Welcome to Austin, Bulldogs!
The University of Georgia Class of 2021 will send a wave of red and black from coast to coast when they depart the Classic City. With the help of alumni across the country, we curated guides to a few cities to which new grads may move to when they leave the Classic City. Welcome to the city, Bulldogs!
Austin, Texas, is the Lone Star State’s capital city and is home to both the largest urban bat colony in North America and the University of Texas. Located in the center of the state, the city’s up-and-coming tech industry is surrounded by a vibrant outdoor scene. Austin residents and UGA alumni Ryan Carty (ABJ ’09, MED ’13) and Sara Robertson (ABJ ’99) share a few tips for Bulldogs who want to “keep Austin weird.”
Favorite part about living in Austin.
“Austin is a vibrant city full of young professionals eager to meet new people and make friends. The tech industry is booming here, and I’ve connected with other people who work in the industry. I also enjoy the outdoors. You can often find people running along the river, paddle boarding or kayaking on the lake or going for a hike. And you can’t forget that it’s the live music capital of the world!” – Ryan
How do you spend a free day in Austin?
“A free day in Austin would start with coffee and breakfast tacos before a dip at Deep Eddy pool. After swimming, I’d be ready for lunch, which means more tacos. Afternoons are best spent out of the heat and sun, so I’d head to Book People or the Blanton Museum. After feeling re-energized, I’d be ready for dinner on an outdoor patio, which would mean more tacos and definitely a margarita or two. The Austin experience must include live music, so I would end this day by attending a taping of the iconic Austin City Limits television show.” – Sara
The Texas State Capitol is located in Austin, Texas.
What makes Austin special?
“Austin is special because there is something for everyone to enjoy. I think it’s best for people who are open to new experiences and meeting people unlike any others they’ve ever met before.” – Ryan
“I’ve observed Austin go through several booms and busts, but there has always been an underlying creative and entrepreneurial spirit that drives innovation and optimism.” – Sara
One thing people may not know about Austin.
“Austin’s real estate market is growing at a rapid rate, and Austin has the most expensive cost of living in Texas. Budget accordingly if you decide to move here.” – Ryan
“Austin has a lot of work to do regarding equity and advancing social issues. There is a lot of room for more civic engagement. Luckily, there are endless way to be involved and make a difference.” – Sara
Austin’s best cup of coffee.
“Jo’s Coffee.” – Sara
“Cosmic Coffee and Beer Garden.” – Ryan
Favorite park or green space in Austin.
“Zilker Park, Krause Springs, Sculpture Falls, Barton Creek, Lady Bird Lake and Lake Travis.” –Ryan
Best place to catch live music in the live music capital of the world?
“Hole in the Wall or Austin City Limits Live at the Moody Theater.” – Sara
Austin’s must-see sights.
“The ATX sign on Fifth Street and North Lamar Boulevard, historic Sixth Street and Rainey Street’s bungalow bars” – Ryan
Austin city is known for its _____.
“Outdoor scene!” – Ryan
“Food and music!” – Sara
Advice for a Bulldog new to Austin.
“Register to vote and meet your councilperson. Get to know the local business owners in your neighborhood and support them with your business. A great way to meet new people is to volunteer with a nonprofit organization or join a networking organization.” – Sara
“Live near the areas you frequent most, whether that’s downtown, your favorite park or a body of water.” – Ryan
To connect with the Austin Chapter of the UGA Alumni Association, you can follow along on Facebook (Austin Dawgs) and Instagram (@austin_dawgs).
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