Welcome to the traveler’s guide to house sitting in Austin. Hannah and I recently finished a month house sitting in the Texas state capital and thoroughly enjoyed our time there. We loved returning to Texas and Austin had been on our travel wish list for a long time.
In this guide, I’ll give you all the information you need to find, secure, and enjoy a house sitting stay in Austin. It’s one of the USA’s great cities and I’ll also be including my top tips for enjoying all the fun social aspects of the city too.
So, let’s dive straight into my Austin house sitting guide.
Why Everyone Should Visit Austin, Texas
Austin offers something for everyone, from scenic hiking to world-famous BBQ restaurants that will satisfy even the pickiest foodies. The city is buzzing with comedy and live music – every night has open-ended possibilities. It’s a friendly place, you’ll feel right at home wherever you go.
If you love nature like me, you will enjoy Austin’s array of parks, lakes, and trails. Work up an appetite and then indulge in one of the many legendary barbecue joints scattered across the city. Whether you’re exploring or eating, every experience feels uniquely Texan.
For entertainment, Austin is unbeatable and has become a go-to city for fun. Enjoy world-class comedians or catch live bands at iconic music spots in a city that labels itself the country’s ‘Capital of Live Music’.
What to Expect in Austin, Texas
Austin is a pulsating city that balances an energetic social scene with a relaxed, welcoming Texan vibe. Known for its eclectic culture, expect a mix of live music, outdoor adventures, and mouthwatering food options. From iconic venues to serene trails, Austin’s charm and appeal lies in its diversity.
One of the fastest growing cities in the USA – currently the 4th biggest city in Texas, and the 11th most populous in the USA, Austin is a true metropolis that maintains a small city feel. Getting around is fairly easy, with bike-friendly streets, rideshare options, and an ever-expanding public transit system.
You’ll find everything from hip coffee shops and quirky food trucks to sprawling parks, great shopping, and cultural sights. Sixth Street is the hub of the social scene with comedy shows, live music, happy hours, and lively bars. It’s pedestrianized on weekend evenings and is alive with partygoers and drinkers.
Why House Sit in Austin?
Accommodation is not cheap in Austin, the epic social scene, expansive sports culture, and regular live music events ensure there is always something going on in the city leading to a premium on hotel rooms and Airbnb prices.
House sitting is an affordable option with a whole year of sits costing less than 1-night in an average Austin hotel. But besides the cost-saving benefits, house sitting allows you to embrace the city as a local rather than a tourist.
One of the big benefits for us as house sitters is the different parts of cities we get to enjoy. Often these more residential areas highlight a truer experience and represent real life in Austin.
My Experience House Sitting in Austin
We were accepted for a month-long house sit in the Austin suburb of Pflugerville, about 20 minutes from Downtown Austin. We took care of two lovely dogs, Luna and Rascal, in a beautiful and spacious home that had lots of added comfort.
The pool table and large screen TV with reclining leather sofas gave us plenty of opportunity to relax, while the extensive kitchen was kitted out with every appliance we could possibly need for a house sitting stay in Austin.
We were also left with a car to use which was handy for getting groceries and making the short trip into central Pflugerville or driving into Austin. We also took Luna and Rascal to a nice nearby park every day for their daily exercise and we had a large H-E-B shopping center within a few minutes drive.
Being big comedy fans we bought tickets to a couple of high-profile comedy shows at The Comedy Mothership, Joe Rogan’s club on Sixth Street. During our first visit, we got to see Rogan himself perform along with a couple of our other favorites, Ron White and Theo Von – an unforgettable entertaining night.
Why Use House Sitting for Accommodation in Austin?
House sitting is a fantastic way to explore Austin while keeping your accommodation costs low. By caring for someone’s home – and often their pets – you’ll experience the city as a local, avoiding pricey hotels. It’s a budget-friendly option that also connects you to the community in a meaningful way.
Beyond saving money, house sitting offers a unique perspective on life in Austin. You’ll likely find yourself in a residential neighborhood, far from the tourist crowds, giving you the chance to explore things off the beaten track. From local coffee shops to quiet parks, it’s the perfect way to discover the real Austin.
House sitting adds a layer of comfort and routine to your travels. Having your own space to relax, cook, or even cuddle with a friendly pet makes all the difference. I love experiencing a big city while keeping a cozy home base to recharge.
House Sitting Opportunities in Austin, Texas
In the next section, I’ll discuss exactly how to go about securing a house sitting stay in Austin, but the main website we use is Trusted Housesitters. Right now there are 160 listings in Austin alone accepting applications for house sitters. These range from short central stays to month-long sits in suburban areas.
Globally, THS lists between 7000 and 9000 listings at any one time, so there is always an abundance of choice. The USA is the number one market for house sitting and regularly ranks above the UK and Australia for sheer volume of listings.
How to Secure a House Sitting Stay in Austin
To apply for a house sit in Austin, the first step is joining a house sitting platform. I strongly recommend Trusted Housesitters, a reliable site with thousands of listings worldwide, including plenty in Austin. Membership starts at $129/year and includes unlimited sits.
We use Trusted Housesitters for 95% of our accommodation and love sharing the savings with our readers. Use our referral code BEACHES25 to save 25% on your membership. Ready to start house sitting? Click here to sign up. Or for more info read Everything You Need to Know About Trusted Housesitters.
Once you’ve joined, create a detailed profile that highlights your skills, experience, and reasons for wanting to house sit. Complete all verification steps and add links to social media or professional profiles to boost your credibility. A thoughtful, honest profile is key to securing a great house sit in Austin!
Finding the Right House Sit and Applying
Use search filters on Trusted Housesitters to find house sits in Austin that align with your dates and preferences. If nothing pops up immediately, save your search, and the app will notify you of new matches. Act fast – prime Austin listings are snapped up quickly!
Always read listings thoroughly and apply with a personalized message that addresses the host’s specific requests. Confirm your availability for the dates listed and your ability to travel to Austin to reassure potential hosts. Clear communication is key to making a great first impression.
If the hosts are interested, they’ll likely arrange a call to discuss details and get to know you better. From there, the host will choose their preferred candidate and finalize the sit. For more advice, check out my Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a House Sit.
5 Top Tips for Securing an Awesome Austin House Sit
For a host of information on all things house sitting, from getting signed up to becoming a success, check out our dedicated Advice Page. But to get you started, here are my top 5 tips for securing an awesome Austin house sit.
Top Tips
- Craft a detailed profile that highlights your experience and genuine love for animals to attract Austin homeowners.
- Set notifications and act quickly, as Austin house sits are in high demand and often fill up fast.
- Tailor your application by mentioning specific details about the home, pets, and location to show genuine interest.
- Keep your schedule flexible, as Austin house sits can vary in duration and may become available unexpectedly.
- Complete all verification steps and include references or social media links to build trust and credibility with homeowners.
Best Bars in Austin
Now let’s talk about the fun stuff and what you should do with your spare time and spare cash now you’ve saved a bundle by house sitting in Austin. There are a ton of great bars but here is a selection of my favorites to kick off your stay.
Top Austin Bars
- Buck Wild: A rowdy, fun spot with mechanical bull rides and a high-energy crowd perfect for a wild night out. I resisted hopping on the bull myself and preferred to watch others fly off! Drinks are pretty cheap here and the country tunes are always a welcome addition.
- BBG’s: A big but laid-back sports bar with many huge screens, cold drinks, and great bar food for game day. It has an awesome atmosphere on weekends. Find it here.
- Mitzi’s: Tucked inside Joe Rogan’s Comedy Mothership, Mitzi’s is a cozy and stylish bar serving stiff drinks frequented by comedy greats. It’s only open to the public during set hours but is a great place to hang out, drink cocktails, and spot world-famous podcasters, musicians, and comedians.
Best Restaurants in Austin
You’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to dining out in Austin. From awesome food trucks offering cuisine from around the world to high-end restaurants with renowned chefs, there’s something for every palate and budget. Here are 3 restaurants across that broad spectrum to consider visiting;
Top Austin Restaurants
- Franklin BBQ: A legendary spot, known for its melt-in-your-mouth brisket, smoky ribs, and perfectly tender pulled pork. Arrive early – lines can be long, but the flavor-packed barbecue is well worth the wait! Find it here.
- Moonshine Grill: Enjoy elevated comfort food in a charming, rustic setting. Try the corn dog shrimp and chicken fried steak, and save room for their signature skillet apple pie. Click here for directions.
- Uchi: For upscale dining, Uchi delivers an unforgettable Japanese experience with expertly crafted sushi and innovative dishes. Don’t miss the hama chili or their mouthwatering wagyu beef prepared to perfection. Find it here.
Best Things to Do in Austin
Austin isn’t just about the beers and BBQ, there are lots of fantastic outdoor pursuits and cultural attractions to enjoy. Here are a few that I ticked off during my time in the city.
Top Austin Attractions
- City Escape, Wine, and BBQ Tour: Escape the hustle and savor legendary Texas flavors at Salt Lick BBQ. Afterward, tour the picturesque countryside and enjoy tastings at two award-winning wineries. Transfers are included so click here to book your countryside escape today!
- Lady Bird Lake: Getting out on the water is a must in Austin, and Lady Bird Lake is ideal for kayaking. You can cover impressive distances while enjoying the tranquility. Pre-book kayaks here with the same reliable and affordable company I used.
- Downtown Pub Crawl: Downtown Austin has countless amazing bars, but exploring with a local guide ensures you experience the best of Sixth Street. It’s the perfect introduction to Austin’s excellent nightlife – click here to learn more and book.
Best Day Trips from Austin
Austin is well-placed within Texas to allow for some easy out-of-town day exploration. Tick off a couple of mega American attractions during your house sitting stay in Austin. Here are 3 trips I did from Austin;
Top Austin Day Trips
- The Alamo, San Antonio: A visit to The Alamo is a must for history buffs, located just 1.5 hours from Austin. Explore the iconic mission and learn about Texas’ fight for independence. While in San Antonio, also stroll along the picturesque River Walk for dining, shopping, and vibrant scenery.
- Houston Museum District: Houston is only a 2.5-hour drive and is a treasure trove of cultural attractions. The Museum District features world-class spots like the Museum of Fine Arts and the Houston Museum of Natural Science. Whilst in town, make time to savor Houston’s renowned culinary scene.
- Enchanted Rock State Natural Area: Just over an hour from Austin, Enchanted Rock is a breathtaking destination for nature lovers. Hike to the summit of the massive pink granite dome for stunning Hill Country views. It’s perfect for a day of adventure and a great way to connect with Texas’ natural beauty.
Conclusion
I hope my guide to house sitting in Austin has put you in a great position to secure your own adventure in the Texas state capital. Hannah and I had a fantastic time in the city that was massively enhanced by our house sitting placement in Pflugerville. The sits are there, you just need to sign up and start applying!
For further reading about the house sitting process be sure to check out my previous article – Everything You Need to Know About House Sitting.
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Owner’s permission has been given to use all photos in this post.