether they’re relocating for a new job or working remotely. With a economy that's still growing rapidly, a vibrant culture, and a lifestyle that blends city living with outdoor adventure, it’s no wonder so many professionals are choosing to buy a home here. If you’ve already made the decision to relocate to Austin, this guide will walk you through what to consider when choosing your neighborhood, where to look, and how to buy a house and qualify for a mortgage as a new hire, whether remote or onsite.

Why Austin Appeals to All Professionals - Especially Tech Professionals

Austin offers the perfect mix of career opportunity and quality of life. The city is home to major employers like Apple, which is building a massive new campus in northwest Austin, and Tesla’s Gigafactory in the southeast part of the city. While there has been recent headlines suggesting that the tech love affair with Austin may be slowing as companies reassess their capital investment in Ausint, there's still plenty to talk about. Oracle’s headquarters, Samsung’s investments, Google’s downtown presence, and a robust ecosystem of startups, and you have a dynamic job market for tech professionals, especially in software and tech sales. Plus, venture capital continues to pour into the city, s the city pushes the boundaries for supporting innovation and entrepreneurship like their support for self-driving cars all throughout downtown Austin.

In addition to career opportunities, the cost of living in Austin—while rising—is still significantly more attractive than cities like San Francisco, Seattle, or New York. Homebuyers get more space, newer construction, and easier access to outdoor amenities. Many remote workers who have the flexibility to live anywhere in the United States choose Austin not only for its vibrant lifestyle but also for its favorable tax environment—including no state income tax—which helps their earnings go further. According to recent reports, Austin home prices, while cooling slightly from pandemic highs, still present value compared to other tech hubs.

And what amenities they are! Austin’s outdoorsy lifestyle is a major draw: pickleball like UrbanPickleball and padel courts like Padel39 are everywhere, the Barton Creek Greenbelt and Violet Crown Trail are havens for hiking and cycling, and Lake Travis offers boating, paddleboarding, and beautiful views. Many neighborhoods are designed to support an active lifestyle, with easy access to parks and trails.

Culturally, Austin shines with its food and music scenes. Some standout spots include Birdie’s, Jeffrey’s, Este, Franklin Barbecue, La Barbecue, and taco joints like Grandma’s Tacos, Cuantos Tacos, Ensenada ATX, and Discada. The city’s food truck culture thrives, offering creative eats on nearly every corner. A growing pizza scene, debated passionately by locals, is starting to rival New York’s in quality and variety. Austin remains the Live Music Capital of the World, with endless opportunities to catch shows, from small clubs to major festivals.

Where Tech Workers Are Buying in Austin

Tech workers in Austin have a wide range of neighborhoods to choose from, depending on lifestyle and commute preferences:

• Cedar Park: Located northwest of downtown, Cedar Park is ideal for families seeking good schools and value for money. It offers an easy commute to Apple’s new campus and other employers in the north corridor. The area features newer developments, parks, and shopping hubs.
• Westlake Hills: Known for luxury homes, expansive lots, and top-tier schools, Westlake provides quick access to downtown and outdoor destinations like Barton Creek. Buyers here often prioritize privacy, prestige, and natural beauty.
• Travis Heights: This historic, walkable neighborhood offers charm and proximity to downtown startups, nightlife, and cultural hubs. Tree-lined streets, character homes, and vibrant local businesses define the area.
• Mueller: A master-planned community with parks, walking trails, and a vibrant town center, Mueller is popular with young professionals who want a modern, eco-conscious lifestyle. It hosts farmer’s markets, events, and retail options.
• Allandale: Centrally located with a quiet, established feel, Allandale offers flexible commute options and a tight-knit community vibe. Its mid-century homes and shady streets attract buyers seeking character and convenience.    `

Other areas tech workers consider include Round Rock (especially for Dell employees and those looking for larger homes at a better price point) and East Austin for its urban vibe and rapid redevelopment.

To help frame expectations, here’s a look at typical home prices:

• Cedar Park: $450,000–$700,000; newer suburban homes and craftsman styles.
• Westlake Hills: $1.5M–$5M+; luxury estates, contemporary and Mediterranean homes.
• Mueller: $600,000+ for condos/townhomes, $900,000–$1.5M for single-family modern farmhouses.
• Allandale: $700,000–$1.2M for mid-century modern and ranch-style homes.
• Travis Heights: $900,000–$2M+ for historic bungalows and craftsman homes.

Austin’s future market outlook remains strong. The completion of Apple’s campus, Tesla’s expansion, and Project Connect transit improvements are expected to sustain housing demand. Experts predict continued moderate price growth, particularly in suburban tech corridors like Cedar Park and Round Rock.

School districts are an important factor for many buyers in these areas. Neighborhoods like Westlake Hills (served by Eanes ISD) and Cedar Park (part of Leander ISD) are often highly sought after because of their top-rated schools, which also help support property values even for buyers without children. Tech workers relocating to Austin often try to time their move with the school year to minimize disruption for families, typically aiming for summer closings or early fall to align with the academic calendar.

Local amenities worth highlighting include co-working hubs like Capital Factory, Industrious, and WeWork; and parks like Zilker Park, Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park, and Southern Walnut Creek Trail that enhance the quality of life for tech professionals.

How Remote and In-Person Tech Workers Can Qualify

Buying a home as a tech worker in Austin is very achievable, whether you’re relocating for an onsite position or working remotely.

Remote workers: Lenders need confirmation from your employer that your remote position is permanent or long-term. This typically comes in the form of an employment verification letter or an email from HR stating that your role is remote. If your employer is located in another city or state, that’s no issue as long as your remote status is clear. In some cases, lenders may request pay stubs, a work-from-home policy, or a direct contact at your company to verify details.

Relocating for onsite work: If you’re moving for a job at Apple, Tesla, or another local employer, lenders will generally accept a signed job offer letter as proof of income—as long as your start date is within 60 to 90 days of closing. The offer letter should specify your position, salary, and start date. A relocation agreement can further strengthen your file, especially if it includes details about moving assistance, temporary housing, or bonuses.

It’s important to work with a lender experienced in these situations. At LendFriend Mortgage, we regularly help tech workers navigate these scenarios to make the approval process smooth.

Considerations When Buying as a Tech Worker

When buying in Austin, think beyond just the house itself. Consider:

• Commute times: If you’ll work onsite, proximity to your employer matters. Apple’s northwest campus, Tesla’s southeast Gigafactory, and downtown offices mean commute patterns vary widely. Traffic during peak hours can significantly affect travel time.
• School districts: Even if you don’t have children, buying in a well-rated school district can improve resale value and attract future buyers.
• Property taxes: Travis County property taxes can be higher than newcomers expect. Factor these into your monthly budget and compare rates across different neighborhoods.
• HOA fees: Some Austin communities, especially newer or master-planned areas like Mueller, have HOA fees that fund amenities and events.
• Lifestyle access: Consider proximity to parks, trails, courts for pickleball and padel, or waterfront areas like Lake Travis if boating or paddleboarding is important to you. Your home should support the lifestyle that drew you to Austin in the first place.

How to Navigate the Process Smoothly

To make your home purchase stress-free:

• Get preapproved early: Whether remote or relocating, preapproval gives you a competitive edge in Austin’s still-competitive market.
• Work with local experts: A real estate agent who understands the needs of tech workers can help you find the right fit. LendFriend Mortgage can also connect you to trusted agents.
• Leverage technology: Virtual tours, digital document signing, and remote closings make it possible to buy even if you’re not in Austin yet. Many tech workers purchase before physically relocating to secure the best property.
• Shop mortgage options: As a mortgage broker, LendFriend compares rates from multiple lenders, helping you secure the best loan for your situation—whether it’s conventional, jumbo, or something tailored to tech professionals.

Additional Tips for Buyers Relocating to Austin

How to Relocate to Another City or State

If you’re eager to move to Austin but aren’t sure how to relocate to another state, here are a few smart steps that can make the transition easier:

• Ask your current employer about remote work: Many tech companies today are flexible and willing to accommodate permanent remote work arrangements, which can open the door to buying a home in Austin.
• Work with a recruiter: A tech recruiter who specializes in Austin placements can help you secure a role that fits your skills and goals.
• Already own a home? Check out our guide on how to buy a new home before selling your current one.

For more relocation insights, visit our blogs on Austin’s 2025 housing outlook and Austin neighborhoods.

• Plan your timeline carefully: Align your home purchase with your job start date or relocation plans to minimize temporary housing needs.
• Inspect carefully: Austin’s mix of older homes and new construction means inspections are key. Don’t skip this step, even if buying remotely.
• Ask about builder incentives: For new construction, builders sometimes offer closing cost credits or upgrades that can add value.

Final Thoughts

Austin’s appeal for tech workers is still robust. With great job opportunities, an unbeatable lifestyle, and a housing market that still offers value compared to other tech hubs, now is a great time to plant roots. Whether you’re working remotely or relocating for a new position, the right planning and partnerships can make your homebuying experience smooth and rewarding.

Have any questions and need job relocation assistance? Give us a call at 512.881.5099 or get in touch with me by completing this quick form, and I'll reach out as soon as possible.