Austin, the capital of Texas, has been in a shower of superlatives this past decade: the third best place to live in the U.S., the second fastest growing city in the U.S., and first as the nations best read, computer literate and physically fit city in the nation. Austin’s unparalleled quality of life and economic prosperity are reflected in its impressive cityscape, beautiful natural surroundings, and nurturing communities.

Austin, nicknamed the ‘Live Music Capital of the World,’ that has more than 120 live music venues that offer a complete range of musical styles from rhythm and blues, and southern jazz to hard rock, country and Tejano. In addition, the city sports more restaurants and bars per capita than any other city in the nation. The Victorian-era buildings on Sixth Street now house some of Austin’s most renowned nightspots and street side cafes. Doorways here open on the most popular street where clubs pulsate to musical performances and one can hear unbridled electric guitar riffs and soft, melodious saxophone.

Austin has its own professional symphony, ballet and opera companies; dozens of theaters to perform old favorites and introduce new dramas; dance companies, vocal ensembles and orchestras continue to produce exciting programs. The University of Texas’ Performing Arts Center, the Paramount Theater, the State Theater, and other world-class facilities attract nationally and internationally renowned artists and performers throughout the year.

Austin is home to a host of museums including the LBJ Presidential Library and Museum, the Austin Children’s Museum and the George Washington Carver Museum, the home of writer O. Henry. The city has over 35 art galleries, including the Austin Museum of Art and the Jones Center for Contemporary Art. The Jack Blanton Museum at the University of Texas houses one of the world’s largest collection of Latin American art as well as the James & Mari Michener collection of 20th Century American Art.

Austin has shown great support for the Austin Ice Bats, a WPHL professional hockey team named after the world famous free-tailed bats that live under Austin’s Congress Bridge. In 1997, the Lone Stars, the city’s first semi-pro soccer team, began playing for the Central Southern Division. Austin’s naturally temperate climate and rolling hills makes the area perfect for many recreational activities. Austin boasts some of the most scenic and challenging golf courses in the nation. Austin has over 285 miles of scenic hike and bike trails that have attracted some of the country’s best runners. In addition, Highland Lakes, a 150- mile chain of lakes offers a host of activities including swimming, water-skiing, scuba diving, and boating.

Austin offers outstanding educational opportunities from kindergarten to graduate studies and has been ranked as one of the country’s top five intellectual capitals. The state flagship, University of Texas at Austin, is a leader in the Texas system and in American higher education. The college and university enrollment for the Austin area has over 103,000 students who attend Southwestern University, Southwest Texas State University, Austin Community College and Concordia University to name a few.

Austin is one of the leading centers of computer manufacturing and new product development in the United States. Many companies have located in Austin due to the well-educated work force, world-class Research University, favorable business climate, reasonable tax structure, and outstanding quality of life. In 1999, Forbes Magazine ranked Austin as the 2nd best place to live for growth in jobs, income and output.

Austin is a place where business professionals, artists, musicians, filmmakers and students all bring their passions to life. Even with its population growing rapidly, this city continues to welcome new residents with open arms. Over the past few years, several national magazines have touted Austin as a top place to live. Even with new, cutting edge high-tech companies growing at an alarming rate, it may seem surprising that Austin has retained the laid-back style it has become famous for.