So you’ve made the move to Austin, the Live Music Capital of the World — congratulations! It may take a little while to get your belongings unpacked and your house all set up, but we’re here to help! Below you’ll find some important resources that can help you get your utilities in order, find local services, and discover our area’s many attractions to keep you busy in this beloved city!

If you’re still in the process of moving to Austin, Real Men Moving can help you make a smooth transition! We serve several areas in Texas and can help with your packing and moving to your new home. Call us today at (512) 766-8313 or request a quote online!

Things to Do When You First Move In

First things first: start turning your new house into a home.

• Get utilities set up or transfer your utilities
• Change your mailing address
• Choose a cable TV and internet provider

Local Services to Keep in Mind

These local services will help you settle into Austin.

• Find a local, affordable storage
• Auto mechanics and auto repair
• Homeowners insurance companies
• Home security companies

Take Care of Yourself and Your Entire Family

These services will foster your whole family’s physical and mental wellness.

• Find a church
• Top doctors and family care
• Find a local babysitter
• Best veterinary clinics
• Hire a trusted local pet sitter

Resources for Business Owners

Be sure you’ve taken action to get your small business up and running in our city and state.

• Moving your business to another state
• Quickly set up your business as an LLC with Texas-LLC.net
• Update your business profile on Google

Local Attractions and Activities

There are plenty of fun things to do in Austin. The hard part is picking between them!

• Immerse yourself in our famous live music scene
• Visit your local library
• Best restaurants in the city
• Top things to do in Austin

Austin, Texas, has a wealth of resources, activities, and attractions, not to mention a vibrant community — and it’s all waiting for you! So, get your house ready, get your moving boxes unpacked, and start enjoying everything the charming area has to offer! For more details contact us today!

Meet Gary and Sandi. Their goal is to be living in Austin, Texas to raise a family (one is on the way) and to possibly put down roots. The young couple is in their 30s and since the average age in Austin is 37.4, they see the central Texas city as a good fit. Both have good jobs in the tech industry and are aware that Austin is highly active in that field. But Gary and Sandi need help on what to know before moving to Austin, Texas. In this article, we will share with you the things they learn and answer all their questions ranging from the best places to live in Austin to Is Austin, Texas safe? So, let us see what they are researching.

Weather and Climate in Austin

Gary and Sandi are quite active. They ride bicycles, he is a runner having competed in a few marathons and she is a swimmer. Neither of them is all too fond of cold winters and with all of this in mind, the Austin, Texas weather year-round should make both Gary and Sandi quite happy with the decision to consider living in Austin. That is because the weather in Austin is typically warm and hot. Spring will see temperatures from 67F and may even warm up into the 80s.

Summer is the hottest time of year with August recording highs near 100F. Summer averages will see lows not dipping too far below the 70s and that may be a good reason to consider a home with a swimming pool or equipped with central air. Fall is a lot like spring with highs around 70F and lows getting down to the 50s. Winter in Austin is something you must experience to genuinely appreciate.

That is because if you are accustomed to snow and wearing multiple layers of clothing, you may be pleased to find that you will not need to unpack your snow gear. Temperatures will be in the 50s for the most part with highs getting to the 70s and the odd night dropping to around 40F. For Gary and Sandi, the weather in Austin scores high on their checklist.

Moving to Austin, Texas – The Job Market

Since both Gary and Sandi have experience in the tech industry, that is one of the main things that have drawn them to Austin. Austin is known these days as being a tech hub thanks to the high number of technology companies that have moved to the area. To give you an idea of how significant the tech industry is in Austin, most of the tech-related revenue made in Texas comes from Dallas-Fort Worth and then Austin. The influx of technology giants in Austin has earned the region the nickname of Silicon Hills. The names of tech companies in Austin read like a who is who in the industry and includes such big names as 3M, Cisco Systems, Dell, eBay, Facebook, Google, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Intel, and Samsung to name a few.

The two richest people on earth have made the move to Austin. Jeff Bezos and Amazon are completing a massive 820,000 square-foot fulfillment center expected to create over 1,000 jobs. While Elon Musk is leaving California and has purchased 2,100 acres for Tesla’s new factory in Travis county which is expected to create 5,000 jobs. Surely, Gary will be able to find the best job in Austin as Sandi stays home on maternity leave.

How to Get Around in Austin, Texas

Before moving to Austin, Gary and Sandi need to know how they can get around in and through the city. Most in the Austin metroplex own a vehicle and use them to get around town. You can expect interstate 35 and Mopac, the two main freeways in Austin, to be gridlock during morning and evening commutes. If you are like Gary and Sandi then you are an active couple and rather than driving to work daily, Gary may want to reduce his carbon footprint and find alternate modes of transportation to get to work or to take Sandi out to try the variety of dining options throughout the city. Capital Metro is the public transit system in Austin. There are over 80 different bus routes and a 32-mile rail line. A single ride will cost $1.25. Then there’s MetroRail which is a 26-mile rail line. It goes into the downtown core daily and costs $3.50 for a single ride.

Ridesharing is a popular choice for those who wish to reduce the use of their vehicle or do not have one. Uber and Lyft have high profiles in Austin and there is a local app called “RideAustin” that will connect you to ridesharing partners. For transportation to other destinations from Austin, there is the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. It sees over 500 flights coming and going per day and is located a few miles from downtown. Gary and Sandi were pleased to learn that Austin promotes cycling and that there are several Austin BCycle kiosks located throughout the city (membership required). They also found the Micro-Mobility options worth exploring which featured transportation through devices meant for personal mobility. Think skateboards and scooters and you will get a better picture.

Moving to Austin, Texas Pros and Cons – The Rental Market

Although Gary and Sandi plan to eventually buy a home in Austin, for now, they are looking to rent. This means they must figure out what part of the city appeals to them the most and offers the best access to work and schooling (they are planning). Plus, if they find a rental in the perfect neighborhood that meets their needs, they may be able to buy a home near their rental when the time is right to make that jump. Well, the average rental rates in Austin range from $1,400 to $2,400 depending on what neighborhood Gary and Sandi choose to move to. While those rental rates may sound high if you are moving to Austin, Texas alone, that is not the case for Gary and Sandi. Let us look at the neighborhoods in Austin a little closer to see if they find something that fits their budget before they start living in Austin, Texas. South Austin has rentals in the $1,400/month range but gets increases the closer you get to downtown and has a family-friendly atmosphere. It is a contemporary mixture of new trendy places and an old-school city where you will find an eclectic blend of everything from food and entertainment to shopping.

North Austin has rentals slightly higher with an average of $1,500/month and you will see an increase in your rent the closer you are to downtown and The University of Texas. Expect to find a nice combination of single-story homes and modern apartment buildings all located within walking distance of most of the amenities you seek. It is a neighborhood that gives you a lot of city features without being too close to the downtown core. The Domain, located in North Austin is now known as Downtown North, due to all the new sky rises being built. East Austin is a bit more expensive with rentals averaging $1,700 per month. It is a trendy area with a great deal of diversity. If culture, history, and new shops, bars, and restaurants are your magnet, then this is the place you will want to be. This is urban development made sensibly with many unique features to explore and enjoy. West Austin is near the top end of the scale with rentals running at $2,200/month. It offers postcard-perfect countryside and rolling hills for views instead of the skyline of downtown with all the tall buildings. This is also where the more affluent residents live as it contains golf courses, Victorian homes, sprawling estates, and high-end schools that rank #1 on many lists as the best schools in Texas. Downtown Austin happens to be the most expensive part of the city to live in. Rentals here top the $2,300/month mark can get you a 2-bedroom apartment with a view of Austin’s growing skyline. The high price tag makes sense because when you live downtown, everything you want from fine dining to entertainment venues is within walking distance. Plus, if you are an outdoorsy type, you will enjoy proximity to Lady Bird Lake for canoeing and access to miles of hiking and biking trails.

The Cost of Living in Austin, Texas

One more important factor to consider if you are thinking of moving to Austin, TX is the cost of living. When Gary and Sandi started their research, they quickly learned that the population of Austin, Texas metro area (2.25 million) was an important stat. Cracking the list of top ten largest cities in the United States, it is also one of the fastest-growing places in the US. Projections point to an 80-percent increase in population by the year 2030. The size of Austin has pushed real estate values up to where the average home cost is $475,000. When you allow for the average salary in Austin ($71,000 per year) you start to think that maybe this is an expensive place to live. However, Gary and Sandi see it quite differently. With a solid economy, Austin is one of the most affordable places to live in the US when compared to the national average. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in San Francisco will cost roughly $3,200 per month. The same thing in Austin is at an average rent of $1,400 per month.

Fun Things to do in Austin, Texas

When Gary and Sandi have settled into their new town, it will be time to have a little fun! Sites like Austin360.com are a valuable resource for new transplants looking for things to do in Austin. No matter your taste in music, Austin has been dubbed the music capital of the world and has a music venue that plays your jams.

During this ongoing pandemic, drive-in concerts are popping up around town for a safe way to rock out in your car while keeping with health and safety guidelines. Most music venues in town have some good eats, but if you have a hankering for a particular flavor, ATX is a flavor town. From Michelin star restaurants to some of the best food trucks in the world, you will not be disappointed. Gary and Sandi want to try the mango sticky rice at DEE DEE, a popular northern Thai food truck located in south Austin.

Related Article: HOW TO ENJOY THE HOLIDAYS IN AUSTIN, TEXAS

In Conclusion

Gary and Sandi are starting a family and are looking to move to Austin, Texas. They did a lot of homework before deciding to make the move. They found many pluses to relocating and plan to settle down in the central Texas city. We hope that by sharing their story that you have learned more about Austin and that the information Gary and Sandi found and shared here has helped you to decide to make Austin your new home as well. For more details contact us today.

When moving, having a plan will reduce the chance of mistakes and stress. Planning becomes even more important when you are moving with a pet in the middle of a global pandemic. So if you have a move coming up, keep these stress-reducing tips from Real Men Moving in mind. 

Make Sure Your New Home is Safe and Secure 

Before you begin planning your move, you need to make sure that your new home is set up to make your pet feel safe and comfortable. If you have a backyard and a dog, this could mean researching the costs of a fence to keep your pet from escaping. Most people spend around $2,800 to have a fence professionally installed but your costs could be lower or higher, depending on the size of your yard and the materials you choose. 

While you are thinking about your backyard, also look around to see if there are plants that could cause problems for your pet. If there are pests like fleas in your new yard, you will also want to take steps to protect your pet, including picking up a quality flea collar. Check reviews and product details to find a safe and effective option.

After you’ve ensured security and safety in your yard, it’s time to focus on the inside of your new home. Paint chips, chemicals, and pesticides leftover by the previous occupants could pose serious risks to your pet’s health. This is why performing a safety sweep before you move in or let your dog roam free is always a good idea. 

Article Source: http://ourdogfriends.org/

Plan a Safe and Comfortable Move With a Pet

If you are relocating during the COVID-19 pandemic, your first step should be to hire movers that take precautions to ensure that your move is a safe and healthy one. In Austin, the professionals at Real Men Moving will wear masks and sterilize equipment, all while taking the hassle out of your move. 

If you prefer to do your own packing, you can find tips and tricks for making the most of the space inside your vehicle. For example, keeping essentials for you and your pet in the front seat or other central location will save you time and stress during the trip. You’ll also want to make sure you can see out of windows, which could mean investing in a car seat for your pet. 

Since COVID-19 is still a factor and will be for the foreseeable future, you will also want to call ahead to book any pet-friendly accommodations needed if you’re traveling to move. Hotels in many states are operating at reduced capacity and with increased restrictions, so confirm any modified rules before you arrive and attempt to check in with your pet. 

Help Your Pet Adjust and Settle Into Your New Home 

Even after you’ve arrived at your new home, your pet may feel anxious or unsure. Luckily, there are a few extra steps you can take to make a new place feel more like home for your pet. If you have cats, unpacking your belongings before you let your pets explore will ensure the new place is filled with familiar sights and scents. Just be sure to set up a litter box, bed, and bowls as well. 

If you plan on moving with a pup, you can take him around on a leash to sniff and explore the new home and yard. Also try to keep your routines as normal as possible, including feeding and walking times for your dog. This can help ease any anxieties your pet has after the move. 

Your pets are family, so it only makes sense to include them in your moving plans. Not to mention that doing so will help you take the steps needed to keep your furry family members safe, healthy, and comfortable during your move. This can be especially important when there are additional pandemic factors to consider, so try to plan your move well ahead of time so that you can keep you and your pet protected. 

Ready to move? Request a quote from Real Men Moving now. Call: (512) 766-8313

Southern charm and its close proximity to Austin are just two reasons Hutto, TX is one of the fastest-growing cities in Texas. Living in Hutto has a lot to offer folks from all walks of life. Here are 5 things your local movers Hutto at Real Men Moving have grown to love about the “Hippo Capital of Texas.” 

1. Hutto is “Hippo Capital of Texas” 

With Tiger King fresh in all our minds, let us get this clear, Joe Exotic does not have kinfolk living in Hutto, raising hippo’s. There was however a hippo loose in Hutto in 1915, and the local high school adopted the Hippopotamus as their school mascot. There are over 100 hippo sculptures loose in Hutto and many more on the way. Herman the Hippo is a 20,000 lb. concrete hippo that the city unveiled earlier this year. For some family fun see who can find them on a Hutto hippo scavenger hunt. 

2. Hutto is one of the Fastest Growing Cities in America 

Hutto is a growing community with over 30,000 people calling her home in 2020. It’s pretty wild to think just 20 years ago only 1,500 people called this Hill Country townhome. Where there once was just fields of corn, you can now find new industry popping up throughout town. With plenty of jobs and affordable housing, there is no end in sight for this small Texas city on the rise. 

3. Hutto has Amazing Schools 

The Hutto Independent School District is one of the best school districts in the Austin area. Working as a pipeline to the University of Texas and Texas A&M, Hutto is a good choice for families wanting to send their children off to college to a university near home. If sports are your kid’s thing, Hutto ranks amongst the top districts for athletics in Texas. If you know anything about the Lone Star state and high school sports, that’s no easy feat. 

4. Hutto is affordable 

Buying a home in Austin will cost you 62{c90871bae1ccbef2c97f03962533da1d1cdb56d95578a7d78109bc048c24bb44} more than the same home in Hutto. The median home price in Hutto is $227,600 and the median home income of $70,519 is well above the US average. You can expect local salaries and home prices to rise with job growth expected to climb 51.5{c90871bae1ccbef2c97f03962533da1d1cdb56d95578a7d78109bc048c24bb44} over the next 10 years. If you are looking for a home in a great community that will be a solid investment down the road, Hutto should be high on your list. 

5. Hutto is Close to Austin 

There are too many reasons to love Hutto for us to fit all of it into this love letter. So many in fact, you may never need to leave, but if you did, Hutto is part of the Austin-Round Rock metro. Only a 30-minute drive down TX-130 and you’re in downtown ATX. 

Moving to Hutto? We Can Help.

If you’re trying to find movers near Hutto, Real Men Moving can help. We offer competitive pricing for our professional moving services. Let our team of professionally trained movers make your move to Hutto your easiest move yet. Contact Real Men Moving to book your move today.

You may ask yourself why so many people are moving to The Domain?  Once, just a couple of apartments and retail stores, The Domain is now growing into what some have called “the second Downtown.” With a population of roughly 38,000 people and high-rises popping up everywhere, this neighborhood on the northwest corridor is on the rise.

There is something for everyone. From High-end retailers to great local shops, amazing restaurants, delicious craft cocktails, and a nightlife that rivals 6th street. All this and more make The Domain the place to be!

If you are moving to Austin and The Domain is where you want to call home, first let me tell you that is a great choice! Second, I have put together a list of places to live, eat, shop, work, and most importantly play. Here is what you need to know about living in Downtown North.

Living in The Domain – Things to Do.

There are not many reasons to venture off the 300 acres that make up the Domain. As a matter of fact, some residents don’t. Here is a better look at what makes this north Austin gem shine.

 Best Restaurants in The Domain, Austin TX

If the smell of food effects how much you eat, then you better buy some bigger pants. Restaurants at The Domain are cranking out some free smells and there is something for everyone to help give you all the fuel you need for the shopping you are about to do. Here are some of the best restaurants in The Domain that you must try.

Toulouse is a classic French Café and Bar serving up classic French dishes like their famous duck confit. Make sure to call for a reservation. If they are all booked go next door to their sister restaurant Taverna. Like many restaurants they have been hit hard by Covid and are currently closed, but due to reopen soon.

North Italia is one of my personal favorites. I just cannot get enough pasta and they make theirs from scratch daily. If pasta is not your thing then try the red wine-glazed short ribs. You will not regret it.

Lotus Chinese is my go-to for Asian fare in The Domain. I fancy myself to be a dumpling aficionado and their dumplings crack my top 5. If dumplings are not your thing try the pork belly buns, yum!

Shake Shack. I know they are a chain, but I had to throw them in here. They are just too delicious and that mushroom burger of theirs makes me forget about ever eating another hamburger again.

The Yard Milkshakes. One of the best parts of eating your diner is knowing that you have some dessert coming next! They say their milkshakes are “over the top” and that is no joke. They are seriously spilling out of awesomely branded mason jars. Need a sugar boost for shopping? They also have baked goods and ice cream!

Best Bars in The Domain, Austin TX

The Domain neighborhood in North Austin not only has some of the best restaurants in Austin but some of the best bars and venues for listening to live music. If you just moved into the neighborhood and finally got all those moving boxes unpacked then treat yourself with a night on the town. Here are some of the best bars in The Domain

Second Bar + Kitchen offers a wide selection of drinks. From crafted cocktails to a wide selection of beers. They even have a wine program that they say is “approachable,” not sure what that means, but I’m in! I Love the atmosphere here and the ceiling of the bright Texas stars is beautiful. Check it out and stay awhile.

The Brass Tap has over 300 craft beers from all over the world and 70 beers on tap. I am pretty sure they have what you need. If the amazing drink options were not enough they also have live music. Austin is known as the “live music capital of the world” and places like Brass Tap are the reason why. Bring a friend or 2 or even 300. There is a different kind of beer for each of y’all. The combination of Booze and tunes makes The Brass Tap in The Domain one of our favorite watering holes.

The Domain Shopping

This is where the Domain truly Shines. There are 137 retail stores and 1,234,352 square feet of retail floor space in the Domain. People from all over flock to this neighborhood to max those credit cards out. From local boutiques to chain retailers The Domain has got something for everybody. These are local favorites.

Lululemon Athletica has high priced high-quality athletic gear. This location is on the small side but has everything you need to look good while working on your fitness. As a bonus, this location will also hem damaged pairs of pants for free.

Madewell is a small fashion boutique located in the Domain. High-quality materials and friendly staff are only some of the reasons this retailer has become a local favorite and garnered tons of attention on sites like Pinterest. Good quality does not come cheap. If you are looking for ways to save up for that coveted pair of jeans try finding some affordable movers near the Domain for your move there.

Best Apartments in The Domain

Age before beauty. The Overture Domain Is a 55+ Apartment home located in The Domain. If you or a loved one is over the age of 55 then I highly recommend The Overture. They have a great reputation for taking care of their residents and the location is great for seniors looking to be near all the amenities the Domain has to offer. If you are moving to The Domain and need Professional senior movers Real Men Moving are experienced senior movers near The Domain.

Residences at The Domain is a luxury apartment complex in the heart of The Domain. Its proximity to employers like Dell, Apple, and IBM makes it a great choice. It has more to offer than just its location. Stunning  Gourmet kitchens and closets the size of a Downtown studio for all the shopping I’m sure you will be doing.

Kenzie has a boutique-inspired lounge and lobby that will impress your friends. This complex is nice and tidy, and Dogs and cats are welcome. There are plenty of parks and trails to take your furry friends on a walkabout or you can relax with your friends in the infinity-pool.  

Best Sports Fun in The Domain

Austin finally has a professional sports team and guess where the new state of the art stadium is? You guessed it, The Domain. It will have a capacity of 20,500 screaming fans and will bring new and exciting energy to the area. If that is not cool enough Mathew McConaughey is one of the owners. Alright Alright Alright!

Topgolf is one of my favorite things to do in Austin and is located on the edge of the Domain. If you go on Wednesday play is half off. The food however is not half off, but it is full of flavor. Try the deep-fried pickles! 

FAQs About Living in The Domain, Austin TX

Now that you know all the fun things to do in and around The Domain, let us get serious for a moment and let you in on what it is like living in The Domain.

What is The Domain Neighborhood like?

The average age is lower than the rest of Austin so you will see a lot of young professionals between 25-35 calling The Domain home. Because of all the shops and restaurants, the neighborhood has its fair share of people from other places so it can get crowded at times. Real estate in this area is on a steady climb making it a great place to buy.

What is the Cost of Living in The Domain?

While the cost of living in The Domain is on the higher end of some of its neighbors, it’s location, economy, and convenience make the juice worth the squeeze. If you plan on moving to The Domain, you will find there are lots to love about this amazing corner of Austin.

Is the Domain, Austin TX Safe?

Apart from motorist running stop signs and the occasional shoplifter The Domain in Austin TX is very safe. Crime is low in the area and it is very walkable day or night. There is plenty of security to compliment the local Austin Police.

When moving somewhere new it is best to talk to a local about their experience. If you are from out of town and do not know any locals then I suggest sites like Quora and Reddit. You can also join a community Facebook group of residents in The Domain.

Moving to The Domain, Austin TX?

It has been great filling you in on what The Domain has to offer. Trying to find movers near The Domain? Search for movers near me and Real Men Moving will pop up. We are located on the other side of Mopac, across from the Domain. We offer a wide range of moving services that will make your next move your easiest move yet.

Give us a call to book your move or to talk to a member of our team and learn more about our moving services in The Domain.

Stuff. We all have it and most of us have way too much of it. We stash our stuff in every nook and cranny we can find in our home, shed, and yard and sometimes that doesn’t do the job. That’s when you have to take the concept of renting storage facilities in Pflugerville a bit more seriously. But what if you don’t have a bunch of stuff? There are a lot of great reasons to rent and use storage facilities. Here is a list of our favorites.

1 – To Hide the Bodies

Okay, now that we have your attention…we don’t really mean bodies. What we are trying to say here is that if you have things that you’d rather not see for a while – you know, items that aren’t so important that you need them around but are still important enough not to toss out, then a storage locker could be your best friend.

2 – Because You Travel A Lot Under the Radar

Hey, we get it. Sometimes you just need to get away from it all and take on a new, secret identity in a new part of the world until the heat cools down. A storage locker is a perfect place to keep your belongings so that once you return home and resume your mind-mannered identity, you don’t have to start over buying things.

3 – As Your COVID-19 New Home Office

Well, this one is a bit more practical, and in some cases, practically impossible due to storage facility regulations, but you could store all your office equipment in isolation. This would come in handy in case you were laid off as a result of business closures during the peak of the pandemic – if it has peaked. Don’t forget your cellphone.

4 – To Hide Things from The Divorce Lawyer

Again, that isn’t exactly what we meant. But should you find yourself going through a divorce or separation, a storage facility can help you with sorting out belongings or provide you with the space to go through your things and downsize where necessary. Chances are, after the settlement you’ll be looking for a new, smaller home anyway.

5 – Because You Want to Spread the Clutter

We said it a few lines above this paragraph. We tend to have a lot of stuff. What happens with all that stuff is our space gets cluttered. One great way to de-clutter one space is to clutter up another one. Affordable storage facilities in Pflugerville are perfect for this. Plus, it will make it look as if you are moving somewhere else.

6 – Speaking of Moving Somewhere Else…

Probably the most common reason people use storage facilities is to stash their stuff while they are going through a move. Sometimes that means before purchasing a new home or after selling your current home and you need some time before you start to fill your next home with all your stuff and carefully clutter each room.

Rely on Real Men Moving When You Are Hauling Your Stuff Around

Need a professional moving service to get your stuff from Point A to Point B with minimal trouble? Then try Real Men Moving. Based in Austin and serving the entire area, we provide all kinds of services that will make your move smooth and easy. 

Need help packing and the materials to do that? We can help. We handle all kinds of moving jobs ranging from local to commercial and pretty much anything to do with moving. Oh, don’t need a truck but need a hand loading yours? We can do that, too. 

If you need movers near Pflugerville then Call Real Men Moving today for details at  (512) 766-8313 or visit our website and request a free quote.