Today, Austin has been named as one of the best cities in America. According to our annual survey—where readers like you choose the cities that make life great—Austin claimed the 7th spot, and it’s easy to see why. World-class cuisine, a vast network of hiking trails, major festivals like SXSW and Austin City Limits, and near-perfect weather (except for summer, iykyk) make the city a standout. And while it may have lost the title of the fastest growing metro in the U.S. to neighboring Dallas, Austin remains—and will continue to be—the “weird” city people have come to know and love. Whether you’re a local or just visiting, there’s plenty to see and explore.
Where to even begin with all the reasons people love Austin? As one of the greenest cities in the U.S. (ranked No. 7), Austin dedicates roughly 15% of its land to parks, gardens and urban green spaces. That means endless opportunities to get outside, whether it’s hiking one of the 147 scenic trails or catching some rays at Zilker Park.
When temperatures dip or soar, you can always find refuge at one of Austin’s best restaurants, which encompasses Michelin-starred barbecue and fresh Italian to Tex-Mex and new-age Caribbean joints. Whatever your taste buds desire, Austin will likely have it. In 2024, Austin earned seven Michelin stars and 14 of the 45 Bib Gourmand distinctions, cementing its place as a must-visit culinary destination.
Sports-wise, while Austin might not rival major cities like Chicago, New York, or Los Angeles for professional teams, but it still has plenty to offer. Austin FC keeps soccer fans engaged, while the University of Texas Longhorns bring serious energy to the college football scene.
Austin is joined by nine other cities in this year’s rankings, including neighboring Dallas (No. 9) and San Antonio (No. 10). Check out Time Out’s Best Cities in America—and see which global cities made the cut.