Austin, Texas also know as the "Live Music Capitol of the World," is located in Travis county whose suburbs include Hays and Williamson Counties which are two of the nations fastest growing counties, according to CNN's 100 fastest growing counties, with 4.5% and 4.3% growth respectively. Austin has consistently ranked high on lists of Best Places to Live. Austin offers a sophisticated Metropolitan lifestyle surrounded by grand rolling hill and majestic views.
Austin is complemented by several cities that form the Austin Area Metroplex. Click here for more information about Pflugerville, Round Rock, Leander, Dripping Springs, San Marcos and Kyle.
Historically Austin is known as the cultural Mecca of the southwest. People from all over the world have made Austin their home. In Austin there is a great variety of activities available for young and old.
Austin, Texas, is home to a diverse group of high-tech companies and organizations, including its most well-known anchor, Dell. As a result, the Austin area has become known as high tech's Silicon Hills, much as San Jose, California, is known as the industry's Silicon Valley. Click here for a list of High Tech employers.
For an intimate night of fine dining the Driskill Hotel, built in 1886, is home to Austin's #1 restaurant and world renowned Driskill Grill. "Confidently at the helm of this impressive operation is executive chef David Bull, whose brilliance has been regularly lauded in these parts." (Austin Chronicle , July 21, 2006)
For more exotic fair and those with discriminating taste frequent the hip Uchi Japanese Restaurant. "Executive Chef Tyson Cole; One of America's Best New Chefs, 2005" - Food & Wine Magazine - will delight your senses with a delicate assemble of the most palatable flavors in a unique style of Southwestern and Japanese fusion.
An Austin landmark and some of the best BBQ in the world can be had with only a short drive to Driftwood, Texas. The world renowned Salt Lick Barbecue Restaurant is a must go for friends and family.
The University of Texas at Austin, often called UT or Texas, is the flagship institution of the University of Texas System. The main campus is located less than a mile from the Texas State Capitol in Austin. Founded in 1883, the university is considered to be a "Public Ivy," and was the fifth largest single-campus in the nation by enrollment in the fall of 2005 (and had the largest enrollment in the country from 1997–2003), with upwards of 50,000 students and 20,000 faculty and staff
UT is home to the Mc Combs School of Business, ranked among the top 100 business school in the world and home to top ranking University of Texas School of Law. UT 's Graduate Program is ranked 15th in America's Best Graduate Schools 2007. The Computer Sciences and Engineering Schools have been ranked best in the nation. Too, The University Of Texas At Austin is home to the National Champion Texas Longhorns and a vast competitive athletics program.
St. Edwards University is a small, private Roman Catholic institution of higher learning located south of Town Lake in Austin, Texas. The university is known for offering a quality liberal arts and business education and for its picturesque campus situated on a hill overlooking the city of Austin. The campus's most notable landmark is the recognizable Main Building.
More than 4,900 students attend St. Edward's, with undergraduates coming from 40 states and 38 countries. The average SAT score of 1116 for the 2005 freshman class has risen more than 70 points since 1999. More than 45 percent of incoming freshmen rank in the top 25 percent of their high school class.
The Texas Capitol is an extraordinary example of late 19th century public architecture and is widely recognized as one of the nation's most distinguished state capitols. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1970, and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1986 for its "significant contribution to American history."
Sited on one of Austin 's highest points, the Capitol anchors the northern periphery of the downtown commercial district, and commands a sweeping view towards the Colorado River from its southern façade. The University of Texas ' main campus is situated just four blocks to the north. Wonderful views of the Capitol's dome from many vantage points throughout the Austin area are protected from obscuration by state law.
South of Austin, in New Braunfels, is 
"The Hottest Coolest Time in Texas."
Barton Springs pool is an Austin icon. This spring fed man made swimming hole is a cool constant 68 degrees F year round.
The pool is usually open to the public from 5:00am to 10:00pm, Friday through Wednesday.
A Popular Park: Enchanted Rock is situated towards the northeast of the Hill Country region, 18 miles from Fredericksburg along ranch road 965. It rather isolated and is not on a direct route to anywhere else, so some determination is needed to visit. The park is now a National Natural Landmark and part of the state park system, one of the most popular sites in Texas for several reasons - the scenery is unusual, the summit is easily reached and has fine views over the countryside, different habitats harbor varied wildflowers, cacti and other plants, and there are good hiking trails and rock climbing routes. Occasionally visitors are turned away if the park reaches maximum capacity. There are actually several different summits, and several days could be spent exploring the area.
Every Spring people from around the world flock to the SXSW Interactive, Film, Music festival and conference. The music festival is one of the biggest in the United States, with over a thousand performers playing in dozens of venues around downtown Austin for a week in March.
1994 saw the addition of SXSW Film and Interactive. SXSW Film has become one of the world's premiere film festivals, focusing on new directing talent. Likewise, SXSW Interactive has attracted a strong following amongst web creatives and entrepreneurs.
The Austin City Limits Music Festival is a music and art festival in Austin, Texas, held over a Friday, Saturday, and Sunday towards the end of September. The festival is produced by Capital Sports & Entertainment (CSE) and Charles Attal Presents (CAP), and takes place in Zilker Park. The Festival brings together a blend of more than 130 bands on eight stages, including rock, roots, indie, Americana, country, reggae, and hip-hop. Austin City Limits won Pollstar's 2005 Festival of the Year Award.
