Is Austin, Texas a good place to live?

Austin, the vibrant capital city of Texas, has been consistently ranked as one of the best places to live in the United States. With a job market that is blowing up, cultural diversity, awesome food, and just unlimited things to do outdoors, I mean, who wouldn't come here from across the country? But is Austin really all that and a bag of chips? Let's really dive into what makes Austin such a great place to live.

Strong Job Market and Economy

The key attraction in Austin is it offers a very sound economy and a very rich job market. The city has turned out to be the center for many tech companies, earning it a nickname "Silicon Hills". And now, with major employers such as Dell, Apple, Google, and Tesla, thousands of the highest-paying jobs are poised to move into the area.

The city has an unemployment rate below the national average, with new job growth projected at very strong levels over the coming few years.

But that's not to say the tech industry is the only thing catching fire in Austin. Besides, it is represented by such a powerful industry; for example, the Medical School of Dell and Ascension Seton, which shows the city has strong hospitals and research institutions.

Cleaning services Austin is another growing industry where many companies provide residential and commercial cleaning services to keep up the pace of city growth.

Other major sector employers include the education sector. Besides the University of Texas at Austin, a good number of colleges and universities are located within the area. Not to mention a very pulsating creative scene: Austin is called the "Live Music Capital of the World," hosting such major happenings as South by Southwest (SXSW) and the Austin City Limits Music Festival.

Affordable Cost of Living 

Though the living cost in Austin comes higher than the set average by the nation, it is still cheap in comparison to many other large cities. Furthermore, the cost of living is generally down, mainly the housing cost, when compared to such places as San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles. Its friendly feature comes with no state income tax in Texas; hence, it's very friendly to the residents since they get to keep more of their hard-earned money.

That being said, the popularity of Austin has increased the cost of housing in it for the past few years.

Now, the median price for a home is over $400,000. It definitely is a price that might turn off first-time buyers and those with a tight budget.

Renting becomes higher as well, but it does remain cheaper than renting for most other large cities. People need to take into consideration the cost of living in case they are thinking of moving to Austin.

Unbeatable Weather and Outdoor Recreation

If you are an outdoor enthusiast, definitely, Austin is your kind of place. The city is proud of over 300 days of sun every year, and the mild winters don't hurt either.Summers are, however, warm and at times very hot and humid. Many ways will easily cool off your body, from swimming in the numerous nearby lakes and rivers to sipping a cold drink on a shaded patio.

Austin is also a Mecca to outdoor lovers, with more parks, trails, and green spaces than one can ever count. However, pride in Austin lies in Zilker Park, which measures to about 350 acres in total, right at the heart of downtown. It is at this place that one will find Barton Springs Pool, about three acres in measurement, filled with pure waters that maintain a temperature of 68 degrees all year round.
Do not miss Lady Bird Lake and the Ann and Roy Butler H Hike-and-Bike Trail, Barton Creek Greenbelt, and McKinney Falls State Park.

Vibrant Culture and Entertainment Scene

Austin, the capital of Texas and a national symbol, has an outstanding reputation for its eclectic mix of music, arts, and culture. The city is really tied up in an exciting live music scene, where hundreds of venues play anything from country and blues to rock and hip-hop. While music may hijack the most sought-after limelight, hosting major music festivals such as SXSW and ACL that attract top talent from all over the world, the city is also involved in other activities.

The city proudly demonstrates a flourishing food scene, from concept-driven restaurants to food trucks dishing out everything from classic Tex-Mex to chef-inspired donuts. Nightlife can simply be termed as roaring, with countless bars, clubs, and lounges. For those who are more into a less loud scene, Austin offers plenty as well. World-class museums dot the place, including the Blanton Museum of Art and Bullock Texas State History Museum; independent bookshops, art galleries, and theaters; each features nearly weekly events from farmers' markets to film festivals.

Excellent Education Options

The schools in Austin rank among the best in Texas; thus, it is counted among the best places for a man to bring up a family.

A shining hallmark of academic excellence characterizes the Austin Independent School District (AISD), serving more than 80,000 students.

The city is also home to some of the most exemplary charter and private schools.

In the zone of higher education, the city also hosts the University of Texas at Austin, the flagship institution of the world's finest public system of higher education and a world-renowned research university.

St. Edward's University, Huston-Tillotson University, and Austin Community College are also residents of the city. With all these and more from which to learn and grow, students of every kind will enjoy the greatest success in Austin.

Friendly and Diverse Community

The following are some of the points which make Austin quite special: The city plays host to a friendly and diversified community. The city enjoys the reputation of having relations between neighbors that are easygoing and very much with a spirit of community. With people always willing to offer a word or a hand of help, it does make residents here human.

Austin is also one of the most diverse cities in the state, being about 50% Caucasian, 35% Hispanic, 8% African American, and 7% Asian. This diversity is expressed in the vibrant cultural scene of the city: the many ethnic festivals and markets, the local dining spots, which offer a whole world of cuisines.

Potential Drawbacks to Consider

Of course, no city is perfect, and Austin has its share of problems and drawbacks. Housing and the cost of living can both be rather high in Austin.

The second core problem with the city is the high traffic congestion, since very long journey times are the results due to huge traffic loads. In addition, very few public transport facilities are available. While most of the rapid growth in the city has translated into positives for citizens, it also has raised concerns with gentrification, displacements, and strains on infrastructure. Another downside might be the really hot and humid summer, for some people. Where many enjoy the warm climate and try to stay cool, this is weather to some people. Warm weather is oppressive and uncomfortable for them. An individual should consider his or her personal limit of heat before moving to Austin.

So, is Austin, Texas a good place to live? 

And the evidence speaks for itself—very loudly—oh yes, to the right kind of person. If you are that kind of person who seeks a city with a great labor market, low cost of living, great weather, active culture, the best education, and friendly communities, then all roads lead you to "Go" with Austin.

That, of course, has to be counterweighted by some things like the rising cost of housing, traffic congestion, and intense summer heat, but for many, the advantages of living in Austin clearly outweigh the challenges.

If you decide to take the plunge and move to Austin, make sure to indulge in all the pleasures that the city has to offer. You can head out to the many parks and trails, check out a live music show or two, get your fill of the tasty cuisine available in the area, and really get involved with neighborhood life. Oh, and make sure to get the best Austin cleaning service that can help you keep the new place in tiptop shape. With all of these beautiful things to see and experience, you are most definitely never going to be bored in this vibrant and friendly city.