News Summary
Austin has garnered an impressive 11th place in Betway.com’s latest rankings of the coolest cities in America, showcasing its vibrant culture and artistic scene. While missing the top 10, Austin outperformed nearby Dallas and secured its status as a unique urban center. The ranking analyzed factors including music events, dining options, and cultural richness, reflecting the city’s essence as ‘The Live Music Capital of the World.’ Despite not reaching the top tier, Austin’s position highlights its ongoing evolution as a popular and culturally diverse destination.
Austin has been ranked 11th in the latest report by Betway.com, a British gambling company, analyzing the coolest cities in America. Although it did not secure a place in the prestigious top 10, it placed higher than nearby Dallas, which landed at 14th, while Houston did not make the list at all. The report evaluated the 50 most populated cities in the U.S. and Canada based on various factors contributing to a city’s “coolness.”
Boston, Massachusetts, took the top spot as the coolest city in America, followed by Las Vegas in second place and Portland, Oregon, coming in third. These rankings take into account a range of indicators, ultimately shining a light on what it means for a city to be considered “cool.”
The analysis comprised seven distinct factors that contributed to the coolness factor of each city. These included the median age of residents, the number of tattoo parlors, the number of record stores, upcoming music events, street art murals, and the availability of vegan and vegetarian restaurants. This multi-faceted approach highlights that a city’s coolness extends beyond mainstream attractions and encompasses its cultural richness.
Austin is renowned as “The Live Music Capital of the World,” showcasing a vibrant indie music scene with 36 upcoming music events planned. In addition to its musical offerings, the city boasts a diverse array of dietary-friendly restaurants, with 50 vegan and vegetarian options per capita, along with several hidden gem eateries recommended for visitors. The presence of 7 tattoo parlors also contributes to Austin’s lively and eclectic atmosphere.
Interestingly, while Austin is often perceived as having a youthful energy, the rankings revealed a median age spread of approximately seven years among participating cities. This statistic indicates that a younger demographic does not automatically correlate with a city’s coolness, suggesting that a deeper cultural ambiance plays a larger role.
Prominent cultural icons from Austin, including legendary musician Willie Nelson, who is currently 92 years old, along with many local figures, contribute richly to the city’s character and cultural landscape. The report emphasized that the essence of a cool city lies in offering something authentic, exciting, and effortlessly memorable, with Austin striving hard to retain its reputation as a unique destination.
Overall, the rankings highlight the interplay between different cultural aspects, illustrating how cities like Austin, despite not being ranked in the top 10, continue to shape their identity through music, food, and artistic expression.
In conclusion, while Austin did not earn a top 10 spot, its 11th place ranking showcases its continued evolution as a trendy and culturally rich urban center. The city continues to celebrate its musical roots and diverse culinary scene, which makes it a distinctive choice for those seeking an experience that embodies the spirit of modern coolness.
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Additional Resources
- Austin CultureMap: Coolest Cities List
- Wikipedia: Austin
- Condé Nast Traveler: Best Bars in Austin
- Google Search: Austin cool factors
- Eater Austin: Best Restaurants
- Google Scholar: City coolness factors
- Austin CultureMap: Popular Stories
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Austin
- The Infatuation: Best Patios
- Google News: Austin music scene

Author: STAFF HERE AUSTIN WRITER
The AUSTIN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREAustinTX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Austin, Travis County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as SXSW, Austin City Limits Music Festival, Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, and the Austin Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce and Visit Austin, plus leading businesses in technology, automotive, and retail that power the local economy such as Dell Technologies, Tesla, and Apple. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.


