I came to Austin in 2023 with a big question in mind: Could I see myself moving here?
There was a period of time throughout the pandemic that Austin kept popping up on my radar. It had always sort of been this city that was *kind of* on the visit list but always overshadowed by its bigger siblings in TX like Dallas, or another major US city. But this trip in February 2023 was different—I wasn’t just visiting; I was scoping it out as a potential place to relocate & live. I’d heard great things—especially about the entrepreneur and wellness scene, which definitely pulled me toward this city. That whole “Keep Austin Weird” tagline also was catchy & it felt like the city might deliver on being a smaller, more intimate community, but with a creative world to tap into. It was time to explore the city’s mix of live music, healthy people vibes, and laid-back energy – I needed to see if it lived up to the hype. And luckily, a friend was up for the adventure so off we went to meetup in ATX!
In this post, I’ll share what surprised me most about Austin, what elements of the trip delivered, and what I’d want to know if I were planning a move (or just visiting for the weekend).
East Austin Stays & Mornings in Austin
First things first—I stayed in East Austin, and was excited that I had already manifested the wellness vibes by landing an Airbnb with a cold plunge and sauna setup. I’d sauna’d plenty, but this was my first cold plunge—and let’s just say, one minute felt like a lifetime. It’s definitely goals to have this setup when I become a homeowner. Not for the faint of heart, and not something I’d do every day. (Ladies, IYKYK—cold plunges hit differently depending on your cycle.) But you are left feeling invigorated, energized, and kind of like you just did something wild before breakfast—and I love that for you. RN I will save the cold pool for the Korean Spa, lol.
I was feeling v. accomplished all before the morning beverage. 🍵
Annnnddd to have your place so close to the local coffee shop that you can walk 🙂 Enter, Figure 8 Coffee. If you’ve been around here a while, you’ll notice that I’m always putting intentions & desires into motion as I travel — so that I get to taste what these experiences are like, and decide if I want to bring them back to my everyday life. It’s a small but mighty life hack that allows you to activate your creative power more easily, quickly, and pretty seamlessly while exploring somewhere new.
Later that morning, I headed downtown to meet up with a friend who was staying at The Line Hotel, which is pretty much smack dab in the middle of Downtown Austin — a super convenient base for exploring the city.
I was really excited because it was home to Alfred Coffee, which I’d seen hyped up on the ‘gram & knew it was from LA, but I never had actually tasted until now. The sleek, modern vibe of the hotel paired with the morning beverages (solid iced vanilla latte & a lil matcha americano shot) made for a great mid-morning stop before exploring more of the city. Also – don’t forget the breakfast tacos at Veracruz which is also in the hotel. 🤤🤤🤤🤤
Daytime Activities
There was one afternoon when a realtor friend took us around different Austin neighborhoods to get a sense of the layout—super helpful when trying to imagine what life could feel like here. But when we weren’t touring homes, here’s what we got up to:
I love checking out botanical gardens in every city I visit when feasible—it’s one of my favorite low-key ways to connect with a place. That said, we definitely came at the wrong time. It was mid-February, so most of the plants were dormant and the landscape was mostly brown. Still, it offered a peaceful moment to walk, chat, and reset. If you’re visiting in spring or early summer, I imagine the blooms would be beautiful—so check the seasonal events or rotating exhibits before you go.
Later in the trip, we spent an afternoon shopping along South Congress Avenue, stopping into stores like Tecovas, Alo, and a mix of local boutiques. This was the perfect slow afternoon activity as tourists — browsing, trying things on, having a little happy hour at Gueros Taco Bar, and visiting the famous i love you so much mural.
Poolside Reset at the LINE Hotel
One of the things I was most excited to experience was Barton Springs, but unfortunately, it was closed for cleaning when we wanted to go. Major bummer. The silver lining? Laying out by the LINE Hotel pool in February. The fact that we were poolside with the sun out that early in the year reminded me just how warm Texas can get—even in winter. But fair warning: if this was winter sun, I can only imagine the mid-summer heat here. Pack accordingly!
Evenings in Silicon Hills 😜
The Broken Spoke
No trip to Austin is complete without dipping into its honky tonk scene. We were so not ready but jumped RIGHT in at The Broken Spoke. When it’s a cash only cover charge – you know you’re in for the realest night. Bonus surprise? Our dance instructor for the eve had been featured on Queer Eye during a makeover episode, which added an exciting layer of mystery to come back home to & tune into the episode.
The energy was exactly what you’d hope for—so divey. People learning the two step, cold beer, country music. Even if country music isn’t your thing, this is one of those stories you want to come home with.
Girl’s Night, Austin Edition
Some of our best moments were the unplanned ones—like taking a late-night walk to the Texas State Capitol under the stars. It was peaceful, reflective, and the perfect contrast to the more busy scenes elsewhere. This would also be perfect had we been biking together!
Other nights ended with hotel lobby chats. Close friends, deep in conversation = Chef’s kiss. 10/10 recommend. Those late-night soul talks always end up being what you remember most.
6th Street Vibes + Canje
One night, we went to Canje, a new age Caribbean-inspired restaurant with lively vibes and insanely flavorful dishes. We def. savored every last bite of this delicious food. From there, we wandered over to Whisler’s, a dimly lit cocktail bar with creative drinks and an effortlessly cool energy. The crowd was lively but chill—perfect for a laid-back night out without sacrificing fun. Sitting outside was cherry on top.
Austin BBQ.
And of course—BBQ. 🍖 You can’t come to Austin and not eat at Terry Black’s Barbecue. It’s one of the most highly regarded spots in town, and for good reason. But don’t get it twisted—it definitely has competitors.
I loved the cafeteria tray style and the sheer variety of options you can try. Just know: you should probably over-order. Because you won’t want to stand in that line again—so it’s worth it. By the time we rolled out, I was fully in food baby mode and felt like I had my BBQ fix for the next year.
Even if you’re not a die-hard BBQ lover, this spot might have you seriously considering converting.
Also fun fact. Did you know the Michelin Guide has expanded to Texas as of 2024 — and Austin restaurants made the cut. TX received 15 stars in the inaugural selection. Um, so cool!? The food scene here is definitely not messing around.
The One Thing I Missed (Next Time!)
One thing I really wanted to see but missed? The famous bat migration under the Congress Avenue Bridge. Sadly, February isn’t bat season—so I’ll have to come back for that one. Bummer, but maybe one day 😉
Could I See Myself Living Here?
Austin gave me a lot to think about, but I didn’t leave with that deep-down knowing that this was my city. It made a solid impression—it just didn’t give first impression rose vibes. (Bachelor Nation, you feel me?)
At this point in my city search, I was still clarifying what I wanted, so I went in with an open mind. And while there were a lot of things I liked, it ultimately didn’t feel like the right match.
Why I thought Austin might be a yes:
- Health-conscious, growth-oriented humans
- Remote work–friendly and entrepreneurial energy
- Deep music roots and creative culture
- Slower pace of life
- Festival energy and casual social vibe
Why it ended up being a no:
- Allergies (cedar fever = no joke, I was sneezing the whole trip)
- Seasonal extremes (scorching summers + occasional winter freezes)
- Didn’t feel as weird or eclectic as I expected
- Personality mismatch—I didn’t quite vibe with the overall energy
- Outdoor lifestyle wasn’t as much of a draw as I thought
Note on the weather: Austin summers are hot—like, stay-inside-until-sunset hot. I’ve heard TX locals shift their schedules to early mornings or evenings to avoid the heat. It sounds doable, but it definitely might shape your lifestyle.
P.S. If you’re drawn to college towns or love the buzz of a big university, UT Austin brings a strong academic presence to the city. It wasn’t the lens I was moving through on this trip, but it’s a huge part of the city’s DNA—and contributes to the scene in a meaningful way.
Instagram ≠ Reality: My Honest Take
I’ll be honest—based on Instagram, I expected a strong sense of community to be visible here. I kept thinking I’d stumble into that magical “this is it” feeling I saw online… but it never really clicked. And that’s okay.
Not every city lives up to the curated version we see on social. Sometimes you have to experience a place for yourself to know it’s not the one—and that’s just as valuable.
Real Talk: Four Days Is… Both Plenty & Not Enough
Four days can give you a lot of insight—and still not scratch the surface. When you’re considering a city to live in, you have to let the place land in your body, not just follow the itinerary. It’s less about checking boxes and more about checking in with how it actually feels over time, even after / especially after you come home.
Final Takeaway
There’s a difference between a place you visit and a place you live. And both are valid. I think Austin might be one of those spots I personally would like to pop in and out of—a vibe that works for a season, a weekend, or a specific reason…but not a lifetime 🙂
Sometimes your first trip is about getting all the “touristy” moments out of the way before you can feel the local rhythm. I feel like we did a great blend of both—and that gave me a pretty grounded perspective.
It’s not everyone’s dream city. But if the factors that didn’t work for me don’t bother you, Austin might just be yours.
Footnote from the Future (Sept 2025)
Funny enough, I’m headed back to Austin again—this time for an event. Which, if I’m being honest, is exactly the type of moment I thought Austin would have been full of the first time around. Now I get to live it out in real time. 🙏
And maybe that’s the thing about cities: when they call you back, even after a “maybe,” it’s worth returning. And remember –> You’re not just visiting Austin (or insert whichever city you’re considering here)—you’re testing a possible version of yourself within it.
Want Help Finding Your City Match?
If reading this stirred something—maybe about your next move, or why a place didn’t quite click—I’d love to support you.
My Pathfinding Sessions are made for exactly this moment: the in-between, the “almost,” the places you’re curious about but not quite sold on. Whether you’re debating a move, feeling creatively stuck, or navigating a life transition, this space is designed to help you reconnect to your direction.
We’ll uncover what’s keeping you stuck, clarify what you truly want, and map out your next steps—both intuitive and practical. You’ll leave with clarity, energy, and a deeper sense of trust in what’s next.
