Austin and Los Angeles are both an anomaly in their state. Their slogans “Keep Austin Weird” and “La La Land” are not bestowed upon these two cities by accident. Both are bustling metroplexes with an off-beat rhythm, marching to the beat of their own drum, especially compared with neighboring cities and counties. And, while LA and Austin are not too dissimilar in their relationship to other cities in their respective states, have you ever wondered how they compare to each other? Let’s look at the similarities and differences in these two eclectic cities.
Culture: Play and Fun
Tex Mex vs. Sushi, Truck vs. Convertible, and Cowboy vs. Surfer. Each of these symbols express a little bit of the character of these two cities and their surrounding areas. Many that gravitate to Austin go there for the lighter traffic, slower pace, and more southern charm. Austin is smaller in terms of size and makeup than Los Angeles and is part of a larger Travis county. As part of the Texas Hill Country, Austin offers more space and outdoor activities. Los Angeles on the other hand has over 10 times as many residents as Austin and encompasses 88 cities within county limits. And as LA is located on the Pacific Coast, there is always the temptation to hit the beach or catch a wave. While traffic in Austin is not light, Los Angeles traffic is a force to be reckoned with. The average person spends five minutes less commuting to work in Austin than in LA…and, trust us, those minutes add up!
With all its glitz and glamour of Hollywood, LA draws many young transplants with dreams of stardom. Whether it’s ending up on the big screen or becoming a rockstar, many flock to the city with the hopes of one day seeing their name on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Through acting, modeling and music, there are many options in Los Angeles to pursue your dreams. The household names that come out of LA offer hope and inspiration for budding actors that they too will have similar success.
Austin also has a dizzying amount of those trying to catch a break. With the local music scene, over 250 live music venues, and countless record labels, Austin attracts many young musicians. Home to a grassroots music culture, it is a place where music pushes the boundaries in a very lively, local and underground circuit of remarkably talented musicians. It has birthed many country and blues legends, including Stevie Ray Vaughn and Willie Nelson. These musicians represent those not looking to make it big, but to authentically express themselves through music, whatever the outcome. Artists like these set the vibe for newcomers to pursue their musical interests finding acceptance and praise in testing their musical limits. As a result, there is a local nucleus of budding talent in Austin that plays the regular circuit of music venues in the area. That’s how South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits began, as a place to showcase local talent. Both have grown into nationally recognized festivals. South by Southwest (SXSW) has morphed into a conference that now provides a platform for not only musicians, but film, and interactive media as well.
Business Economy
While LA’s economy is vast with a huge backbone being in the entertainment business with the likes of Netflix and Hulu headquarters as well as many studio headquarters like Sony and Warner Brothers, Austin has more recently established itself as a technology hub for entrepreneurs and holds a number of big technology company headquarters including Dell and IBM, and corporate offices for Apple, Amazon, and, most recently, Tesla.
Quality of Life
With no state taxes in Texas and a business-friendly government, it is more advantageous to live in Austin than LA. That said, Texas is hotter than LA, although Texans don’t seem to mind it since there are plenty of swimming spots to dive into like Lake Travis. Both cities are health and fitness oriented and Whole Foods is a staple in both locations. One of the largest reasons Austin has a higher quality of life than LA is that the cost of living is significantly reduced in Austin over LA with Austin boasting a higher per capita income and a much lower price to own a home. These are significant reasons why Austin continues to top the charts in fastest growing cities year after year.
Which is Better?
Ultimately, when you try to duke out LA vs. Austin to find which is better, it depends on what you are looking for. Both pride themselves on their openness, diversity, and quality of life. That and their business opportunities are major reasons why so many continue to make these urban cities their home. Explore each and decide which is right for you!
Life at Lakeside
If you are thinking about making the Austin area home, life at Lakeside in Lago Vista, TX is just a short drive away from Austin entertainment and local access to Lake Travis. Discover your new home and explore all Lakeside has to offer.
