As I mentioned in the last blog, Austin has become the 35th largest metropolitan area in the US. It is a big city but still retains that small town vibe.
I recently went around asking people why they liked living in Austin. The answers were all over the board. I acquired various simple answers such as: “…because it isn’t Houston” to well thought-out answers explaining where they came from and everything they love about the city. Many people brought up the live music scene, “It’s one of those cities, you know, where you never have to be bored on a Friday night. I love everything, of course the festivals, ACL and SXSW, but also just going to Mohawk or the Backyard to catch one of my favorite bands or even new bands.” A few people also talked about the southern hospitality and how you can still feel like you are in a small West Texas city but are in a big city. More specifically how Austin doesn’t have any strangers. “Strangers still wave hello or simply take the time to compliment you.”
Personally, Austin has everything I want; an open minded community with an old town kindness. Austin houses a great night life accompanied by an outdoorsy community. Besides the live music scene, the nightlife is thriving with eclectic restaurants to dine in movie theaters and new age bowling allies. With endless bodies of water and hiking trails in the city limits it’s hard not to spend your Saturdays and Sundays outdoors. Oh, and don’t forget to bring your dog!
Besides it being the best city in the world, why should you relocate you or your family here?
Real Estate: In 2010, RelocateAmerica.com published a list of top cities to live. Austin was ranked #3 on their list. Amongst other aspects, they attributed the ranking to Austin’s strong economy and cultural diversity, the downtown and music culture didn’t hurt either. The median price for single family homes in January 2012 was $176,550, seven percent less than January 2011. It’s a great time to buy, or even lease a home in the Austin Area.
Along with great real estate, the neighborhoods and schools couldn’t be better. The Statesmen produced an article reviewing the different school districts, check it out.
Unattached? According to Something More (a local matchmaking company), Austin is home to over 50,000 other singles! In many studies, Austin is often ranked the #1 city for dating, if not first, it typically makes the top five. To quote one study “Austin, TX: Taking home the grand prize, Austin scores relatively high in everything, from frequency of dating partners to the number of establishments to meet people.”
And the number one reason you should relocate to Austin? Drum roll please …… BUSINESS IS BOOMING. According to Forbes Austin is the #2 city to find employment in the entire US! “The eclectic capital city has become an alternative to Silicon Valley.” Monster.com states that Austin is the #1 best city for job growth. Monster accredits Austin’s “favorable business climate, growing clean energy and technology initiatives, and collaboration between university and business research.”
I could go on and on about the never-ending things to do here and sites to see, but instead come see for yourself and help us Keep Austin Weird!