The Best Places to Live in Austin TX

Known for Music,and so Much More

Austin TX is a city that lives outdoors. From scenic trails to crystal-clear lakes,this Texas city has something for all ages and interests.

No matter if you are a first time visitor to Austin or a new resident,the people will be happy to show you around. From a world-class ballet to one-of-a-kind shopping,this vibrant city has a lot to offer.

Art & Culture

From world-renowned museums to locally-focused festivals,Austin is a creative city. Take in a documentary or visit a gallery to get a fresh perspective on the local scene.

Austin is a city where art is more than just a way of life,it’s ingrained in the culture. Both the multi-story Tauceti mural and Kempelen’s Owl statues make for popular public artworks that can be explored during a charter tour of Austin.

The Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum shows visitors the diverse cultural makeup of this southwestern state. This is evidenced by exhibitions that focus on the Spanish,Mexican,and Tejano influences on the region. The museum also presents exhibitions that are community-focused,such as American Sabor: Latinos In U.S. Popular Music.

Music & Entertainment

Austin’s music scene is known around the world thanks to festivals like South by Southwest and Austin City Limits as well as its more than 250 live venues. The 6th Street and Red River districts have the highest concentration of live venues.

In some cases,musicians get paid starving artist rates,playing for tips on weekdays and charging for tickets at other times. Some organizations are working to change this.

Austin Center for Events is one of them. This group streamlines the special event permits for city property. It’s a collaboration between teams from the departments of transportation,parks and police. The city offers a free channel for events — Spectrum Government-Access Television,Channel 15

Outdoors & Adventure

Austinites love to spend time outdoors in the sunshine. From rooftop bars and patio brunching to hiking trails and splashing in a city lake,the options are endless.

Onion Creek Park and the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail are great places to spend a sunny day in Austin. This state park is located in the middle of the city and offers hiking,bouldering,swimming and more.

Food & Drink

From oak-smoked barbecue to greasy footholds of Tex-Mex,this surprisingly foodie city has a robust culinary scene. You can find a variety of celebrated restaurants,including the east-side favorite Hoover’s Cooking as well as Barley Swine,an award-winning New American restaurant.

You can also opt for the more luxurious experience of Lutie’s,a lush retreat-style eatery run by husband and wife chefs Bradley Nicholson & Susana Querejazu. Their menu is veggie-forward,and reflects their time in San Francisco. The upscale ramen shop chain Ramen Tatsu-Ya has brought its delicious noodle bowls to the city,and now has four locations. Try the mole-tsukemen. Other must-visits include a quirky Mexican truck,DeeDee’s,and the elegant Italian truck Patrizi’s.

Shopping & Nightlife

A visit to the Texas capital that keeps it weird wouldn’t be complete without a shopping trip. From high-end malls with luxury brands to local boutiques and antique shops,Austin has a variety of shopping experiences for all tastes and budgets.

This city is a great place to dance. There are many clubs where you can practice your two-step and salsa moves. There are several upscale lounges that serve creative cocktails.

Living in Austin

Austin’s best neighborhoods are determined by your lifestyle,budget and commute. Each neighborhood in Austin has its own unique charm,but the best one for you depends on a number of factors such as school ratings and your potential neighbors.

Living in Austin can feel hectic at times,especially since the city is growing at a faster-than-average rate. Traffic can be bad and the transit infrastructure isn’t up to date with the city’s growing population.