My thesis on Austin

Austin, Texas—ever heard of it? I’m on my way to the airport after spending two days at the Emerging Franchise Conference in downtown Austin. Fun side story: I used to apply for the MBA program at the University of Texas at Austin when I thought I wasn’t going to make it in business. Twenty years later, here I am—finally visiting. Life’s funny like that.

This city feels like it’s run by kids—in the best way possible. With a median age of just 34, Austin is buzzing with youthful energy. It’s a town where the ideas are big, the ambitions are even bigger, and you’re just as likely to find someone launching a startup as you are to see them jamming at a live music venue.

Austin’s hype has been building for years, and the pandemic only amplified it. Honestly, it feels like Seattle 2.0. It started as a big college town—hook ’em, Longhorns—but now it’s rapidly evolving. The arrival of the big names—Amazon, Meta, Google, and Elon Musk’s empire—has turned Austin into a tech powerhouse. If you’re looking for the next growth city, follow where the driverless cars are being tested. That’s where you want to live, invest, and thrive.

Real estate here is no joke. High-rise condos are already pushing past the $1 million mark for a simple two-bedroom, putting it on par with Seattle during its tech boom. The difference? Austin feels younger and still on the upswing.

The Livability Factor

Austin’s got the “big three” factors for livability: weather, culture, and tech. And yes, weather matters. It’s November, and I was dining outside in the early evening—short sleeves, no problem. The vibe? Casual and lively, with a creative edge that’s hard to beat.

The food scene is a starburst radiating from downtown—food trucks, barbecue joints, and fine dining coexist perfectly. You can taste the city’s personality in every bite.

Challenges and Opportunities

But Austin isn’t perfect. The airport is too small for the city’s demand—it feels maxed out most days of the week. And as much as it feels like there’s room for another 100,000 residents, the infrastructure needs to catch up.

Then there’s the glaring lack of national sports teams. No MLB, NFL, NBA, or NHL here. Sure, Austin FC is making waves in soccer, but it’s not the same as having a big-name team for football or basketball. For a city this vibrant, it’s a strange gap.

From an investment perspective, Texas real estate is tricky. On one hand, anything within six miles of the city center will likely appreciate—it’s all about location. But Texas’ endless flat land means developers can keep building outward, which keeps prices in check in less central areas.

The Big Question

Here’s what it all hinges on: Will people return to the office? The “return to work” debate is the deciding factor for cities like Austin. Office culture drives the energy of a city, and without it, urban hubs risk losing their spark. It’s the big unknown hanging over every major market right now.

Conclusion

Austin is where the kids—literally and figuratively—are running the show. It’s a city of opportunity, energy, and endless potential. Whether you’re looking to live, work, or invest, this feels like a place on the brink of something massive. The question is, are you ready to jump in?