To live there, nahhhh, CA is so much better. But, to have some short vacation, partying up there, yeah, maybe. I was there for a business trip, so my opinions might be a little bite off. The only thing I heart about the place is "6th" STREET!!! If you're there, you gotta visit 6th street. However, BE CAREFUL which part of 6th street you ended up on. My group and I went to the wrong 6th street, which was BORING!!!! There's are clubs there, but the vibe just ain't right. We had to take the pity cab to get to the right 6th where all the parties were happening. You know what's awesome about that part of the 6th street? There's NO COVERAGE CHARGE @ all. We were able to go into 3 clubs, and have a drink at each. Since Cosmo is my favorite drink, I decided to order one at each club I stopped at. First one, perfect, 2nd one, can't tastes any alcohol, 3rd, tastes like cough medicine. I guess it's just a hit and miss, well... I guess it's more like 1 hit and 2 misses. So which 6th street is right and which is wrong? Well, the one with the street closed off to car for about 3 blocks long, and filled with people and craziness ^^ As for the food in Austin, not my taste. I had one great great BBQ at Ruby's Barbeque & Catering and that's pretty much it. Maybe I'm walking in all the wrong restaurant, any yelpers wanna introduce me to some right places to eat? Bottom line, not my kinda place to wanna take a vacation. read more

I couldn't wait to visit Austin. We went downtown for the music and food, the homeless population is absolutely appalling. They are passed out on the streets everywhere, and the ones that aren't passed out harass you for money. One man in particular actually followed us, cursing and yelling at us......this was in the middle of the day. My mother was scared to death that we would be attacked. Downtown is dirty and felt extremely unsafe. The traffic is terrible. No matter where you go or what time of the day you travel, be prepared to hurry up and wait. We actually cut our well deserved vacation short to get away from Austin. It's unfortunate as we were SO excited to visit. Austin, you need to clean up your city! read more

14. Austin Cost of Living vs. Spending -- Just to elaborate further, Austin property taxes have increased year after year- to the top level allowed by law. City fees have gone up. Water rates have soared. Electric rates are rising. Increases are often disproportionately higher for average homeowners and small businesses than for big businesses. With better people in the city council and mayor's office, we might have avoided this sudden rush for an enormous electric rate increase. Same with raising water rates year after year. It's true that some increases might be necessary, but Austin could have avoided many with better management, better oversight, and better vision. Austin has been been incredibly irresponsible in spending our tax dollars. There have been too many give-a-ways, bad deals, and too much bad management. Austin operates with an old school model that gives away city assets because they think we need to pay people to come here. Examples: - Four million dollar subsidy to a high rise hotel that the owners were going to build anyway, while shutting more community swimming pools. - Formula One race track - $250 million dollar state tax subsidy, when our school district was considering closing some neighborhood schools. 15. Austin Quality of life - despite the rapid growth here, Austin's poverty rate is increasing. Year after year we're the most congested city of our size in the nation. 16. Austin Residential Property Appraisals -- Increased 110% in last 10 Years, While All Other Categories Increased Much Less. Residents are shouldering a disproportionate share of the tax burden compared to all other property, making it more difficult for middle class families to live in Austin. According to the most recent City of Austin Comprehensive Annual Financial Report, Single Family Property appraisals increased 110% in the last 10 years, while in the same period Commercial Property appraisals increased just 43% and undeveloped land appraisals have actually DECREASED by 7%. Living is Austin is completely overrated, if you can't quite get the message here. It is not leading in affordability. It's completely unfair to locals when lobbyists and insiders can get special deals while city hall forces citizens to pay for it. read more

We decided to visit Austin as a possible city to move to. So after this trip I can day without a doubt we would never move there! As per other reviews the homeless are running rancid and sleeping in the windows of store fronts! It is very much like San Fransisco. There was a street that was nothing but homeless people sleeping on the sidewalks with feces linning the street. Compared to NY City, NY is a paradise! Now the outskirts of the city are a total different story, Round Rock and some of the surrounding cities are absolutely gorgeous, but you have to go 30 to 45 mintes away from the actual city of Austin. Overall a big disappointment. read more

Of course I wait until I'm moving out of Austin to write about the city I fell in love with, but here it goes.. Its hard to really explain how awesome Austin is in words really. Many of the things about Austin that make it so great are all of the 'in-the-know' places and experiences. Its a little sad to see that for example most UT students never really venture out of the UT campus to see what makes Austin so special. My hope is that some of the curious, adventurous types sees this list and tries something new out! MUSIC: So there are many cities out there that have a good vibrant indie music scene, but Austin, for such a small town, has such a large number of music events passing through at any given time. Add to the fact that most of the concerts are played within walking distance of each other in downtown Austin and you have the magical combination of choice and convenience. In addition, most Austinites are extremely well versed in indie music and tend to sell out venues for lesser known bands as compared to shitty cities like say.. Houston. Lastly, we have SXSW.. four days of musical indie bliss where over 1800 bands grace our city and the ACL music festival lasting three days. I used showlistaustin.com religiously to keep up with the music here. PEOPLE: The people are really what make the city and we've got all sorts of em. Weirdness is appreciated here and totally sought after actually. We tend to hate things like chain businesses because we love individuality.. so we've got a lot of zany shops and restaurants that are locally owned. The UT student population keeps the city young with a large influx every semester of new students, graduating students, returning graduates, and international students. The average Austinite is well educated, friendly, and appreciative of things out of the ordinary. I'd also argue that we have some of the best looking people in Texas! FOOD: Always pushing the envelope on things, I think Austin has some of the most cutting edge food in Texas. We've got Uchi, the top Japanese fusion restaurant in the Southwest area and the Airstream trailer food concept that wouldn't fly in any other city. I challenge you to find better tacos than Tacodeli or more inventive pizza than East Side Pies. Gourdough's doughnuts (served out of an Airstream) is some of the best you'll ever have. Plus most places are dog friendly so you can bring your dog in! ENTERTAINMENT: Besides the aforementioned Music section, Austin has many other things such as 6th St (and 5th and 4th st). Nowhere else will you find a street closed off to traffic full of bars and dance clubs jam packed with young (and old) people every Thurs, Fri, and Sat. Add to it that on Thursdays most everything is $1-$3 for a drink and you have a recipe for crazy cheap fun. Halloween on 6th St is also amazing.. half a million people show up in the craziest costumes.. you get the idea. We've also got UT Football, Basketball, and Baseball in the Fall and Spring. If you're not a UT fan, there's Alamo Drafthouse, Esther's Follies, the Bats, South Congress, Cathedral of Junk and much more. OUTDOORS: I love summertime in Austin because that means one thing.. water activities! Jetskiing, boating, cliffjumping at Lake Travis.. Kayaking on Town Lake.. Floating the Comal/Guadalupe.. Barton Springs Pool.. Plus we have Zilker Park for those who like large expanses of greenery and numerous dog parks. The Greenbelt is a haven for hikers and mountain bikers. I'm sad to leave but Austin has been good to me.. I hope she treats you well too!!!! read more

Austin is the best city in Texas. If you're young and in your 20s, you'll probably love Austin. For the rest of us, the active nightlife, ubiquitous live music, plethora of festivals, and wide selection of independent coffeeshops will suffice. Austin is a vibrant city with a sense of community. People who live here actually love it here and speak positively about their city. Locals often enthusiastically shell out an extra xyz% to buy products from their local, independent store instead of the Walmart. Customer service in general is great; salespeople and waitstaff seem genuinely friendly. Crime is so low I feel safe walking around downtown alone at 3 am. The cost of living is really low. Residential homes and apartments not too far from the city center are still quite affordable. Half the reason I like Austin is the Town Lake trail and the other half is the people. I grew up in suburban Houston watching countless reports of crime on the evening news and became cynical of humanity from the people I'd encountered in life. Since moving to Austin for school and then the miserable post-undergraduate work life, my faith in humanity has mostly been restored. People in Austin are really laidback, honest, ethical, educated, open-minded, polite, and friendly. They are also really fit and beautiful in general--your coworker or neighbor is probably a marathoner or a triathlete. Driving on Austin roads is a far more relaxing experience than on Houston roads. I also like the high density of vegans and vegetarians in Austin. My favorite vegan Yelper is Jenny L. (http://www.yelp.com/user_details?userid=PJs6YcG-iKBm-RQD7FMAtA). I took off a star for the occasionally-oppressive summer heat and also for making me feel retired since I've been out of college. Other things about Austin I hate are the presence of wild deer in the west side of town, the hills that make my 4-cylinder econobox struggle, the high-rise residential buildings going up downtown, the 98% rental occupancy that leads to 10% rent increases every time my lease is up for renewal, and the high density of rich people who vote for Obama. read more

Austin, how do I love thee? Let me count the ways....... 1. You're not Houston or Dallas. 2.What traffic? Ever been in LA, Chicago, New York, Atlanta or Miami (or above)? 3. I'll take 105 degrees over 3 feet of dirty snow and negative temperature any day. 4. Minorities, gay, strange, tattooed/pierced or Tea Party we don't GIVE A SHIT. 5. More great food trucks and restaurants here than gyms. 6. Legal for women to be "topless" anywhere and I don't mean a convertible. 7. We have a drinking problem.....yeah, so what? 8. We still open doors for women down here. 9. The words Y'ALL and AMIGO in the same sentence are not frowned upon. 10. Years ago we were the only Texas City that voted FOR gay marriage, now look! I love thee to the depth and breadth and height My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight For the ends of being and ideal grace. read more

Will never go back. from new york area and i honestly have never seen this amount of homeless in my life. its like the walking dead. on every corner. like zombies following you. very unsettling. rode a rental bike a few miles in each direction of downtown, no clusters of cool shops, no real scene worth checking. and 6th street is a wannabe new orleans. I am told there are some great neighborhoods, shops etc outside of the downtown area but gee how far was i supposed to ride? i locked the bike up and left early. im sure people will say dont let the door hit ya on the ass, but dudes, your city doesnt show well on first impression. sorry. read more

I love this town. I love to love it. I love to hate it. But mostly... I love it. I have lived many places all over the world, and Austin is one place I truly feel like I belong. Of course, I live in South Austin. I'd probably feel ever so differently if I lived north. I love the eclectic nature of it's inhabitants. All these people who moved here from somewhere else and made it their homes. Those who've moved here and then complain that it's not like where they're from... they can leave. Those who've adapted and taken their place in the ecosystem... y'all can stay. I don't know if I'll live here forever... but I know it'll always be home. read more

Serious? I can write a review on my own city? THIS is why I love Yelp. Austin, Austin, Austin...I feel like I should compose a song and sing it at the top pf my lungs on top of the 360 bridge and then jump into the lake, get on a boat that will take me to town lake, after running the Congress loop I would stop off at W 6th and have a drink with all my pals. Phew! Then I'd do it all over again the next day. This is the best city in Texas....OK in AMERICA! I would never leave and I plan to stay. The property is cheap, there is tons to do, and it's always interesting! Austin is a great place for single people, families, and retirees. (Will the latter two just stay outta my way though?) In Austin you can start up a new business, find super cool jobs, or just be homeless- either way the people support ya! Cheers to Austin the BEST BEST BEST place to be! read more

"The Live Music Capitol of the World". I have moved and traveled to many places in the world and am always happy to come back home to Austin. This is always a young town due to students and people fleeing their own states and that helps keep things new, exciting and shakes things up a bit. Yes there is more traffic, but keeping a town attractive keeps it from going stale and dying. read more

Austin, I love you. I came here to start my new life in college and you've welcomed me as one of your own. Compared to the rest of Texas, you are unique, friendly, and always entertaining. I've never seen such great views or trees in my life (I'm from Houston, our "grass" is just concrete spray-painted green) or people who love basking in your outdoor fun. Although some of your genres of food aren't the best, your local places are off the chain! get it? (0: But best of all about Austin, HOOK 'EM. What's with the negative reviews? Austin may not be the best city in the world but it's definitely not the worse. NO, not everyone wears their cowboy boots, huge belt buckles, and I haven't seen confederate flags on every corner. Where the hell has that person been living? I'm pretty certain not everyone is a Bush lover either, I think even middle-of-nowhere towns in Texas would agree. Anyways, I'm leaving you in a little less than a year and I shall miss you dearly Austin. Do not worry, I will be back when it's time to settle down. read more

This review would take me a long time to write but I figure I should start right away. Also this is my 200th review on yelp.com and this would be a great review to write. The "A" in Austin means Awesome. I cannot think of anything wrong about this place. I've been here for three years and it's the best decision I have made moving here. Life here is more laid back than where I came from. First off, there's a river in the middle of the city. Now I know that reason is trivial but it's a great place to be when you want to get away from the heat. Also a lot of the universities from the north such Princeton, Wisconsin, etc. do their training here during the winter. So just an FYI - you should be honored that Colorado River/Lady Bird Lake hosts such amazing crews. Then you have music festivals such as SXSW, Chaos In Tejas, Fun Fun Fun Festival, Austin City Limits that take part in Austin. You have one of the best college football teams, Longhorns, and a great university, University of Texas in Austin. By the way, UT has other great programs such as the rowing, swimming/diving, baseball and basketball. Of course, the Alamo Drafthouse made headline recently kicking that person who texted during a film. The Alamo Drafthose is the place to go and it's the only venue I rather see a film at. I know there are others but I can't imagine living anywhere else. read more

It's hilarious to me that Austin has it's own rating. I'm one of those original Austinites that was born here and have lived here all my life . . . so I'm sure that in itself will get all kinds of hateful thoughts from others. I would, however, like to think that I'm not completely blinded by my roots here. I love Austin . . . but you don't have to. It's all good. To each their own. Austin has great outdoors events, great restaurants, and great people. It's close to the hill country, which I love, because I'm a country bumpkin with a family that owns cows, a catfish tank, and miniature donkeys. Some of the best years of my life were spent at UT. I'm sorry this review won't be very helpful, because the real reasons I love Austin just can't be described exactly. Oh - and another thing I love about Austin are the REALLY hot summers, which is all about geographic location and weather that nobody can control. So I won't try to defend why I love the town . . . I just do. read more

Austin is a hot hell hole for the 10 months of summer that freezes all winter long. Where ever you're from, stay there. We have nothing worth eating, nothing worth seeing, and for heaven's sake, we have no where worth swimming. It's a barren moonscape with 100% unemployment. Stay where you are. Move to LA, it's cheaper. read more

I felt like I simply wanted to post a review to respond to "Michael B." below me. If you're the kind of person who would use the phrase "hallmarks of liberal thinking" and "Nanny state" without a trace of irony, you're the kind of person who's going to give Austin two stars. read more

Best city, evaaaar! It's been a month and five days since we've moved here. Just a few moments ago, while driving home from work, I actually had a little burst of excitement at the fact that I LIVE here, my FAMILY lives here. This is where my son will call home from this point on. From shopping to food, attractions to do solo, as a couple or with family... Austin has so much to offer. Education is at it's best. People are very friendly (even though they are crazy drivers). I will only miss Dallas because my parents and brother still reside over there. Maybe one day they'll move over here. Until then, that'll be the only reason part of my heart remains in my birth town. Goodbye Dallas. Hello Austin. read more

Austin, you've been good to me. You've been detrimental to my liver enzymes and brain cell count. I've always been a believer that a city is what you make it. Before my move here, i made my last home shitty and then I came here and decided to wake up every morning and choose a good day. Believe me, if you wake up and choose to have a bad day...you will have one. I hate your grackles, I hate the 9 months out of the year when it is over 100 degrees.....but , damn, the UT coeds and the music more than make up for it. I see myself staying here a little while longer. At least until the heat makes me homicidal. See ya round, old friend. Work on this heat index for your old pal Mickey. Yours, Mickey A read more

Howdy Partner! I have visited Austin a couple of times and I have always had a great time! I am shocked at how cultural and multicultural this city is. The people here are very friendly and most Texans are and they are very accepting of your culture, sexual orientation, even foreign language. The city itself is very beautiful, very clean, and it is just the right size not to huge where the traffic is horrible and everyone is mad but also not too small that you are bored. There is a lively music, theater, and arts scene here. Your choices for food are fantastic from traditional American to European, Latin, or The Far East. The downtown core is such a pleasant place to work and live, a wonderful combination of Urban and Green spaces, plus the main street out of downtown is a very nice drive lined with shops on both side and great view of the city skyline. I enjoyed my stay here both times, and will definitely be back many more times. read more

Moved here two weeks ago, but I have visited Austin many times in the past. A beautiful city, with wonderful locations to visit, like Town Lake (aka Lake Lady Bird), Texas Capital, and the famous East 6th street areas, just to name a few. Wonderful neighborhoods, that you can enjoy a brisk walk/run in the morning, as the sun rises, or an enjoyable walk in the evening as the sun sets. Peaceful, beautiful, serene, calm, magical...this place matches my soul. I truly love this place, and very grateful, and thankful that I am living out here‍. read more

I *heart* Austin and all its weirdness...

There are so many firsts I have here that make is special to me...first love, first failed love, first D letter grade (still hate you Logic), but you are great for so many other reasons. UT and the campus area sold me first on your greatness...homeless people, mohawks, record stores (Sound Exchange), Les Amis, Mad Dog and Beans, head shops, foreign movies at The Dobie, fanciful smart girls in glasses who rode bicycles and studied french, disorderly homes that smelled like incense, Co-Ops, Captain Quackenbush's, Hyde Park Bar & Grill, Mother's, and the list could go on and on. While a lot of these places and people have disappeared, an insurgent spirit still remains that I can only hope bleeds over to our neighbors in pflugerville, buda, round rock, etc.... If it doesn't I say we change the bumper sticker from, Secede Texas to Secede Austin! read more

Though there isn't many on this topic - if you give our City less than 4 stars, please take time to Goggle the nearest U-Haul or Ryder truck rental company and make the big move. Though there's no perfect place to live, Austin comes pretty close (though the 75+days of 100 degrees made my tits itch). For all you 1-2 stars, there's no fence around the City. Hop on 35 and though you'll hit some traffic - find yourself a place to live that will make you happy. read more

This is truly one of those times I wish there was a way to give zero stars. If you're thinking about visiting Austin.. just don't. Go anywhere else in Texas. Austin is filthy, filthy, disgusting and did I say filthy? Cover your kids eyes because there just might be homeless people teaching them about the birds and the bees as you drive by? Or walk by one of their see through tents. It's mind blowing to me that people move here and love it after they do. Unless you enjoy living where it smells like urine and makes you wish you owed a small weapon of some sort. I think Austin is the definition of hype. And butt followers, following the hype. I always felt like Dallas was lacking in personality (it's a city without an identity) and character (unless concrete is considered character) but at this point I welcome oh beautiful and gloriously CLEAN Dallas ! I mean, even in sketchy areas in Dallas I feel considerably safer than 6th street in Austin. I only have one positive thing to report. You very likely won't eat a bad meal. You might even have one of the best meals you've ever eaten here. However in my opinion there is no food experience worth revisiting this God forsaken place. I've also heard the hype about how fabulous Round Rock is... I mean if you've been to Abilene, there's really no difference. I think it gets all the high scores because next to Austin it looks like McKinney TX. McKinney.. now that's a nice town! read more

I was born in Austin and I've lived all over the state. I've spent some time in the Rio Grande Valley, went for my undergraduate in College Station, and finally came back for graduate school here at UT. It is a very special city in Texas, and is what is it is. If you're thinking about moving here, it definitely has a lot to offer, you just have to be willing to find it or go with it. I could see how people from other places may not get it, but its definitely not California or the East coast, and its still Texas, but just with a cool jacket and some nice sneakers. Everything you could want is here, and everything that you need is here. Just need to take some time to throw yourself into it and let it hug you. Just don't let it choke you. Get out there! =) read more

I don't know what it is, but I guess when you're lost, it's nice to meet other people who are trying to figure things out too.

Dear Austin, You make my heart go pitter-pat. I am traditionally a cool weather person, but I am willing to "glisten" year-round if it means that I can hang out with you every day. I'm not sure if it is the beautiful landscape, your love of processed and bbq'd meat, the live music that seems to resonate from every bar, or the friendly people that abound. Perhaps (most likely) it is all of these things (and then some). Whatever the reason is, I have a big, warm spot in my heart for you. When I had to leave yesterday, I was sad to say goodbye to you (of course, it may have also had something to do with my beautiful, talented, funny, 4 year old niece who told me to pack her in my suitcase so that she could come home with me, and saying adios to my wonderful nephew, fantastic brother, and awesome sister - the "in law" isn't really necessary...), and I did not want to leave. I will see you again soon, Austin. Maybe, someday, if Chicago and I break up, then you and I will be able to live together. In the meantime, I will think of you fondly and often. Love, Jennifer read more

A little slice of California, right here in Texas.

well, Austin. you did me right. you hosted sxsw 2012: my first festival. you provided me with excellent weather, great people-watching, antique stores, tex-mex galore, food trucks, and an absurdly diverse amount of free live music. there's so much to say, but i won't give you a teary-eyed goodbye. because i know i'll be back. soon. read more

I'm only giving Austin 4 stars because it doesn't have H&M, which is my favorite clothing store... When we get one, I will change it to 5 stars. This is a great city! Lots to do, people are friendly and I had no problem finding a job. It's not like San Francisco where its TOO liberal, but its a perfect balance. If you're into computers and looking for work, I guess this would be the new Silicone Valley since Dell Headquarters is just north of town. 6th Street.... What else can I say about it??? I walked 6th street and after ten minutes I was over it. Not all that great but I would go back again to check out some of the shops there. read more

I am a die hard Houstonian but I love Austin night life.(six street) The people in Austin are so friendly, a lot of people have tattoo and dress very casually. There is so many colleges in the area and so much to do. The restaurant schene there is amazing! I love all the random restaurant in neighborhoods. I would not mind living there for a few years! read more

A few years back I lived in Austin, Texas for one year and attended UT Austin too. It was a complete nightmare. The customer service is pervasively egregious and rude all across the board from restaurants to apartment landlords to hair stylists to The University of Texas at Austin. For a supposedly liberal city oppression can be seen everywhere from the prevalent amounts of homeless people to the socially stratified segregation to the malicious prejudicial harassment that I've encountered at various establishments. The people of Austin, Texas are very bitter, judgmental, priggish, and bigoted. It is impossible to network and make friends because the people are so rude, sly, and paranoid. There is even a snitch culture there. I've witnessed sanctimonious people gossip, spread rumors, and tattle tell on others for petty issues. Furthermore, the people in general act very strangely as if they are hiding dark evil secrets. Too many people I encountered seem paranoid and psychotic maybe because they've done too much drugs and booze or their psychiatric medications aren't working properly? Everywhere I went people would give me sly dirty looks and provide rude or incompetent customer service. I even encountered blatant discrimination while living in Austin, Texas. I felt like I was transported to the rural south 1950s era. UT Austin advertising program had the worst most incompetent professors and administrators I've ever had the displeasure of dealing with. UT Austin is a cult-like ivory tower, perhaps a school-to-prison pipeline at worst, and is a waste of money and everyone there has an ax to grind. Low morale, groupthink, virtue signaling, hypocrisy, prejudice, the snitch culture, and micro-aggressions are prevalent at UT Austin. Furthermore, there are traffic jams, disgruntled bums, and long lines everywhere. Everything in Austin, Texas is outdated, grim, and antiquated. Austin is not a genuinely liberal city, it seems like Austin, Texas is 70 years behind other major cities. There is a very poor job market, employers seem shady, the culture is old fashioned, and the people are so paranoid, snide, and cantankerous probably because they've been smoking and drinking too much in order to deal with the disappointment of living in such a worthless city. In Austin, Texas there is literally nothing to do and it is overall a very boring over-crowded city with a lot of traffic. The bars are dingy, small, and outdated. The music scene is worthless. The art district is tiny, insignificant, and lousy. Nobody in their right mind travels to Austin, Texas to see fine art and hear great music (because there isn't anything of value that exists there). The restaurants are mediocre and overpriced. There are a few bloated annual creative festivals that get a lot of media attention and a lot of large crowds but that's about it. Also I've heard creepy rumors of gang stalking and cause stalking. Stay away from this hideous city. Austin, Texas seems to be a safe haven sanctuary for sly sociopaths, sanctimonious narcissists, alcoholics, drug addicts, country bumpkins, and bums. read more

For my 200th review - As a kid that grew up in the 'burbs of North Dallas, Austin has everything I was looking for in a place to put down roots: - The ammenties of a large town without the drawbacks of being a big city, - Young and energetic population, - Great night life with cool bars and LOTS of live music, - Burnt orange sunsets and the smell of the fresh hill country air, - Laid back vibe with most people practicing classic 'Southern hospitality', - A more relaxed pace without the overstimulation of the big city, - Folks are not as hung up on how much money you make or what kind of car you drive, - The beauty of the tree-covered Hill Country criss-crossed with clear running rivers and lakes, - Abundant creative energy in areas of the arts and music, - You can pretty much get anywhere in town in ~20 minutes, - Business environment that encourages small and medium-sized businesses and is big on Shop Local, - Nice variety of affordable restaurants and food trailers, - Great neighborhoods and schools for raising kids, - A place that just feels like home. read more

Eight years ago, I knew very little about Austin. I had seen Austin City Limits on PBS, and had maybe heard the "Live Music Capital of the World" title, knew that UT and the Longhorns were here, but beyond that, I guess I just assumed it was like the rest of Texas...which I also knew very little about. Then, I met a friend who lived here and began flying out to visit. Fortunately, this friend was deeply entrenched in all that is Austin, including helping to keep it weird. Visits to Zilker Park, the Backyard, late-night grub at Magnolia and Kerbey Lane, Eeyore's Birthday Party, Waterloo Records, Mars (the old location), Club DeVille, Plush, a number of dive bars, Lake Travis, the first ever ACL Festival, Doc's, Polvos, a number of thrift shops, a crawfish boil, and many other places I can't remember (for various reasons) ensued. What I did remember was the uniqueness of most of the places, the good food I ate (quite a bit of which was home-cooked...big props to said friend), hills and trees, and good times. And what do you know...I loved Austin more with every visit. Even in the middle of summer, when it was Africa hot with ridiculous levels of humidity. But even though I discovered migas, Mexican martinis, Bob Schneider, and Spoon here...the number one reason I enjoyed Austin so much was the people. I always met cool, interesting, and friendly people everywhere I went. That may be because most of the places I went were cool, interesting and friendly places, but I suppose that the two - people and places - go hand in hand. Fast forward five years, and I found myself married with two small, beautiful children, and an opportunity to relocate to Austin. Well, why the hell not? So here we are...and yes, Austin has changed, but that's inevitable. Most places have changed over the past 10 years. I know I've changed quite a bit. But I still find the same spirit here that I found on my first visit to Austin...basically, a fun, friendly, open minded enjoyment of life. Most of the great places I had visited before are still alive and thriving, and if any place can weather an invasion of condos and douchebags, it's Austin. Experiencing the city with children is quite a bit different than my previous experiences, but I've found that it's pretty much just as well-suited to family life as it is to the hard partying single life. And now, thanks partly to Yelp, I'm meeting useful, funny and cool people, who also happen to be interesting and friendly. I've lived in Austin for 18 months now, and have no regrets about having trekked cross-country with my little family and settled down here. I still occasionally find it strange that I live in the middle of Texas, but whenever the thought strikes me, I just remind myself that it's Austin, and although it's not perfect, it IS pretty damn cool. And beginning to feel more and more like home. Happy Valentine's Day, Austin...4.5 stars. read more

When it comes to yelp, there are three type of review breeds. The first breed is the thourough-breed. This type of breed review in detail. They give not much opinion but stated facts. They talk about the architecture, the ambience feel, the staff, the product and give their opinion in form of stars. For example, if they review an ice cream shop, they would discuss the building and go to the ice cream and describe the texture and such. The second breed are the Mutts. This breed are a combo of details and experience. They might talk about the staff and what they are there for but they go with a yay or nay type of deal. If they reviewed a burger joint they would focus less on the place and more of how fun it was. The third breed are called the Strays. They base their reviews on moments. They might talk about when their friend got drunk and dropped his or her ice cream on the floor and slipped on their butts. Mostly a funny breed. So...why say this for a review on Austin? Because. You cant review Austin without being a triple combo of sorts. To tell people how Austin is you need to get to the soul and heart of it. I love Austin. But its all relative. If you live your life in love with snowboarding then Austin would be the worst for you. If you love to party and go for a jog later on, and you play in a band then this city is for you. The city itself is the easiest i been to in navigation. the city is spead out like a rectangle. North, East, South and West divided up by IH-35 seperating the West and East. the capitol divides the presumed North and South. South side is the cultural center of the city. bumper stickers with 78704 roaming around in an attempt to brag that the individual is from the soul of the city. This is the zip code that the slogan KEEP AUSTIN WEIRD probably was given birth to. The east side is what some might call the low income hoods. And it is. but it is rich in culture itself. Riverside, even though it is just a street name is a place of great juxtaposition. Apartments newly built to cater to college kids, next to apartments where rooms are filled up with immagrants, is the best physical example of riverside. at any corner you can see an 18 year old lady with a UT shirt on next to guy with XXXL shirt with Tupac on the front with a gold grill, next to a woman who probably is an immagrant. Next to a gay guy with extra tight jeans on flaming his speech with neck nods and hands up in the female mannerism, next to a hippie looking dude. North austin is the 'suburban' family feel part. imports from across the nation who moved to Austin to work for dell can be seen up in these parts. Far out West is the hilly part of the town. Lexus's seen driven by UT alumni Doctors and such. Austin is a warm city. Tempetures avg. in the high 80's and 90's. but also warm in the smiles you encounter. Laid back. A town of health. Fit runners and not so fit runners just drifting away around town lake. Liberal blue. In a red state, full of republicans Austin is the black sheep of the Texan family. In a state of steak eaters and cattle ranchers, Austin is big on its Vegetables. Grandmothers would be proud. In a constructive format its hard to define Austin. That is why its so cool. But to put into words...well you have to just put Austin into words. Live Music. Sixth Street. Leslie. Lakes. Hills. Longhorns. Capitol City. Weird. Congress. Tower. RunTex. Mr Natural. Organic. Veg(etari)an. Steaks. Emos. Stubbs. Robert Rodriguez. 78704. Cesar Chavez. Burnt Orange. Colleges. Vince Young. Hippie. Tanned. Hemp. Beer. Green. SXSW. Matthew Mcconaughey. ACL Fest. Democrat. Bike Rally. Ice Storms. Mack Brown. Baby A's. Lamar. Camp Mabry. Lance Armstrong. Mopac. Love. Hate. Peace. Disturbance. Books. Boots. Ice Coffee. Downtown. Zilker. Barton Springs. the 512. Sandra Bullok. Dazed and Confused. Real World.... and the list goes on and on. peace! read more

Didn't know how I would like moving back to Texas after being away for 4 years. Austin seemed like a cool city, why not? After living here for 2 and a half months, here goes my spare-no-honesty review of Austin. Pros: -The people. They make this city. The biggest thing that put me to ease moving here was the very cool people I've gotten to meet. -It grows on you. Unlike other cities that may be amazing at face-value but then slowly drain the life out of you, Austin to me was semi-cool at first but then full-on awesome after you get to know it better. -It's enough city, and enough country. I am a city-mouse at heart, I think, but I love the laid backness. People are chill, you get wide open spaces and a big open sky, driving is easy, and traffic is really not that bad. -I love live music. The faint sound of a snare and cymbals while strolling through a neighborhood is easy to take for granted. -I like bbq. 'Nuff said. -City planning. Scoff if you like, but the city will grow upwards, the skyline will change, but all signs say Austin has a community conscious of sprawl and won't let its neighborhoods lose their identity. -Consider how 'hip' its economy is (big on tech, green energy, fitness, etc) it's pretty damn cheap to live here -So many activities. Workshops, roller derbies, poetry slams, trivia nights, kickball, wine tastings, social mixers, rallies, too much stuff to do!!! Cons: -Austin's not very diverse. Culturally aware and accepting and full of well-travelled people, yes. But racially diverse? It's just alot of white folks. Nothing really wrong with that, of course. -It's not a foodie town. You start to realize it when your cravings for ethiopian or late night thai go unanswered. People are open-minded enough about food I think, so it's probably something to do with the immigrant demographics of the city. -Mediocre art scene- I'm an artist, so maybe it's a reflection of my tastes. Not sure why this is. You can call it 'emerging' maybe, but not where I thought it would be. -Wish there was more nature - OK, so maybe I'm spoiled. The greenbelt and lake travis are beautiful, but this is Texas, so no mountains, ocean, lush forests, or snow... -It's not a pedestrian town. It's texas, go figure. despite the cons, austin is a-ok read more

If I had to move back to Texas, Austin would indubitably be my first (and only?) choice. It's so different from and better than the other Texas cities. Sorry guys. There's a certain chill, unique vibe about this city that makes my heart happy. Fa' real! Maybe I'm biased and just have so many good memories of Austin growing up in high school and going to UT. Maybe it's just that Austin rocks. I wrote a list about it. Wanna hear it, here it go... --Barton Springs in the summer and the post-swim ice cream --Picnics and boating at Lake Travis --Mozart's at night --Magnolia and Kerby Lane Cafes late night --Amy's ice cream on Lamar --that one spot just off Mopac near Barton Creek Mall where everyone would park and walk down to the creek --a few Friday night football games --Chuy's, Conan's, Oasis, Pappadeux, Pappasitos --AYCE mutha effin' Salt Lick (ok, so not IN Austin, but close enough) --TexMex and queso --HEB and Central Market--kicks the asses of supermarkets in LA *tear* --cheap and late going out (6th, 4th, etc), usually unintentional --SXSW, ACL, and I think I went to some 101X fest at Auditorium Shores where everyone blazed, ha --nice neighborhoods for a very reasonable price (I live in a $500K shoebox in LA, come on!) --Texas football Saturdays --UT's campus --non-ghetto schools (again, I had to suffer in LA, y'all don't even know how good AISD is compared to LAUSD) --lack of serious local terrorists AKA gangs Things not so great: --not very ethnically diverse outside the school or the Eastside --hot summer and wack AC bill (still not as bad as other parts of TX) --took forever to get a hiphop station and a Nordstrom (you guys are lucky now. Back in my day...) --no cheap (yet good) Japanese/sushi joints. Say no to ZEN --retarded ass I-35 and some strange freeways --mosquitoes and fire ants! Those were the worst! But since those are the worst things about Austin, the good totally eradicate the bad... read more

Zach theatre. Production of A Christmas Carol. It's a colorful rock & roll, gospel fun show. 12 African players with excellent voices and acting skills. Appropriate for children 6 and older. Loved it! read more

The traffic situation and poor city bus service make for a poor quality or life. On my trips into Austin realize more and more its vaunted reputation as a good place to live is an illusion. Fort Worth , Houston are superior in all categories. read more

Been an Austin resident for 35 years. I fell in love with Austin the summer of 1978, Attended the City of Austin- AquaFest. Does anybody remember the Aquafest? Pre-South by Southwest, Pre-ACL.... Aquafest had 3 live band stages! ...and it was a reasonable fee!!! Now its all about money first!! Austin has lost its innocence, and some of it's natural beauty. Sorry, but it is true. The natural sense of community is quickly fading, as special interest groups fight over roads, aquifers, and the next high rise condo; destryoying the once beautiful Austin Skyline. Getting that off my chest, our family is blessed we own our home in a beautiful Southwest Austin neighborhood for 20 years! Large tree canaopy's are a neighborhood trademark as well as nice neighbors. If you are not presently a homeowner, beware! Austin is in a housing shortage. As a result, the rental market is pushing up housing expenses. Depending where you want to work or live, how about $1600-2800.00 a month for rent? Not fair? How about trying to buy an affordable home? The price of homeownership is going up daily, and it is not healthy sign of affordablity and quality of life. Make sure you have a sustainable income, before you move to Austin. read more