About Austin

Austin Neighborhood Spotlight Austin Texas real estate

Austin has a long history that has helped it evolve into the bustling city it is today. The capital of the new Republic of Texas began as a small town called Waterloo in 1839. As the town began to grow Waterloo was renamed after “the father of Texas” Stephen F. Austin. Access to the Colorado River continued to draw people to the area and a city began to form. By 1840, the Republic of Texas government had settled in Austin, and the population continued to grow. As the downtown grid began to take form, Congress Avenue was created to be the central street of the city. Early structures along Congress Avenue included government buildings, hotels, saloons, retail stores, and restaurants. To this day “The Avenue” and Pecan Street (now 6th Street) remain Austin’s principal business streets.


In the mid1900s, research groups and “think tanks” began to draw innovative businesses and high-tech companies to the area. The influx of cutting-edge business and groundbreaking technology has dubbed Austin with the nickname “Silicon Hills.” 

Rapid growth in and around the city has contributed to active neighborhood, environmental, and historic preservation communities that are integral to Austin’s civic life. Austin’s unique culture is found throughout the downtown area. The culture comes in the form of murals, music, unique boutiques, vintage shops, and friendly faces. The city proudly boasts the slogan “Keep Austin Weird,” which translates to “Keep Austin Local.” 

This energetic, outdoorsy city has a diverse population of college students, young professionals, musicians, and artists. There’s plenty to do year-round with a temperate climate and beautiful natural surroundings. Austin is home to several state parks and two beautiful lakes. Famous for its music scene, this city is known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” and home to Austin City Limits, one of the hottest music spots in the nation. Austin is also known for its local festival, South by Southwest, a highly acclaimed annual music and technology extravaganza.


Austin was voted the No. 1 place to live in America in 2018 based on affordability, job prospects, and quality of life. In 2021 WalletHub.com ranked this location No. 8 of the best large cities to start a business. And Travel+Leisure.com continues to include Austin among the top 15 cities in the United States to visit.  

With entertainment for all ages, a beautiful surrounding landscape, favorable employment opportunities, and unique, friendly culture, one could easily say that Austin has it all!

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