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The Silicon Hills

Austin, TX, considered one of the greenest and livable cities in the United States, is home to major technology corporations namely Dell and IBM. Major operations of other high-tech companies are likewise present including Hewlett-Packard, Cirrus Logic, Hoover's Inc., Intel and Apple Inc. Considering the number of corporations, Austin, TX has been nicknamed as Silicon Hills, yet, in comparison to Silicon Valley, housing costs are lower here. Employees of said companies are mostly Austin residents since local colleges produce top-notch graduates such as those coming from the University of Texas.

Despite the number of multinational technology companies, Austin residents strongly uphold its unique cultural identity by preventing the increase of major corporations getting established in the city. With its slogan, Keep Austin Weird, Austin city encourages the rise of small businesses, some of which include the Austin Independent Business Alliance and Whole Foods. Although criticized by other organizations as an anti-corporation city, a number of cities and states have adopted the city's move.

Austin, TX has a city population of 709,893 and more than 1.5 million in the metropolitan area (as of 2006) mostly comprised of university professors, students, musicians, lobbyists, politicians and high-tech employees. There is race diversity in the city including Black or African American, Native American, Asian, Pacific Islander, Hispanic or Latino and White. Protestant and Catholic are the major religions and there are a considerable number of other Christian denominations and Jewish residents.

Austin, TX is famous for its vibrant live music scene with more venues per capita than any other city in United States. Tourists and local residents alike are drawn to 6th Street at night with a number of clubs, bars and music venues playing Austin music. Some of the most popular places to visit include Hyde Park Theatre, Zachary Scott Theater Center and Vortex Repertory Company. A variety of events such as film and music festivals are likewise hosted at the 6th Street annually.

Aside from music, architectural landmarks of Austin, TX is a must see in the city with historical buildings that illuminate the central part of the city at night, Frost Bank Tower (tallest building in the city), Pennybacker bridge (also known as 360 bridge because in connects north and south Loop 360) and the Texas Capitol building which is visible in most locations surrounding Austin.