Startup City': Accelerated Growth Strains Austin

A few years ago, some blocks of Austin's South Congress Avenue featuring a castle-themed wax museum and comic book shop, a neighborhood bar with $1 taco deals and an auto shop took on a look of calm and tranquility. Then, 【小题1】 it happened at so many other places in Austin, the construction cranes came.Those blocks recently reopened with a strip of modern urban buildings with shops offering luxuries. The project's developer, Andrew Joblon, said he saw a need for national luxury brands in a place where more well-paid executives were coming. To Brad Somers, a manager of the Twomey Auto Works, it was a reminder that some longtime Austinites can't afford their own city anymore.

But the pace of change is accelerating as companies and remote workers relocate to 【小题2】 they see as the next tech metropolis, in some cases 【小题3】 (flee) California. The pandemic also has spurred moves to Austin.Some New Yorkers and San Franciscans, now working remotely, have come for lower rents, great bars and year-round warmth. The arrivals have provided the economy with a boost 【小题4】 businesses struggle with fallout from the pandemic. They also are bringing the city more of the same high costs and traffic jams they are escaping.

Many tech leaders and workers say clustering is good for innovation, limited regulations and the lack of a state income tax. City and state leaders /have celebrated the relocation of people to Austin while disputing whose policies provide the draw. High-profile businesses have made or planned moves to other Texas cities as well, 【小题5】   Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co.'s recent announcement that it is moving its headquarters to Houston.The Republican governor credited 【小题6】 to the state's business-friendly policies. Austin Mayor Steve Adler said the city's values are   【小题7】 natural fit for startups. “It's progressive socially and a really entrepreneurial, innovative place.”

Many longtime Austin residents have struggled to stay in their homes, particularly on the city's east side, where Black and Hispanic families traditionally lived. The area has rapidly sprouted strips of popular bars, apartment complexes and expensively rebuilt houses. Elsewhere in Texas, you also see neighborhoods that are gentrifying (城市士绅化) and families that are experiencing displacement. “What's unique about Austin is the pace 【小题8】 it’s occurring,” said Heather Way, a University of Texas professor.

Many believe a solution lies in more housing and better transit, saying Austin 【小题9】(not intend) for what it has become. 【小题10】 years of proposals for a city rail system, some people didn't want to urbanize the city, preferring that money should be spent on roadways.

In a society where being thin is often seen as being beautiful. Teenagers sometimes turn to extreme methods to slim down quickly. Health experts are increasing their efforts to educate teenagers about the side effects of losing weight too quickly. They have also warned them 【小题1】using such extreme methods. An expert pointed out that 【小题2】 is important to have a healthy balanced diet since teenagers are still growing and their bodies need a lot of nutrition to function well. She added “What’s more, they should keep regular hours and keep plenty of exercise to stay 【小题3】(energy) and fit.”

In many countries, 【小题1】 is not unusual for families of different backgrounds to live together in the shared space.【小题2】, in the United States, this idea may still be considered strange.

But this type of housing,【小题3】(call)co-housing, is gaining【小题4】(popular) in the United States, too, Co-housing complexes are popping up cross the country. For many people, this way of life is【小题5】relief to the busy modern lifestyle. A co-housing community has 【小题6】 (private)owned houses and shared land. There is often a “common house” with a kitchen and dining room, meeting room, and maybe a workshop of library or music room. About 25 co-housing communities【小题7】 (build)so far, and 150 more are being planned.

A co-housing complex is a place 【小题8】 residents shop, cook, and eat together. Residents of a co-housing complex like its sense of shared community. Children have other kids to play【小题9】, which many families like. Other residents like the feeling in a “village”. Residents also say that they can live in co-housing for 【小题10】 (little)money than they would pay for nearby apartments.