Austin
Photo for Just moved to Austin

Mikerussell, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Just moved to Austin

Welcome to Austin! Moving with kids is a lot: boxes, new routines, and a long list of “where do I even start?” Take it one step at a time. This page has the official links for the must-dos in your first month, plus easy ways to help your kids feel at home (hint: get everyone a library card first).

First 30 days

0 of 10 done

Resources

City of Austin Utilities: start, stop or transfer service

One account for City of Austin electric, water, and trash and recycling.

Paid service. Published fees: $20 to start electric or water service, $15 for solid waste. A $200 deposit may apply, and some ways to waive it are listed.Austin

Fees and deposit are on https://www2.coautilities.com/wps/wcm/connect/occ/coa/util/support/utility-service/fees-res. Phone hours: Mon–Fri 7am–9pm, Sat 9am–1pm.

512-494-9400 (toll-free 888-340-6465 outside Austin)Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

Texas Gas Service

Natural gas utility. Check whether your new home has gas service.

Paid utilityAustin area
Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

Austin Resource Recovery: residential collection

Trash and compost are picked up weekly, recycling every other week. You can also request bulk, brush and household hazardous waste pickups up to 3 times a year.

Included with City of Austin residential serviceCity of Austin
Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

Texas DPS: Moving to Texas

Steps for new residents to get a Texas driver license.

Fees per DPSStatewide
Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

TxDMV: New to Texas

How to get a vehicle inspected, registered and titled after a move.

Fees per TxDMVStatewide
Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

Travis County Tax Office

Handles vehicle registration and title in Travis County.

Fees varyTravis County
Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

VoteTexas / Travis County Clerk Elections

Register to vote or update your address.

FreeTravis County
Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

Photo of Austin Public Library card

Mikerussell, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Austin Public Library card

Free cards for City of Austin addresses, including the 2-mile and 5-mile ETJ and LTD. Travis County students get a free card until they graduate high school. Non-resident cards are $149 a year or $37 for 3 months. The library has 21 locations.

Free for eligible residents21 locations across Austin

You can apply online at https://apps.library.austintexas.gov/register/online-app/.

512-974-7475Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

Austin Parks and Recreation

Parks, pools, rec centers and youth programs.

Many free; programs varyCitywide
Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

Austin 311

Non-emergency city requests and questions, like potholes, missed pickups and animal issues.

FreeCity of Austin
3-1-1Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

CapMetro

Buses and trains in the Austin area.

Fares per CapMetroAustin area
Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

Austin ISD enrollment

How to enroll for the 2026–27 school year, plus the school finder.

Free public schoolAustin ISD

Living outside AISD? See the Starting school page for nearby districts.

Website Source

Checked 2026-10-27

Local helpers you may need next

  • Movers and packing help
  • Handyman and home setup
  • Pediatricians and family doctors
  • Babysitters and nannies

Categories only, not endorsements.