Austin

Austin is the capital of Texas and the seat of Travis County, with portions extending into Williamson and Hays counties. It sits in Central Texas along the Colorado River, near Lady Bird Lake in the downtown area, and serves as a major cultural and economic hub for the region.

Founded in 1839 as Waterloo, the settlement was renamed Austin in honor of Stephen F. Austin and designated the capital of the Republic of Texas. It became the capital of the state upon annexation and has remained a political center, hosting the Texas Legislature and related government institutions.

The city has grown rapidly and supports a diverse economy that includes government, higher education, technology, healthcare, and tourism. It hosts numerous tech firms and startups, with activity concentrated in central and eastern districts, and serves as a major employment center in the region.

Austin has a vibrant cultural scene, anchored by a long-standing music tradition. It is known as the Live Music Capital of the World and hosts major events such as South by Southwest and Austin City Limits, which draw artists and visitors from around the world.

Education and transportation are central to the city’s profile. The University of Texas at Austin is a leading public research university in the city. Transportation infrastructure includes Austin-Bergstrom International Airport (AUS) and Interstate 35, with CapMetro providing public transit. The climate is humid subtropical, with hot summers and mild winters.