How does Austin stack up when it comes to health, hybrid work, intelligence, and work-life balance? Pretty well, it turns out.
We found studies where Austin was mentioned in spots one through 10, and you might be surprised at how cool the Capital City really is. Let’s dive in.
Note: All of these studies were published within a year of writing this list.
No. 1: Austin is the best state capital to live in
We can’t say we’re surprised to hear that Austin topped WalletHub’s list of “Best State Capitals to Live In.” It ranked highly in economic well-being and quality of education + health, but the study also measured quality of life and affordability. Madison, Wisconsin, and Raleigh, North Carolina, took the next two spots.
Psst — Austin also ranked Stacker’s No. 1 best city for nightlife and No.1 on Redfin’s list of major metropolitan areas with the highest rent decreases.
No. 2: ATX is a healthy major city
Falling just behind San Jose, California, Austin is the second healthiest major city in the US. According to Forbes, Austin has the lowest rate of adults with high blood pressure and the fourth-lowest percentage of adults with diabetes.
Psst — Austin is also the No. 2 most dog-friendly US city.
No. 3: The Capital City is underrated
A study by Clever ranked Austin the No. 3 most underrated city in the US, determined by a jury of 1,000 Americans. The same list also dubbed Austin’s food scene the No. 8 best in the US.
No. 4: Austin is great for hybrid work
Around 31% of employed Austinites work from home, according to a study from Commercial Cafe, and it’s the fourth best place for hybrid work in the Lone Star State. Which Texas cities ranked higher? Sugar Land, Plano, and Frisco.
No. 5: Austinites like to party
Not only is ATX the best city in the US to party, it’s also the No. 5 best city in the world for nightlife, according to Time Out. The Capital City joined the ranks of cities like Rio de Janeiro and Berlin, and was praised for its buzzing streets + great places to dance.
Psst — Austin also ranked No. 5 on U-Haul’s list of top growth metros.
No. 6: Residents of ATX have more fun
The Capital City is No. 6 in WalletHub’s list of “Most Fun Cities in America” based on metrics like movie cost and brewery hours. By the way, here are more ways to play around town.
No. 7: International businesses succeed in Austin
According to a list by Financial Times and Nikkei, Bat City is the No. 7 best city for international business thanks to an ample workforce and investment trends.
Psst — Austin also has the No. 7 best job market nationwide.
No. 8: Locals are super smart
The Austin-Round Rock metro is the No. 8 most educated in the US — and top in Texas — according to a study from WalletHub. The next highest Texas metro is Dallas-Fort Worth-Arlington at No. 72.
Psst — ATX is also the No. 8 best city for recent college graduates to get started in their career.
No. 9: Austin stays caffeinated
If you like a good cup of joe, you’re in a great place. Austin ranked No. 9 on WalletHub’s list of “Best Coffee Cities in America,” thanks to its breadth of cafes per capita, so don’t skip our guide to great local coffee shops.
No. 10: Austinites need to watch their language
Dang it. A Preply list reported that the average Austin resident swears ~19 times per day, securing the No. 10 spot of cities where residents swear the most.
Psst — it’s also a great place to date, because Austin is the No. 10 best place to be single.
