Austin has long been recognized as an excellent destination for leisure, but it’s fast becoming a go-to city for business too. The Texan capital prides itself on being quirky and inviting, but it also boasts a burgeoning tech scene - so fast developing that Elon Musk’s Tesla is the latest big name to relocate there.

A compact city with low living costs, Austin was ranked as the top US relocation destination last year in LinkedIn’s Workforce Report - and with good reason. Rolling hills, good food, a highly educated workforce and a collaborative tech culture draw big businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs alike to the vibrant city.

Thinking of relocating employees or visiting for a business trip? Here’s why Austin makes a top business travel destination:

The city is set to become tech’s hottest hub

Forget Silicon Valley; say hello to Silicon Hills, the coined nickname for tech-forward city Austin. It’s not difficult to see why Austin has been pitted against the most famous tech center in the world; both boast beautiful greenery, a buzzing culture and - most notably - an impressive network of tech innovation and startups.

Described as a city of unicorns and tech giants, Austin is home to the offices of Apple, Google, Dell, IBM and Intel, just to name a few. The city is emerging as the next leader in tech development, with a steady inflow of tech talent and a promising future ahead.

Austin is accessible from all corners of the globe

Unlike other big business cities, Austin is straightforward to access and navigate. Centrally located in the heart of Texas, the city is just a few hours’ drive from Houston and San Antonio.

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport only has one main terminal (even though it serves the 11th largest city in the United States), yet boasts more than 350 daily flights to international locations - making it incredibly easy to come and go. The transportation system is simple, with most business travelers choosing to take the Capital Metro (CapMetro).

As it’s a hotbed for tech opportunities and an employee relocation hub, you can rest assured Austin has plenty of employee accommodation options to meet business travelers' needs too.

The entrepreneurial passion is difficult to ignore

Austin is recognized across the globe for its vibrant startup community, so it’s no surprise the city is considered one of the best for new businesses. In fact, Texas is one of the seven states in the US with no corporate income tax, making it an attractive state for businesses of all types.

The city is home to the world-class University of Texas - one of the top 20 American universities - providing budding companies with access to the freshest talent pool. As Austin ranks as one of the best US cities for young professionals, students are keen to stay and work, resulting in a highly educated and driven workforce.

One of the greenest cities in America

As sustainability continues to grow in demand in the corporate travel industry, employers must consider sustainability when relocating their employees. As one of the greenest cities in America, Austin is the perfect place to lead a sustainable lifestyle. The city aims to generate 65% of its energy from renewable sources by 2027, and is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the US.

Employees visiting the Austin Convention Center - Austin’s main convention space - won’t be disappointed; the center is a LEED-certified renewable-energy-powered infrastructure. Austin is a great business destination boasting an appealing green future with sustainability at its heart.

Austin boasts an abundance of workspaces

Austin wouldn’t be a go-to tech hub without various work venues to choose from. The city is packed with meeting venues, coworking spaces and shared offices, so employees are never short of places to work. Many business events in the city are hosted in unique and unusual destinations, from race tracks to picnic tables - an experience in itself.

There are multiple networking opportunities for employees and business leaders. As a city with a high concentration of companies in the same business sector, Austin is buzzing with like-minded, skilled individuals. It is also home to the famous SXSW tech festival and conference, a celebration of the convergence of tech, film and music industries.

It’s a great place to settle!

Business and tech aside, Austin is a great place to live. With an average of 300 days of sunshine per year, it’s difficult to feel blue in the vibrant city. Austin is hailed for outstanding food, diversity and a great live music scene - in fact, it’s the self-proclaimed live music capital of the world.

Considering the influx of people and businesses alike flocking to Austin, the city still remains noticeably cheaper than other big business cities like San Francisco. High salaries and no state income tax draws businesses and employees from all over, but Silicon Hills still prides itself on being affordable.

So, when will you be sending your employees to soak up the opportunities on offer here? As a city full of promise, Austin is one to keep an eye on.

3Sixty

3Sixty is a state-of-the-art marketplace that reduces the noise in extended-stay travel. Our HomeMatch™ technology leverages machine learning and human expertise to curate quality, cost-effective housing where your employees feel safe, comfortable, and at peace.