For the most part, Austin is a beautiful, peaceful place to live. It’s a growing city that’s changed a lot in the last several years, and with growth comes some challenges. Austin’s violent crime rate is only slightly higher than the national average. However, the property crime rate is significantly higher. Living in Austin isn't all bad, there are definitely some neighborhoods that are safer than others. These seven neighborhoods around Austin are some of the safest and most peaceful, based on crime data from the FBI identifying the safest places in Texas.
1. Barton Hills
The beautiful community of Barton Hills is nestled right up to the Barton Creek Greenbelt. The greenbelt offers hiking, cycling, swimming, and tubing. The crime rate in Barton Hills is 39 percent lower than the national average, and residents have a 1 in 56 chance of being the victim of any type of crime.
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2. Windsor Road
The Windsor Road neighborhood is known for its shady, tree-lined streets and diverse, older architecture. Here, residents have a 1-in-56 chance of being the victim of a crime.
3. Crestview
Residents in Crestview enjoy a safe neighborhood and a real feeling of community. It's one of those places where you can run down to the local Crestview deli and chat with the owner. The crime rate here is 39 percent lower than the national average.
4. Zilker
Zilker park is a jewel in the crown of this pretty neighborhood, and its residents also enjoy a lower-than-average crime rate. Just 4.97 crimes per 100,000 people occur in Zilker daily.
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5. Hancock
Hancock is the overall fifth-ranked neighborhood in Austin, and a lot of that has to do with its low crime rate. The neighborhood offers some great shopping and is a quiet little space that's still close to the city.
6. Dawson
Dawson is a very community-centered neighborhood (Here's a pic of its Community Garden). The crime rate here is 35 percent lower than the national average, and this neighborhood is 82 percent safer than all other places in Texas.
7. North Shoal Creek
Living in the North Shoal Creek neighborhood means that you experience 60 percent fewer total crimes than Austin in general. The community's police and fire department (pictured here) are doing a stellar job to keep residents safe!
Overall living in Austin is a wonderful experience. And these are just a few of the many vibrant, wonderful communities in the Austin area. Do you live in one of the seven safest places to live in Austin? If not, does your neighborhood belong on this list? If so, tell us about it, because communities like these are what make life in Austin great!
We know that Austin is pretty much the best place in the world to live. And here’s why: our people! Check out these 10 reasons why people from Austin are the best kind of people you’ll ever meet.
We Visited a Historic Mill in Minnesota During Peak Fall Foliage and It Was the Highlight of Our Trip
Many of America's most scenic historic mills are located on the East Coast, but this 19th century flour mill in Minnesota looks like it's straight out of a postcard - complete with a waterfall.
There’s a special kind of magic to fall in Minnesota. The air gets crisp, the trees put on their finest multi-colored hues, and the days beg you to head outside (albeit with plenty of shiver-inducing breezes in the forecast). This October, my best friend and I did exactly that, road tripping to Minnesota's best fall hotspots, hiking through breathtaking oceans of autumn foliage, and getting lost in the spectacular, beauty of at least a dozen of the state's 10,000-plus lakes.
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As our ambitious journey came to an end, we made one last detour, making a beeline for Phelps Mill in Phelps (near Underwood) in search of one last photo op, a little history, and a much-needed escape from the tourist crowds.
As we wound our way down the Otter Tail Scenic Byway and along a few rural roads toward Phelps Mill, the countryside felt like it was showing off. Every curve revealed another kaleidoscope of oranges, reds, and yellows, as if the trees were in competition for the brightest display. Honestly, if you’re a sucker for fall photography (which we absolutely are!), you’ll spend the drive stopping every few miles to snap a picture. By the time we reached the mill, we were already scrolling through dozens of photos we’d taken along the way.
Like so many parts of the country, there aren't too many historic mills in Minnesota still standing. But along the Otter Tail River, Phelps Mill feels like a sweet, picture-perfect postcard brought to life. It’s one of those spots that transports you back in time without any fuss. No frills, no imposing overlook areas, no souvenir stands; just old-fashioned charm in the form of a towering four-story mill, surrounded by trees that seemed to be on fire with the season's finest attire.
Once upon a time, Minneapolis was considered the Flour Milling Capital of the World, but the industry wasn't just concentrated within the city. Built in 1889, Phelps Mill (a little over 2 hours away) was once a bustling hub for local farmers as well, grinding wheat into flour back when the mill was powered by the Otter Tail River. Today, the massive red building stands proudly as a relic of Minnesota’s history, preserved for curious travelers like us. And standing at the base of that mill, looking up at its four stories, you can’t help but feel a bit awestruck.
Today, the mill and the surrounding area have been turned into Phelps Mill County Park, a gorgeous spot where visitors can enjoy the beauty of the landscape, the historic building, and the serene river flowing by. It’s a photographer's dream in the fall, with the mill framed by the fiery foliage of the trees and the waterfall tumbling into the Otter Tail River below.
First things first, we wanted to capture those fall colors in all their glory before some looming storm clouds let loose with a downpour. The trees lining the riverbank were in full autumn regalia, reflecting off the water like a painting come to life. We spent an embarrassing amount of time trying to get the perfect shot, but when nature’s showing off like that, who can blame us?
Yet, the beauty outside is just one part of the experience. We absolutely had to see the inside of the mill, and were fortunate enough to be visiting before it closed for the season. We were drawn in immediately, cameras in hand, ready to explore every corner of this historic spot. Fortunately, unlike other historic places around the state, it’s self-guided, meaning you can take your sweet time without the pressure of a formal tour.
And, trust me, you’ll want to linger.
The interior is full of unique details and fun finds — old machinery, the smell of aged wood — that make it feel like the mill’s workers just stepped out for lunch and might be back any minute.
Walking inside, we were greeted by the creak of old wooden floors and the kind of weighty silence that old buildings so often have. The mill’s interior is surprisingly well-preserved, with massive grinding stones, wooden gears, and chutes that once directed grain into various parts of the building. We wandered through the different levels, each with its own collection of equipment and historical tidbits that made us feel like we’d stumbled into a slice of the past.
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At every turn, there was something new to discover - whether it was a vintage photograph of the mill in its heyday or an old ledger documenting the grain that passed through. For history buffs (or anyone who just loves a good old-fashioned story), it’s fascinating.
Phelps Mill’s story is a classic slice of Minnesota history. Built by William E. Thomas, the mill was part of a movement to modernize flour production in the area. At the time, it was one of the most advanced flour mills around, using a water-powered turbine system that was cutting-edge in the late 19th century. The mill operated for several decades before eventually becoming obsolete as larger commercial operations took over. But it's a beautiful reminder of the past, both inside and out.
The park was pretty special too. It’s the kind of place where you can just sit by the river and let time slow down for a while. If you’re up for a picnic, there are plenty of spots around the park to spread out a blanket, let the kids run around, and enjoy the scenery. We didn’t come prepared with lunch, but we definitely made a mental note for next time. It’s the perfect setting, and I can't wait to pay another visit in winter.
After our fill of Phelps Mill, we headed to the nearby town of Fergus Falls for a bite to eat and to explore a bit more of the local sights. Like most small towns in this part of Minnesota, it’s quaint, welcoming, and full of those hidden gems you’d miss if you were just passing through. There’s a certain peacefulness to the whole area - a slower pace that’s hard to come by these days.
In the end, our trip to Phelps Mill was everything we’d hoped for and more, and with our timing lining up so perfectly with peak fall foliage, it was definitely the highlight of our trip. Fall in Minnesota is always something special, but there’s something about combining the season’s beauty with a slice of history that makes it even more memorable. If you’re looking for a beautiful autumn outing that offers more than just pretty leaves (but still plenty of 'em!), Phelps Mill is a must.
Austinites are true trailblazers, y’all. From our unabashed weirdness to our innovative and vibrant tech scene, the people of Bat City are always looking for new ways to move forward. So, take a look at these nine examples of things we did first that might surprise you. It’s true that some people don’t know about these amazing things from Austin Texas, so read on to see if you’re familiar with them. Best of all, these fun facts about Austin will help you with your next trivia gathering!
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1. Kickstart the cosmic cowboy movement
In the 1970s, with the help of Willie Nelson himself, Austin saw a cultural shift sweep through the city. Thanks to the Armadillo World Headquarters and all of Austin's local creatives, the cosmic cowboy scene took flight. Today, it's not uncommon to see artistic types rocking the Willie braids and playing a guitar along Barton Springs.
2. Print 3D images
In the late 1980s UT grad student Carl Deckard and Mechanical engineering professor Joseph Beaman invented selective laser sintering -- the first kind of 3D printing. This process builds objects one layer at a time from a thin layer of powder. How's that for cool Austin, TX inventions?
3. Popularize the food trailer park
Sure, food trailers have been around since the chuckwagon days, but Austin has taken this mobile eatery to the next level. Behold: the food trailer park! In Austin, the food trucks are so good, guests come to them (not the other way around).
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4. Sell organic groceries to the masses.
Whole Foods began its life as a humble storefront on North Lamar. Today, its headquarters takes up an entire city block.
5. Give us Dell Computers
Michael Dell started his tech venture as a pre-med student at The University of Texas. He began making PC upgrade kits in his dorm room, but soon sold his company for over $50,000. Today, Dell Computers sits in north Austin and is part of the city's booming tech culture.
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6. Build the first F1 racetrack in America.
The Circuit of the Americas was the first racetrack built specifically for Formula One in the U.S. Located south of the city, this track hosts the Formula One United States Grand Prix and the Motorcycle Grand Prix of the Americas.
7. Perfect the movie-going experience
The Alamo Drafthouse opened its doors in Austin in 1997 and has been delighting movie-goers ever since. With craft cocktails, movie-themed menus, and lavish cinematic events, there's no other movie theater quite like this one.
8. Coin the slogan "Keep it Weird"
Other cities have adopted Austin's iconic saying and claimed it as their own (looking at you, Portland), but the truth of the matter is that Austin did it first. In 2000, a local radio listener called into KOOP and praised the show that "kept Austin weird." From there, bumper stickers were made, T-shirts were printed, and this slogan became the focal point of Austin's quirky way of life.
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9. Create dozens of companies we know and love
South By Southwest takes Austin by storm every March, giving birth to a plethora of new ideas. Did you know that Twitter, Foursquare, and GroupMe all launched at SXSW?
Wow, it's hard to believe that these are things Austin did first! Did you know about any of these exciting things from Austin Texas? If so, which ones? What's your favorite Austin invention? We'd love to read your thoughts in the comments section below!