Here’s one list we don’t want to be on.

 I recently read an article claiming Austin has some of the worst congestion in the nation. Inrix, a Washington-based company that collects data from GPS installed in one million automobiles said the worst spots in Austin were at the intersection on I35 & MLK and I35 & Riverside.

A spokesperson for the Texas Department of Transportation stated that the agency doesn’t have any plans to remedy the issues, but that TxDot will look into the situation in the near future.

 Until then, if you can avoid these two areas on I35 at major peak driving times, you may be better off!

The Chamber of Commerce just released the latest market update for our fabulous city…..

• In the past ten years, Austin’s population has increased by 487,000
• 1,000 persons per week are moving into Austin MSA
• By the year 2030, Austin’s MSA population is predicted to be 3.5 million
• Williamson County has increased by 53% since 2004
• Williamson County population is expected to be 1 million by 2030
• 20% of jobs in Austin require a Bachelor’s Degree
• 42% of workers have a Bachelor’s Degree creating approximately 80,000 workers who are underemployed
• Professional/Business Services have added the most jobs in the last 12 months
• Since 2000, Austin MSA has experienced approximately a 14% decline in hi-tech jobs
• Hi-tech compensation has declined 7% since 2000. Private sector wages have increased 6%.
• There are approximately 3000 hi-tech companies within the Austin MSA which comprise 33% of total payroll
• The average income for hi-tech workers is $80,000
• Residential building permits peaked in 2005
• Austin had an average of 4 months inventory of residential properties available for purchase in 2007. In 2008, the number increased to 4.7 months. The national average is 6 months, meaning Austin is below the average in respect to residential inventory.
• Austin is one of the nation’s biggest targets in Venture Capital
• Austin’s MSA population is less than 7% of Texas’ population, but holds 48% of Venture Capital funding in Texas
• 129 companies relocated to Austin since 2004
• 34 companies relocated to Austin from other cities within Texas. California follows in second with 29 companies relocating to Austin, and 17 companies have relocated internationally to Austin

The Chamber’s plan is to bring 72,000 jobs to Austin within the next five years

After months of preparation and financing finally in place, construction is set to begin on the upscale mixed-use 37 story project consisting of 165 condo units, a 252-room W Hotel and a 2,480-seat theater that will serve as the new home for Austin City Limits along with a spa and retail space.

The lower level will consist of 47,751 sqft of retail and restaurant space and a House of Blues-style club where the long standing music series Austin City Limits will be filmed. The fourth floor will be home to a full-service fitness center , a 7,000 sqft Bliss spa, two pools and rooftop garden, all accessible to homeowners and hotel guests.

Set for completion in 2011, the W Residences have available for purchase various floorplans ranging from 1 bedroom units to penthouses with prices ranging from the high $400,000s to over $3 million. Although the prices may seem a little steep for the Austin market, what you get for your money is a luxurious lifestyle fit for royalty that only the W can provide.

For more information, feel free to contact me and I will send you available floorplans and all the fabulous amenities offered.

info courtesy of :

www.austin.bizjournals.com
www.block21residences.com
www.urbanaustin.org

Forbes Magazine just ranked Austin the #3 most “recession proof” city in the nation.

The findings were based on the housing market, which continues to stay stable , the unemployment rate, which is estimated to be around 3.6%,  and growth in agriculture, energy and manufacturing. San Antonio, Dallas/Ft. Worth and Houston also made the list.

 In addition to this honor, Austin was also ranked as one of the top 10 of the nation’s “greenest” retirement destinations by U.S. News and World. Factors considered were the number of urban parks and wilderness preserves. Zilker Park in particular was recognized for its mix of recreational and natural settings.

If you’re not living here already, what are you waiting for!

http://www.news8austin.com/content/your_news/?SecID=278&ArID=207646

What a great way to save a bit of money! Below is a guide with some of the restaurants offering free meals to kids. For a complete list, contact me and I’ll send one your way!

Sunday:

Cannoli Joe’s (Austin) - Kids under 4 eat free & kids under 12 eat for half price

Outback (Austin, San Marcos, and Round Rock) - Free breakfast for kids 12 and under

Zen Japanese Food (Austin) - Kids 12 and under eat free all day

Austin’s Park (Pflugerville) - Kids under 40″ eat free, all others only $5.95

Monday:

Catfish Parlour (Austin) - Kids 3 and under eat free after 4:00 pm

China Chef (Austin & Bastrop) - Free buffet for kids under 5 from 11:00 am - 2:30 pm

Gatti Land (Round Rock) - Moms eat free, must have child age 3 - 14

Tres Amigos (Austin) - Kids 12 and under eat free all day

Tuesday:

Berryhill Baja Grill (Austin) - Kids eat free anytime

El Rincon Mexican (Round Rock) - kids under 12 eat free 6:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Kerby Lane (Austin) - Kids 12 and under eat free all day

Salt Lick 360 (Austin) - Kids 12 and under eat free after 4:00 pm

Wednesday:

Estancia Churrascaria (Sunset Valley) - Kids under 6 eat free all day

Serranos (Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park) - Kids 12 and under eat free all day

La Salsa (Austin and Westlake Hills) - Kids 12 and under eat free 4:00 pm - close

EZ’s (Austin) - Kids 12 and under eat free after 5:00 pm

Thursday:

El Charro (Johnson City) - $1 off kids menu for kids 10 and under

Tokyo Steakhouse (Round Rock) - free chicken nugget meal for kids 10 and under, 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm

Hi Way Cafe (Liberty Hill) - Kids 8 and under eat free 4:00 pm - 9:00 pm

Double Dave’s Pizzaworks ( Select locations in Austin, call first) - Kids under 5 eat free all day

Friday:

Buster’s Bee Cave BBQ (Austin) - Free turkey meal for kids 5 and under

China Chef (Austin & Bastrop) - Free buffet for kids under 5, 11:00 am - 2:30 pm

Saturday:

Cozzoli’s Pizza (Austin) - Half price for kids under 12

Iron Cactus (Austin) - Kids 12 and under eat free all day

Texas Land and Cattle (Austin) - Kids eat free 11:00 am - 4:00 pm, must order from kids menu

Denny’s (Austin) - Kids 12 and under eat free, 4:00 pm - 10:00 pm

*All programs, details and prices subject to change without notice. Please call the restaurant in advance to verify the Kids Eat Free promotion requirements, including hours available.

Special thanks to Gracy Title for providing the information 

The only city to make the list of the top ten fastest growing U.S. metro areas is Austin, TX. The city ranked fifth with a population increase of 4.3% in 2007 according to the U.S. Census Bureau. 65,880 people moved into the Round Rock-Austin area last year alone.

Statewide, Dallas-Ft. Worth, Houston and San Antonio all saw significant increase in their population growth. The Census Bureau also reports that eight of the fastest-growing metro areas were located in the southern part of the country.

It’s that time of year again! Below is a brief overview & general schedule of events for the festival. I’ve also included the link to the official SXSW website. Make sure to keep your eyes and ears open for the free shows. I hear there are some great bands playing!

Music: March 12th - 16th

The SXSW Music and Media Conference showcases hundreds of musical acts from around the globe on over fifty stages in downtown Austin. By day, conference registrants do business in the SXSW Trade Show at the Austin Convention Center and partake in a full agenda of informative, provocative panel discussions featuring hundreds of guest speakers of international stature.

Film: March 7th - 15th

The SXSW Film Conference and Festival emphasizes all aspects of the art and business of independent filmmaking. The festival has gained international acclaim for the quality of its programming with a special focus on emerging talents who benefit from having their films in the company of the cinematic greats whose work is regularly presented.

Interactive: March 7th - 11th

The SXSW Interactive Festival celebrates the creativity and passion behind the coolest new media technologies. In addition to panel sessions that cover everything from web design to bootstrapping to social networks, attendees make new business connections at the tree-day Trade Show & Exhibition. The newest element of the event is ScreenBurn, which adds specific gaming industry programming as well as a two-day Arcade to the mix.

Schedule of Events:

Friday, March 7th: Film & Interactive Registration: 10am - 8pm

Film Opening Party - Film Festival

Saturday, March 8th: Film & Interactive Registration: 9am - 8pm

- Film Panels & Festival

- Interactive & ScreenBurn Panels

- ScreenBurn Arcade

- Interactive Opening Party

Sunday, March 9th: Film & Interactive Registration: 9:30am - 6pm

- iF! Exhibition

- Film Panels & Festival

- ScreenBurn Arcade
- Interactive & ScreenBurn Panels

- Interactive Web Awards

Monday, March 10th: Film & Interactive Registration: 9:30am - 6pm

- iF! Exhibition

- Film Panels & Festival

- Interactive & ScreenBurn Panels

Tuesday, March 11th: Film, Interactive, & Music Registration: 10am - 8pm

- iF! Exhibition

- Film Panels & Festival

- Interactive & ScreenBurn Panels

- Film Awards & Closing Party

- Interactive Closing Party

- Music Conference, Festival & Trade Show

Wednesday, March 12th: Music Registration: 10am - midnight

- Golf Tournament

- Music Panels, Trade Show, Festival

- Music Welcome Dinner

- Film Festival

- Austin Music Awards

Thursday, March 13th: Music Registration: 9am - 10pm

- Music Panels, Trade Show & Festival

- Film Festival

- Flatstock Poster Artist Show

Friday, March 14th: Music Registration: 10am - 9pm

- Music Panels, Trade Show & Festival

- Film Festival

- Flatstock Poster Artist Show

Saturday, March 15th: Music Registration: 11am - 4pm

- Music Panels, Trade Show & Festival

- Film Festival

- Flatstock Poster Artist Show

Sunday, March 16th:

- Softball Tournament & Barbecue

- Music Festival

For a complete list of shows visit: www.sxsw.com

Located one mile south of downtown, the first phase of the 2020 Congress condos is slated for completion this summer with the second phase estimated to be finished in the fall. The project, featuring 103 units ranging from studios to two-bedroom condos, are some of the most affordable in the downtown area. Prices start at $96,000 for a studio and go up to $190,000 for the two-bedroom condos. Amenities include granite countertops, hardwood floors, stainless steel appliances and an exercise facility.

According to housingpredictor.com, Austin is ranked 10th overall for having the highest appreciation of real estate values for 2008. According to the site, ” the top 25 with the highest forecast appreciation have the greatest probability of reaching their forecast of the more than 250 local housing markets Housing Predictor forecasts. In 2007 Housing Predictor’s forecasts were 86% correct within a 1 to 2% margin.” It’s estimated that there will be a 4.8% increase in sales for the upcoming year.

 To check out how other cities around the U.S. ranked, visit their site:

http://www.housingpredictor.com/top2008.html

Forbes.com just came out with their top ten lists and Austin ranks #1 fastest growing large metro area in the nation. Key factors contributing to this honor include the ever-growing high-tech industry with large key players Apple, Dell and IBM all calling Austin home. The University of Texas, the music industry and now the film industry also all play a hand in the city’s growth.

 Austin’s expected to grow 15% by the year 2012. Its projected total GMP growth for 2007-2012 is 32.05%.