To my European comrades : 5 reasons why you should consider Austin to start with the American Dream
When I landed in Central Texas 11 months ago, I was far from expecting what I experienced in Austin so far. On a cold morning of March 2017, I recall my pap’ driving me to Charles de Gaulle airport in France and us talking about catching horses with a lasso, ending each discussion there with a western inspired punchline and then a look at the desert around me.
We still can reminisce of these fantasized times in some cultural and physical manifestations, such as Fort Alamo or San Antonio’s rodeos, but it’s almost imperceptible, basically way less than one (a french lad) could expect . In Texas, and particularly in Austin where I live, I discovered a little heaven where life is as good as it gets. I’ve been living in several different countries over the past 5 years, and have visited even more cities of the world during that period. Here are my top 5 reasons why Austin is such a great city to live in :
1.Howdy y’all !
Austinite hospitality isn’t a secret anymore, but hell yeah, it feels so good to be warmly welcome wherever you go, to talk with everybody in the street, no matter their backgrounds or looks and to feel in security at any time. A girl friend of mine recently told me that it’s the first time for her that she feels in security when walking back home a 2am on her own, and I bet that doesn’t happen often in other cities. Texan people are genuine, listening and always keen to share their best tips, bars, swimming holes or restaurants. They’ll probably even take you with them next time they go.
This has an important value from my, European, point of view. I may be critical, but I always thought that life encounters in the US are very easy but also very superficial, in opposition with Europe where it’s harder to engage discussion with a total unknown but where the interest given to conversations is maybe more sincere from the beginning. Entering Austin’s local social circle is way easier than anywhere else where I’ve been.
2.The Southern Oasis
Another cliché I believed about Texas concerned the supposed aridity and flatness of the state. Although that might be true in other parts of the state, Central Texas is anything but dry. If you pay a look at Austin surroundings, you’ll soon realize that first, the Colorado River flows through the city, but also that Austin is surrounded by lakes. The geography of these lakes, rivers and water tables created some exceptional features in Austin.
For instance, you can swim all year long in downtown-walking-distance Barton Springs pool in water between 68 and 74°, even when the air temperature drops under 32°. You can also hike the Green Belt, a 7.25 mile green canyon full of picturesque swimming holes such as Sculpture Falls or Lost Creek. Other swimming holes such as Hamilton Pool or Pedernales are worth the sight too ! At last, those who feel in a dynamic mood can hit Lake Austin for a wakeboard session or defy gravity in Pace Bend’s Deep Water Soloing playground.
So why is this important ? Because the ensuing quality of life is hardly comparable with other cities where I’ve been. With so many outdoor areas so close from the city, inhabitants can easily take a deep breath of nature on a daily basis, relax and stay in shape. There is no surprise that Austin is among the top 20 fittest cities in the US for almost a decade. I didn’t read any article about it, but I’ll also bet that Austinites are among the most happy and healthy people in the US.
3. The Silicon Hills
Business-wise, Austin has everything to seduce any professional and millennial. If you’re into the tech industry, Austin is certainly the place to go now.
The Silicon Hills is the name earned by the Austin metropolitan area over the past decade, due to Austin’s economic growth, the 2nd in the US in 2016 (and 1st according to this article). The local wages increased by 15% since 2006 (national : 13,2%).
The city is booming fast and steady : within the last 9 months, I saw the construction of 3 new business buildings around my workplace in Downtown. Google took 4 floors of one of them, Amazon just bought Austin-based Whole Food and will be soon neighbors with Facebook in the Domain (Austin’s 2nd downtown).
The lower costs and the vibrancy of the economic community turned Austin into a very attractive alternative to the Valley for both big and small businesses. Working in the startup industry, I can tell that Austin is among the best compromises between low cost of operations and structural opportunities to support business development.
4. Money-friendly
Considering its economic development and business opportunities, Austin is a pretty decent deal in terms of living cost. As of September 2017, Austin only ranked 33rd in median rent price nationwide. In comparison with SF, you would pay in average only 1/3 of SF rental price. Restaurant, bars, leisure and transportation cost are very affordable. I personally easily save money each month without depriving myself in terms of expenses. You’ll find more information on this website about Austin’s living cost.
5. City of Joy, City of Experiences
Last but not least, Austin’s cultural abundance is the icing on the cake. With more than 250 live music venues, nights out are always a good experience. You’ll listen to seasoned musicians, experience ecstatic dance floors and friendly crowds. Most of the nightlife articulates around 6th Street, divided in three sectors : East, “Dirty” and West. Texans are beer lovers and you’ll find a lot of awesome beer gardens such as AGBG, Craft Pride and others.
Austin also has a lot of museums showcasing different types of arts, and world known cultural festivals such as SXSW and ACL that brings hundreds of thousands of people in the city every year. Other cultural centers includes Clarksville and its street art, the East side of Austin and its many artist studios and the Central South (SoCo and SoLa). I couldn’t finish this paragraph without mentioning Texans most illustrious pride, the BBQ ! Spoiler alert for meat lovers : that’s a paradise.
As I said, this is just a personal top 5 reasons to live in Austin, but it’s actually just a glimpse of what the city has to offer. I could mention typical events such as Eeyore’s Birthday, the peacefulness when you walk in Hyde Park District or the fervour of UT games, but all such things quickly come to people when they start learning about Austin.
I wrote this article mainly because I think Austin doesn’t get the attention it deserves in France and in Europe. The American dream does not reside anymore in clogged city such as SF or NY that crush development perspectives with oppressive costs and fierce competition, but in emerging cities such as Austin where opportunities flow and life is good.
So dear network, next time you think about landing on the American market, take the time to observe growing cities. Austin is a good example, but I could cite Phoenix, Boulder, Denver or San Diego that are also American market.
Better be a big fish in a lake rather than a small one in the ocean
