The City
Austin is a city of growth, change, and innovation.
Austin's population nearly doubles every 20 years, and thanks to the technology boom, Austin offers a high quality of life combined with a moderate cost of living. As we've grown, Austin has become a hub for games, creativity, education, and green living. Austin boasts a diverse labor force in its young, growing and talented population. It's known as one of the most educated cities in the nation; over 100,000 students are enrolled at University of Texas Austin and six other Austin colleges and universities. Austin is known as "The Live Music Capital of the World" and has the most music venues per capita of any city in the US. We also have a thriving film, television, and art scene. Foodies love Austin for the barbecue, local/organic specialty markets, and blossoming food trailer culture! A variety of retail options are available for shopaholics—from sprawling malls to vintage dress shops to local artisans along South Congress.
Austin is gorgeous! The weather is temperate, with an average temperature of 68°F and over 300 days of sunshine each year! We have a very active outdoor culture that attracts runners, cyclists, rock-climbers, kayakers, bikers, and more. With more than 200 parks and countless swimming holes, waterfalls, and springs in Austin, we have plenty of places to play. Austin is an eclectic, vibrant community that celebrates creativity, community, and diversity. You could live here for years and never run out of new things to see and do!
Fun facts about Austin:
- Austin is the live music capital of the world with over 100 live music venues in the city
- The City Limits music festival features 130 bands in 3 days. SXSW is the world's leading music industry event
- The average home price is $188,600, below the national average
- Austin has no state or local personal income taxes
- Austin attracts about 19 million visitors a year
- Austin is home to North America's largest urban bat population
- Austin's unofficial city slogan is "Keep Austin Weird"
- Austin ranks first in Texas and sixth in the U.S. in artists and musicians per capita
