Leaving the Windy City for Austin

Are you planning a move away from Chicago to Austin, Texas? Chicago is an amazing city with a lively, energetic pace. It’s home to great food, wonderful shopping and many recreational and entertainment options, as well. And while you’re sure to miss your favorite things in Chicago, there’s a lot to look forward to about life in Austin! Learn how to get around in Austin, what to expect about living there and then find out how U-Pack® can help you with your move across the country. 

Adjusting to life in Austin 

Here are some of the top things to know about Austin, the next city you’ll call home: 

Getting around

You may not have needed a vehicle in Chicago, thanks to the city’s robust public transit system. While Austin doesn’t have quite as many public transit options, you still may not need a car. Austin is a pedestrian-friendly city with lots of bike lanes and walking paths. It also has bus routes and commuter rail services (provided through the city’s public transit system, CapMetro) along with ride-sharing options and taxi service. If you’re bringing your vehicle, driving in Austin will be about the same as it is in Chicago. According to a traffic study from TomTom, a global mapping and navigation company, Austin drivers spend about 12 minutes a day stuck in traffic. Chicago drivers, meanwhile, spend about 13 minutes each day in transit. 

Weather comparison

Say goodbye to those frigid Chicago winters! While it does get cold in Austin, winters are much milder there than in Chicago. Summers in Austin do tend to get very hot — it’s not uncommon to see summertime temps soar into the triple digits. But, springs are mild and comfortable. Austin also gets plenty of rain (around 33 inches per year).  

Dining and entertainment options

From film and music festivals and art galleries to an endless variety of dining options, there’s never a dull moment in Austin. The city is a live music destination, hosting a variety of concerts each year — including the annual South by Southwest Film and Music Festival (SXSW). Besides SXSW, the city annually hosts the Austin Film Festival and is known for its eclectic mix of cuisine. The city has adopted the slogan “Keep Austin Weird,” and it plays into the city’s diverse culture. Once you get settled in, take advantage of everything Austin has to offer!

Job market comparison

Chicago and Austin have similar economies. Both cities have growing job markets in the health care field. Residents in both cities work in a variety of industries, from financial services and local and federal government to tech and manufacturing. And while Chicago has a lot of tech jobs, Austin is known as a technology center, which means there’s a high percentage of tech-related companies and jobs in the city. So if you work in the tech industry, you’re in luck!

Move from Chicago to Austin with U-Pack

Your long-distance move is easy with U-Pack^®! Here’s how moving with us works: You pack and load your belongings, and we’ll handle the driving. Your belongings travel quickly from our service center in Chicago to Austin. That’s it! Get a free online quote or call 844-362-5303844-594-3077 to see how much your move will cost.