Austin

Austin is a booming city in Central Texas. The population growth rate is approaching 3%, and it is not hard to see why. The gorgeous countryside, nearby hiking and camping, and water activities are just part of the attraction. Austin has many higher education opportunities, including the University of Texas, St. Edward’s University, and Austin Community College. In addition to education, Austin has a tech industry that is expanding at such a rapid pace that it has earned the nickname “Silicon Hills.”

Outdoor Activities

The Colorado River runs directly through the heart of Austin. This access to the river makes water activities a primary source of entertainment for residents. Many Austinites enjoy stand up paddleboarding, kayaking, swimming, and more on any given day. The river is much larger on the west side of Austin, where boating is also a popular leisure activity.

Austin has a multitude of greenbelts and hiking destinations directly in and around the city. These hiking options provide a respite from the loud, fast-paced city life. Residents don’t need to travel for hours to find serene escapes with many trails scattered throughout the city within a few minutes drive. For those seeking an extended getaway, Enchanted Rock is less than 100 miles from the city. This state park has a massive dome that protrudes from the earth in the middle of surrounding flatlands.

For those seeking less active options, the climate of Central Texas makes it a fertile region for vineyards. Numerous vineyards within a short drive of the city offer beautiful scenery and fantastic tasting experiences. In addition to wine, Austin is home to other craft beverage makers, including craft beer brewers and coffee shops.

Arts and Music

Austin is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” Venues, bars, and clubs are packed with local and non-local musicians on any given night. Austin is home to several art museums, including the Blanton Museum of Art, that house a diversity of exhibits.

Tech Industry

The tech industry in Austin is flourishing. Many Silicon Valley companies are moving or expanding out to Austin to escape the costly overheads of California. In addition to transplants, tech companies are being started in Austin more and more each day. In 2018, the Austin-metro area saw a total of $1.33 billion in venture capital investments. This number is expected to continue to rise in the coming years.
 

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