THINKING ABOUT LIVING IN AUSTIN?

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are you considering moving to Austin, Texas in 2023? If so, you're in luck! Austin is a great city with a rich history and culture, and plenty of industry and spirit. But before you make the move, there are a few things you should know. Justin Cofield, a local realtor who has lived in Austin for 20 years, shares five mistakes to avoid when moving to Austin.

When it comes to living in Austin, traffic can be an issue. If you work north of the river, consider living north of the river. Lady Bird Lake runs through the center of the city, and there are few arteries that move north to south to carry you across the lake. During high traffic times, crossing the lake can be complicated.

The soil and landscape change on either side of I-35. The west side of I-35 is where downtown Austin is, and beyond that is the beautiful Texas Hill Country. The soil here is rocky and dry, but it's rugged and beautiful. To the east of I-35 is mostly clay and more flat. There are lots of farming communities, but with the clay soil comes expansion and contraction when there is extreme Texas weather. Make sure to pay attention to the telltale signs of foundation movement when looking at homes east of I-35.

MUD stands for Municipal Utility District.  When developers build out a neighborhood, they pass on the costs of putting in things like water lines and sewer lines to the buyer in the form of taxes. This tax can last 20-30 years, and can be disguised in several different ways. Be aware of this when looking at new construction homes.

When looking for a home, consider major arteries that connect you from your home to work. Some cities are more accessible than others. We have lots of great suburbs around the Austin area, some of them just require more time/effort to travel to and from than others. Be sure you take a look at major arteries that carry you in and out of the area you're interested in. If you have questions about areas you're interested in, reach out to Justin for help.

Property taxes in Texas are assessed by the county at the county level. Different counties and neighborhoods have different tax rates, so be sure to look at the tax rate when looking at a home. You can also apply for a homestead exemption, which helps put a cap on how much your value can go up every year.

Moving to Austin can be a great experience, but there are a few things to consider before making the move. Be sure to consider where to live, the differences between east and west, the MUD tax, the accessibility of different suburbs, and the property taxes. If you have any questions, reach out to Justin Cofield for help. He and his wife are a team and they love Austin and the surrounding communities.