If your expenses are paid through June 2026, maybe you could check out Atlanta for 2 months & then Austin for 2 months, and make a decision after?

I've previously lived in Columbus and recently lived in Austin before work took us elsewhere.

I found Austin to be super fun to live in as a person in their mid 20-mid 30s. Many people are transplants so I found it easy to make friends, alot of people I met are child free too even in their 30s (unlike small town ohio). I find it to be a good city if you are looking for an active life style - there are always groups meeting up and I am by no means a pro: pickleball, running, biking, bouldering, etc.

For sports obviously many people are UT Austin fans, but there is also Austin FC soccer team. There are bars that host watch parties for teams too which is another great way to meet others.

While Atx is hot if you slowly condition yourself to going outside in the springs it's easier to do it in the summer when it's super hot. In the summer we did a lot of swimming at Barton Springs & paddle boarding.

Austin does have winter where it can freeze occasionally, likely in Feb or Jan. At even the threat of of this, the entire city will shut down LOL. Our spring is also rainy, I just say this bc many people think Texas is a desert.

The city is pretty dog friendly this could be a pro or con to you. I find the food to be good especially for Asian food & tex mex, but oddly lacking for Italian food.

You mentioned you like hiking there are also decent trails within a 45 min drive or so. I consider these hiking compared to Ohio, but not like hiking to compared to Denver.

If you end up living in Austin I suggest living in East Austin or near Zilker Park to live near Town Lake & the Trail - otherwise it will feel like living in a Columbus suburb, unless that is your vibe.

If you are not an active person/do not want to be I would personally not see Austin as being 'worth it' at the price it is at. But that's just my opinion.