Lifestyle

If you’ve never considered that Austin might be the pot of gold at the end of your rainbow, we’ll give you the benefit of the doubt. After all, plenty of people still think Texas is full of tumbleweeds, gunslingers and hot, thirsty afternoons, right? Well, something of the frontier quality still exists in this neck of the oak– and pecan–filled woods, but Austin is really an oasis in the middle of all that "high lonesome" — a city nestled among the rolling hills and lakes of Central Texas, the seat of state government, an educational Mecca with seven area universities and an entertainment complex that includes the best of live music, the arts and all the fun of the great outdoors.

As for that frontier quality, you don’t have to be all that intrepid to find anything your heart desires in this exceptional city — from a gorgeous new home to a terrific meal, to a gig on stage at any of hundreds of musical hot spots. Austin is full of movers and shakers, so move in and shake with the best.

Neighborhoods

Austin offers something for everyone, boasting a diverse range of neighborhoods within and around the city limits. Newcomers can locate housing options near every employment center in the Austin area.

Central Austin: Central Austin is seeing a revitalization in its housing market, with several loft renovations and the introduction of new housing to historical structures such as the Brown Building. You can find apartment and condominium developments near the Central Business District, the Capitol Complex and the entertainment district, or you can choose to live in the historic communities that surround the University of Texas, where Victorian and craftsman–style homes are available.

East Austin: Diversity among the neighborhoods east of I–35 includes groundbreaking master–planned communities, neighborhoods that sprang up in the first half of the century and homes that reflect Austin"s Victorian roots.

West Austin: In West Downtown, neighborhoods such as Clarksville and Enfield feature tastefully updated homes as well as renovation projects and student rentals.

North Austin: Close–in North Austin neighborhoods offer optimal access to the city’s north industrial market at an affordable price. Many of the city’s new apartment complexes are located in the North Austin area.

Northwest Austin: This area is one of Austin’s fastest–growing sectors, drawing services like Seton Northwest Hospital, as well as considerable retail attention.

Far Northwest Austin: Newly developed master–planned communities combine elegant new homes with substantial acreage and terrific access to the lakes, the wealth of retailers at Lakeline Mall and new employment centers.

Lake Travis: As Austin’s first and most exclusive master–planned community, Lake Travis offers residents superior access to lake recreation and numerous golf courses.

South Austin: The entire South Austin sector offers great access via a grid of east–west streets just a stone’s throw from downtown. Travis Heights includes older neighborhoods that afford exceptional access to the downtown area. The successful 4,000–acre master–planned community of Circle C Ranch also is located in South Austin.

Far South Austin: "Bedroom" communities like Manchaca, Buda and Kyle offer country living—from large "spreads" to cozy cottages—within easy reach of the city.

Southeast Austin: Southeast Austin is experiencing a transformation accompanying the new airport and Advanced Micro Devices’ new chip plant.

Southwest Austin: Southwest Austin offers the extraordinary natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country and the challenges of strict environmental ordinances.

San Marcos: The city of San Marcos, south of Austin, is a charming community with a river winding its way through small streets and a historic university reigning on the hill. With shady streets and friendly neighbors, San Marcos attracts many who want to escape the everyday bustle of the big city. Affordable homes are available in master–planned communities.

Round Rock and Pflugerville: Two of the fastest growing cities in the area, Round Rock and Pflugerville offer close proximity to new employment centers as well as newly built homes.

Georgetown: Georgetown is being transformed from a quiet county seat to a bustling hot spot. With the creation last year of the Sun City Georgetown retirement community, steady growth has given way to an out–and–out boom.

Education

With its seven area universities and colleges, its award–winning public and private schools and its penchant for churning out some of the smartest people on the planet, Austin might seem a little daunting when it comes to figuring out where you or your children are going to fit into this buzzing hive of learning.

Make yourself smarter by clicking through the various available options that satisfy your need to learn. Universities, Grades K–12, public or private, it’s all here, including local maps to help you find which elementary, middle or high school your child might attend.

Cost of Living

If you’re planning to relocate to Austin, you’ll want to know how far your paycheck will stretch once you’re here. If you’re used to cheap rents or inexpensive health care, you don’t want to be surprised once you’ve decided that Austin is your next stop.

When compared to cities like Portland, Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, and Boston which are developing high–tech industries similar to Austin’s, you’ll notice your hard–earned dollar stretching further.

Compared to these competing cities, you’ll find yourself almost always paying less for transportation, utilities, health care, and other goods and services. And when it comes to staples like housing and groceries, Austin trumps the others with comparatively cheaper prices for both food (Texas does not apply sales tax to unprepared food items) and housing.

Cost of Living Comparative Data — 2nd Quarter 2001

Next Update: October 2002

Note: The ACCRA Cost of Living Index measures differences between areas in the cost of consumer goods and services, excluding taxes and non–consumer expenditures. It measures the relative price levels for consumer goods and services in participating areas. The average for a participating place, both metropolitan and non–metropolitan, equals 100, and each participant’s index is read as a percentage of the average for all places.