📖 About Austin

Austin soared to the #1 spot among the biggest U.S. cities in 2025 economic boomtown rankings after ranking #5 the previous year. The Texas capital is a "clear leader" in GDP and broad-based growth, driven by a remarkable 51% surge in gross domestic product fueled by rapid job creation in tech, manufacturing, and professional services. A 33% hike in median income and 71% increase in new business applications further confirm Austin's explosive economic momentum.

About 40.2 million out-of-towners visited downtown Austin ("Austin's living room") in 2024, drawn by events like SXSW, ACL Festival, Texas Longhorn football games, and the vibrant live music scene. Downtown hotel inventory more than doubled from 6,800 rooms in 2014 to over 15,000 rooms in 2025. International travel demand is rising with new direct flights from British Airways and Lufthansa.

The culinary scene has achieved global recognition with 9 of Texas' 15 Michelin-starred restaurants located in Austin, plus 23 Michelin-recommended restaurants and 6 James Beard nominations in 2025. The city made the dramatic decision to tear down and rebuild the Austin Convention Center—the $1.6 billion redevelopment begins after SXSW 2025 for completion by SXSW 2029.

🏛️ Top Attractions

💼 Economy & Culture

Austin is "Silicon Hills"—a thriving tech hub attracting innovators in artificial intelligence, sustainable energy, and startups. Major tech companies and corporate relocations have transformed the skyline, while the business core is diversifying beyond tech to include law firms, financial institutions, and professional services. Texas was named America's Top Business Climate for the third year running by Site Selection magazine.

Austin's culture embodies "Keep Austin Weird"—celebrating local business, live music, and creative expression. Over 250 live music venues make every night a concert opportunity. The outdoors lifestyle embraces Lady Bird Lake, hiking the Greenbelt, and swimming at Barton Springs. Food trucks and taco stands define the casual dining culture alongside Michelin-starred establishments. The University of Texas anchors academic life and Longhorn sports passion.

📜 History

Austin was founded in 1839 as the capital of the Republic of Texas, named for Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas." The city developed as a government and university center, with the University of Texas opening in 1883. For decades Austin remained relatively small, known for politics, education, and a laid-back creative scene.

The tech boom began with Michael Dell's computer company in 1984, accelerating through the 1990s and exploding after 2010 with major corporate relocations. SXSW launched in 1987, growing into a global phenomenon. Today's Austin balances explosive growth with efforts to preserve the eclectic culture that made it attractive. Light rail construction begins in 2027 with full 10-mile operation expected by 2033, signaling continued transformation.