Austin is healthy, fun, and a great place to hit the club — what else could you ask for? | Photo by ATXtoday
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.
Sajni Patel: “A Touch of Blood” | 6 p.m. | BookPeople | Free with RSVP | Catch the author of this “venom novel” in conversation with Ehigbor Okosun to celebrate the book’s release.
bbno$ | 7 p.m. | Emo’s | $54+ | See the up-and-coming rapper on his “it’s pronounced baby no money” tour with special guest Jungle Bobby.
Wednesday, Feb. 26
“The Phantom of the Opera” Movie Party | 7 p.m. | Alamo Drafthouse Cinema - Lakeline + Slaughter | $21 | Sing along to the classic musical with themed props and drink specials.
Thursday, Feb. 27
“Say That Again": A Collaborative Production for Black History Month | Thursday, Feb. 27-Saturday, March 1 | 8 p.m. | Dougherty Arts Center | $20+ | This Early Era Collective production features 26 local artists and fuses spoken word, street and contemporary dance, and live hip-hop.
Rod Stewart | 7:30-11 p.m. | The Moody Center | $45+ | The British rock ‘n’ roll singer will bring the “One Last Time” tour to ATX with special guest Cheap Trick.
Have you tried this charming, local watering hole?
Presented by Deep Eddy Vodka
Try a tasty cocktail with Deep Eddy’s new Pineapple flavor. | Photo courtesy of Deep Eddy Vodka
Nestled in the beautiful Texas Hill Country, the Deep Eddy Vodka Tasting Room is a lively venue full of fun and libations.
Housed in its original bottling plant, the tasting room offers refreshing sips + unique experiences — guaranteeing good times with great friends. Shake things up with bartending classes or stir up creativity at paint-and-sip events.
Stick around to try their amazing cocktails and even something new (peep the new pineapple flavor). Don’t forget to do a little shopping before you go.
Nonprofit Big Medium — the organization that runs the free, citywide Austin Studio Tour — will shut down after operating for 20 years. Officials said shifts in sponsorship have forced a closure, but that the tour will likely continue in some way. (KUT)
Sports
Get those horns up. For the first time since 2004, the Longhorn Women’s basketball team clinched the top spot in the AP Top 25 women’s basketball poll. Texas moved up after Notre Dame lost to North Carolina State. (KXAN)
Concert
Wu-Tang Clan will bring its last tour, “Wu-Tang Forever: The Final Chamber,” with specials guests Run the Jewels to the Moody Center on Sunday, June 15. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 28.
Announced
Holey Moley will launch a state-wide mini golf contest — with $10,000 up for grabs — to its Austin, Houston, and San Antonio locations. Teams of four will compete for a chance to move on to the State Final at Holey Moley here in Austin on Tuesday, April 8. Assemble your team.
Outdoors
It’s coyote mating season. The season typically lasts from late January to early March, so you might see or hear more of the canine creatures in your neighborhood. (KUT)
Regional
Apple plans to open a 250,000-sqft server manufacturing facility campus in Houston in 2026. The site will create thousands of jobs and support Apple’s AI system, Apple Intelligence. (Houston Chronicle)
Health
Officials reported potential measles exposures in San Marcos and San Antonio after a person who tested positive visited Texas State University’s campus, UTSA’s main campus, and the River Walk. Learn how to protect yourself from exposure. (Austin-American Statesman)
Answered
Austinites have set tons of Guinness World Records, but the largest collection of miniature paintings is not one, as correctly guessed by 42% of readers. However, locals do boast records for the fastest sandwich made using feet and these other feats.
Listen
The Cowboys aren’t the only local NFL team undergoing coaching changes. The Texans are also making moves, including moving Jake Moreland back as the tight ends coach. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Houston Texans with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Travel
From breathtaking views and delicious bites to family-friendly activities, the ultimate spring break destination is right in our backyard. Unwind in a luxurious setting with modern amenities and endless fun for the whole family at Omni Barton Creek. Peep this exclusive deal when you book a two-night stay.*
Finance
Top firms like SoftBank already invested in Pacaso, the startup disrupting the $1.3 trillion vacation home market with co-ownership. By handing keys to 1,500+ homeowners, Pacaso earned over $100 million in gross profits. Now, they’re going global. Invest for $2.70 per shareby Thursday, Feb. 27.†*
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Category
Culture
Keep the celebration going
The George Washington Carver Museum has a series of events planned for Black History Month. | Photo by ATXtoday
Black History Month is nearing an end, but there’s always time to celebrate Black Americans and their contributions to the US.
Here are a few ways to learn about the past firsthand from the organizations + institutions working to preserve Black history in ATX, so you can keep the celebration going year-round.
Six Square | Austin’s Black Cultural District, Six Square, was the first of its kind in the state of Texas. In addition to preserving historic spaces and putting on events and programming, Six Square offers tours of historic east Austin.
Black Austin Tours | These tours — created by Austinite Javier Wallace — offer walks through East Austin and Downtown, plus paddles along the Colorado River.
A chic new outfit from Rent the Runway. Always have something new to wear, whether you’re turning heads at brunch, nailing the office vibe, or all dressed up for a wedding — renting 10 new designer items a month starts at $89. Bonus: Rentals include fast delivery, dry-cleaning, and returns picked up directly from your home.*
I’m so excited to see high temperatures in the 70s for the next week. After a few days of freezing weather, I’m ready to defrost my fingers and spend some time on a patio before it gets really sweaty.
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