Austin Texas was recently named the #1 “Fastest Growing City in the United States” by Forbes for 2012 doubling in population every 20 years. Nestled in the Texas Hill Country Austin offers both big city conveniences and small town charm. Austin consistently tops rankings from the “No. 1 Boom Town” [Forbes] to the “Best City for Job Creation” [U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics].
Host of the renowned South by Southwest and Austin City Limits festivals Austin is best known as the “Live Music Capital of the World.” Home of the University of Texas Longhorns and the ever-expanding tech mecca with Dell Apple Samsung among many successful companies and start-ups Austin offers the perfect balance of business and fun. This year Austin will step into the international spotlight with the debut of the multi-purpose motorsports and entertainment facility for the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix and the MotoGP.
URBAN EVOLUTION
It’s not surprising that given all the activity events and significant population growth that Downtown Austin has expanded too. Less than a decade ago living Downtown was considered a novelty with very few options.
Today Downtown Austin is a thriving neighborhood comprised of major business headquarters (car2go Whole Foods Home Away GSD&M Silicon Laboratories and Cirrus Logic to name a few) and diverse new living options (Spring Condominiums The Ashton and many more). The recent arrival of The Austonian The Four Seasons Residences and The W Hotel & Residences has not only transformed the Downtown skyline with architecturally significant landmarks but also ushered in a lively cultural scene (Austin Museum of Art The Blanton Museum Ballet Austin and others) entertainment venues (include Austin Music Hall Austin City Limits Moody Theatre) and eclectic restaurants and eateries (e.g. Congress Second Bar + Kitchen Lambert’s La Condesa 24 Diner Ranch 616 and the newly opened Easy Tiger).
DOWNTOWN LIVING
With all the excitement and energy many assume that Downtown living is best suited for singles young couples or empty nesters. However with the recent growth and new development Downtown Austin has become a highly desirable community for families too.
According to the Downtown Austin Association there were 4000 Downtown residents in 1990. That number doubled by 2009 and today almost 300000+ people live within five miles from the heart of Downtown Austin – and those numbers include young families who are enjoying all that Downtown has to offer. Whether a destination to work play or live – Downtown Austin has it all and more.
THE EPITOME OF HEALTH
The proper work-life balance plays an integral role in the lives of Austinites. There is no shortage of hard-working driven professionals. The difference between Austin and other cities is that these professionals play hard too. Whether it’s running or biking on the Lady Bird Lake hike and bike trail paddle boarding or kayaking on the lake working out at the gym or enjoying a yoga class Austinites energize their bodies and calm their minds with the vast array of outdoor and indoor activities available.
