{"id":258670,"date":"2023-04-17T09:52:57","date_gmt":"2023-04-17T13:52:57","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/?p=258670"},"modified":"2024-12-10T06:54:41","modified_gmt":"2024-12-10T11:54:41","slug":"leaving-austin","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.nomadicmatt.com\/travel-blogs\/leaving-austin\/","title":{"rendered":"Why I’m Leaving Austin & Moving Back to NYC"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"People
\nPosted<\/strong>: 4\/17\/2023<\/p>\n

After eight years in Austin<\/a>, I\u2019m leaving and heading back to NYC<\/a> full-time. <\/p>\n

I first visited Austin in 2013, got hooked, and started coming back so much that I decided to move here in 2015. I was only semi-here my first couple of years. I split my time in NYC for a bit, traveled a lot, and lived in Paris for a bit<\/a>. <\/p>\n

But, in 2019, this became my only home.<\/p>\n

However, over the last year, it\u2019s become clear that the city and I have grown apart. The weird little town that drew me here as a respite from the hustle and bustle of NYC is no longer a weird little town but a big city lacking big city infrastructure. The traffic is terrible, my food truck parks are gone, it\u2019s more expensive, and quirky Rainey Street is now all high rises and hotels. The city\u2019s character has just changed a lot as Austin has become \u201cthe place to be.\u201d <\/p>\n

Now, I\u2019m not trying to be one of those \u201cget off my lawn\u201d people. I am sure people lamented folks like me coming and changing their city. Just as folks before them and folks before them. <\/p>\n

Change is a constant in life and trying to stop change is like trying to hold back the tide. Austin can change all it wants. Not all of the changes have been bad. There\u2019s a lot more to do in the city, there\u2019s more jazz and comedy, better food, and the airport has more direct flights now. <\/p>\n

But if Austin wants to be a city \u2014 and its local leaders seem to want it that way even as they bemoan the rising cost of housing \u2014 then be a city. Give us better infrastructure, more housing, bike paths, and public transportation. Austin has become a city but without any of the benefits that come with cities. <\/p>\n

Last year, roaming from NYC to Paris<\/a> to Berlin<\/a> to London<\/a>, I began to notice that the things I love about big cities aren\u2019t present in Austin. I missed walking everywhere, museums, jazz clubs, public transportation, copious art museums, and diversity of people, ideas, and food. I missed the hustle and bustle that comes with places like NYC, Boston, London, and other metropolises. <\/p>\n

I spent a lot of last year in Austin and, starting in October because of my allergy shots, I didn\u2019t leave for 6 months. During all that time, I dated, joined social clubs, and built a life there. <\/p>\n

But my heart just kept whispering, \u201cThis isn\u2019t the place.\u201d <\/p>\n

Austin no longer feels like home. NYC has always had a piece of my heart. I want to go back and see how it goes. Will I spend 8 years there? I don\u2019t know. By then, I\u2019ll be fifty! <\/p>\n

But, right now, I\u2019m ready to say goodbye to Austin. After eight years, this chaper has come to an end.<\/p>\n

\n

Book Your Trip to Austin: Logistical Tips and Tricks<\/h4>\n

Book Your Flight<\/strong>
\nUse Skyscanner<\/a> to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned. <\/p>\n

Book Your Accommodation<\/strong>
\nYou can book your hostel with Hostelworld<\/a> as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com<\/a> as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.<\/p>\n

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance<\/strong>
\nTravel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:<\/p>\n