Hot Headlines
Austin's boomtown status dominates this week's most popular stories
Editor's note: Austin's booming economy and hidden gems lead this round of top stories. Read on for more of the week's most popular headlines.
1. Forbes boldly declares Austin America's next boomtown. Texas is the land of opportunity, and Austin is leading the charge, according to Forbes, which has named Austin America's next boomtown. Forbes analyzed the 53 largest metro areas in the country to determine which have the best chance of prospering in the next decade, and the Capital City ranks at No. 1.
2. North Lamar's best-kept secret introduces Austin to Puerto Rican comfort food. This hidden gem is really not so hidden at all. In fact, you’ve probably driven past the bright yellow structure on North Lamar Boulevard many times since it opened in June of 2011. But the next time you're driving north toward 183, do yourself a favor and pull into the parking lot of Chago's Caribbean Cuisine for the authentic Puerto Rican fare.
3. Here's what it costs to rent in Austin's most popular neighborhoods. We already know that the Austin housing market is hot, hot, hot, and it looks like the local rental market is just as steamy. The most recent report from Zumper outlines Austin's rental landscape by mapping out which areas of the city are the most and least expensive for renters. Central Austin racks up the largest bill.
4. Texas neighborhood crowned one of the world's trendiest destinations. Forty million people can't be wrong. That's how many travelers Airbnb estimates used its service in 2015, and the hospitality company has taken their feedback to make a list of the world's 16 trendiest neighborhoods to visit. And guess what's on it? One high-end Texas neighborhood.
5. The best bars in Austin when you're laying off the booze. As a town known for loving its libations (perhaps a little too much), it can be hard to go anywhere in Austin without drinking being a focal point of the experience. So, where does one turn when laying off the booze? We've rounded up nine different "bars" where you can have a great time with company or alone, sans the alcohol.