Austin’s moment in the spotlight felt like it would last forever. During the pandemic, the city saw a wave of newcomers eager for sunshine, open space, and a lower cost of living compared to the coasts. But that influx didn’t come without consequences, and now the tide is turning.
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Let’s break down the five biggest reasons people are packing up and moving out of Austin in 2025.
1. Affordability? Not Anymore
From Bargain to Budget-Buster
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Not long ago, Austin was known as a more affordable alternative to cities like San Francisco, Seattle, or New York. That reputation no longer holds water.
Today, the median rent for a one-bedroom sits around $1,400, and that’s not luxury living. It’s common for renters to share space with multiple roommates just to make it work. Want to live alone? Be prepared to fork over a serious chunk of your paycheck.
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For those looking to buy, sticker shock is a real concern. In 2019, the average home in Austin hovered around $320K. Just a few years later, you're looking at $450K or more for the same property. And don't forget about Texas property taxes. The state doesn't collect income tax, but it makes up for it with some of the highest property taxes in the country, especially in booming areas like Travis County.
Between rising rents, inflated home prices, and increased living expenses, a lot of folks who came here for affordability are finding it’s time to move on.
2. Crumbling Infrastructure and Never-Ending Traffic
Austin Grew Fast—Too Fast
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Austin's population exploded, but its infrastructure never caught up. The roadways—especially I-35—are clogged, underbuilt, and way behind schedule for expansion. If you’re sitting in traffic right now, reading this on your phone at a red light, you already know.
Morning and evening commutes that used to take 15 minutes now stretch to 45. Weekend drives into the city can feel like rush hour. Even local streets are overwhelmed with the number of cars, cyclists, and delivery vans zipping around.
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To the city’s credit, there are efforts underway to improve the situation. But major transit projects take years, not months. While new roads, expanded tollways, and light rail initiatives are in development, most of them won’t be completed until the late 2020s or beyond. That leaves current residents stuck in limbo, burning gas and patience daily.
3. Extreme Heat That Just Won’t Quit
Summers Are Getting Longer—and Hotter
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It’s Texas. Of course, it’s hot. But this is something else. We’re now looking at eight months out of the year with temps above 85 degrees, and weeks straight of triple digits.
AC units are running nonstop. Outdoor fun is limited to early mornings or not at all. For newcomers from cooler climates, the novelty of hot weather wears off fast, especially when energy bills start climbing alongside the thermometer.
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Talk to enough longtime locals and you’ll hear the same thing: “We’re used to it, but that doesn’t mean we like it.” The heat is draining—physically, mentally, and financially. And with climate patterns continuing to shift, the brutal summers aren’t going anywhere.
For some, the relentless weather is enough to say, “I’m out.”
4. Job Market Shifts and a Remote Work Reality Check
Tech Boom, Then Slowdown
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During the pandemic, Austin’s tech scene exploded. Remote workers flocked in. Startups expanded. Big names like Tesla, Google, and Oracle made headlines with flashy moves and massive offices.
But the post-2023 tech cooldown hit hard. Layoffs swept across major employers, startups folded, and the promise of endless job growth slowed.
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One major reason people moved to Austin? The freedom of remote work. That freedom is now being rolled back. Many companies are mandating hybrid schedules or full return-to-office policies, and not all of those offices are in Texas.
People who once thought they could work from anywhere are now being asked to relocate again. For many, that means leaving Austin behind.
5. Culture Clash: Not What Everyone Expected
“Keep Austin Weird” Isn’t for Everyone
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Austin’s culture is unique. It’s a tech city with deep music roots, progressive politics, and a love for all things weird. If you moved here expecting cowboy hats, slow living, and barbecue every day, you might’ve been in for a surprise.
The downtown core is packed with scooters, dog-friendly bars, digital nomads, and craft coffee joints. It’s not small-town Texas—it’s a fast-moving, trend-heavy metro that’s more aligned with Portland or Boulder than Dallas or San Antonio.
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Plenty of people thrive in this environment. But others miss the community feeling of their hometowns or the more traditional Texas culture they thought they were signing up for. If that disconnect grows big enough, moving out starts to sound like a smart move.
Should You Leave Austin?
That depends on your priorities. If you’re looking for affordability, light traffic, mild weather, or strong job stability, Austin might not be the best long-term fit anymore. But if you still love live music, tacos at midnight, and being in the thick of a fast-growing city, there’s plenty to stick around for.
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Every city has growing pains. Austin’s just happen to be louder, hotter, and more expensive than most.
Thinking of Leaving? Here’s How We Can Help
At Sarver Movers, we’ve helped hundreds of folks pack up and head out—some down the road to San Marcos or Buda, others across the country. Whether you need full-service moving, help loading your U-Haul, or just want to talk through your options, we’ve got your back.
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No pressure. No gimmicks. Just honest help for people looking to make a change.
Fill out our free quote form to get started and see how easy we can make your move.
And if you decide to come back to Austin someday? We’ll be here for that too.
