Austin is the place to be

BY SHANNON BARRIENTES/PHOTO COURTESY OF JEREMY BANKS, UNSPLASH

Austin is one of the hottest places to live in the U.S.—and we’re not just referring to the sunshine! Year after year, Texas’ capital consistently ranks high in numerous quality-of-life categories (see page 74).

Even during the recent recession, Austin has enjoyed a stable economy. Local businesses hold a fond place in Austinites’ hearts, though the healthy job market is also reflected in a fast-growing technology center with the abundance of major corporations, such as Google, Apple, Visa, Samsung, Oracle, National Instruments, Microsoft, and IBM. But Austin is not just known for big business and local entrepreneurship; it’s also known for big brains. Austin is home to the University of Texas’ flagship campus, and 12 other public and private colleges sit within an hour’s drive. Austin ranks as the 8th Most Educated City in America and one of the Best College Towns in America (WalletHub 2018), with just over 40% of its populace having a bachelor’s degree. Multiple K–12 schools here have received gold and silver medal designations in U.S. News & World Report.

When it comes to entertainment, Austin can about sing its own praise. USA Today recently recognized the area as having two of the 10 Best Music Festivals in North America (Austin’s Old Settler’s Music Festival and the Austin City Limits Music Festival). South by Southwest’s conglomerate of music, film, and interactive media delivers tens of thousands of registrants to our backyard. Even when the large festivals aren’t happening, Austin proudly carries the slogan “Live Music Capital of the World†because of the sheer volume of acts that one can find on any given night.

Probably the most priceless parts of Austin are its beauty and weather. The subtropical climate means balmy spring days and cool winters. The city has hundreds of parks and nature preserves, more than 50 miles of trails, and more than 50 public swimming pools.

But don’t take our word for it. Visit our beautiful city and let the warm people, the inviting nightlife, the gorgeous vistas, and the cheerful sunshine welcome you with open arms.

Austin Is…