According to a recent study conducted by bizjournals of the largest 50 metropolitan areas in the country, Austin was named among the least stressful places to live in the United States. As an Austin-area resident for the past 20 years, I am not surprised to hear this, as I have always described this town as laid-back and optimistic with a youthful spirit.
Included in the criteria for this ranking were the following:
- Unemployment rate
- Days of unhealthy air per year
- Commute time
- Deaths by circulatory-system diseases
- Rate of per capita income growth
- Families living below the poverty level
- Homeowners making monthly house payments of $3,000 or more
- Murder rate
- Robbery rate
- Days of potential sunshine
Austin tied (at zero) with the lowest number of unhealthy air days annually. We also had the lowest number of circulatory-system deaths. Additionally, although it is a dubious honor, we had the lowest murder rate out of the top 50 metros.
They indexed all of the cities on a scale from most stressful to least stressful, with zero as the median. Austin's stress index was actually negative, at -4.76. Cities that ranked better than Austin were Virginia Beach-Norfolk, Salt Lake City, Phoenix, and Oklahoma City. To see the entire article and the charts, click here: http://www.bizjournals.com/edit_special/62.html?page=2#l.
Clearly, this is one more reason to consider Austin if you are looking to relocate or to retire. Why not come and enjoy the good life here in Texas? It's affordable, fun, and low stress, too!
If you are considering relocating to the Austin area or investing in real estate here, please feel free to give me a call anytime on my cell phone at 512-796-7653. You can also email me at jason@austintexashomes.com. I have over 11 years of full-time real estate sales experience in Austin, and I would love the opportunity to help.
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Jason - Great. Another reminder of what it was we loved about Austin. Not that Boston doesn't have its many great features, it surely does... but low stress is not one of them.
Very - nice - post.
Jackie
Jason, let's see... in the last few weeks you've informed us that Austin, Texas was rated:
My only question: Why isn't everyone from both coasts and throughout the mid-West packing up their bags and moving to Austin?
If they were to do so, you'd be quite a busy fellow. I imagine you are getting quite busy anyways from all the buzz about Austin.
Jason,
So if I move there, my acid reflux caused by stress, will go away?
SARDI - Yes, it is a very laid-back and friendly atmosphere around here. In fact, I have had MANY clients from other states who move here and comment on how friendly everyone is. It's a cool town!
JACKIE - Let me know when you are ready to return. I will be here. Thanks for your compliment!
CINDY - You caught me.
BRIAN - Many of them ARE coming to this area, as Tana mentioned in the comment after yours. We have had an influx for awhile now. I would anticipate much more of this in the upcoming years.
TANA - Thanks for responding to Brian's question, and I'm glad you found this helpful.
LISA - Just keep me in mind when your next friend moves here. Also, if you come for a visit, I would be happy to take you to lunch.
MARGARET - I agree - I have lived in other parts of the state, but nothing compares to Austin! Thanks for your comments!
JILL - Thanks! I thought it was an interesting study, so I wanted to share it.
KAY - Austin is fast becoming a popular destination for retirees. It might be worth considering.
FRAN - Yes. I guarantee a full recovery.
Man...looks like I gotta move to Austin. Hemet's a small town, but recently I've been slammed with work - so it's got that fast-paced, California stress level for me right now.
I only played Austin once with my band. If I had known you back then, I would have had a closer look.
Austin brought us Willie Nelson, right? That's more points for Austin.
LISA - We are about 80 miles north, and my wife is actually from San Antonio. She said it is slightly cooler, but not really noticably so.
ROBERTA - Agreed. Thanks for commenting!
KATERINA - I'm not sure why it wouldn't have made the list. I think it is probably too small to qualify for this particular study, since the population is around 360,000.
ADAM - Thanks! I thought it was a good one to share.
LORI - It has been running about 60-65 degrees for the high this week. Come on down!
RICKI - I would be happy to take you to lunch if you make it to Austin sometime. I don't know when circumstances will allow me to come your way, but I hope to someday.
JOEY - Austin is a very cool place to live. I would love to have you here if you ever make a move.
DONNA - My guess is that the "unhealthy air" days were not pollen or cedar-based, but pollution. Just a theory. Thanks for stopping by!