Austin is no longer the must-move destination it was five years ago. A new forecast from moveBuddha shows a 40 percent drop in move interest since 2019, one of the steepest declines among large American cities. The report analyzed searches for potential movers across 79 cities over the past five years. Using that data, the study predicts Austin will reach an in-to-out move ratio of 0.95 in 2026, meaning more people are expected to leave the city than arrive next year.

Austin spent most of the past decade attracting newcomers at a rapid clip. The study notes it only dipped into negative inflow twice in the last five years and both instances occurred in late 2023. The 2026 projection signals a real shift. Austin is expected to spend the entire year with outbound searches outweighing inbound ones.

Researchers point to softer housing demand and longer listing times as signs the city’s once hot market is now cooling. They describe Austin’s real estate landscape as “sagging under price reductions” and say that change may be contributing to lower moving interest.

While Austin cools, Frisco is headed in the opposite direction. The Collin County city ranks seventh in the nation for predicted inbound moves in 2026 with a projected in to out ratio of 1.29. Frisco has only seen one negative quarter in the past six years and its long term interest trend has ticked slightly upward.

The study highlights Frisco as an example of a mid-sized Sunbelt city that has been growing steadily through years of national swings in moving patterns. The report suggests that momentum is expected to continue into next year.

Fort Worth shows one of the most dramatic turnarounds in the country with a 32.7 percent spike in moving interest since 2019. That increase ranks fifth among all 79 cities in the study. Its predicted ratio for 2026 is 0.97, still slightly negative, but far stronger than Austin and many other large metros.

Researchers point toward Fort Worth’s lower density and extensive trail network as potential draws compared with its larger neighbor. They describe it as offering a familiar region and economy without some of the friction of big city life.

Among the country’s largest cities, Dallas is the only major Texas metro expected to attract more newcomers than lose them in 2026, even though interest in moving there has declined about 19 percent since 2019. The forecast shows Dallas holding onto enough national pull to remain on the positive side of next year’s moving trends, putting it in the same camp as New York, Nashville and Washington, D.C.

Other large Texas cities are expected to land in the opposite category. Houston and San Antonio are both predicted to see more people searching to leave than move in, placing them among the least popular big metros for 2026 despite their size.

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 11, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — As Austin’s long-term rental market continues to surge alongside the city’s explosive population growth, On Q Property Management is positioning itself to capture a key segment of Central Texas’s evolving housing landscape. The Arizona-based property management firm has officially opened its second Texas location in Austin, marking a strategic expansion into one of the nation’s hottest rental markets.

On Q Austin, located at 2631 Gattis School Rd Ste 100, Round Rock, TX 78664, follows the successful launch of the company’s Dallas-area office in 2023 and reflects growing investor demand for professional property management as Austin’s long-term rental sector matures.

Founded in 2010, On Q Property Management has built its reputation on innovation, transparency, and an unusual flat-rate fee structure that hasn’t changed in over 15 years. The company now manages more than 7,000 properties nationwide, including over 1,000 in Texas alone—and sees Austin’s blend of tech workers, university housing demand, and tourism activity as essential to its growth strategy.

“Every office we open starts from the ground up,” said Matt Medonich, regional manager at On Q Property Management in Texas. “We hire locally, invest in the community, and build a team that understands the unique character of each market. Austin is no exception. Our property managers, inspectors, and support staff all call Central Texas home.”

With Formula 1, South by Southwest, and a steady influx of corporate relocations, Austin has become a magnet for real estate investors seeking long-term rental income. On Q’s entrance comes at a pivotal moment as property owners navigate evolving city regulations while maximizing returns in a competitive market.

“Austin isn’t just growing—it’s transforming,” said Rebekah Oquendo, property manager at On Q Property Management in Austin. “We’re seeing investors from across the country buying properties here specifically for long-term rentals, and they need local expertise to navigate licensing, optimize occupancy, and maintain quality standards. That’s where we come in.”

On Q has developed its own in-house technology platform, including maintenance management software, digital inspection tools, and intuitive owner portals that provide real-time updates—critical for investors managing properties remotely. The company’s secure property lockers at each office location have become a client favorite, allowing 24/7 key access for contractors, cleaning crews, and turnovers without coordination headaches.

The firm’s service model emphasizes consistency across markets while adapting to local needs—what Medonich describes as “Marriott-style reliability with neighborhood-level expertise,” particularly valuable for long-term rental owners who need dependable service at scale.

As of 2025, On Q employs more than 100 individuals across its four offices and is actively hiring in Austin for property manager, maintenance coordinator, leasing agent, and support staff positions.

For career opportunities, visit https://www.onqpm.com/careers/. For more information about On Q Property Management, visit https://www.onqpm.com/.

About On Q Property Management
Founded in 2010, On Q Property Management is a full-service residential property management company offering a flat-rate fee structure that has remained unchanged for over 15 years. Managing more than 7,000 properties across the U.S., On Q provides end-to-end support for both owners and tenants through locally staffed offices and a nationwide commitment to consistent, high-quality service.

SOURCE On Q Property Management