Austin is the technology hub of Texas, with over 6,500 startups and technology companies based here, including Dell — founded by Michael Dell while he was at the University of Austin. It is also home to the US Department of Energy's Austin Power Plant and is known for its live music venues and nightlife, boasting more than 2,000 restaurants and bars.

South by Southwest, also known as SXSW, is the country's largest music festival and takes over the city each spring, for better or worse. It spills into more than 100 live music venues, mainly around the Warehouse District and Sixth Street. Also, "Austin City Limits," a long-running public television series that showcases musical talent, is filmed here.

Austin is home to some of the largest and most diverse housing markets in the world, and its population is increases tremendously each year. The city is a moderately expensive housing area, but it also has comparatively high wages to offset the cost of living, and it is one of the most affordable cities in the country.

If you want to get in touch with nature, visit Austin Falls National Wildlife Refuge and several other parks throughout the city. On your exploration, you should note that the city's history is not only found in architecture, monuments and museums, it's also reflected in the lives of the people who call Austin home — from the earliest settlers to the newest dwellers.

Austin is a year-round playground for outdoor enthusiasts, with beautiful parks that provide a respite from the bustling parts of the city. Just west of the city limits, you'll find the rolling hills, flowing rivers and picturesque lakes of Texas Hill Country, where the laid-back, soulful lifestyle meets the wildness and beauty of the natural beauty. Austin offers a wide variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and biking to cycling and kayaking.

When you visit Austin, don't be surprised if you are greeted warmly on the street. It is part of the South, after all. You will also find a wide selection of restaurants, bars, shops, restaurants and entertainment venues, as Austin is a vibrant cultural center and destination for foodies.