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 (#1)

Worst Feature

Museums/galleries (#20)
Culture
Category Score (out of 5) Rank (out of 25)
Classical music 3.65 17
Historical sites/monuments 4.06 13
Live music/bands 4.94 1
Museums/galleries 3.85 20
Theater 3.95 12
Food/dining
Category Score (out of 5) Rank (out of 25)
Cafés/coffee bars 4.61 6
Destination restaurants 4.40 15
Ethnic food/cheap eats 4.58 7
Farmers’ and specialty food markets 4.40 4
Holiday travel
Category Score (out of 5) Rank (out of 25)
Spring Break 4.29 9
Summer Vacation 4.20 14
Thanksgiving 4.11 10
Winter/Christmas 4.17 14
Nightlife
Category Score (out of 5) Rank (out of 25)
Cocktail hour/lounge scene 4.75 4
Late-night/club scene 4.70 5
Singles/bar scene 4.80 1
People
Category Score (out of 5) Rank (out of 25)
Athletic/active 4.76 2
Attractive 4.55 3
Diverse 4.44 10
Friendly 4.67 3
Intelligent 4.65 2
Stylish 4.16 6
Quality of life & visitor experience
Category Score (out of 5) Rank (out of 25)
Affordability 3.91 6
Cleanliness 4.50 3
Environmental awareness 4.76 3
Noteworthy neighborhoods 4.30 11
Peace and quiet 4.27 6
People-watching 4.61 4
Public parks and access to the outdoors 4.84 2
Public transportation and pedestrian friendliness 3.73 12
Safety 4.25 2
Skyline/views 4.31 14
Traffic 2.78 14
Weather 4.43 9
Shopping
Category Score (out of 5) Rank (out of 25)
Antique stores 4.03 11
Art galleries 3.96 18
Local boutiques 4.52 7
Luxury boutiques 3.95 17
Vintage stores/flea markets 4.31 3
Type of trip
Category Score (out of 5) Rank (out of 25)
Active/adventure vacation 4.25 7
Cultural getaway 3.93 14
Family vacation 3.99 17
Relaxing retreat 4.25 8
Romantic escape 3.98 16
Wild weekend 4.64 5

+ See T+L's Austin guide