If you’re looking to move out of Sacramento, you have a lot of options. Moving to Austin, Texas has become a popular choice for many making long-distance moves.
In 2021, Austin was the most popular city in the world to relocate to. There are several reasons for this including the low unemployment rate, the low cost of living, and its vibrant arts and culture scene.
Long-distance moves can be stressful. So if you’re considering moving from Sacramento to Austin, you may be wondering where to start. There are a lot of moving parts that go into a move of this size.
Thankfully, we’ve created a guide to help you prepare for your cross-country move and all the details that come with it. Our guide will also give you a glimpse into what your new life in Austin, Texas might look like. With this information, you can feel confident in this life-changing decision and excited for what’s to come.
What You Need to Know About Moving from Sacramento to Austin.
Moving to another state is a big decision and requires a lot of moving parts.
There are a lot of things that need to consider and a lot of work that needs to go into moving from city to city, regardless of the city you’re relocating to. There are also pertinent details that are specific to Austin.
If you have decided to move from Sacramento to Austin you will want to make sure you organize your time to the best of your ability so that no important details get lost in the chaos of your move.
Things to Consider About Long-Distance Moves
Once you’ve decided to uproot everything and move to Austin, you will need to think about the moving process. You can plan a do-it-yourself move where you handle all the packing and move on your own, or you can hire professional movers.
Moving everything on your own can make a process that is already stressful, a lot more complicated. Not only is it extremely time-consuming, but you also run the risk of damaging your personal items if you aren’t an experienced packer.
Many people are hesitant to hire movers for a long-distance move because of the costs associated with them. But our company offers affordable packages. Our company is family owned and operated and our expert movers have packing training.
Our experienced Sacramento to Austin movers can help you handle the logistics of a big move and provide exceptional care for your belongings.
The Best Time to Move From Sacramento
If you own a home in Sacramento, you might be wondering when the best time to sell is. Like most areas, the best time to sell a home in Sacramento is in the spring.
Spring marks the end of the school year. Many families look to start a brand new year in a new home, rather than forcing their children to transfer to a new school midway through the year.
The weather is also beautiful in the spring, making it easier to hunt for a new home or consider a big move.
What Our Moving Packages Offer
There are roughly 1,760 miles between Sacramento and Austin. If you’re not careful, that trip can get expensive, and complicated.
We understand that. That’s why our moving company has created a package that is both budget-friendly and convenient.
We offer the following services:
- Assembly and disassembly
- Shrink-wrapping
- Blanket wrapping and padding for furniture
- Affordable packing supplies
- Specialized customer support
- No stair charges
- The same cost on weekends
- No fuel or mileage surcharges
- No walking distance fees
- No taxes on services
- Full license and insurance
- No hidden fees
We are a trusted brand with high-value service. In addition to our expertise in packing and long-distance residential moves, we specialize in piano moving services, garage moves, and commercial moves.
Moving doesn’t need to be complicated. We can expedite your move and help you handle all of the logistics to make it as stress-free as possible.
Things to Note About Your Move to Austin
Before moving to Austin you will need to consider the following things.
Summer is one of the busiest moving times, so you can expect the costs of moving to be higher at this time. However, June, May, and October are the rainiest months in Austin, which may make your move slightly more complicated.
You will need to consider whether or not you require parking and truck permits for your move. If you’re moving into an apartment, you will want to reserve an elevator for the date of your move.
Always make sure your moving company can show proof of insurance.
Texas also requires a Texas DMV license for all vehicles. If your moving company is not registered and something happens during your move, your personal belongings may not be protected.
Creating a Moving Checklist
You should begin preparations for your move within two months of your departure. Begin searching for a moving company and creating a budget for your move. You can also create a list of questions to ask a moving company or your employer (if they are supporting your move).
Start reaching out to banks, schools, doctors, and dental offices to collect your records so you can bring them with you to Austin. You should also begin discussing plans to pull any children out of school in Sacramento, while actively looking for a placement at a school in Austin.
During this time, begin gathering moving supplies if you won’t be purchasing them through a moving company. Start using up any perishables in your home. You cannot move hazardous materials so any hazardous items will need to be thrown out.
In the month leading up to your move, you should transfer over any insurance and secure plans to move your vehicles. Set up mail forwarding and secure your travel plans.
In the last two weeks, you should be organizing, cleaning, packing, and securing elevators for your move-in day.
Securing Your Travel Plans
If you choose to hire movers, it’s not recommended that you book your travel plans for the same day of your move.
Moving is stressful. There are a lot of logistics involved in a long-distance move. Make sure you give yourself time to rest the night after your personal items move as travel can add to the stress.
If you have pets, you will need to think about how they will be getting to Austin. Will you be flying? If you’re driving, you will need to think about pet-friendly places to stop along the way.
You will also need to consider what is happening with your vehicle if you are not driving to Austin. Do not leave this until the last minute.
Cleaning and Organizing
Sorting through your current home and belongings should not be left to the last minute. Your realtor or landlord may request that your home be cleaned and organized before the day of your move. Chipping away at this process over time can save you a lot of stress in the long run.
Moving a long distance is expensive. Chances are, you will need to slim down on your belongings (you probably don’t need it all anyway). Moving is a great opportunity to purge the things you no longer need.
Sort your items into piles of items to keep, toss, sell or donate.
Remember that you’re moving a long distance and your final days will likely be spent tying up loose ends and saying goodbye to loved ones in the area. The more you get rid of ahead of time, the easier your move will be.
Finding Housing in Austin
Within the 2 months leading up to your move, you’ll need to find your new home in Austin. The cost of housing in Austin is slightly higher than the national average. However, the cost of living is quite low, and the median income is higher than it is in Sacramento.
If you’re moving with a family, your priority will likely be to find a family-friendly neighborhood and great schools. Shady Hollow, Rollingwood, Barton Hills, Cedar Park, West Lake, and Brushy Creek are all popular neighborhoods for families.
If you’re a young professional or student who is single, you may want to look in Hyde Park, South Lamar, Zilker, North University, or Cherrywood.
Austin is one of the best places in America for homebuyers because the value of your home is likely to increase but overall, the market is stable.
The median cost for a home in Austin is roughly $257,800 and rentals cost an average of $1500 a month. Those numbers can vary substantially based on your income and the type of home you acquire. If you’re moving house, know that there’s something for everyone in Austin.
North Austin
North Austin is known for its breathtaking views of Texas Hill Country.
It’s also home to Austin’s booming technology sector.
The University of Texas at Austin is also in North Austin, making this area a great place for young professionals to relocate to.
South Austin
South Austin is known for homes with a lot of character—and a bit of a hippy vibe. The homes in South Austin are funky. The retail has a quirky vibe.
South Austin is also the home of the music venue, Zilker Park. Music is a big part of the South Austin scene.
Barton Springs Pool is in South Austin as well. The pool is over 900 feet long and 3 acres around.
East Austin
East Austin is home to some of the more diverse communities in the city. It is known for its unique vibe and culture.
Some of the oldest homes in the city are in this area.
It’s also home to a lot of beloved Austin restaurants. It is a highly creative and sustainable-minded area.
West Austin
West Austin is one of the more desirable areas to live in.
The area has a lot of old preserved buildings. West Austin also has a lot of quiet neighborhoods and scenic views. It is home to some exceptional schools.
This is a great area for families to move to.
The Job Market in Austin
One of the biggest draws to Austin is its booming job market. Austin generally offers a higher income than Sacramento. The unemployment rate is also lower and there’s a wide variety of high-paying job opportunities available.
Austin has been referred to as “Silicon Hills” because of its growing tech market. Tesla, Indeed, Dell Technologies, Oracle, and Apple Inc. are just some of the companies that call Austin home. Tech companies continue to relocate to Austin because it has become such a desirable place to live.
There are a lot of jobs in the medical sector as well.
There are also a lot of jobs in the education sector with a number of private schools as well as The University of Texas at Austin, Saint Edwards University, Concordia University Texas, and Hutson-Tillison University.
Finally, there is a booming arts and culture scene and a number of celebrated restaurants.
The Cost of Living in Austin
Although housing may cost a bit more, the cost of living in Austin is low.
For starters, there is no income tax in Texas. There is also a cheaper sales tax in Austin than in Sacramento. In other words, you’ll be taking home a lot more of your pay.
The cost of transportation is 7% lower than the national average and utilities and groceries are 12% cheaper.
There are many transportation options to help you save on fuel. Austin also scores high when it comes to walkability. Many choose to walk or bike during the warmer months, as the city is very bike-friendly.
Affordability may be one of the reasons so many are relocating to Austin. The rate of people who choose to relocate to Austin is faster than in any other city in Texas.
What Is Life in Austin Like?
Affordability and a thriving job market aren’t the only reasons that Austin was voted the most popular place to relocate to in 2021. The city offers a lot of amenities.
It is a bustling and moving city.
There is a vibrant arts and culture scene, a lot of green space, breathtaking views, and exciting nightlife.
Here are some of the things you should know about life in Austin.
Climate
The city of Austin boasts long hot summers and short and mild winters with warm spring and fall transition periods. You can expect warm weather from April until October.
The rainy months are May, June, and October.
Snow in Austin is unusual but it can and does happen.
Sustainability
Ranked as one of the greenest cities in America, Austin is a very sustainable place to live.
The city has put in a lot of effort to meet a specific goal. They want 65% of the city’s energy to come from renewable sources by 2027. They are a leader in solar energy and have wind farms in an attempt to meet this goal.
In addition to that, all new builds in Austin need to meet green building standards.
The city also offers curbside compost pickup in an effort to have all residents live a bit more green.
Food and Drink
BBQ, Tex-Mex, and greasy breakfasts are just some of Austin’s specialties. If you’re a foodie, you will love living in Austin! It is the food capital of Texas.
There are a lot of famous restaurants to check out, including Franklin Barbeque, Odd Duck, and Cuantos Tacos.
The city is also known for its abundance of food trucks.
Food isn’t the only thing Austin has to brag about. Beer lovers will enjoy their time here too, as the city was voted the number one beer destination in the world in 2019. There’s also a wide variety of wineries in the area.
Health and Fitness
Health and fitness are a huge priority to residents of Austin.
Not only does the city score high in walkability scores, but it’s also home to a variety of parks.
Austin has a number of gyms, yoga, and fitness studios.
It is also home to the Barton Creek Greenbelt—12 miles of trails through South Austin with various entry points. On the trail, you go swimming or rock climbing. You can also take your bike out or enjoy a leisurely walk.
If swimming is your thing, you can also jump in the Barton Springs Pool in South Austin, or find one of the city’s swimming holes–a popular attraction in the summer.
Music
Austin is one of the largest music cities in the world. You can basically expect live music at every corner, every day of the week.
There are 250 live music venues in the city. They offer everything from Latino music to rock.
If you’re looking to take in live music, you can visit the ACL Live at the Moody Theater. Zilker Park in South Austin is also home to large music festivals.
The large SXSW (South by Southwest) conference also takes place in Austin each year, bringing creative people together.
The famous Austin City Limits Festival also draws approximately 450,000 people to the city annually.
Visual and Theater Arts
Austin is home to the Blanton Museum of Art, the Contemporary Austin-Jones Center, and the HOPE Outdoor Gallery.
It’s also home to Ballet Austin and hosts a variety of Broadway shows.
Nightlife
This capital city is known for its nightlife too.
Downtown Austin is home to the Warehouse District. The district is home to a variety of businesses including music lounges, food establishments, and LGBTQ+ friendly clubs.
Sixth St. is known for its party vibe. It is home to entertainment venues, bars, and restaurants.
Rainey St. is known for its live music, bars, and hotels. If you’re a bit more laid back, this might be the spot for you.
Education
Austin is home to some of the best private schools in Texas.
It is also known for having some of the best public schools in the country. Many of its high schools rank among the best in America.
In addition to that, there are a number of Universities and Colleges in the area. The University of Texas at Austin, Austin Community College, Saint Edward’s University, and Huston-Tillotson University are some of the schools the city is known for.
Pet-Friendly Environment
Austin is also one of the most pet-friendly cities in the country.
If you’re moving from Sacramento to Austin with your beloved dog, you can feel confident that they will feel welcome in their new home.
The city is known for its dog-friendly spaces, including hotels and restaurants. There are also a lot of dog parks in Austin. You can bank on your dog making friends, but there’s also a great chance you’ll meet fellow animal lovers too!
There are a lot of exceptional veterinarian clinics to choose from, so you won’t have to worry about the care your furry best friend is receiving.
Make Austin, Texas Your New Home
Change is scary for anyone.
Moving from Sacramento to Austin is a big decision for any single person or family to make. Long-distance moves can require a lot of money and careful planning. The experience can be stressful.
It doesn’t have to be that way. By following the tips in this guide and hiring the right people to help you handle the logistics, your move can go smoothly.
If you’re looking for experienced Sacramento to Austin movers, our team can help you. Visit our website to find out more about our moving packages.