…to move to Austin. This is a hard one; there are so many. Austin consistently ranks way up on most ‘Best Places’ lists, placing first among best big cities, best city for Hispanics (2004), second best large city for families, third among top growth cities, great places to live, and cool cities. High among the best reasons to live and work in Austin is it’s a “healthy place to live .” In 2006, Austin was second best in fittest cities in Texas, its people get a decent night’s sleep, and Austin’s Sustainable City designation assures that the air, water, local foods, and buildings are also among the healthiest in the state and getting healthier. On average, Austin’s air quality ranks near the middle of the 50 cleanest and dirtiest cities in the nation. Physically, the citizens of Austin are motivated by Mayor Will Wynn’s Austin in Motion challenge, issued in 2004, to make Austin the number one fittest city in the state of Texas. The city gets high marks for its large number of Fitness Centers and healthy restaurants. The mayor has called on Austinites to do more – changing their lifestyles to include more exercise, more healthy eating, and less couch sitting and fast food eating. Austin hosts more than 90 annual walks and runs. Children and their families are being encouraged, as well, in the hope a healthy lifestyle will start early and be sustained throughout life. About 30,000 children participate in 26.2 miles worth of runs every year. Austin’s people are in good shape mentally, as well. Low unemployment, divorce, crime, and suicide rates contribute to a mentally healthy population. One of the bonuses supporting this health attiude and lifestyle is by the high number of sunny days. Stay healthy, stay loose, and stay in Austin!