Austin is a city on the rise. It’s already the 11th biggest city in the country, and it’s only growing bigger. Much bigger, in fact; it’s America’s fastest growing city. With all the buzz surrounding Austin, you may be wondering, what exactly is it that’s drawing people to the City of the Violet Crown? Well, wonder no more. Here are the seven biggest reasons why Austin is a growing city.
A Booming Economy
Austin has a booming economy. With low unemployment and high job growth compared to the rest of the country, people are taking notice. In fact, Austin had the second highest rate of job growth in the country in 2018 according to Business Insider. Austin is called one of the “best places… to start a career” in the United States by Wallethub, and it’s easy to see why. Austin’s economic prospects look hot as Texas summer right now.
High Wages And Low Cost Of Living
One of the reason’s for Austin’s economic success is its low cost of living compared to wages. Austin’s cost of living is below the national average and far below cities like San Fransisco and San Jose that fall into similar niches. Salaries, meanwhile, are quite high: especially for young people. The average salary for a millennial working in Austin is $72,225, which is $7,325 above the national average. For young people in America, Austin is definitely a moneymaking destination.
A Strong Tech Industry
Austin is called the “Silicon Valley” of the South for a reason. For attendees of South by Southwest, (SXSW) it should be no surprise that Austin is one of the most innovative cities in the country when it comes to new tech. In fact, according to Forbes, Austin is the number one creator of new tech jobs in the country. That’s a big deal for some people.
A Unique Culture
Austin also has an incredibly unique, idiosyncratic culture. “Keep Austin weird,” as they say! In all seriousness, Austin has one of the best live music scenes in the country and is host to quite a few historical sites and museums that draw history buffs and academics alike. There’s no denying that Austin is one of the weirdest cities in Texas, and probably one of the weirdest of the country. Its residents are proud of that.
The Weather
Of course, another thing drawing people to Austin is the weather. The saying in Texas, as it is in most of the country, is that “if you don’t like the weather, just wait a few minutes.” That said, Austin’s weather is pretty consistently warm throughout most of the year, never dropping too far below the 30s and 40s, even in the dead of winter.
The College
One of the biggest draws for Austin is the University of Texas. Consistently ranked as one of the best schools in the state, U.T. draws its diverse student body from all over the country. With a student population of over 50,000, U.T. students and their families are undeniably a cultural force in the City of the Violet Crown.
Delicious Food
Austin is also a destination for foodies. For one thing, it’s considered by many to be the capital of the Texas barbeque scene. Sorry, Dallas and Houston! It’s also one of the biggest cities in the country for food truck operations. It’s impossible to walk down the street in Austin without spotting a food truck, and the food they serve is as unique as the city itself.
So, there you have it. Austin is a growing city for a reason. People are attracted to the economic prosperity, the forward-thinking and innovative culture, and the opportunities it provides for young professionals. With all of those things there to stay, you can only expect Austin to get bigger and bigger as time passes.
