5 Must-Have Apps for New Austin Residents
Essential Tools for Moving In
Moving to a new city can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially in a vibrant place like Austin. With its rich culture, bustling tech scene, and myriad of local attractions, navigating the city efficiently requires the right tools.
Having a few essential apps at your fingertips can make the transition smoother and help new residents integrate seamlessly into Austin's dynamic lifestyle. From finding the best local eateries to staying informed about community events, these apps are designed to enhance your experience and make life in Austin more enjoyable.
1) Austin Local Food Delivery
Austin offers a variety of local food delivery options that cater to diverse tastes and preferences.
Apps like Uber Eats provide a broad selection of local and chain restaurants, making it easy to explore new cuisines without leaving home. Real-time order tracking ensures that you know exactly when your meal will arrive.
For those who prefer groceries delivered, Instacart is a solid choice. Users can place orders from stores like H-E-B, Whole Foods, and Costco. The app allows for immediate deliveries or scheduled drop-offs, accommodating different routines.
Postmates stands out for delivering more than just food. From groceries to tech items, it covers a wide range of delivery needs. This makes it a versatile option for Austin residents who want more than just meals delivered.
Local services like MilkRun have also joined the market, focusing on delivering fresh, local produce and goods to your doorstep. It's a convenient way to support local farmers and businesses.
EAT24 adds another layer of convenience with its user-friendly interface and extensive restaurant listings. Whether you're craving donuts from Ken's Donuts or gourmet dishes from upscale eateries, this app has something for everyone.
By utilizing these delivery services, new Austin residents can enjoy the city's vibrant food scene from the comfort of their homes.
2) Austin Public Transport Guide
Navigating Austin is easier with the right tools. The CapMetro App is essential for new residents. It provides offline public transport timetables and network maps for trams, metros, rails, and buses from Capital Metro.
With the CapMetro App, users can check transit plans, search for stations, departure lines, and navigate all without needing an internet connection.
Capital Metro operates a comprehensive network of bus routes. There are 14 high-frequency routes designed for fast and easy movement around the city.
The app also includes features like a digital wallet, making it simple to purchase various passes. Options range from single rides to monthly passes.
For those who integrate rideshare services into their commutes, Austin's public transport system collaborates with platforms like Uber and Lyft, creating smooth end-to-end travel packages.
New residents will find the app user-friendly. It caters to all age groups, promoting greater use of public transportation.
Combining these features, the CapMetro App stands out as an indispensable tool for anyone navigating Austin's public transport system.
3) Austin Music Map
Austin Music Map is an essential app for anyone looking to explore the vibrant music scene in Austin. It provides an interactive and immersive way to discover local music venues.
Users can navigate through various hotspots, ranging from well-known venues to hidden gems, using the app's intuitive map interface.
The app showcases venues for diverse music genres, including jazz, blues, psych-rock, and country. This makes it easy for residents to find their preferred musical styles and scenes.
Austin Music Map also includes detailed information about each venue, such as address, contact details, and user reviews, ensuring users have everything they need to plan their outings effectively.
Whether you're a music enthusiast or simply looking to dive into Austin's cultural landscape, this app is a must-have for staying connected with the city's live music offerings.
4) Austin Outdoor Activities
Austin offers a variety of outdoor activities for all types of nature lovers and adventure seekers.
One popular spot is the Barton Creek Greenbelt. With nearly 12 miles of trails, it’s perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and rock climbing. The area features rocky paths and forested sections, as well as natural swimming holes for a refreshing dip.
Lady Bird Lake, a serene stretch of the Colorado River, is another favorite. It provides opportunities for kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding against a picturesque backdrop of downtown Austin. Visitors often spot turtles and enjoy the tranquil waters.
Peter Pan Mini-Golf near Zilker Park is a fun family destination. With creatively designed sculptures of various animals, it offers an engaging mini-golf experience in a lively outdoor setting.
The Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In allows residents to enjoy movies from the comfort of their cars. Located on East M Franklin Ave, it’s a unique way to combine the nostalgia of drive-ins with modern urban living.
Blues on the Green, held at Zilker Park, is an iconic free concert series. It brings the community together for live music performances in a relaxed, picnic-style environment each summer.
5) Austin Housing Market Tracker
Austin Housing Market Tracker is an essential tool for new residents looking to navigate the dynamic real estate scene in Austin.
With real-time data, this app helps users stay informed about market trends, pricing fluctuations, and inventory levels.
The app provides detailed insights on median home prices, average days on the market, and price changes.
Users can track specific neighborhoods to compare prices and availability.
The app also offers notifications for new listings and price reductions, ensuring potential buyers or renters never miss an opportunity.
Detailed maps in the app highlight the most competitive areas, showing which locations experience the fastest sales.
For those planning to buy or rent, Austin Housing Market Tracker simplifies the search and decision-making process.
Overall, this app is designed to give new residents an edge in the Austin housing market.
Whether you're buying, selling, or simply staying informed, this tracker is invaluable for understanding the evolving market landscape.
Getting Around Austin
Navigating Austin is easy with various transportation options. From comprehensive public transit to convenient bike and scooter rentals, newcomers will find plenty of ways to move around the city efficiently.
Public Transportation Options
Austin's Capital Metro transit system is a reliable public transportation option. Buses and trains cover essential areas like downtown, the University of Texas campus, and the northern suburbs.
The MetroRail Red Line connects downtown with northern neighborhoods, offering Wi-Fi-equipped trains that start running at 5:30 AM. For airport connections, the 100-AirportFlyer bus provides direct access to downtown Austin every 30 minutes for $1.25.
Apps like CapMetro allow users to buy passes and plan trips on their smartphones.
Bike and Scooter Rentals
For those preferring flexible, eco-friendly transit, Austin offers ample bike and scooter rental services. Companies like Lime and Bird provide scooters that can be found and rented through their respective apps, ideal for short commutes or leisure rides.
Bike-sharing programs like Austin B-cycle feature docking stations across the city. Users can check out bikes using a mobile app and return them at any nearby station. This service is particularly popular among residents who commute to work or school.
Traffic and Parking Tips
Austin's traffic can be congested, particularly during rush hours. Utilizing tools like Waze and Google Maps helps navigate and find less crowded routes. Additionally, parking can be challenging, especially downtown.
Locals often use apps like ParkMobile to locate and reserve parking spots ahead of time which saves both time and stress. Understanding peak hours and planning accordingly can significantly enhance the driving experience in Austin.
Setting Up Utilities and Services
When moving to Austin, getting your utilities and services set up efficiently is crucial. Below is information on essential services to help make your transition smoother.
Electricity and Water Providers
For electricity, Austin Energy is the primary provider. New residents can set up service online or by calling their customer care at 512-494-9400. A $20 setup fee and a $200 deposit are required.
Water services are managed by the City of Austin. You can start, stop, or transfer services through the same contact methods as electricity. Online registration is available for convenience.
Internet and Cable Services
Internet and cable should also be set up promptly. Popular providers in Austin include AT&T, Spectrum, and Google Fiber. They offer various plans to suit different needs.
To set up service, visit their websites or call customer service. Average monthly costs for internet services hover around $66.59. Equipment installation may come with additional costs based on promotional offers and selected plans.
Trash and Recycling Services
Trash and recycling services are handled by Austin Resource Recovery. New residents can start service by calling 3-1-1 or visiting the city’s website. Bins for trash, recycling, and composting are provided.
Services include weekly pickup schedules. Ensure bins are placed curbside by 7:00 AM on your designated collection day. Bulk item collection is available by request, typically once per month. Fees for these services are added to your utility bill.
Exploring Neighborhoods
Austin offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with its own unique blend of amenities and characteristics. Whether you're looking for a lively downtown area or a quiet suburban retreat, understanding the different neighborhoods will help you choose the perfect place to live.
Popular Residential Areas
Austin features several popular neighborhoods that cater to diverse lifestyles. Zilker is notable for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities around Zilker Park, with an average rent of $2,150 per month. South Austin provides a mix of residential areas and outdoor amenities, making it ideal for those who love hiking and biking.
For those interested in a vibrant community, East Austin is known for its diverse demographic and dynamic cultural scene, with an average rent of $1,700. North Loop, once a semi-distant suburb, now offers a blend of shopping and residential spaces, attracting many new residents. Each neighborhood has its own distinct flavor, making it easier to find a community that matches your lifestyle.
Safety and Community Resources
Safety is a key factor when choosing a neighborhood. Austin has several resources to help residents feel secure. The Austin Police Department actively patrols various neighborhoods and offers community programs like neighborhood watch groups.
Residents can access resources such as community centers, which provide after-school programs and recreational activities. Many neighborhoods also boast well-maintained parks, offering safe spaces for families to enjoy. For emergency services, several hospitals and urgent care centers are strategically located around the city to ensure quick access to medical care.
