Austin, Texas Culture

Austin, the capital city of Texas, located at the foothills of Texas Hill County is an incredible place where you can settle and work, due to its vibrant entertainment and culture, exotic cuisines and amazing outdoor scenes. The city is known for its numerous rivers,lakes, and waterways. There is so much to do here and its mild climate lets you enjoy outdoor activities round the year. Austin is the fourth most populous city in Texas and growing at a considerable rate over the years.

Austin is known as “City of the Violet Crown” as a colorful glow of lights is visible across the hills at sunset. Austin is supposed to be a city with clean air due to the no-smoking ordinances that applies to all public places including bars and restaurants. There are three man-made lakes within the vicinity of Austin namely Lake Austin,Lady Bird Lake, and Lake Walter E. Long that provide the right venues for swimming, boating and other related activities. Rock climbing at the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Bull Creek Park and McKinney State Park provide challenges for both beginners and expert climbers.

Austin Culture

Austin can be generally described as a friendly and laid back place where the residents seem quite informal and helpful.Austin is proud of its sophistication and cultural liberalism but due to the presence of Latinos in large numbers, Latino American culture is also visible there.But as a state capital and being home to the University of Texas, the city has a politically charged and rich cultural environment.

Austin’s colorful past, imagination and vast nature can all be seen in the history, art and culture of the city. All this is visible in the cultural centers, museums, art markets outdoor theater and nature centers that make Austin very distinctive in nature. The Austin Fire Museum, Elisabet Ney Museum, Susanna Dickinson Museum and O’Henry Museum give a glimpse of Austin’s past history. The Austin Nature & Science Center, Ziker Botanical Garden and Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center can show you Austin’s nature at its best while the art scene is visible at the Asian American Resource Center or Dougherty Arts Center.

Cultural Events at Austin

Austin is rightly called the “live-music capital of the world” as you can find bands playing not only at venues but at several places around town. South by Southwest music fest is held every year while the Austin City Limits fest takes place in late summers. The “Trail of Lights” is a large event in Austin that has received national accolades while still being a cherished local tradition. This fest that began in the middle of last century has grown to be a community wide celebration that has expanded to about 2 million lights and 40 displays creating innumerable memories.

Austin is thus a relaxed yet energetic city but at the same time cultured, sophisticated and funky. It is basically a liberal city where one can dress quite casually but enjoy an active and sporty lifestyle.

Places to Live in Austin, Texas

Austin with its steep terrain, Colorado River, creeks and parks is one of the most exciting places to settle inAmerica and there are a good many reasons for this. Amazing landscapes, world-renowned scene for live music, esteemed restaurant culture, well kept green lawns, strong economy, pleasant climatea good education systemand a funky environment in the city all draw many new residents to Austin. If you are planning to relocate to this beautiful city Austin has some great neighborhoods to offer where you can settle and make your home in peace.

  1. Bastrop: Those interested in country living with the benefits of a city life can make Bastrop their home. Living in Bastrop is perfect for those who enjoy outdoors activities like fishing, kayaking and other water sports. The natural beauty of pine trees, four golf courses, Bastrop State Park and the Hyatt Lost Pines Resort & Spa all make Bastrop a very attractive proposition.
  2. Bee Cave: Bee Cave situated around 12 miles to the west of Austin is popular due to its scenic beauty and easy access to Austin. There is an intriguing mix of old and new homes with two school districts that have an excellent reputation as far as academics and sports are concerned. The Hill County Galleria in the area adds to the appeal of Bee Cave.
  3. Driftwood: is located between rolling hills and fantastic views in one of the most beautiful part of Texas, where peace and greenery abide yet be close to what Austin has to offer. The famous restaurant ‘The Salt Lick’ and Driftwood Estate Winery is found here. Other attractions are a club house with sauna, tennis courts and swimming pools.
  4. Buda:Enjoy a small town environment in Buda which is quite appealing. The County Fair, Buda Fine Arts Festival and Wiener Dog Races are annual events held in Buda that give a traditional sense of community in the area.
  5. Cedar Park: has in recent times become a much sought after place to live. Though once a sleepy town it has all the merits of being located near city living while enjoying a small town living.  With two independent school districts and a satellite campus of Texas State University, Twin Creeks, country club and golf course Cedar Park is quite popular with prospective residents who are looking for the right place.
  6. Dripping Springs: is just 25 minutes from downtown Austin and is popularly known as “The Gateway to Hill County”. Dripping Springs is a close knit community that has preserved the country values and lifestyle. This area appeals to families due to the best rated school district found here with elementary schools growing at a fast rate.
  7. Lakeway: is about 30 minutes from downtown Austin. This place is a golfer’s paradise as it is home to four gorgeous golf courses. Some homes in Lakeway offer spectacular views of Lake Travis where boating and sailing are in abundance

Besides these there are other good places to live in Austin like Liberty Hill, Lago Vista, Marble Falls, Manor, San Marcos, Taylor and many others.

FAQs

  1. Why is Austin best place to live in US?

The city of Texas named Austin is fastest growing city amongst fifty largest cities in US. The city is surrounded by lakes, waterways and rivers. The city has a beautiful climate which is much better than any other cities in US. The climate is very long, warm and hot summers and mild and short winters. The economy of the city is also really strong and due to the University in Austin new helping hands joining the economy of the city. The city being a high tech city the city is listed to be best city for career and business. The city has life as people here do not live just to earn, it has rich culture where in people celebrate festivals and enjoy music. It is also known as “Music capital of the World”.

  1. What are the annual cultural events organised in Austin?

The cultural events include OHenry Pun-off, Eeyore’s Birthday party, Reggae festival, Gay Pride, Craft Brewers Festival, Kite festival, Art City, Carnival Brasileiro and East Austin studio Tour. In the Sixth Street the annual festivals like Pecan Street Festival and Halloween night are also celebrated. The city has a rich culture and people are jolly who love enjoying music and life both.

  1. Why is the city known as “Music Capital of the world”?

The city has got live music scene happening all around of the streets of Austin. The music in the city revolves around 6th street and the night clubs and there is an annual music festival celebrated as well known to be South of Southwest. The restaurant, music venues and bars are major attraction for live music played in there. There are number of musical festivals organised in the city throughout the year making it to be a hub of music lovers and finally the Live Music Capital of the World.

  1. What are the major points of interest in the city?

Texas Memorial Museum, Bob Bullock Texas History Museum, Contemporary Austin, Blanton Museum of Art, Elisabet Ney Museum and Harry Ransom centre an art gallery are one of the most famous places to visit in the city. Then the arts displayed in circus and food streets also attract the people to come and visit the city and many a time choose to live here.

  1. What are the parks and recreation centres in Austin?

The city is having more than 50 swimming pools that are spread throughout the city. Barton Springs Pool the largest natural swimming pool is also situated in Austin. Hippie Hollow Park is famous for rockclimbing, swimming, kayaking, exploring, Mountain biking and hiking. Some naturally forming holes along greenbelts in Austin include Twin falls, Cambell’s Hole and Sculpture Falls.

  1. Does the city attract students as well?

Central Connecticut State University has given 16th position to Austin as one of the most literate city in the US. The city is reach not only of culture but also of libraries and literature. University of Texas-Austin is having 7th largest library in US.