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Deepen your sense of community by finding a third place in Austin

Third places are public, informal gathering spaces that you frequent in your community. Here’s a list of opportune third places ready for you to become a regular.

A vibrant park scene in the late afternoon with a large group of people gathered on a grassy field. In the background, the modern Austin skyline features a mix of unique and towering skyscrapers, including a building with a distinct, slanted design. People in the park are engaged in various activities, such as stretching, conversing, and walking, enjoying the warm, golden light of the setting sun. The atmosphere is lively and communal, with the clear blue sky adding to the open, welcoming ambiance.

Frequenting a third place helps you feel more connected to where you live and improves mental well-being.

Photo by ATXtoday

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

A bustling outdoor pool scene on a sunny day, with people of all ages lounging on colorful towels and blankets on a grassy area under the shade of tall trees. The large pool in the background is filled with swimmers enjoying the cool water. The area is lively, with groups of friends and families relaxing, chatting, and soaking up the sun. The lush greenery and the relaxed atmosphere create a vibrant summer day setting.

Deep Eddy Pool is open until 8 p.m. daily and only charges $5 for admission.

Photo by ATXtoday

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.

A frog with large, pink lips is graffitied on a metal garage with the words "how YOU doin'?" above it. To the left, a Facebook app is painted on the garage as well. Lush green trees and weeds grow on either side of the art.

If you’re also a Cosmic Saltillo regular, you may recognize this art on the street near its entrance.

Photo by ATXtoday

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

The splash pad outside of the Texas Farmers Market

The Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller happens every Sunday, but the Mueller neighborhood is full of third places to hangout every day of the week.

Photo by ATXtoday

Need more ideas? Here are some recommendations to get you started on your third place journey.

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.

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