• Live Music Capital of the World – You can catch a show any night of the week.
• Home to SXSW, Austin City Limits, and tons of indie venues and festivals.
• Artsy, funky, and full of local character—from murals to weird shops.

• Booming in tech, startups, engineering, film, and creative industries.
• Major companies like Apple, Tesla, Google, Oracle, and Meta have a big presence.
• If you’re in remote work or freelancing, the city’s full of co-working spaces and coffee shop culture.

• World-class BBQ (Franklin, Terry Black’s) + unbeatable tacos.
• Food truck culture is legit—you’ll find gourmet eats out of trailers everywhere.
• Also super vegetarian/vegan friendly if that’s your vibe.

• Lady Bird Lake for kayaking, paddleboarding, running, or biking.
• Barton Springs Pool – Natural spring-fed pool, crystal clear and cold (in the best way).
• Tons of trails, greenbelts, swimming holes, and even rock climbing at Reimers Ranch or Enchanted Rock.

• You get concerts, events, sports, nightlife—but also community and neighborhood pride.
• People are friendly, laid-back, and a little weird (in the best possible way).
• A ton of variety: hipster East Austin, family-friendly South Austin, Hill Country suburbs, etc.

• Housing used to be cheap—now it's not cheap but still more affordable than the Bay Area or NYC.
• No state income tax = more $$ in your pocket.
• Tons of people from California are moving there for this reason alone.

• Bars with dog patios, off-leash parks, dog splash zones—you name it.

• Sixth Street – Legendary nightlife strip with live music, bars, and people-watching.
• The Continental Club – Iconic music venue since the '50s (rock, blues, country).
• Mohawk & Stubb’s – Killer venues for indie, punk, hip hop, and more.
• Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater – See big-name acts or tapings of ACL.

• Lady Bird Lake – Kayak, paddleboard, bike the 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Trail.
• Barton Springs Pool – Chill in a spring-fed, 68°F natural pool right downtown.
• Zilker Park – Central Austin’s green playground for festivals, frisbee, or a picnic.
• Mount Bonnell – Short hike, epic sunset views over Lake Austin.

• Franklin BBQ – Famous for a reason (get in line early or order ahead).
• Torchy’s Tacos – Cult-favorite taco chain that started in a trailer.
• Veracruz All Natural – Hands-down some of the best breakfast tacos.
• Food Trucks Galore – Rainey Street, South Congress, and East Austin are hotspots.

• HOPE Outdoor Gallery – (New location coming soon) graffiti park full of wild, rotating street art.
• Cathedral of Junk – A legit backyard sculpture made from thousands of random things.
• South Congress (SoCo) – Boutique shopping, murals, vintage finds, and funky Austin vibes.
• Museum of the Weird – Freak show-meets-museum with all things odd and unusual.

• Hamilton Pool Preserve – A natural grotto and waterfall just 45 minutes west.
• Lake Travis – Rent a boat or just float with a drink in hand.
• Pedernales Falls State Park – Hike, swim, or just chill by the river.
• Hill Country Wine Tour – Local wineries, breweries, and distilleries in the surrounding area.

• SXSW (March) – Music, film, tech, and parties take over the city.
• Austin City Limits Festival (October) – Massive music fest in Zilker Park.
• Bat Watching at Congress Avenue Bridge – 1.5 million bats fly out at sunset (March–October).
• Blues on the Green – Free summer concerts in Zilker.

• Uncommon Objects – Weird and wonderful vintage store.
• Peter Pan Mini-Golf – Classic Austin kitsch.
• Alamo Drafthouse – Legendary indie theater with food and drinks at your seat.
• Oasis on Lake Travis – For drinks, dinner, and dramatic sunset views.

Whether you're into music, food, hiking, art, or just soaking up vibes—Austin’s got something for you. Want recommendations based on your mood, trip type, or neighborhood? I can narrow it down!