From the moment you arrive in Austin, you’ll see the city’s unofficial motto plastered on everything from buildings to t-shirts to koozies: “Keep Austin Weird.” And, perhaps, nothing better describes this place. Austin is modern and hip, but also retains enough traditional Texan hospitality that it’s common to get a “hi y’all” from a stranger while walking past each other on the street.
While the city itself has been on an upward trajectory for some time now, the recent announcements from various large tech companies regarding their intentions to open or expand in Austin have driven it to a fever pitch. Alongside these increased opportunities for employment, new cultural initiatives—from galleries to stores to fine dining—have grown in the city as well. However, the casual vibe that makes Austin such a wonderful place to live still remains strong—it’s a place where you can get some of the best high-end sushi in the country one night, and a $2 bacon, egg, and cheese breakfast taco the next morning.
For those who enjoy spending their free time outdoors, Austin is a dream. While the ever-growing Downtown skyline may allude to the ongoing urban development, you only have to drive minutes from the city center to reach the green fields of Zilker Park. With temperatures that rarely dip below 50 degrees, hiking, biking, and swimming are almost always an option. That’s not to say there isn’t plenty to do indoors as well—from honky-tonk to indie rock, the music scene is so renowned it has earned Austin the nickname of the “Live Music Capital of the World.” In other words, living the good life is easy in Austin, Texas. Almost as easy as finding a place that serves amazing guac and queso.
