Before the arrival of the settlers from Europe, the Tonkawa and Comanche tribes occupied the vast riverside village known as Waterloo, which would later become Austin. The Tonkawa were nomadic hunters and outstanding warriors skilled in using bows, arrows, and spears. The Comanche were of equal talents but faster at adopting and acquiring new skills. By the 1830s, the area had experienced a significant increase of immigrants from Germany, Sweden, and Mexico. In 1839, Waterloo was picked as the capital of the newly created Republic of Texas. It was renamed Austin in honor of Stephen F.Austin, a man whose contribution to the growth of Texas is well documented. The seat of government moved here in October 1839. By January the following year, the city's population had soared to 856 people. Judge Edwin Waller, who would later become Austin's first mayor, surveyed the city and drew up street plans that have remained compact to this day. This plan included a hilltop site for a capitol building that was finally built between 1882 and 1888. By the time of its completion, the Texas State Capitol was billed as the 7th largest building in the world, standing at 302.64ft tall. Anyone purchasing or renting a modern condo in Austin, Texas, is thus partaking in a long-living legacy of architectural marvels.

First-time visitors and old-timers coming to Austin have a hard time picking things to do and what to leave out. Let's highlight just a few things.

Watch Bats at the Congress Avenue Bridge
The Congress Avenue Bridge is a must-see sight for visitors to Austin. You not only marvel at the architectural and engineering genius but also the company of 1.5 million bats that make a nightly flight from the nooks and crannies of the bridge to their nocturnal escapades. This is ultimately one of the most popular tourist attractions in Austin.

Visit the Texas State Capitol
The seat of government in Texas is a meticulously built house of authority. It has all aspects of grandiose and pomp. You can take an educational tour of the 300 ft tall building at a fee or simply take snaps for your bragging rights.

Take a walk through Zilker Park
The 351-acre park has a variety of recreational activities that visitors can enjoy as individuals or in groups. While here, you hire a bike or canoe and cool your heels at the Barton Springs Pool. Most likely, you will also catch a live music event such as the Austin City Limits music festivals right at the park.

Don't Miss the Lady Bird Lake
Lakes are a central feature of Austin's landscape, and they offer a myriad of fun activities at any given time. Boat rentals allow visitors to take an exciting tour, basking in the serenity of the blue waters.
The Lady Bird Lake is an enticing artificial feature of Austin. It was initially known as Town Lake and ranks high as one of the city's most popular recreational areas. The boardwalk across the lake is a space where visitors can walk, jog, or ride.

The Nightlife and the Great Food
The phrase "Keep Austin Weird" resonates very well with fun-seeking visitors to the city. The term has been in use since the early 2000s and accurately summarizes the city and its effervescent nightlife. The Rainey Street District is possibly the unofficial epicenter of Austin's happy living. It's a long line of bars, hotels, restaurants, and food trucks. From downtown to uptown, the entire city is dotted with bubbly scenes of liveness.