Austin

Austin is the capital of Texas and one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States. Known for its live music scene, tech startups, and creative culture, it blends government, innovation, and counterculture in a vibrant and dynamic way.

Overview

Population: ~975,000 (metro area over 2.4 million)
Nicknames: Live Music Capital of the World, ATX
Founded: 1839 as the capital of the Republic of Texas
Geography: Located in Central Texas on the Colorado River and surrounded by rolling hills

Landmarks and Attractions

Texas State Capitol – one of the tallest capitol buildings in the U.S.
Sixth Street – nightlife and live music
Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool
The University of Texas at Austin (UT)
South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits (ACL) music festivals
Lady Bird Lake and hiking trails

Economy

Austin’s economy is powered by:

Technology and startups – part of the “Silicon Hills”
Government and higher education
Music, film, and digital media
Real estate and entrepreneurship

Major companies like Dell, Tesla, Apple, Google, and Oracle have a strong presence.

Culture and Lifestyle

“Keep Austin Weird” is more than a slogan — it reflects the city's creative spirit
Major hub for live music, arts, and innovation
Food scene includes legendary barbecue, Tex-Mex, and food trucks
Biking, kayaking, and outdoor recreation are central to daily life

Education and Research

University of Texas at Austin – flagship campus and research leader
Think tanks and research centers for tech, energy, and policy
A magnet for young talent, engineers, and digital creatives

Transportation

Austin–Bergstrom International Airport (AUS)
Capital Metro transit system and MetroRail
Bike-friendly with trails and scooter networks
Challenging traffic due to rapid population growth

Fun Facts

Hosts more live music venues per capita than anywhere in the U.S.
Was briefly called “Waterloo” before being renamed Austin
Bats under the Congress Avenue Bridge emerge by the thousands at dusk during summer