Austin. Texas

You'll see it throughout the city on T-shirts and bumper stickers: 'Keep Austin Weird.' While old-timers grumble that Austin has lost its charm, the city has managed to keep its laid-back vibe. Though this former college town with a hippie spirit has seen an influx of techies and celebrities, there's still a strong body of residents who want nothing more than to focus on their music or finish their novel or work on the newest installment of crazy yard art.

Austin is an absolute music town, earning it the title of 'Live Music Capital of the World.' The city hosts two major music festivals (South by Southwest and the Austin City Limits Festival), but you don't have to endure the crowds to experience the scene-- Austin has live music all over town every night of the week!