How to be a Good Neighbor in Austin
Even as it continues to grow and welcome more new residents every day, Austin remains a community-minded city, with each neighborhood taking enormous pride in its unique identity. From Downtown to East Austin to South Lamar to the North Loop, long-time Austinites coexist with recent arrivals, and the newbies come to understand some Austin-specific guidelines for how to be a good neighbor. If you’re a transplant eager to settle into the Austin way of life, we have three pieces of advice to help you along.
Support Local Businesses in Your Neighborhood
With its creative vibe and lively cultural scene, Austin actively attracts tastemakers and trendsetters from across the country. However, the negative side effect of the city’s population growth comes in the form of rapid gentrification. Neighborhoods like East Austin and South Lamar are experiencing rising costs of living, with many long-time residents and businesses fearing displacement.
In order to be a “good neighbor” in these evolving Austin areas, make a point of visiting locally-owned businesses and supporting them with your patronage. Whether you grab a breakfast taco from Joe’s Bakery & Coffee Shop in East Austin (open since 1969) or pick up a pair of handmade cowboy boots at Heritage Boots in South Congress (open since 2007), spending your money at independently-run local businesses allows these neighborhoods to maintain their unique character.
Consider Alternative Modes of Transportation
Austin is definitely a driving city, with over 70 percent of daily commuters making the trip in their own cars. Unfortunately, the large population of Austin drivers results in major traffic, earning the city the 13th spot in a nationwide list of most congested cities.
Between the brutal wait times on the highways and the toxic emissions produced by all of these cars, it’s worth considering other methods of transportation, particularly if you live in a centralized neighborhood with various transit options such as Downtown Austin. The CapMetro operates bus routes throughout the city, and those traveling in from the suburbs can use the MetroRail train system. Downtowners can also make use of the city’s B-cycle bike-share program for an even greener commute.
If a car is absolutely necessary to get you from point A to point B, Austin’s ride-share options provide a solid alternative to using your own vehicle. The local favorite is RideAustin, a non-profit operation donating a portion of its ride profits to Austin charities.
Learn to Love Our Pets
Austin ranks among the nation’s most pet-friendly cities, and local businesses take this reputation very seriously. The vast majority of restaurants with outdoor seating allow patrons to bring their dogs. Some establishments like Yard Bar in Allandale and Banger’s Sausage House and Beer Garden in Downtown Austin even have off-leash dog runs setup on premises. If you’re really not a fan of furry companionship, Austin may be a tricky scene for you. The dogs are here to stay, and all locals know to accept and enjoy this reality.