Kelsey Farrell, a real estate agent for the McGinley Group who has more than 10 years of transacting properties in the Austin area, has noticed the increase in the population of people moving or being interested in moving to the area for jobs, retirement or lifestyle changes.

Austin’s population grew by 21%, or 171,465, to 961,855 people since 2010, according to the 2020 census released by the U.S. Census Bureau. 

Farrell said that among the first pieces of evidence of population growth is the influx in the number of queries she receives from people moving to Austin, or at least entertaining it. “A lot of it is for job relocation in our retail,” Farrell told Texas Reality News. “You see articles with new businesses opening up headquarters here. And our tech and financial industry is really strong and growing.”

Another indicator might seem simple but is relevant. 

“I’ve seen more out-of-state license plates than ever driving around,” Farrell said, “which to me is indicative of a lot of change and a lot of growth and people.”

The appearance of license plates from other states could be due to the influx of businesses to Austin lured by the lack of state income taxes and other benefits. “They like how businesses thrive in this market over other states with more restrictions,” Farrell said. “I think it’s a very attractive place for that. Plenty of businesses are relocating here.”

Farrell, who is also a certified interior stager with a degree in advertising from the University of Texas at Austin, said location is another factor that makes Austin an attractive location. 

“A lot of people post-pandemic are working [remotely] and they have more freedom to live wherever they want,’’ Farrell said. “Austin is conveniently centrally located within the country where it’s really easy to commute to the east coast and the west coast from here.”

A vibrant nightlife and engaging culture have long been staples of the Austin area, making for an entertaining lifestyle.

“There are some places that have these reputations of being these great cities and then you go and visit, and you question why it’s so popular,” Farrell said. “Austin is one of those beautiful exceptions where it truly is as special as you would want it to be.”

Working for the McGinley Group has given Farrell a good feel from what attracts people to Austin. The McGinley Group is regularly recognized by local business journals as the top producing residential real estate firm in Austin. A member of the Keller Williams Luxury International brokerage, the McGinley Group has been ranked in the top 1% of Keller Williams agents and the top broker in central Texas. 

Austin is an easy sell. “It’s really unique,” Farrell said. “Its growth is because it has so much opportunity.  There’s so much going on here. There’s something for everyone.”

Depending on price point, popular areas include Clarksville, Pemberton Heights, Hyde Park, Rosedale, Allendale, East Austin and North Austin. Farrell says her expertise is in luxury markets and providing clients with listings that aren’t always available to the public.

“There are amazing properties that never see the public market,” Farrell said. “Having those off-market opportunities available to expose my clients to gives them peace of mind that they are seeing everything available to them on and off the market.”