Live Music Capital of the World
Austin is the capital of Texas and the county seat of Travis County. Located in centrally in the state, the city is part of the Austin-Round Rock Metropolitan Area and has been named among the fastest growing parts of the country. What some people may not know about this city is that it hasn't always been known as Austin. When it was settled in the 1830s, it was initially dubbed Waterloo - the reason some historic sites around town still have Waterloo as part of their names.
While Austin may not be the first city to come to mind when one thinks of music, there's no doubt that music is an important part of the culture and economy there. It's said that this city has more music venues per capita than any other American city. "Austin City Limits, broadcast primarily on Public Television, has attracted thousands of music fans and hundreds of the big names of country music. Sixth Street is said to be one spot where live music is found on almost any given night. But if you're not finding what you want there, there are lots of other choices. Texas "Dance Halls" or "kicker bars" are found here in plenty. You'll also find several record labels and lots of professional musicians who call Austin "home."
Technology has also played an important role in Austin's recent history with the "dot-com" boom leading to the city's unofficial nickname - Silicon Hills - though there are not nearly as many of the technology industries here as are centered in California's Silicon Valley.
Fast Facts
- Location: Austin is located in central Texas in Travis County on the banks of the Colorado River, and is 79 miles north of San Antonio.
- Population: 656,562
- Housing units: 276,842
- Land area: 252 square miles
- Persons per square mile: 2,610.4
- Average annual rainfall: 33.78 inches per year
- Elevation: 501 feet above sea level
- Information provided by the U.S. Census Bureau