Inside Austin’s Massive Growth | NBC Nightly News

Austin, Texas is basking in its status as one of America’s most popular cities. NBC News’ Lester Holt takes us to one neighborhood where at least six families on one block moved to Austin from out of state over the last year. 

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[aviefern]

What made Austin attractive is disappearing. It's a paradox of nice places, they never last. As soon as people discover a nice place, everyone rushes in and ruins what made it nice in the first place.

[richardcogbill]

Austin has been a boom town for years. From the late 90s all through the 2000s the city has been popular and growing. After the recession it just accelerated and now during the pandemic it has become insane. So glad I bought my home back in 2012 when it was only a third of the price it is today.

[Me]

All of the best places end up getting ruined like this. Austin now has the worst traffic in Texas.

“Much cheaper?” Not for long.

[byebee]

Too bad… unfortunately in a couple of years Texas will eventually be too expensive to live because eventually taxes will go up and cost of living too, but for now enjoy while u can….

[shaestevens]

Austin has been growing crazy for over 30 years, I grew up there. There was always a line for Barton Springs, and the cost of living steadily priced the weirdness out of Austin. Thus, the "Keep Austin Weird" slogan, what a laugh now.

[alvaroperez]

Austin was great to live with less population about 10-15 years ago. Less crime, less traffic, less Californians

[lovingmest]

I see all the homeless people from California moved to Austin as well.

[vinijohnson]

You forgot to talk about the vehicular traffic.

[damianm-nordhorn]

CAR centered SINGLE family home SPRAWL.
It's gonna end with people being priced out, just exactly like in ANY booming metro area, not just Cali's and not just in the US.

[metaphysicalgraffiti]

It's still Texas, though. I'm from Alabama, so I'm allowed to say that.

[danamuise]

If only Austin wasn't in Texas...

[Masterpieceman]

I lived there over 5 years ago and even then it was the fasted growing city in the U.S. I barely recognize the city skyline now when I look at it

[arianakhan]

Texas is *HUGE, * a microcosm of America. Our cities are all booming, while rural Texas is suffering major population declines. The state really must address rural issues so we don't end up with a painful economic and cultural divide 10-20 years down the road.

[sarzotti]

OK. Austin’s over. Thanks for the heads up.

[richiemochi]

Austin new slogan "Keep Austin Pricey" and turn it into the next San Francisco

[tybarker]

I grew up in Houston TX and always noticed people from expensive places moving in. I lived all over CA for a few years and I totally see why. It’s a gorgeous state but that comes with a premium and living there full time keeps you way too busy to keep up. I made twice as much out there as I would in TX but it still didn’t help. And I suppose if you have a family to support, it’s even harder. Eventually they have no choice but to settle for Texas. More space for less money. But I find the culture of Texas pretty boring compared to California. Weather is too humid/rainy to really wanna be outside much so you spend a lot of time inside a house or car. California always had me at the beach or forest, simply experiencing nature without breaking a sweat. And Californians are much more chill for the most part which I like but others prefer the staunch conservativeness of Texans which is fine. Colorado is a nice middle ground for me, personally. Wishing all my fellow Americans prosperity and acceptance wherever they decide to set roots! I know it is hard

[jpk]

Ugh Californians everywhere - they’re buying up Oregon too.

[jamalnambouri]

As a Texan Austin is less Texas more California that is the reason i don't like it that much but the landscape and city looks great

[josephkordinak]

Austin was a nice place 15 years ago. It has been going down hill ever since. It had really declined in the last 5 years. Soaring house prices and taxes. Traffic is out of control. The homelessness is running rampant, crime is going up. I use to think I was going to stay in the area but as soon as I can retire I am gone. All the out of towners can keep it and totally run it into the ground.

[carriuranga]

I almost cry when I think about favorite "weird" places that are now closed. The day Continental Club goes, it's over!