These studies make us even more proud to call ATX home. | Photo by @osheacreations_atx
Austin made the rankings in 2025. We mean that quite literally — ATXtoday reported on at least 38 times the Capital City landed on a list, study, or ranking.
Let’s take a peek back at how Austin stacked up in 2025.
No. 1 best city in the US for barbecue — but you probably already knew that if you’ve visited Terry Black’s Barbecue, Interstellar BBQ, or Franklin Barbecue.
No. 1 “Most Festive City” in the US for the fourth year in a row.
2026 ATX Open | Saturday, Feb. 21-Sunday, March 1 | 9 a.m. | Westwood Country Club | Austin’s premier women’s tennis tournament returns February 21-March 1, at Westwood Country Club. The ATX Open delivers world-class WTA 250 action right here in Texas. Tickets are on sale now.*
One more ranking for the road. Austin ranked No. 9 on WalletHub’s new list of best cities for job-seekers in the US. Openings per applicant, starting salaries, and employment growth were all considered in the rankings. If you’re looking for a fresh start in your career, our jobs board has 240,000+ listings.
Eat
Pizzerias aren’t ruling the restaurant world like they used to. After hitting a record high in 2019, the number of pizza restaurants in the US has steadily declined, with coffee shops and Mexican restaurants now outnumbering them. Slice lovers, consider this your cue to support local pizza purveyors. (Wall Street Journal)
On This Day
On January 12, 1966, the first-ever TV episode of “Batman” aired. Since then, Bruce Wayne’s adventures have become commonplace in popular media. While we recommend getting a full night’s sleep, if you do find yourself awake in the wee hours, a late-night eat could be in the cards.
Mansion Monday
A museum that looks like the Death Star, Africa’s tallest building, and the end of a 144-year project. Those are three architectural marvels on the radar heading into 2026. Here in Austin, this recently listed “architectural tour de force” is a marvel of its own. (CNN)
List
When Texans hit the drive-thru, one chain reigns supreme. New data from Visual Capitalist shows Whataburger is the most popular fast food restaurant in the state. We can’t say we’re surprised, though these local lunch deals may make you rethink your typical order.
Read
Reading is on the rise, with online searches for “good books” recently hitting an all time high. If you’re trying to turn more pages in 2026, read some classic literature, or find out what this fictional hockey romance thing is all about, Austin’s cozy used bookstores are the perfect places to start.
Sports
After so many changes to the roster, the Longhorns might be getting some good news out of the transfer portal. Get the biggest stories every day from the local experts of the Texas Longhorns with Locked On’s daily podcasts.
Jobs
Kick off 2026 by growing your team the smart way. Whether you’re a small business ready to expand or a large company filling a critical role, our Job Board connects you with engaged, qualified local talent ready to work. Post your open roles for free and start the new year with strong applications rolling in.
Oh, to be a turtle lounging on a rock in the lake. Next time you’re walking through Austin’s beautiful greenery, see if you can spot more than 12 turtles in one spot. Better yet, look through this guide to local fauna and play I Spy.
Our favorite car accessory: a portable air pump and power bank. Never worry about low tire pressure again with this lightweight device that inflates tires while providing a real-time pressure display. Plus, it features a flashlight + flashing SOS mode for added peace of mind during a breakdown or emergency.
There’s one study I didn’t include because it has caused some controversy among my friends. Austin ranked the No. 1 best college town in the US, according to a new ranking from WalletHub.
Personally, I’m inclined to say any place with an accredited university is a “college town.” However, many of my associates disagreed with the title for Austin, saying the Capital City has grown too big for that title.
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