The city of Austin currently holds the spot as the #1 best place to live in the entire US -- for the fourth consecutive year.
Austin has also been voted as the best city to start a business in, date in, study in... the list goes on and on.
So what is it about Austin that causes it to be ranked so highly in terms of quality of living?
If you are considering moving to Austin, it's important to find out whether the hype is well-founded and if it fits your style The last thing you want is to end up in a city that doesn't suit your personal tastes.
Fortunately, we can give you the inside scoop on why Austin is bagging all these top rankings.
Austin is the fourth biggest city in the state of Texas and the 11th most populated in the US -- and for good reason.
With all the things to do and see, the sheer number of opportunities from a housing and employment perspective, the great outdoors -- there are so many reasons to move to this bustling city. Here are our top six.
1. The Cost of Living is Good
Unfortunately, when cities become thriving hotspots, the cost of living usually goes up, but that's not the case with Austin. Currently, Austin's cost of living is still 3% lower than the national average and way below that of mega metros, such as New York and San Francisco.
Utilities, food and transport are relatively cheap, and gas is almost half the price it is in many other parts of the US.
However, one thing that is more costly is property. Because Austin is a growing city, properties and homes are in high demand. However, if you're thinking of moving to Austin, this is not necessarily a bad thing, as any property you invest in has the potential to increase in value.
What's more, you can viably snag affordable property in Austin's city limit areas. While these properties are more affordable, they are close enough to the center for easy commuting.
Affordable areas around Austin include Buda, Kyle, Hutto, Leander, Georgetown and Pflugerville.
2. Austin Has a Strong Job Market
Another reason why living in Austin can be a smart money move is it has a thriving job market. For the second consecutive year, Wall Street Journal has ranked Austin as having the hottest job market in the US.
This isn't all that surprising, considering that it's home to a large array of start-ups, including the likes of WP Engine. Besides this, several big player companies, such as Google, Dell, Facebook and Big Commerce, have headquarters there, lending Austin the new nickname "Silicon Hills."
But Austin isn't just home to tech giants. It has a number of other thriving industries, such as finance, healthcare and education.
Lastly, if you're looking to open a business, Austin is also voted as the #1 city for starting a business in 2020.
Plus, Texas residents don't pay state income tax.
3. The Real Estate Market is Robust
Central Texas has long been home to a sizzling housing market. One of the areas to recover the quickest from the 2008 depression, Austin is now predicted to see continued growth in the property market soon.
In fact, for real estate prospects, it is ranked, once again, #1 out of 80 cities in the US.
If you are looking at moving to Austin and purchasing a home, this is good news. Should you want to sell in the future, you will be almost guaranteed a strong seller's market.
4. Austin Has a Rich (and Affordable) Food Scene
Most large cities yield up a big array of cuisines and food choices, but Austin really takes the cake.
While Austin's famous for its barbeque and Mexican dishes, its also home to some award-winning sushi restaurants as well as a hot eastern fusion scene.
Let's not forget about the food trucks on Rainey Street. Austin's food trucks have a widespread reputation, and some of the best can be found on Rainey Street.
Besides food, Austin also boasts one of the richest music scenes in the world. It's not called "Live Music Capital of the World" for nothing.
Home to widely attended music festivals, Austin's restaurant music scene is thriving and diverse, and you can enjoy a selection of live music on any night of the week.
If you are wondering which areas are best to go for live entertainment, 6th street is the official hotspot.
5. Austin's Great Outdoors is Spectacular
While Austin holds all of the advantages of urban living—such as diverse job opportunities, cuisine, and entertainment—it also offers easy access to the great outdoors.
One of the main disadvantages of city life is a lack of accessibility to nature. In Austin, however, residents can take advantage of the numerous lakes, parks and trails that permeate and surround the city.
Some of the main attractions include Austin's swimming holes, such as Jacob's Well and Lake Travis.
Austinites can also frequent the section of Colorado River which divides Downtown and South Austin for kayaking, boating and swimming trips.
Trails also abound around and through the greater area of Austin and include the popular Roy and Ann Butler Trail around Lady Bird Lake.
To top it off, Austin also has a bevy of parks and greenbelts, both within the inner city districts and the city limits. Zilker Metropolitan Park, Mueller Lake Park, and Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve are just some of the popular options.
6. Austin Offers a Multitude of Areas to Live
As we mentioned earlier, thanks to its geography, Austin offers numerous areas and suburbs to choose from.
Some of these boast particularly attractive property prices making them worthy of individual mentions. These areas include Leander, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Buda, Hutto and Kyle.
Leander
Leander has an exceptional quality of life, low living costs and a close-knit, active community. Located to the north of Central Austin, property in this area is exceptionally affordable.
Georgetown
A bit further to the north and slightly east is Georgetown, a historical and cultural hotspot. Here too, property prices are reasonable, and it's also home to the state-of-the-art Southwestern University.
Pflugerville
A stone's throw from downtime Austin, Pflugerville is an ethnically diverse area that still retains its small-town feel. At the same time, it has it's own man-made lake, an extensive library and other city-grade amenities.
While slightly more expensive than other areas, it still boasts some affordably priced properties.
Buda
Buda is another reasonably priced area. Located a little further from Austin, it has a spacious suburban feel and above-average public schools. It's also highly scenic and is nicknamed the "outdoors capital of Texas."
Hutto
Located slightly north of Pflugerville, Hutto is Austin's second most affordable areas. Peaceful and spacious, Hutto has a rural feeling. It is home to many young professionals and families and has a number of parks, great schools, excellent shopping and dining, and an easy commute to the inner city.
Kyle
Currently one of the most affordable areas within the Austin city limits, Kyle is relatively small. But this area is growing quickly, making it an ideal property buying opportunity.
As you can see, the Austin's charm is highly attractive and highly sought out for obvious reasons.
At Brightland Homes, we believe happiness starts at home. We’re here to help you and your family find the perfect house (and community!) in the Austin area.
