Do you have a third place in Austin? Take a moment to reflect.
Besides your home (first space) and workplace (second space), where do you go throughout the week? Whose faces do you see and who do you talk to when you go there? Is the vibe at this space easy, non-pressuring, and potentially playful? Do you look forward to going and feel welcome?
If you could easily picture faces in this space + answered “yes” to the ease of the gathering, congratulations, you have found a third place in your local community. If you couldn’t, that’s okay. We’ll give you some ideas for finding one.
The sociology
Ray Oldenburg, a sociologist who wrote about third places in his book, “The Great Good Place” shares that third places — public, informal gathering spaces that you frequent in your community (think: coffee shops, parks, libraries, churches, breweries, bookstores, salons... etc.) — are important for many reasons, but particularly for promoting social vitality + a sense of community.
The problem? Studies show that for many of us, since 2001, the internet is our third place. Plus, working remotely means your first and second place might be the same. Finally, third places can be pricey if you don’t know the affordable hot spots.
Luckily for us, Austin is home to countless third places with inexpensive offerings and friendly folks ready to mingle.
Editors’ picks
City Editor Morgan here — a third place I’ve found in Austin is TruFusion South Austin. It’s a fitness studio with a diverse and robust schedule of group classes, and I’ve loved discovering my favorite workout methods and the instructors who help me feel my best. Your first class is free, and Tennessee’s Hip Hop Soul Flow is a must-try.
City Editor Figi here. If there’s anywhere I would be considered a regular, it would be Cosmic Saltillo — it’s my top choice for meetings, work, and play. I also frequent my local YMCA for group exercise classes and The Hideout Theatre for some top-tier improv entertainment.
Recommendations
Need more ideas? Here are some recommendations to get you started on your third place journey.
- Read through our guide to local parks if you or your kiddos like to be outside.
- Begin to frequent farmers markets, buy local, and get to know the vendors who sell your favorite products — Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller is a great place to start.
- Swimming is a year-round activity in Austin, so try saying hello to someone at Deep Eddy Pool, Barton Springs Pool, or your nearest neighborhood pool.
- Join a community of people who sweat together at one of these 35 gyms.
- Chat to someone at a local coffee shop, or kick off a conversation with the barista at the one you visit most.
- Pick up a new skill (and new friends) through an adult group class — think pottery, cooking, gardening, and more.
Pro tip: Putting yourself out there in your local community is hard, but sometimes it just takes a few moments of courage to show up and be the first to introduce yourself.
