Forbes.com released its list of the best cities for couples in the U.S., and I wasn't surprised to see Texas placing really well on the list, with the top two spots going to Dallas and Houston, respectively. Austin placed #5 on the list, and San Antonio placed 7th.
There are always a lot of lists like this floating around, like the most affordable places to live, or the "fittest cities", and so on. This particular list struck me as interesting, partially because of the criteria they used to put it together:
- Marriage rates per 1,000 people
- Divorce rates per 1,000 people
- Housing affordability - the specific focus here was on starter homes in each area, which may be why Texas fared so well overall
- Income disparity - For this piece of data, they analyzed male vs. female income levels, with the thinking that greater disparity might also indicate big disparities in education and experience, which could lead to a mismatch.
- Access to couple's counseling - Frankly, I'm not sure how helpful this particular item would be in forming a list like this one, but there you have it. I suppose if there were no counseling available at all, that could certainly affect things!
If you are interested in reading the entire article, please visit:
http://www.forbes.com/2008/02/03/cities-couples-best-forbeslife-lovebiz08-cx_rr_0204couples.html
If you are looking to make a move to the Austin area, or if you need more information, please feel free to contact me anytime. I would love the chance to help. I can be reached anytime at 512-796-7653 (cell) or by email at jason@austintexashomes.com.
I have also gathered some previous posts of mine which you may find helpful as you are making decisions:
Austin Texas Relocation Package
My primary Austin real estate website is www.austintexashomes.com. Thanks for checking out this post - I hope to hear from you soon!
Photo above is courtesy of wattsbw2004 from Flickr.com.
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Yeah, yeah. We get the picture. Austin's great =P I don't know where you find all these statistics. Hmm. Maybe a Google search. If it's that simple, I'm going to kick myself >.<
Hi Jason... Dallas and Austin are not bad places for singles either! I've lived in both cities and enjoyed them and their unique environments!
Jason,
It is good to see that Texas has placed four cities in the top ten. Congratulations sir.
This is a great tool for marketing to out of town people. Helps get them off the fence!
Hi Jason,
Isn't it great that Texas has so many top winners? It is a fun place to live!!
Dear Jason,
I lived here single for six years and married for fifteen, Austin is great no matter how you slice it. Is that photo from one of the old Oasis deck's?? I feel like I have been there before, but I can't quite put my finger on it?!?
Betina
Hmm.. that is an interesting list. Forbes is pretty good about coming out with odd lists at times.
So from the stats could one assume that 50% use the counseling??? Fun stuff. Hope to get to your fine city for the convention - we've never been and are hoping that we'll be able to next year. Good to know if we get into a squabble we'll have a place to go for help... oh wait - after 36 years of marriage I think we'll be ok... ;)
We've been watching Austin pop up on all these top ten lists...I don't know how they think of what to do next! Best city for your career? Best city for a fresh start? #5 best city for couples? They must have a list for everything...
JM
Hey Jason, Texas always does well on those lists doesn't it? I need to do some research and see if Georgia does well on any.
Have a great day,
Anne Rains
Jason,
I'd rather be in Austin than Dallas or Houston any day! Cool post.
Mike in Tucson
Jason,
Texas obviously dominates this Couples list and it's worth making a note of. If any of them for whatever reason ever need a divorce, head on over to Las Vegas for that.
Oh boy, I made the mistake of reading this post next to my husband...now he's ready to move back :)
Ohhh there's the pic of the Oasis! I went there for lunch twice and loved it!