The results are in. And, the city of Austin took the top spot on U.S. News and World Reports annual Best Places to Live in the U.S. list among 25 of the largest metro areas. Which, by the way, is the third year Austin has received the top honor. To compile the list, the renowned news source and publisher of information used factors like best combination of jobs, desirability, value, quality of life, and net migration. All extremely important when planting down roots. To learn more about the methodology used in the study click here.
But, first, let’s take a quick look at Austin’s current population boom. The city’s population along with the 5 counties that make up Austin’s metro area has been steadily on the upswing. According to World Population Review when comparing the 2010 census to the most recent 2016 count Austin’s population increased by more than 3%. In 2016 Austin was the 11th fastest growing city in the U.S. And, it appears the trend is going to continue. Roughly 152 people move to Austin daily. These days slightly over two million people call the Austin metro area home. However, Austin, sans the other five counties, is on target to go over the one million mark in 2020 according to recent report by a local TV station.
For Austin residents the report isn’t any grand revelation. They already know they live in the best city in the U.S. That’s why they are here. Whether it’s for work or to just play here’s a few reasons why Austin continues to attract people from all over the globe.
A great place to work
Jobs in Austin are plentiful and the unemployment rate at 2.6% is low. That’s definitely reason enough for people to uproot their lives. Major tech mega companies like Apple, Google, Dell Inc., and Amazon have been on the forefront of fueling the boom. And, so has the number of start-up companies making Austin their home base. According to statistics published by the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce, there are 6,500 tech employers in the Austin metro area. And, 5,500 are tech start-ups which has earned Austin the #2 spot on the Top 10 U.S. Cities for Entrepreneurs and Start Ups in 2018. Meanwhile, there are other top employers in Austin that are also making an impact when it comes to hiring Austinites. Other large employers include the Austin Independent School District, the City of Austin, IBM, and the University of Texas.
Austin has great suburban communities
In the study, Austin’s cumulative ranking was 7.6 making it first among 125 metro areas that were analyzed. However, when it comes to getting more for your money Austin scored a 6.7 out of 10 in the value category. It’s no secret that the city’s low home inventory in recent years has increased the median price of a single family home. However, suburban areas are growing and thriving. Which has made the city of Leander and other communities ideal for families to find affordable housing. Leander houses one of the top school districts in the state and is close to shopping, dining, and only a 30 minute drive to downtown.
A great place to play
Known for its live music, unusual slogan and vibrant arts scene, there is always a band to listen to or something to do. As the Live Music Capital of the world Austin’s music scene generates an eclectic vibe. And, evident every October when the Austin City Limits Music Festival hosts over 130 bands on eight stages over two weekends. For true ACL devotees this popular music event earned a spot on USA Today’s 2019 Readers’ Choice 10 Best Music Festivals in North America list. And, so did the Old Settler’s Music Festival in nearby Tilmon. But, let’s not forget Austin’s arts, film, education, and technology scene. Which comes together every April during the city’s SXSW Conference. The 10-day event hosts industry newsmakers from all over the globe. And, by the way, for a truly unusual and slightly weird event attend the Annual O. Henry Museum Pun-off World Championship. This year marks the festival’s 42nd year.
Austin’s quality of life
In addition to taking the top spot on the Best Places to Live list, the city also ranked fourth as one of the Best Places to Live for Retirees. Criteria used to determine the ranking included housing affordability, desirability, health care and overall happiness. The Austin metro area offers over 40 hospitals operated by 20 different nonprofit and for-profit systems. Which may also have something to do with the fact that Austin placed number 14 on WalletHub’s Healthiest Cities in America list. Educational opportunities also abound. In the heart of the city is the University of Texas. Known as one of the best research universities in the country, UT enrolls over 51,000 students and employs a professional teaching staff of 3,000. To learn more about the quality of life in Austin click here.
Moving to Austin? Visit Travisso in Leander today
Are you looking for a master-planned community? Travisso’s got you covered. We offer state-of-the-art floor plans from award-winning premier builders. Choose homes ranging in size from 1,900 to over 5,000 square feet with prices starting in the 300s. And, there’s much more including resort style amenities, over 10 miles of proposed walking and biking trails, and a future 58 acre on-site regional park perfect for your active lifestyle. Visit us in Leander today and explore our new model homes and neighborhoods. For additional information call us at 512-243-8583.
