Living in Austin TX is an expensive proposition. Average monthly costs of goods and services are a whopping 19.3% higher in Austin than in the rest of the U.S. However, costs are not evenly distributed across all expenditure categories. While utilities and miscellaneous costs such as car repairs are comparable to their national averages, groceries in Austin are on average 3% to 6% less expensive.
While many other cities experienced a severe economic depression during the Great Depression, Austin fared relatively well. Its twin foundations of education and government helped keep Austin afloat. Also, the political clout of Mayor Tom Miller and Congressman Lyndon Baines Johnson helped the city endure the period. The city’s population grew more than sixty percent during the 1930s, from 53,120 to 87,930. In addition, the Public Works Administration provided more funding for municipal construction projects in Austin than any other Texas city during that time. Learn more
The city also hosts several large companies that employ thousands of people. Some of these companies include Dell Technologies, which produces computers. Another major employer is IBM, which has a facility in Austin that works on software development, artificial intelligence, and cloud computing systems. Other companies in the area include Samsung, Applied Materials, and General Motors.
Austin has a number of prestigious educational institutions. The University of Texas – Austin is one of the largest schools in the country. Its undergraduate degree programs include social sciences, engineering, and business. Other higher education institutions include St. Edwards University, Southwestern University, and St. Mary’s University. In addition, the city has strong healthcare and technology industries. Click for more
The city’s ethnic composition is diverse and multicultural. While the majority of its population is white, there are also many Hispanic residents. In 1860, Austin had a population of 3,546, with 1,019 slaves and twelve free Blacks. In addition to whites, there were also Mexican Americans, who made up around 3.4% of the city’s population.
The city’s growth and development is supported by an abundance of natural resources. The Lower Colorado River Authority system provides cheap hydroelectric power and abundant water. Without these, the city’s growth would not have been possible. Other important factors for the city’s growth include the development of Highland Lakes, which have a significant impact on the city’s economy.
Austin is also home to a variety of museums and galleries. Visitors can check out the Blanton Museum of Art on the university’s south side. The Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum focuses on sculpture. Mexic-Arte Museum displays work by Latino artists. The area is also known for its eclectic entertainment and music venues.
Many important landmarks in Austin include the University of Texas and the Texas State University. These two institutions have been vital to the development of Austin. The city was founded on 640 acres of land between Shoal Creek and Waller Creek. It was briefly incorporated under the name “Waterloo” but later changed its name to Austin, in honor of its first secretary of state and “Father of Texas.”
Point of Interest #1 Southwest Greenway, 2501 Tom Miller St, Austin, TX 78723
Point of Interest #2 Family Dollar, 3851 Airport Blvd, Austin, TX 78722
Point of Interest #3 Batch Craft Beer & Kolaches, 3220 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78723