Austin is a place where the best of both worlds collide – trends meet rich culture, political passion embraces open-minded views and big business thrives in a laid-back atmosphere. There are many great reasons to make Austin your home, but don’t take our word for it. Judge the following facts for yourself about what makes Austin such a great place to live.
#1 - Quality of life
For its economy, affordability and variety of fun things to do, Austin ranked third on U.S. News & World Report’s “Best Places to Live 2009.” In addition, Austin maintains its status as a “fit” city and one of the greenest in the nation. It comes as no surprise that Outdoor magazine considers Austin’s overall quality of life among the best in America.
#2 - Great jobs
You can earn a great living in Austin and find comfort in knowing the city is poised for continued job growth, ranking first in long-term employment potential. In fact, the Austin-area unemployment rate has consistently been below the Texas and national rate. According to the Texas Workforce Commission, Central Texas gained 1.3 percent more jobs, or 10,919, from 2007 to 2008.
Austin was the second-fastest-growing metropolitan area in the nation between 2007 and 2008 and its population is expected to grow to more than 2.7 million by 2025. Historically, Austin wages have also grown faster than anywhere else in Texas. In fact, from 2002 to 2007, Austin had the largest median family income of all Texas cities, according to the Real Estate Center at Texas A&M University.
#3 - Smart people
Not only is the greater Austin area home to five successful universities, it was named the 24th "Smartest City in America" by Forbes magazine in February 2008. Among Austinites ages 25 and older, 85 percent have graduated high school and more than 35 percent have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
Austin is also a town of innovators and among the top cities for entrepreneurs. According to the Austin Chamber of Commerce, more than 2,100 patents were assigned to Austin innovators in 2007. In addition, Entrepreneur Magazine recognized Austin as the third "Most Innovative City" in the United States in December 2008.
#4 – Friendly neighbors
Good neighbors are the backbone of the Austin community, making it a great place to raise a family and get involved. Accolades that attest to this include a ranking of second among cities where Americans are relocating, and inclusion among the "Top 20 Best Places to Raise a Family" by Best Life Magazine in May 2008. Throughout these reports, the city’s safety, diversity, pedestrian and bike friendliness as well as the presence of parks and public spaces (more than 14,000 acres) were noted as key qualities.
Also, Travel + Leisure Magazine recently took notice of Austin’s residents in its study on "America's Favorite Cities" in 2008. The city came in second place for friendliness and athleticism and third place for intelligence and attractiveness.
#5 – Entertainment
Austin is has been coined "The Live Music Capital of the World" and is home to two of America's largest music festivals, South by Southwest and the Austin City Limits Music Festival. In addition to its renown music scene, Austin was also was named one of the "Best Cities for Singles" by Forbes in 2008. For those seeking excitement outside the city, Austin is also within 20 minutes of Lake Travis and surrounded by the beautiful hill country, offering terrain and activities for outdoor enthusiasts of every type.
