Ten Years in Austin

I can't pinpoint what exactly brought me to Austin ten years ago. I sensed was that something was happening in Austin that wasn't happening anywhere else. Back then I had no money, no career, and few friends. Fast forward and today I have a successful business, a house in my favorite neighborhood, a published book and more friends than I know what to do with. My senses were right. There was, and is something special happening in Austin. Now I've had a decade to muse on what that special something that continues to pull me deeper.

It's not Downtown. Rainey is dead to me. It's not South Congress or the tie-dye Keep Austin Weird shirts. It's not ACL, SXSW or Zilker. It's not the aesthetics. Austin is more new world sprawl than old world mystique. It's not the university. It's not the hill country mansions or various SoHo House style socialite scenes. It's not the many spiritual fads or communities self-labeling as "conscious".

Some realities set the stage for what I’m trying to describe. Compared to other major cities, Austin is still affordable. The economics, especially in my line of business, are fantastic. I can live well without having to kill myself. The nature, while undramatic, is nourishing and easily accessible. It's not too big, not too small, not too blue, and not too red. It's warm and sunny. Winters are calm. I even find joys in Summer. The food scene punches above it's weight. There’s ample ranchers to source world class meat from. The music scene is legendary. Barton is an Earthly paradise.

What I couldn't have known then, but what is obvious now, is how critical the Texas part of Austin is. Many mistakenly think of Austin as an oasis in an otherwise irredeemable backwater. This couldn't be further from the truth. Texas' "fuck you I'll do it my way" spirit fused with Austin's funk is what completes the cocktail.

What Austin lacks in history and old world charms it makes up for in something less obvious, but far more exciting. Most of the world's great cities are blessed by cultural heritage, but also burdened by cultural baggage and set identities. You won't change New York, Paris or London. But Austin? Here the cultural cement is still wet. You can, as many have in my time here, come and leave your mark.

Zooming further, outside Barton, everything I need in Austin is in East Austin. It’s not pretty like the West side. There’s problems with crime and homelessness. But by and large the many little pocket neighborhoods here are cozy and a pleasure to stroll. The restaurant scene is the best in the city. The tacos are delicious and abundant. Soul Man Sam at Skylark and Ladies Night at Sahara Lounge are glorious holdovers from the past. Nickel City is everything a bar should be.

But while Austin’s, and specifically East Austin’s, main menu runs deep, that special something I love is deeper. Inside homes, gyms, and parks is a sprawling constellation of gatherings forming Austin's Secret Menu.

Community workouts and ridiculous sauna conversations at Squatch. Tuesday Talks at Hutch’s. Wine Night at Pauline’s. Archery at William's. Comfort Zone with Ellie. Steak Night at my place. Saturday disc golf with the homies. Meditation Saturday's with Jack. Spicy Parties with Nina. Renegade parties at Secret Peak. Soul Care Sundays with Andy and Kirti. Sky's podcast studio. Wellness Sundays at the Ranch.

Sunday rucks with Jason and crew. Adventures to Big Bend. More Steak with Jake and Co at the (other) Ranch. Strolls along the lake with Lauren and Co. Neighborhood walks with Dani and Imran. Story Night at Zach's. Sunday raids at the Farmer's Market followed by baptismal Barton plunges with the Olsons. Yet despite my decade I know I’ve merely scratched the surface of a much larger Secret Menu.

Within this constellation is a thriving ecosystem of people which I call the Homiesphere. In them, more than anything else about Austin, is where I find that special something. They are the reason my returns home after long departures are so exciting. In them are the nourishing vitamins of human connections that gives rich vitality to even the dullest of days.

The Homies of the Homiesphere think, feel, and love deeply. Most left home like me to bet on themselves and build better lives. Among them are entrepreneurs, rebels, executives, authors, podcasters, musicians, engineers and artists. But most importantly, they’re each wonderful to spend time with. They aspire for physical, psychic and professional wellbeing. They’re welcoming to newcomers (even those from California).

None have ever cared how much money I make, who I know or who I work for. They love me for no other reason than who I am. Around them I find fertile soil for my personality to blossom. In them are cheerleaders for my triumphs and safety nets for my struggles. They are the ones I aspire to grow old with. In them is the soul of the city I love.

What I’ve found after ten years is a city becoming filled with people becoming. Austin and I have changed a lot in this time. What and who we become together is a mystery, but I’m excited to spend many more years here to find out.