Moving to Austin is exciting, and it can also feel like a lot all at once. Between narrowing down where you want to live, planning a realistic commute, and getting utilities and logistics lined up, having a clear plan makes the whole process smoother and less stressful.
Use this Austin relocation checklist as your step-by-step guide, whether you’re buying a home in Austin, leasing an apartment, or starting with temporary housing while you explore neighborhoods in person.
Choose your Austin area short list
Start with how you actually live, not just a neighborhood name you’ve heard online. You want your home to fit your lifestyle.
Make a quick “non-negotiables” list:
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Where you’ll be commuting (most often)
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The housing type you want (condo, townhome, single-family, new construction, resale)
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Your preferred feel (walkable, quiet, close to restaurants, more space, lower maintenance)
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Budget, monthly payment comfort, and any must-have features (garage, yard, office space, etc.)
Popular areas people often explore when relocating to Austin, Texas (based on lifestyle and location):
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Central Austin: Clarksville area, Tarrytown area, Zilker, Bouldin Creek, Travis Heights
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South Austin: South Congress area, South Lamar area, Circle C area, Sunset Valley area
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East Austin: Holly area, Govalle area, Mueller area
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North Austin: The Domain area, North Burnet area, Crestview, North Loop
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West Austin and Hill Country nearby: West Austin, Lakeway, Bee Cave, Dripping Springs
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Austin suburbs north and northeast: Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, Pflugerville, Hutto
Local tip: If you’re comparing Austin neighborhoods vs Austin suburbs, decide what you value more, commute time, walkability, space, or newer housing options. That single choice usually narrows the list fast.
Map your commute before you commit
Commute reality in Austin can vary a lot depending on the corridor and time of day.
A few practical steps:
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Test likely routes during your actual commute window using “typical traffic” in a navigation app.
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If you’ll be driving often, keep an eye on routes that can bottleneck, including I-35, MoPac (Loop 1), and US-183.
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If you want a transit option, check CapMetro routes for your specific start and end points. CapMetro Rail’s Red Line is designed to connect Downtown to North Austin and Leander, which can be helpful for some relocation plans.
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Lock in your relocation timeline
3+ months out
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Build your Austin area short list and clarify must-haves.
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If you’re buying, talk with a lender early so your home search matches real numbers (pre-approval helps you move quickly when the right home shows up).
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If you’re leasing, confirm your ideal move-in date and the fees you want to plan for (application fees, deposits, pet fees, parking, etc.).
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Start decluttering and create a simple inventory, especially if you’re moving from out of state.
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If you’re considering HOA communities or areas with MUDs, plan extra time to review documents and tax details.
6 to 8 weeks out
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Start tours and narrow your options. Virtual tours and live video walk-throughs are great if you’re relocating to Austin from out of town.
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Get mover quotes and confirm insurance, dates, and cancellation terms.
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Book temporary housing if you need a bridge period, furnished options can fill up quickly depending on the season.
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Review any housing rules that apply to you (parking, move-in procedures, pets, HOA policies, and required notices).
2 to 4 weeks out
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Set up address changes (USPS plus banks, insurance, subscriptions, and anything tied to billing).
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Schedule utilities based on the exact address.
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Plan your Texas driver's license and vehicle registration steps early, appointment availability can be a factor.
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Confirm move-in logistics: keys, gate codes, parking, elevator reservations (if needed), and access timing.
Moving week and first month
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Confirm utilities are active on move-in day and schedule internet installation as early as possible.
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Update your Texas driver's license and vehicle registration after you arrive, following current state instructions.
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If you purchased a home, look into homestead exemption eligibility with the county appraisal district where the property is located.
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Get familiar with your local services and any community rules that apply to the property.
Temporary housing in Austin (if you need it)
If you’re moving to Austin, Texas and want to tour in person before committing long-term, temporary housing can keep your options open.
Common options:
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Furnished short-term rentals (convenient, typically higher monthly cost)
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Corporate housing or extended-stay hotels (often bundled utilities and furnishings)
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Shorter lease terms in select apartment communities (availability varies)
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Sublets or room rentals (do extra due diligence)
Local tip: Central, walkable areas and high-demand locations tend to book earlier, so if you want temporary housing near Downtown Austin or the Domain area, start that search sooner.
Utilities and services to set up (Austin, TX and surrounding areas)
Utilities in Central Texas depend heavily on the exact address and jurisdiction, so always verify by street address.
Common categories to confirm:
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Electricity: Many City of Austin addresses use Austin Energy, while many surrounding areas are served by other providers or retail electric options.
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Water and wastewater: Many City of Austin addresses use Austin Water, and some surrounding communities use MUDs or other utility providers.
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Trash and recycling: In the City of Austin, Austin Resource Recovery provides weekly curbside trash collection for many single-family homes up to four-plexes, other areas may have different arrangements.
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Natural gas: Provider varies by area.
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Internet: Availability can be block-by-block, verify before you sign a lease or contract if internet speed is a priority.
Pro tips:
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Schedule internet installation early if you work remotely.
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Keep ID and proof of residency handy, some providers require it to start service.
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If you’re moving into an HOA or condo community, confirm what’s included vs billed separately (water, trash, internet, etc.).
Texas driver's license and vehicle registration basics
If you’re relocating to Austin from out of state, plan ahead for these two items:
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Texas driver's license: Texas DPS notes new residents may legally drive with a valid out-of-state license for up to 90 days after moving to Texas, then you’ll need a Texas license.
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Vehicle registration: Texas DMV guidance for new residents notes you generally have 30 days from moving to Texas to register your vehicle in the state. Vehicle inspection and registration are separate steps.
Always verify the latest requirements and documentation directly with Texas DPS and Texas DMV, plus your county tax office (Travis County, Williamson County, or Hays County, depending on where you land).
HOAs, MUDs, property taxes, and insurance
When buying a home in Austin or nearby suburbs, these are worth reviewing early:
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HOA rules, dues, and transfer requirements (if applicable)
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MUDs or PIDs (common in parts of the Austin metro, and they can impact the tax rate)
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Property taxes (varies by taxing entities and location, confirm estimates for the specific address)
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Insurance considerations (hail, wind, and flood coverage can vary, check what makes sense for the specific property)
If flood risk is a concern, you can check FEMA flood maps and talk with your insurance provider about coverage options for that address.
Ready to relocate to Austin?
Relocation is easier when you have a clear timeline and someone local who can help you verify the details that actually matter, like disclosures, HOA documents, utility setup, commute reality, and total monthly cost.
If you’re moving to Austin, Texas, and want a grounded, data-informed plan for buying or leasing, reach out to us, Gina and Jorge (Dueñas Realty Group with Compass). We’d be honored to help you map out your next steps and coordinate tours that fit your timeline.
FAQs
What’s the first step when moving to Austin, Texas?
Start with your commute and your must-haves, then build a short list of Austin neighborhoods or suburbs that match your day-to-day routine.
How early should I schedule utilities and internet in Austin?
As soon as you have an address and a move-in date. Internet install appointments can take longer than expected, depending on the provider and season.
Do I need flood insurance in Austin, TX?
It depends on the property. Check FEMA flood maps and ask your insurance provider what coverage options make sense for that address.
How do HOAs and MUDs affect the cost of living near Austin?
HOAs can add dues and rules, and MUDs can impact the overall tax rate. Review documents and estimated costs before signing a lease or contract.
Disclaimer: This post is for general informational purposes only and isn’t legal, tax, insurance, or financial advice. Real estate availability, pricing, taxes, HOA rules, school attendance zones, commute times, and utility providers can change and may vary by address. Buyers and tenants should independently verify all information, including any deadlines or requirements, with the appropriate providers, HOA/condo association, school district, and local, state, or county offices. If you’d like a personalized plan tailored to your move, we’d love to help.
Fair housing note: We can help you compare areas using objective information like location, commute options, property features, HOA details, utility setup, and estimated costs. We don’t steer based on protected classes.
