Since 2010, Austin has gained over half a million new residents — a population growth of 34%. Even in 2021, Austin continues to grow despite the pressures and challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. And with it, a rapidly expanding culture of art, music, food and drink.
Along with this massive population growth, household incomes have also risen about 20% since 2010, from roughly $65,000 to nearly $89,000.
In addition, Austin now has the third-worst traffic congestion of an urban area in the United States. The overabundance of cars on the road creates a need for ridesharing in response to distressed parking availability. The Austin metro area’s population explosion over the last decade did not just lead to a swelling of the downtown area — Austin’s suburbs have seen massive growth as well. Once-sleepy neighborhoods now teem with restaurants, bars, and high-end grocery chains, creating their own unique micro-communities that beg for visitors.
This population growth has naturally led to an increase in restaurants of all kinds as well as bars, lounges, and gastropubs. More people and more congestion have created a demand for more convenience as well. Austin is also one of the most car-dependent areas in the nation, with very few public transportation options available to easily take one between neighborhoods. With in-person dining and nightlife reopening in 2021, Austin’s demand for ridesharing led to apps Uber and Lyft offering large bonuses to potential drivers in exchange for making a certain number of trips.
The strong demand for ridesharing prompted Freebirds to start its points-system.
It is apparent that Austin residents new and old enjoy new Austin hot spots. With 240 restaurants per capita, foodies have all sorts of experiences to choose from. All the more reason to use Freebird to book your ride all over the city in search of the next must-have meal.
1. https://worldpopulationreview.com/us-cities/austin-tx-population
2. https://www.marketplace.org/2021/04/08/uber-lyft-dole-out-cash-get-drivers-back-on-road/
4. https://www.neighborhoods.com/blog/4-austin-suburbs-with-their-own-nightlife-scenes
5. https://austin.culturemap.com/news/city-life/06-20-17-car-free-city-report-us-census-bureau-austin/