Top Reasons to Live in Austin
Quality of life
For its economy, affordability and variety of fun things to do, Austin consistently ranks among cities with the highest quality of life. In fact, Austin has been named the best city for the next decade by Kiplinger's Personal Finance! On top of that, Austin maintains its status as a "fit" city and one of the greenest in the nation.
Great jobs
You can find comfort in knowing the city holds great employment potential, ranking first in job growth in 2010. Historically, the Austin-area unemployment rate has remained below state and national rates, while Austin wages have grown faster than anywhere else in Texas. 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. The Austin metropolitan area is expected to grow to more than 2.7 million by 2025.
Smart people
Austin is home to the University of Texas and seven other public and private universities, as well as 29 public school districts, 17 charter schools and 69 private schools. Among Austinites ages 25 and older, 40 percent have a bachelor's degree or higher. Austin is also a town of innovators and among the top cities for entrepreneurs. The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office reported that about 2,900 patents were assigned to Austin innovators between 2009 and 2010. In addition, Forbes recognized Austin as the second most innovative city in the United States in May 2010.
Entertainment
Coined "The Live Music Capital of the World," Austin is home to two of America's largest music festivals, Austin City Limits Music Festival and South by Southwest, which also includes popular film and interactive portions of the festival. In 2010 Austin was named a favorite music destination by readers of Budget Travel and one of the best cities for film by MovieMaker. Those seeking fun outside the music and film scene can take advantage of Lady Bird Lake and its hike-and-bike trails, Lake Travis and the beautiful hill country surrounding the city, offering terrain and activities for outdoor enthusiasts of every type.
Something for everyone
Regardless of what you're looking for in a city and its people, the Austin area has something to offer everyone. While Austin remains a great city for young adults and singles, its suburbs have been noted among the best places to raise a family. Travel + Leisure Magazine took notice of Austin 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. It comes as no surprise that Austin is one of the top cities to which people choose to relocate.