Austin

With the slogan “Keep Austin Weird,” this Texas city is laid-back to the point that if you’re dressing up, it must be a life event. People here enjoy the outdoors, even more so with their dogs. Austin has a contagious vibrancy and enthusiasm.

The downtown core is set on a grid, planned that way in the late 1830s. In the last decade, high-rise residential and commercial space has increased downtown, and that trend continues.

Some people move here because they want to work for one of the companies headquartered in Austin. At times, the city can be a who’s who of technology, although government, education and health care are top job sectors as well. And some people come here for college and never leave.

Cost of Living: $2898/mo

Overall Score: ★ 7.8/10

Location: Austin, Texas

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