All Things Austin

A bastion of progressive thought amid Texas conservatism, Austin is not only the state capital but a city made intriguing by its mix of government, university, culture, and counterculture. Texas's fourth-largest city, Austin boasts a booming economy and an enviable quality of life, and its residents seek to make the seat of Travis County a reckoning force in technology, environmental concerns, and music, to name but a few.

Thanks to a location in Central Texas with the Hill Country to its west, Austin is incredibly convenient to Lakes Lady Bird (town), Long, Austin, and Travis. As a result, recreation is always in close proximity, making hot, humid summers bearable and adding life to the expansive landscape. The terrain is also conducive to other athletic pursuits, including running, biking (what else in a town where Lance Armstrong lives!), and, by extension, competing in local triathlons. Beyond that, if you're intrigued by the prospect of enjoying the outdoors in the altogether, Austin lays claim to Hippie Hollow, a public, county-run, clothing-optional beach. Or there is the tried and true Barton Springs Pool located in Zilker Park.

Aside from delighting in its "weirdness," Austin takes great pride in its musical heritage. An unexpectedly large number of clubs populates the town, especially along Sixth Street, and Austin City Limits, the venerable public television show, regularly broadcasts the city's – and the nation's – best performers. So great is Austin's esteem for the genre, in fact, that the city's official nickname is "The Live Music Capital of the World." Austin's arts mix also includes a substantial selection of festivals (SXSW) (AFF) and arts organizations – not to mention a broad creative community – all of which provide the capital city its own special brand of energy and interest.

Complementing the allure of music and culture is the town's variety of signature sights. Tops among them are the Blanton Museum of Art, UT's impressive, light-filled facility that showcases the area's most substantial art holdings, and Zilker Metropolitan Park, a much-frequented green haven hat comes complete with botanical and sculpture gardens and a refreshing, spring-fed pool. A plethora of restaurants also suits a populace schooled in vibrant flavors and satisfying experiences. They put forth everything from barbecue and casual Tex-Mex to exceptional French fare and sublime, chef-driven regional cuisine. And if wine is your thing, try the Texas Hill Country Wine Trails.

It's no wonder, then, that Austin is such a livable community, as amenable to good times as it is to bettering the lives of its citizens and breaking free of standard molds and expectations. The city even boasts a nationally-recognized "green" program that rewards residents for building and outfitting their homes and companies to be energy-efficient and gentle to the planet.

Questions about Austin Real Estate! Contact Marc. He'll find the answer.

  Below are other Central Texas links to explore.