The truth behind the headlines—and why the best is far from over.
Let’s be honest: the Austin of today isn’t the Austin of five years ago. The headlines paint a grim picture—slowed job growth, cooling in-migration, a housing market that’s lost its turbo engine. It’s easy to get swept up in the “Austin is over” narrative.
But here’s what no one’s telling you: Austin isn’t dying. It’s evolving.
And in many ways, that evolution is exactly what positions it for long-term, sustainable success.
The Growth Spike Is Over—And That’s Okay
Austin has been a Top 5 growth city for 25 years. That kind of streak is almost unheard of. But just like no company can post 40% year-over-year gains forever, no city can maintain breakneck expansion indefinitely.
The truth? We’re entering a more stable phase. Instead of 10%+ annual home appreciation, we’re looking at a healthy 6–8% in most areas. Job growth will shift from explosive to consistent—think 30,000–35,000 new jobs annually instead of 50,000+. Migration numbers are stabilizing, too.
But here’s the kicker: even those more moderate numbers are still well above national averages. And that’s what continues to make Austin one of the strongest real estate markets in the country.
From Breakout to Backbone
We’re moving from being the “Nvidia” of cities—surging, headline-making—to becoming the “Intel.” Solid. Steady. Still a powerhouse. Still innovating. Still relevant. But built for the long haul.
Austin is maturing into a full-fledged metropolitan hub—without losing what made it special to begin with.
- We’re still the #1 city in the U.S. for startups (USA Today).
- We’re the only U.S. city ranked in the Top 10 Cities in the World for Culture & Nightlife.
- We have one of the most collaborative business communities in the country.
- And we’ve got an unbeatable mix of industries—tech, life sciences and manufacturing, and beyond.
Who’s Still Moving Here?
Despite what you may hear, young professionals are still choosing Austin. In fact, it remains a top destination for educated millennials looking to build their careers, take advantage of our lifestyle, and grow roots in a forward-thinking city. Don’t just take our word for it—millennials are moving here more than ever.
Whether it’s East Austin, the tech corridor, or the surrounding hill country, people still see Austin as a place of opportunity.
The Bottom Line
Yes, the boom has shifted. But boom and bust isn’t the only story worth telling.
At 6–8% appreciation, property values still double every 7–8 years. That’s the kind of growth serious investors and smart buyers want.
And beyond the data, there’s still something deeply magnetic about this city:
People still want to live here. Still want to invest here. Still believe in what Austin stands for.
At The Morshed Group, we stay ahead of the narrative—so you can make decisions with clarity and confidence.
Austin isn’t dying. It’s just entering its next chapter. And we think it’s going to be the best one yet.