Austin is tops among Hispanics
Source:Austin Business Journal
Austin is the country's best place for Hispanics to live and work, according to the latest issue of Hispanic magazine.

This marks the third consecutive year for Austin to appear among the country's three most popular places for Hispanics to live and work.

Citing the city's 26 percent Hispanic population, average household income, home values, low unemployment and "Hispanic coolness," the magazine's editors say Austin is "the most manageable city in the country with the highest quality of bilingual life." In compiling the list, the editors looked at job growth, good schools, reasonable living costs, political power and culture.

"There is no question that Hispanics have had a significant economic, political and cultural impact on Austin. This influence will only become more dramatic as the proportion of Hispanics in the city continues to grow," Austin City Council Member Raul Alvarez says.

"The designation by Hispanic magazine is a great honor for Austin and a testament to the manner in which the city has embraced this vital segment of the community."

The article also singles out the city as headquarters of Whole Foods Market Inc. (Nasdaq: WFMI), which Fortune magazine named among the best companies for minorities, and home of the University of Texas' McCombs School of Business, which has 14 percent Hispanic business majors.

"It is a great honor for Austin to be tapped as the best place in the country for Hispanics to live, work and raise their families. Our diversity and the unlimited cultural activities available to all segments of the population help draw attention to our city and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike," says Bob Lander, president and CEO of the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Three Texas cities made the magazine's top 10 list, which includes Miami, No. 2; San Diego, No. 3; San Antonio, No. 4; El Paso, No. 5; Albuquerque, N.M., No. 6; Tucson, Ariz., No. 7; Los Angeles, No. 8; Chicago, No. 9; and Las Vegas, No. 10.

The U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is bringing its 25th annual convention to Austin in September.