Austin

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Austin got high marks for people: they came in second place for friendliness and athleticism, and third place for intelligence and attractiveness. The city also has great bands and live music (No. 2) and a buzzing singles/bar scene (No. 4).

Best Feature

Live music/bands (#2)

Worst Feature

Luxury boutiques (#23)
Culture
Category Score (out of 5) Rank (out of 25)
Classical music 3.66 15
Historical sites/monuments 4.16 13
Live music/bands 4.85 2
Museums/galleries 3.95 18
Theater 3.92 11
Food/dining
Category Score (out of 5) Rank (out of 25)
Cafés/coffee bars 4.51 6
Destination restaurants 4.34 16
Ethnic food/cheap eats 4.51 6
Farmers’ and specialty food markets 4.31 4
Holiday travel
Category Score (out of 5) Rank (out of 25)
Spring Break 4.24 7
Summer Vacation 4.08 13
Thanksgiving 4.01 11
Winter/Christmas 4.08 15
Nightlife
Category Score (out of 5) Rank (out of 25)
Cocktail hour/lounge scene 4.61 5
Late-night/club scene 4.66 5
Singles/bar scene 4.70 4
People
Category Score (out of 5) Rank (out of 25)
Athletic/active 4.53 2
Attractive 4.38 3
Diverse 4.36 8
Friendly 4.54 2
Intelligent 4.46 3
Stylish 4.08 8
Quality of life & visitor experience
Category Score (out of 5) Rank (out of 25)
Affordability 3.87 4
Cleanliness 4.36 3
Environmental awareness 4.52 3
Noteworthy neighborhoods 4.14 12
Peace and quiet 4.04 7
People-watching 4.48 7
Public parks and access to the outdoors 4.64 7
Public transportation and pedestrian friendliness 3.80 14
Safety 4.05 3
Skyline/views 4.05 14
Traffic 3.07 11
Weather 4.28 9
Shopping
Category Score (out of 5) Rank (out of 25)
Antique stores 4.07 9
Art galleries 4.07 15
Local boutiques 4.34 8
Luxury boutiques 3.82 23
Vintage stores/flea markets 4.24 4
Type of trip
Category Score (out of 5) Rank (out of 25)
Active/adventure vacation 4.16 8
Cultural getaway 4.01 14
Family vacation 3.94 18
Relaxing retreat 4.13 11
Romantic escape 3.98 16
Wild weekend 4.53 5

+ See T+L's Austin guide