Ask any Austinite what they love about their city, and you’ll likely be engaged in a very lengthy conversation. Austin provides plenty of unique places and experiences for residents and visitors to discover. Here are 10 things you’ll love about renting an apartment in Austin.
Talented Street Performers
Austin takes street performances to another level. The city even has a Street Performance Program to encourage street performances in the spring and fall. From magic acts to music, you’ll see some great shows along East 6th Street and South Congress.
Food Trucks and Trailers
Austin is one of the best cities for food trucks. In fact, as of 2022, Austin was ranked fourth on the “Best Food Truck Cities in America” report published by Roaming Hunger. If you are dreaming of having your own mobile kitchen, Austin is also ranked as one of the best cities for owning and operating a food truck, based on the required permits, restrictions, and profitability. As a result, you’ll enjoy everything from cupcakes to barbecue as you stroll (roll?) through Austin.
Austin is Dog Friendly
Even though Austin doesn’t have as many dog parks as Boise, Idaho (which, surprisingly, is number one in the nation for the number of dog parks per 100,000 residents at seven), but you’ll find plenty of space for your pooch to play. You’ll find more than a dozen off-leash dog parks like Auditorium Shores and Emma Long Metropolitan Park. And, getting back to reason number two of why you’ll love Austin, there’s a food truck just for dogs: the Pawstin Barkery. Watching happy dogs get treats from a food truck is hands (paws?) down reason enough to love Austin!
The Bats
Okay, hear me out on this one. Austin is home to one of the largest colonies of Mexican free-tailed bats in North America. Every evening from May to October, crowds of Austinites and tourists gather on the Congress Avenue Bridge to watch the 1.5 million bats fly out over Lady Bird Lake. Considering that one bat can eat up to 1,000 mosquitoes an hour, it’s easy to see why these little charmers are celebrated by residents.
Lady Bird Lake
Speaking of Lady Bird Lake, this beautiful destination is another reason you’ll love Austin. With warm temperatures almost year-round, this lake is always a hub of activity. It winds its way through the middle of Austin and its glassy surface is often dotted with kayaks, canoes, and paddle boards.
Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool
If you enjoy swimming, you can enjoy this activity year-round in Austin. Barton Springs Pool is in Zilker Park, a gorgeous 358-acre park that’s so popular, it offers a seasonal shuttle on weekends. The pool is fed by underground springs and maintains an average temperature of 68-70 degrees. In addition to being a great place to swim, the springs are home to the Barton Springs Salamander and is listed as a federally protected habitat.
The Nightlife
Austin comes alive after dark, and while there are a variety of destinations in the city, Rainey Street will become a fast favorite. Many of the historic Craftsman homes have been converted into bars and restaurants, along with the ever-prevalent food trucks. Be sure to stop by Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden, a local favorite that serves more than 100 beers on tap and 30 different house-made sausages. From the front, it looks like a cute little bungalow, but in the back, you’ll find an outdoor beer garden with rows of picnic tables and a stage for live music.
Support for Local Businesses
Austinites are proud to support their local mom-and-pops, and many have grown to become major national brands. Some of the companies that started in Austin include Whole Foods Market, VRBO, Dell, Alamo Draft House, Indeed.com, Yeti, Scholtzsky’s, and Chuy’s.
Freedom of Expression
Austin is a city where people are free to express themselves. Whether it’s championing a cause or simply doing their own thing, Austinites believe in expressing themselves. The “I love you so much” mural on the corner of South Congress Avenue is just one example of the warm acceptance you’ll find in Austin, a city that celebrates its weirdness.
Of Course, There’s the Music
Everywhere you go in Austin, there’s music. Austin lives up to its title of Live Music Capital of the World. Melodies and guitar riffs float through the air, from local favorites and world-famous musicians alike. You’ll find a variety of music festivals and events to attend year-round, from summer music series to the world-famous SXSW.
