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Austin
is the state capital, and widely recognized as one of America’s most beautiful
and livable cities. It is located in central Texas on the eastern Colorado
River, and at the edge of the Edwards Plateau. To the west Austin is flanked by
the Texas Hill Country, which is noted for rugged limestone hills, cliffs,
caves, and springs. The land to the east is rolling prairie. The Colorado River
has a series of easily accessible lakes that offer excellent opportunities for
boating, swimming, and fishing. In addition, the Gulf of Mexico is located some
200 miles to the southeast. The climate of the central Texas is warm and
relatively dry, and outdoor recreation is commonplace throughout the entire
year.
Metropolitan Austin has a population of just over one million. The city is
culturally and ethnically diverse, with a cosmopolitan air and international
flavor. It is large enough to support diverse cultural opportunities and social
life, but is without many of the urban problems found in larger cities. The
economy is largely based on state government, education, and a number of
high-tech industries primarily relating to computers.
Austin is a major cultural center with excellent professional symphony, ballet,
and opera companies. Austin is also known as a leading center for live music,
including the Austin City Limits and South by Southwest music festivals. There
are 50 clubs and other venues that present live performances. Many performers
with national reputations reside and frequently perform in the Austin area. The
local theatre is also active, and has a number of companies. The UT Austin
College of Fine Arts offers many recitals, concerts, and theatrical
productions that are free or cost very little, and the
Performing Arts Center brings Broadway companies and many
internationally famous groups to town.
The cost of living in Austin is moderate, especially compared to other major
metropolitan areas. Housing is readily available, and affordable for students.
Most graduate students live in private housing. Limited university housing is
also available, and priority is given to students with families. The public
transportation system is very good, and UT Austin sponsors a shuttle bus system
that extends to all parts of the city in which significant numbers of students
are living. There is also a wide variety of excellent and reasonably priced
restaurants representing a diversity of culinary origins.
Because of strict zoning regulations, Austin has been able to retain much of the
charm and beauty of its original landscape. There are many parks and
‘greenbelts’, even in the center of the city. Miles of hike-and-bike paths,
including some that run through the UT campus, make these outdoor recreation
areas readily accessible to people who either work or live in the city.
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