AUSTIN, TEX.

BEST CITY FOR YOUNG SINGLES

Population: 1,406,364
Cost-of-Living Index: 93 (100 being national average)
Percentage of Workforce in Creative Class: 36.4%
Bohemian Indicator: 135
Creative-Class Salary Growth (2000-2005): 17.1%

Beer, music, tacos and barbeque add up to a laid-back scene in the capital of the Lone Star State. Young singles who stay out too late can shock their systems awake at Barton Springs Pool, the city's natural-and naturally chilly -- swimming hole.

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