Underrated Aspects of Living in Austin, Texas
Austin, Texas, is often celebrated for its vibrant music scene, outdoor activities, and tech industry. However, there are several underrated aspects of living in this dynamic city that make it a particularly attractive place to call home. From urban running trails to favorable weather conditions and affordable job prospects, let’s delve into what makes Austin a hidden gem.
Urban Running Trails
Town Lake Running Trails: One of the best features of Austin is the Town Lake Running Trails. These trails are located right in the middle of downtown and span 10 miles, offering runners a perfect route along a beautiful body of water. The trails are shaded, providing pleasant conditions for running throughout most of the year, making it a great place to enjoy the outdoors.
Before my children were born, my wife and I would often meet on Saturday mornings for a 3 to 4-mile run. Following our run, we would grab breakfast and walk around downtown. It was not only a fun activity but also a reasonably inexpensive way to enjoy the city. Looking forward to doing it again as my kids grow older, I believe this tradition will continue to bring joy and health benefits to our family.
Weather and Natural Disasters
No Snow, Few Tornadoes, and No Earthquakes: Living in Austin means experiences that may be missing in more northern or seismic-prone areas. Austin has been snow-free for years, almost never experiences tornadoes, and is far enough inland to be unaffected by hurricanes that hit the shore. While hurricane history in Austin may not be entirely absence, the city’s history of flooding is typically not as bad as in places like Florida or Houston.
Climate-wise, Austin is slightly cooler than its neighboring city, San Antonio, although both experience scorching summers. Austin remains inhabitable for most of the year, much thanks to the advent of air conditioning decades ago. The city’s weather is a significant advantage in terms of long-term living conditions, making it a more comfortable and sustainable place to reside.
Social and Cultural Landscape
Mixing Values and Compromise: Austin is renowned for balancing the traditional American cultural values that make Texas great and notable. The city retains a strong sense of community, evident in the numerous local ordinances passed by its collectivist locals. These ordinances are often overturned by the more individualist state majority, resulting in a compromise between conservative and liberal stances. This unique blend of values contributes to a diverse and inclusive environment.
Economic Opportunities and Affordability
Job Market and Housing: Austin offers job opportunities reminiscent of Silicon Valley, with the added bonus of more affordable housing. The city has attracted a tech industry that caters to both startups and established companies, making it a hub for innovative businesses. Hiring rates and salaries in Austin can match those of Silicon Valley without the same level of housing expense, making it a more accessible and affordable place to live and work.
Austin’s hills on one side and flat plains on the other create a scenic backdrop while driving, enhancing the beauty of the landscape. Additionally, the city boasts better air quality compared to neighboring San Antonio and Houston, with air pollution levels that are often undetectable. Austin’s air is cleaner than San Antonio and does not suffer from the extreme conditions of Los Angeles in August.
Airport Accessibility
No Hub Airport: One of the unique features of Austin is that it doesn’t have a major hub airport. Flights often require two hops, first to a connecting city and then to the final destination. However, the airport is large enough to handle hub traffic, suggesting potential for growth. Austin’s proximity to hubs in other cities can make travel convenient for both residents and visitors.
Austinites consider Southwest Airlines a non-hub carrier, but San Antonio's proliferation of Southwest flights suggests that it may as well be one of their hubs. This could mean even more convenient travel options in the future, should an airline decide to establish a hub in Austin.
In conclusion, Austin, Texas, is much more than just its well-known features. It offers a unique blend of natural beauty, favorable living conditions, and a diverse social environment. Whether you’re a runner, an adventurer, or an entrepreneur, Austin has something to offer that makes it an underrated but highly attractive place to live.