About Austin, Texas
There are very few places more exciting to be than Austin, Texas. In recent years, Austin welcomed a new batch of fresh blood that is elevating the already eclectic and exciting energy of the capital city of Texas. With the University of Texas, a burgeoning tech scene, a well-established art scene, and some of the best food you could find anywhere, there is truly something for everyone in this city. Plus, the red-hot Austin real estate market is proof that this is one of the best places to be.
Austin was incorporated in 1839 and was originally called Waterloo. The name was changed to Austin to honor the Father of Texas, Stephen F. Austin. Shortly after, Austin was chosen to replace Houston as the state’s capital. Austin has grown in different ways than the rest of Texas: the city missed out on the oil boom that was prevalent through much of Texas. What it lacked in oil, however, it more than made up for later on with its tech boost in addition to being a major music destination.
If you can stand the heat of a long dry summer (highs usually in the upper 90s), anyone living in Austin will be rewarded with mild winters and beautifully warm spring and fall seasons. In the winter, the average daytime high is 61 degrees. Austin experienced a rare winter storm in 2021, but these are not common occurrences. Bottom line? Outdoor lovers can enjoy year-long activities with plenty of sunshine.
Fun facts About Austin
SXSW
Austin is home to the South By Southwest festival (referred to as Southby and written about as SXSW), which started in 1987. SXSW has grown in scope and size and now is one of the destination festivals to celebrate innovations in tech, film, and music.
Tech titans In Austin, Texas
Major Fortune 500 companies have either called Austin, Texas their new headquarters or have regional offices in Austin. Another famous California import, Elon Musk relocated his Tesla headquarters from Silicon Valley to Austin. Other companies that are headquartered or have regional offices in Austin are Amazon, Apple, Facebook/Meta, Google, IBM, Intel, 3M, Oracle, and Dell.
Famous local Austinites
How could Austin get any cooler? It can boast that Matthew McConaughey and Willie Nelson are products of the laid-back but larger-than-life Texas vibe. Other icons from Austin include Stone Cold Steve Austin and Sandra Bullock.
Facts & Figures
Teetering near the 1 million mark, the population of Austin has been trending upwards throughout the last decade. According to the US Census Bureau, the population increased from 2010 to 2020 and a majority of its population is between 19 and 64.
According to the Bureau Of Labor Statistics, Austin enjoyed a decrease in unemployment with an unemployment level of 2.9% reported in December of 2021. This could be in part to the diverse industries that thrive in Austin including construction, hospitality, tech, finance, manufacturing, government, and other business and professional services. With plenty of businesses calling Austin home, or at least setting up regional offices there, it’s no surprise that job growth came in at 7.3% from December 2020 to December 2021.
Cost of living
- Median household income: $71, 576
- Per capita income: $43,043
- Median selected monthly owner costs (with a mortgage): $2,031
- Median selected monthly owner costs (without a mortgage): $806
Employment
- Unemployment decreased in December 2021 to 2.9% from 4.9% reported in December 2020.
- Major industries include:
- Mining.
- Logging & construction.
- Manufacturing.
- Trade, transportation, and utilities.
- Information.
- Financial Activities.
- Professional and Business Services.
- Hospitality & Leisure.
- Government.
- There was a total of 7.3% job growth from December 2020 to December 2021.
Austin housing market trends
It’s no secret that the Austin housing market is red hot. With people leaving states like California and New York to make Austin their new home, the Austin real estate market is most certainly a seller’s market. Here are the 2022 Austin real estate market data:
- Median list price: $700,000
- Median new listing price: $631,095
- Average price per square foot: $362
- Average days on market: 53
- Median rent: $2,495
Top sights and things to do in Austin, TX
You’ll have no trouble finding things to do if you’re living in Austin. Here are just a few suggestions to get your feet wet.
6th Street and Red River entertainment districts
The music. The food. The drinks. The art. The people. Divided into four different entertainment hubs, Red River District, Old 6th Street, West 6th Street, and East 6th Street. Exploring 6th Street in its entirety is a great way to get into the Austin spirit.
University of Texas football games
You’re in Longhorn Country now! Even if you’re not a huge football fan, attending a UT football game is an initiation rite any Austin transplant must go through before claiming to be an Austinite. Check out schedules here.
The Texas State Capitol
Texas is rich in history, and you’ll find the locals are very proud of it. Taking in the sights in and around the capital will give you more of an idea of what makes Texas the phenomenon that it is and always has been.
Take a hike
Though Austin offers plenty for the city slicker, the mild weather and unique climate make it an outdoor lovers’ paradise. You’ll have fun exploring all the different biking and hiking trails, some in the heart of the city and others just a short drive away.
