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What locals have grown to love about Austin over time

We asked our Instagram followers what they’ve grown to love about Austin — here’s what they had to say.

A view of the iconic Austin Motel sign, which is shaped like a large, red, vertical arrow pointing downward. The sign reads 'AUSTIN MOTEL' in white letters and below it, a marquee displays the message 'ONE HUNDRED PERCENT PURE LOVE.' To the left, there is a 'No Vacancy' sign glowing in red neon under a canopy adorned with colorful lights. The canopy is covered in lush greenery, adding a vibrant touch to the scene. The clear blue sky in the background enhances the bright and welcoming atmosphere of this well-known Austin landmark.

It’s all love over here in ATX.

Photo by ATXtoday

Whether the Capital City is your hometown or you’ve recently decided to make it home, there are countless things to cherish about our little corner of the universe.

We wanted to know the reasons why Austinites love our city, so we posed a question via an Instagram post: “What have you grown to love about Austin over time?”

Here’s what our audience said in the comments.

Local eats

A vibrant and appetizing assortment of small plates served on a wooden platter. The platter includes crispy wontons drizzled with sauce, grilled edamame sprinkled with seasoning, a creamy dipping sauce, spicy buffalo cauliflower bites garnished with chives, and another dish topped with pickled vegetables and microgreens. On the side, a basket of fresh tortilla chips accompanies the meal, ready to be dipped into the creamy sauce in the center.

Anthem, a Tex-Asian restaurant on Rainey Street, is part of Austin’s fusion food scene.

Photo by ATXtoday

  • “Local coffee shops and food trucks 🙌" —@lifeisramon
  • “The fact that pinthouse pizza is here and nowhere else.” —@ben_duoung
  • “The food 🔥" —@lukatar.lukatar
  • “Fusion food” —@hawkewardcosplay

Community + culture

A shot of people sitting on picnic blankets in front of a large screen on the lawn.

On any given night, there are hundreds of things to do in Austin.

Photo by Liz Kreutz

  • “I love how after all the growth, Austin has kept its big ‘town’ feel.” —@miniatureatx
  • “So many activities! There always something happening in Austin 😍" —@sabrinak818
  • “the people 👏❤️" —@512_hallman
  • “The culture. Everyone has the space to be themselves and create who they want to be. You learn something everyday.” —@austinblonde
  • “There’s always something to do” —@yeahbarbara
  • “THE PEOPLE HERE ARE GREAT!!! I love y’all!” —@brodyhoran

Active Austinites

10 people doing yoga in warrior two in a green field.

It’s not uncommon to see Austin residents working out together in public spaces.

Photo by Swift Fit Events

  • “How active this city is! Feels like everyone I know either walks a lot, runs, bikes, swims, or a combo of them” —@ben_duong
  • “It’s an active city. You’re going to find yourself trying out all new sports and getting more active. Oh and all the dogs that are here 🥰" —@autumncyntia

Natural beauty

Crystal clear water with rock overhang, and hills in the background at Bull Creek Park.

Visitors to Bull Creek Park often swim, fish, or hike alongside the stream that cuts through the center of the park.

Photo by @oozoo_

  • “The vast amount of trails. Some more special than others.” —@irenecasanova_
  • “The lady bird lake view during the peak of the sunrise. It’s very magical. I love Austin” —@glo_xxx
  • “The vibe. Barton springs(both sides) and the green belt!” —@herbet1991
  • “Family friendly spaces and all the TREES” —@nfedorov26
  • “The lake system 🫶" —@dorkyturtle

Live music + nightlife

ATX_Stubb's_FreeWeek

According to locals, the Live Music Capital of the World lives up to its name.

  • “I’ve always loved the live music scene. Since moving back there’s more venues. Plus my EDM family and @jaytayfel shuffle classes Monday night. Such a great growing community.” —@bklyngrl.73
  • “The music, it’s what brought me here and has kept me here” —@_jpatx
  • “The dive bars, and the people in them, that are still around. Cherish them while you can 😣" —@freakyneeko
  • “It’s so easy to find live music, and the LGBTQ+ community here is so active and creative and ever-present. 💜" —@ashoftexas
  • “The music 🎶" —@juanrangel4708

A little bit of everything

The Austin skyline, reflected in the water with pink sky behind it

What’s not to love?

  • “The career opportunities, the amazing restaurants, and all the cultural arts things that are going on. The heat, however, is the worst.” —@512vix
  • “Everything! It’s the best!” —@juliakfox
  • “I was born and raised in Austin, it will forever be my home, regardless of the change that has come. It still feels at times like a town, the lakes, the people.” —@christinacnaugle
  • “Scooters, the long walks, bikes, the lake, food trucks.” —@marco_martinez_gator
  • “I like that all the tech jobs brought a much better restaurant scene, better hotels, and a more interesting skyline. Yeah, that’s all I got that’s positive. ☀️🍭🌈🦋" —@smartymartig
  • “There have been a lot of change since I moved here in 2010. It’s where I met my wife, Town Lake, the food, people, lakes, hills and music. I wouldn’t live anywhere else.” —@bgreenbergatx

Awww, we’re smitten. If you want to share what you love about ATX, send us an email + we may add your love note to this story.

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