5 Reasons Why You Should Move to Austin If You’re a Tech Entrepreneur
If you're a tech entrepreneur, there's a good chance you've considered moving to Silicon Valley. It's the mecca of tech, and home to some of the biggest names in the industry. But maybe you're also considering Austin, the always cool now burgeoning tech city of the South. In this post, we'll discuss 10 reasons why you should move you and your business to Austin!
1. A Thriving Tech Scene
Austin is home to a thriving tech scene, with numerous startups and established tech companies headquartered in the city. If you’re looking for opportunities to network and collaborate with other tech professionals, Austin is the place to be. Be sure to check out Capital Factory, the self-proclaimed Center of Gravity for Entrepreneurship in Texas. They host thousands of events every year including Austin Startup Week which boasts hundreds of startups, and Capital Factory is definitely the place to mingle for SXSW.
2. A Great Quality of Life
In addition to a thriving tech scene, Austin also offers a great quality of life. The city has a relaxed vibe and is filled with great restaurants, bars, and parks. Most people who visit Austin for the first time are shocked the city is so green and so hilly. West Austin isn’t called Silicon Hills for nothing.
There’s also no state income tax in Texas, which means more money in your pocket! If you make more money than you spend, then generally a place with no state income tax like Texas is ideal. Sure, our property taxes are fairly high, range mostly between 2-2.8% and our sales tax isn’t low at 8.25%, but again, if your income coming in, be it earned (via paycheck) or unearned (via dividends/stock sales), is more than your expenses, then you are basically getting a pay bump to move to Texas.
3. A Friendly Business Environment
The city of Austin is very business-friendly, with numerous resources and support available for startups and small businesses. If you’re looking to start or grow your tech business, Austin is an ideal place to do it. The Austin Chamber of Commerce is very pro-business, and the local/federal governments and school districts will doll out tax credits among other things if you relocate your business or make a significant investment in Austin and Texas. Some large companies like Tesla, Samsung, Apple and others are all enjoying substantial tax breaks and expedited approvals for doing so.
4. BBQ and Breakfast Tacos
Get used to eating tacos for breakfast, lunch and dinner, and bbq weekly. As the city has grown like a California wildfire in the last several years, we’ve also ushered in a number of world-class chefs and restaurant groups so you’ll never go hungry! Check out our following related blogs for more on all the great restaurants Austin has to offer:
5. The Weather*
This one is surely subjective, but if you like it hot then Austin is for you! Soak in some cosmic rays at Barton Springs all-year long as our Summers are hot and our Winters are typically mild. Just be sure to lather up in sunscreen and deodorant.
If you’re a tech entrepreneur, Austin is the perfect place for you. The city has a lot to offer, from a thriving tech scene to a great quality of life. With numerous resources and support available for startups and small businesses, Austin is an ideal place to start or grow your tech business. So what are you waiting for? Start packing your bags!
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