Living in Austin, TX, known as 'The Live Music Capital of the World,' offers a vibrant cultural scene and a strong sense of community. Located in central Texas, Austin is a large city renowned for its live music venues, outdoor spaces, and tech industry. Major nearby cities like San Antonio and Houston enhance its appeal as a central hub in the region. Austin's blend of music, technology, and natural beauty creates a distinctive living experience.
Austin is home to several iconic landmarks, including the Texas State Capitol, the historic Sixth Street entertainment district, and Zilker Park, which hosts the annual Austin City Limits Music Festival. The city offers a variety of attractions, from the Bullock Texas State History Museum, which provides a comprehensive look at Texas history, to the Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool popular with residents. Austin's dining scene is diverse, offering everything from famous barbecue joints to international cuisine.
Annual events such as South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin Film Festival highlight the city's dynamic cultural scene and provide unique entertainment opportunities for residents and visitors. These events celebrate Austin's vibrant community spirit and attract attendees from all over the world. Major institutions like the University of Texas at Austin contribute to the city's academic and cultural richness, fostering a thriving intellectual community.
The arts and culture scene in Austin is vibrant and diverse, with numerous theaters, music venues, and art galleries. The Blanton Museum of Art and the Paramount Theatre are just a few of the cultural landmarks that showcase the city's commitment to the arts. Living in Austin provides ample opportunities to engage with art, music, and outdoor activities, making it an exciting place to call home.
Austin’s community is welcoming and diverse, creating a friendly environment for newcomers. The city is home to professional sports teams like Austin FC (MLS) and the Texas Longhorns (NCAA), providing plenty of excitement for sports fans. Major industries in Austin include technology, education, and healthcare, with significant employers such as Dell and the University of Texas driving economic growth. The city has extensive public transit options, including buses and a developing light rail system, making it easier for residents to navigate the urban landscape.
Amenities
An abundance of amenities, including restaurants, coffee shops, grocery stores and fitness facilities, are conveniently situated within walking distance of the area.
Commute
High commute scores indicates that public transit should be easily accessible in this area and the average commute time to work is less than average.
Employment
The combination of higher than average median home income, income per capita and low unemployment rates results in a score that is well above average in the employment category.
Housing
This area has received high scores in the housing category. This could be due to a positive home affordability ratio, high appreciation rates or elevated home values.
Health & Safety
A high score in the health and safety category is a result of good air quality and the accessibility to health facilities such as hospitals, clinics, doctors, pharmacies and fire stations.
Crime
This area is reporting high crime rates per 100,000 people and could signify that it is a dangerous place to live. Crime rates include both violent and property crimes.
Austin, Texas is a big city with a population of 988,400 inhabitants. Austin has a population density of 3,081 people per square mile. This would be considered well above the national population density level. At 69%, the majority of the Austin population is White; this is followed by 8% Black and 8% Asian. Additionally, more than a quarter of the population of Austin are of Hispanic or Latino origin, and 22% of the population also speak Spanish. Austin is very likely to be a great place to live for singles as only 45%, of the population (over fifteen) are classified as married. On a daily basis, the typical American spends approximately 26 minutes on their one-way work commute. Reduced travel times not only contributes to increased overall happiness, but also affords more opportunities to cherish moments with family and friends. If you're living in Austin, your commute time will align closely with the national average, spanning a one-way duration of approximately 25 minutes.
If you’re considering relocating to any new city, it could be a very discouraging task. However, it could also be a fulfilling experience if you are willing to get to know the city before actually living in Austin, Texas. When searching for a new neighborhood, several key items should be considered. Safety is of utmost importance, ensuring a secure environment with low crime. Proximity to your workplace or school helps reduce commuting time and offers convenience. Access to amenities such as parks, grocery stores, and healthcare facilities enhances your daily life. Public transportation options contribute to easy mobility. A sense of community fosters a supportive and engaging environment. Lastly, the overall atmosphere should align with your desired lifestyle, ensuring a fulfilling living experience. Considering these items will guide you towards finding the perfect neighborhood that fits all your needs. The best areas in Austin and in surrounding cities are easier to find when you are able to make informed decisions. Using data from commute, education, employment, you will see a detailed breakdown of the most important information as well as comparisons to the Texas and national averages.
The livability score in Austin is 83 out of 100 and the city is ranked in the 97th percentile of all cities across America. Based on this score, Austin would be considered a very livable city! Austin has also earned the rare honor of ranking in the top 10 percentile among all cities. If we dig down a little deeper into each category within the livability score, we see that Austin has higher than average rankings for the following: cost of living (B-), employment (A+) and housing (A+). There are some categories that Austin ranks poorly for, including: crime (F). It might be worth taking a closer look to figure out why.
If you're considering living in Austin, it comes with numerous advantages, particularly in the form of an extensive selection of local amenities. These amenities play a pivotal role in elevating the quality of life within this vibrant community. From easily accessible grocery stores, to conveniently located fitness facilities, a diverse range of dining establishments and a multitude of shopping options, Austin provides a comprehensive array of resources for its residents. This ensures the effortless fulfillment of your daily needs and creates ample opportunities for relaxation and recreation. The convenience of these local offerings greatly contributes to the overall appeal of the area, making it an enticing destination for those in search of convenience, diversity, and a gratifying lifestyle. If you're contemplating a move, the abundance of local amenities could very well be a defining characteristic of this area. Some of the interesting things to do and attractions include: State Capitol, Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum, and Barton Springs Pool.
Real estate represents the most substantial investment for homebuyers, constituting their most valuable asset. Renters, on the other hand, typically see their monthly rent as their most significant expense. The Austin market earns a high score in the housing category, surpassing the national average in factors like home and rental affordability and appreciation rates. This robust real estate market not only benefits individual homeowners and renters but also spurs vigorous local economic activity and job growth, solidifying its significance in driving the region's prosperity and financial well-being.
Certain items on your wish list like shopping, restaurants, nightlife, parks and proximity to public transportation are all important things to look for. Having said that, perhaps the most important metric to consider when contemplating a move to Austin is real estate affordability. Median real estate prices in Austin come in at $658,173, which is 156.4% higher than the Texas average. The home price to income ratio compares the median home prices to the median household income. In Austin, the home price to income ratio is 5.9, which is 84.4% higher than the Texas average.
Why stop at city-to-city? With Local Insights, you can compare neighborhoods, zip codes, or even exact addresses. Access 300+ hyperlocal data points—from schools and crime to housing and amenities—to see which area is the better fit.
| Statistic | Austin | Texas | National |
| Average one way commute | 25min | 26min | 26min |
| Workers who drive to work | 70.1% | 80.3% | 76.4% |
| Workers who carpool | 8.5% | 10.6% | 9.3% |
| Workers who take public transit | 2.9% | 1.5% | 5.1% |
| Workers who bicycle | 1.2% | 0.3% | 0.6% |
| Workers who walk | 2.6% | 1.6% | 2.8% |
| Working from home | 13.4% | 4.3% | 4.6% |
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