WHY AUSTIN?

As self-employed real estate professionals, we could live anywhere in the United States that we want to. Our only restriction is simply getting licensed in that particular state. Yet we have chosen to be in the Austin area, and there are a number of reasons for that. While these reasons may or may not be relevant to your situation, I'll bet that you're here, or coming here, for at least some of the same reasons. In no particular order, here are our TOP 10 Austin reasons:

1. It's the HILLS.

Having lived in the flatlands of Houston, Texas for a number of years, it is a BLESSED sight to have the beautiful hills and vistas to look out onto, instead of the man-made overpass being the highest point!

2. It's the LAKES.

The magnificent Highland chain of lakes that runs through the Hill Country and through Austin also brings a beauty, a peacefulness, a water source, and a recreation source unlike anywhere else.

3. It's the UNIVERSITY.

Regardless of whether you're a UT alum or not, there is no way to underestimate the value of THE University. Considered one of the top University's in the nation, the contributions that UT has made in research, in medicine, in tech, and yes, certainly in sports, creates an energy that will always be here.

4. It's the MUSIC.

With over 100 music venues, Austin has long been billed as the Live Music Capital of the World, where many long-famous musicians either got their start or strutted their stuff. Until you have seen and felt the passion of Stevie Ray Vaughn, coaxing sounds out of that multi-stringed "ax" that other musicians could only dream about; at one moment caressing it like he would an infant, and at another moment attacking it like a vicious animal; until you have heard Willie, still bringing sounds out of his beat-up old guitar, you can't really understand what Austin music is all about.

5. It's the FOOD.

Whether your taste runs from Bar-B-Que (some of the finest) to Sushi to Tex-Mex, you can find it here. We'll leave the discussion of who has the best Bar-B-Que to another time and place, because frankly, I like it all, and any time you're buying, I'll eat it wherever you want to go!

6. It's the CAPITAL.

As long as the politicians are still around, we really don't need the "Keep Austin Weird" bumper stickers. (Unless you've rubbed shoulders with a few of them, you may wonder about this)! Whatever your political persuasion, the fact remains that the system has worked for well over 150 years now, and the energy and power and dynamics that the State government brings, makes Austin truly unique.

7. It's the CLIMATE.

With an annual average temperature of 70 degrees, even the dry heat of the summertime is ok. The entire Central Texas area, including Austin, is a magnet for retirees, partly because of the wonderful climate. This also explains the existence of miles and miles of urban hike and bike trails, over 175 parks in the area, dozens of golf courses, and more than 15, 000 acres of wilderness and park land.

8. It's the PEOPLE.

I truly do not know of a more "accepting" city anywhere than Austin. Whatever your socio-economic status, culture, political or social persuasion, you will be accepted here. The University, the Capital, and the Tech industry together have brought people from literally all over the world to this area, and many have chosen to stay.

9. It's the ECONOMY.

Yeah, I know, you're asking "where the ----have you been the last couple of years" ? and my response will be "let's go back about 10-12 years before that" and now look at the economy over that entire span. A kid selling computers out of the trunk of his car helped to start a revolution that is still going on and will only get better. The growth of the tech industry here is partly a "chicken or egg" story of which came first. Yes, we've lost a lot of jobs here in the last couple of years, and yes, some of them may never return, but the infrastructure is in place for the growth to resume. Why else would Forbes rank Austin as one of the "Best Places for Business and Careers"; why would Money magazine rank Austin as one of the "Best Places to Live"; and why would Smart Money magazine rank Austin as one of the best "Real Estate Markets" in the country? Growth will resume, if for no other reason than there is a large, well-educated work force here and the costs of doing business here are much lower than in California.

10. It's the FUTURE.

Re-read #9 above. Take a look at the growth in retail that has happened in just the last year, and will continue for the next few years. Look at the revitalization that is going on downtown and is planned for close-in neighborhoods. The growth in transportation will be one of the major catalysts in going forward. Highways 130 and State Highway 45 are going to change the east side of Williamson, Travis, and Hays Counties forever. The land cost is much less than on the west side, and now the access to get to and from will be there. You will see (and are already seeing) massive growth in Hutto, Pflugerville, Manor and other areas to the east. Somebody eventually will come up with a water plan, and there will be no stopping the growth.  

Bonus Reason: It's the home of Keller Williams Realty, the one company that's involved in over 1/3 of all real estate deals in the entire central Texas area!

THIS IS WHY WE'RE HERE!!

WHY NOT JOIN US ? ? ?

For more reasons to live in/near Austin, also check out this article.