I've lived in Austin for nearly 20 years, and if you asked me why I still call it home I could give you a short answer and a long one. The short answer: it just fits. The long answer is what follows — ten reasons (plus a bonus) that explain why Austin feels like the best city on earth to me. This is the kind of place where live music bleeds into breakfast tacos, where you can swim in a natural spring then catch a world-class concert, and where startup founders show up in flip flops and still change the game.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- 1. Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World
- 2. It Still Feels Like a Small Town
- 3. Nature Integrated with City Living
- 4. Food That Will Ruin You in the Best Way
- 5. No State Income Tax
- 6. A Startup Culture with Soul
- 7. Family Friendly with a Weird Edge
- 8. Sunshine Almost All Year Long
- 9. People Want to Visit You Here
- 10. You Can Be Yourself Here
- 11. Bonus: Amazing Suburbs Around Austin
- FPractical Tips for Moving to Austin
- FAQs About Moving to Austin, Texas
- Final Thoughts
Introduction
Before we jump into the list, a quick note on tone and purpose: this is part love letter, part field guide. After nearly two decades in Austin I've learned the city in ways you only get from living here — the day-to-day rhythms, the weird little rituals, and the practical trade-offs. The ten reasons below are a mix of the emotional (why it feels like home) and the practical (why people actually move here), sprinkled with photos and concrete tips.
If you're thinking about visiting, relocating, or just curious why so many people moving to Austin, read this as a curated tour from someone who’s raised a family, worked here and watched the city grow. Each section highlights a core reason I love Austin, gives real examples, and points to the parts of life the reason affects — from weekend plans to finances and school choices.
There are FAQs and practical moving tips later in the post, plus a bonus on surrounding suburbs if you want more space or different school options. Ready? Let’s get into the ten reasons Austin feels like the best city on earth to me.
1. Austin is the Live Music Capital of the World
Austin's claim to fame is not just a billboard slogan — it is a lived reality. There is live music everywhere, all day, seven days a week. You want folk? It's here. Hardcore punk? Check. R&B, blues, funk, world music, hip-hop, singer-songwriters, orchestral performances, DJ nights — the list is endless. Walking around Austin on any given night you can find music in tiny hole-in-the-wall venues and in world-class halls.
When I was younger I played in punk and rock bands and Austin was always the city we wanted to play in. Festivals like South by Southwest and ACL get the headlines, but what makes Austin special is the daily, approachable music culture. Small coffee shops, tapas bars, backyard venues and dedicated music halls like Bass Concert Hall, the Moody Center, and the Moody Amphitheater host everything from local acts to international touring artists. If you love live music in any form, Austin will change the way you relate to sound — it becomes part of your week, not just an occasional event.
2. It Still Feels Like a Small Town
People often call Austin the "biggest small town" and for obvious reasons. Despite explosive growth over the past two decades, the community vibe remains close-knit. You run into people you know in places you would never expect — a coffee shop 15 miles from your house, a different suburb, or a school event. That friendly, even front-porch style culture is part of the DNA here. If you walk past a neighbor without at least a smile or a nod, it feels off — that's how connected people still are.
That connection isn't just nostalgia. It influences daily life: neighbors look after each other, small local businesses thrive on repeat customers, and there's a sense that you can live here and still be known by your community. For families, singles, creatives and professionals, that warmth can be surprisingly grounding in an otherwise rapidly growing metro area.
3. Nature Integrated with City Living
One of Austin's magic tricks is how naturally beautiful it remains despite being a capital city. Drive along Mopac and cross Lady Bird Lake and you get panoramic views — downtown skyline on one side, the West Lake Hills rolling on the other. The city feels like a patchwork of urban energy and natural escape.
What makes Austin uniquely livable is the accessibility of swimming holes, springs and creeks within city limits. Barton Springs Pool is a bucket-list place for anyone coming through. This natural pool stays cool year round and it's a surreal experience to float in spring-fed water while the skyline looms in the background. Deep Eddy Pool, Barton Creek Greenbelt, Bull Creek, Twin Falls, and dozens of other creek entrances let you disappear into nature without a long drive. These green arteries run through the city and invite people to get outside — hike, swim, paddleboard, or just sit and watch the sun set.
Yes, summers get hot. But for me and many others it's a trade-off worth making for direct access to natural places in the middle of town. The combination of urban amenities and outdoor life is rare and it shapes a lifestyle that feels effortless and active.
4. Food That Will Ruin You in the Best Way
Austin's food scene is relentless in the best possible sense. From barbecue that competes with any place on the planet to breakfast tacos that will permanently reset your taco expectations, the culinary variety here is staggering. The city consistently births new restaurants, bakeries, coffee shops and food trucks that raise the bar across cuisines.
I've eaten all over the world and I still say some of my favorite bites ever were right here in Austin: Texas-style barbecue, insane breakfast tacos, ramen and dim sum that stand up to big-city standards, and pizzas that made me rethink everything I knew about crusts. Add in world-class coffee, pastries, craft ice cream, and burgers that show serious commitment to the patty and bun, and you get a city where choosing a dinner spot can become a delightful crisis of indecision.
Date night planning in Austin often morphed into paralysis by analysis. There are just too many great options, and that abundance becomes part of the charm. If you are a serious foodie — or a casual one who still values good eating — Austin is an almost unfair advantage.
5. No State Income Tax
This is one of the more practical reasons Austin attracts people from high-tax states. Texas does not have a state income tax, which means your paycheck can go a lot farther here — especially if you are moving from places like California, New York or New Jersey. More take-home pay lets you save, invest or spend more locally on experiences and home upgrades.
It is important to be realistic: property taxes in Texas are higher than in many other states. Expect effective property tax rates around 2.5% in the Austin area, sometimes edging into the low threes depending on your neighborhood. Many newcomers are shocked by this, but when you run the numbers against the absence of state income tax, for many households the net financial picture works out very favorably. If you want a detailed analysis based on your numbers, talk to a financial planner or CPA to see how a move might affect your financial situation.
6. A Startup Culture with Soul
Austin has a startup scene that feels authentic, weird, and alive. It is not a copy of Silicon Valley nor is it trying to be. You will see a tech founder in shorts and flip flops next to a creative director in a thrifted blazer. That mix of earnestness, eccentricity, and real talent gives Austin a weird energy that many founders and creators find irresistible.
There are great resources for entrepreneurs — accelerators, incubators, investors and skilled talent — but the real strength is a culture that values authenticity. If you are an entrepreneur who values being yourself, Austin rewards that approach. The city encourages creative problem solving and original thinking rather than a one-size-fits-all corporate posture. That authenticity is not just feel-good branding; it is a practical advantage when you are trying to recruit talent, build relationships, or find customers who value realness.
7. Family Friendly with a Weird Edge
Austin is often talked about for its suburbs, and those suburban pockets are undeniably family friendly. But the city itself also supports family life in meaningful ways. There are parks, playgrounds, great museums, and a standout children’s museum that keeps little minds busy. Swimming spots and accessible nature make summertime a tactile joy for kids. Sports events like Austin FC and University of Texas games provide family outings that create traditions.
School quality can vary by neighborhood and zoning, but there are genuinely excellent public, private and charter options across the Austin area. Having been a teacher earlier in life, I can honestly say there are robust schools that produce happy students and involved parents. If school district fit is important to you, do the homework on specific neighborhoods, and consider connecting with local educators or real estate pros who know school zoning intimately.
Another point less talked about is the presence of vibrant faith communities of all sizes. If being part of a church community matters to your family, Austin offers choices ranging from small, intimate congregations to massive mega churches and newer church plants. That diversity helps families find a spiritual home that matches their values and style.
8. Sunshine Almost All Year Long
Austin averages over 300 days of sunshine annually. That is not just a climate stat, it shapes daily life. Outdoor activities, neighborhood gatherings, youth sports and community events populate calendars nearly year round. The sunny weather influences mood and energy levels — for many people this is a major quality of life improvement over long, dreary winters.
Yes, summers can be intense. But the prevalence of outdoor living — patios, pools, greenbelts and festivals — means folks plan around heat instead of letting it cancel life. If daylight and sunshine improve your mental health and activity level, Austin delivers in spades.
9. People Want to Visit You Here
One weird, practical perk of living in Austin: friends and family actually want to come visit. Not every city has that gravitational pull. If you moved to a place people associate with dreary weather or limited attractions, your visitors list may shrink. In Austin, the combo of music, food, outdoor spaces, and events makes it an easy sell for people planning a weekend trip.
That has two effects. First, you get to see your people more often, which is a social boon. Second, it enhances your hosting life — you can show off the city without feeling like you need to scramble for activities. That’s a small domestic pleasure but one that keeps quality-of-life high for social people.
10. You Can Be Yourself Here
Austin has always been a place that values authenticity over appearances. Blue collar and white collar coexist, artists and engineers collide, and the city embraces a wide political and cultural range. More important than labels is being real. If you are honest about who you are — not performing to a stereotype — you will be accepted and likely thrive.
The paradox is that even as a tech scene and new wealth flow into the city, the local cultural barometer still leans toward authenticity. Being fake or overly polished is not the way to fit in here. Instead, showing up as you are — creative, quirky, passionate, compassionate — is what creates community and opportunity in Austin.
11. Bonus: Amazing Suburbs Around Austin
Austin proper is only part of the story. The surrounding suburbs are some of the most livable and self-contained communities you can find. Places like Georgetown, Leander, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Dripping Springs and Bastrop are full towns in their own right: excellent schools, family-friendly neighborhoods, local economies, parks and community events.
If you want a quieter pace, larger yards, or different school options, the suburbs give you alternatives without cutting you off from Austin’s culture and jobs. Many suburbs have their own local music nights, farmer’s markets, and community festivals. The beauty of living near Austin is that you can choose a lifestyle that matches your needs — urban, suburban or somewhere in between.
Practical Tips for Moving to Austin
- Decide what you value most: access to nature, school zoning, proximity to downtown, commute time, or property style.
- Run a post-tax budget comparison when moving from a high income tax state to Texas; factor in higher property taxes and different living costs.
- Visit neighborhoods at different times of day and on weekends to get a feel for traffic, noise and community activity.
- Check school zoning maps well before house hunting if public schools are important for your family.
- Take advantage of seasonal festivals and local music nights to taste the culture before you commit.
If you’re planning a move to Austin, have questions about neighborhoods, schools, taxes, or just want a local agent to guide you, reach out anytime — call or text: (512) 855-2713.
FAQs About Moving to Austin, Texas
What neighborhoods in Austin have the best access to live music and nightlife?
Neighborhoods like South Congress, Rainey Street, East Austin and the area around the University of Texas offer dense access to live music, bars and food truck courts. Downtown and the Warehouse District host larger venues and festivals. For a more local scene you can explore smaller spots in North Loop and Hyde Park.
Is it expensive to live in Austin compared to other major U.S. cities?
Housing prices have risen significantly over the past decade, making some parts of Austin less affordable than before. Compared to San Francisco or New York, Austin can still be more affordable, especially on a post-tax basis due to no state income tax. Suburbs often offer better value for families seeking more space.
Are there good schools in Austin?
Yes, there are many highly rated schools across Austin and its suburbs. School quality varies by zone, so research specific districts like Eanes ISD, Lake Travis ISD, Round Rock ISD, and Leander ISD for top-rated options. Private and charter schools also provide alternatives depending on family priorities.
How do property taxes affect the overall cost of living in Austin?
Texas relies more heavily on property taxes and local taxes instead of income tax. Property tax rates in Austin often average around 2.5% to low 3% depending on the county and municipality. Many newcomers find that the lack of state income tax offsets higher property taxes, but individual circumstances will vary so consult a financial advisor.
What are the best outdoor activities around Austin?
Popular outdoor activities include swimming at Barton Springs and Deep Eddy, hiking and mountain biking in the Barton Creek Greenbelt, paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake, exploring the Hill Country, and visiting nearby natural areas like McKinney Falls State Park. Parks and trails are plentiful and accessible year round.
Is Austin a good place for entrepreneurs and startups?
Yes. Austin has a vibrant startup scene with accelerators, investors and incubators. The culture prizes creativity and authenticity, making it a welcoming place for founders. The city’s tech, creative and music communities often cross-pollinate, generating ideas and partnerships that fuel startups.
Final Thoughts
Austin is a rare blend of things that rarely coexist: live-from-the-heart music culture, an earnest startup scene, remarkable food diversity, year-round sunshine and accessible natural escapes. It manages to feel both like a small town and a rapidly growing metropolis. The people here value authenticity; that shapes everything from business relationships to neighborhood friendships.
If you are dreaming about moving to Austin, weigh the practical items — housing, schools, taxes — and also consider the less tangible benefits: easy access to nature, friends who actually want to visit, and a city that makes space for the person you really are. For me, those nonquantifiable pieces are the glue that keeps me here. Austin is the city where I want to raise my family, build businesses and keep discovering new music and restaurants every year.
Whether you are a musician, an entrepreneur, a parent, a foodie, or someone who simply wants more sunshine in their life, Austin offers an abundance that can change how you live and what you love. Come see for yourself. You might just find, like I did, that this city becomes a place you cannot imagine leaving.
