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Things to do in Austin, TX: Activities & Attractions

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Things to do in Austin, TX: Activities & Attractions


Austin, TX, known as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” offers an eclectic mix of attractions and activities that cater to all types of visitors. From its rich history and vibrant culture to its beautiful outdoor spaces and thriving food scene, there’s no shortage of things to do in Austin. This guide will explore some of the best attractions and activities to make your visit to Austin unforgettable.

History and Culture

Austin, TX, boasts a rich history and a vibrant cultural tapestry that reflects its diverse heritage and dynamic growth. The city was founded in 1839 and named after Stephen F. Austin, the “Father of Texas.” Since then, it has evolved into a bustling metropolis known for its live music scene, technological innovation, and cultural landmarks. 

The Texas State Capitol, completed in 1888, is a prominent historic site, standing 302 feet tall, even taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. This iconic building, constructed from Texas pink granite, symbolizes the state’s grand history and political significance. 

Nearby, the Driskill Hotel, established in 1886, offers a glimpse into the opulent past with its Romanesque architecture and storied legacy of hosting dignitaries and celebrities.

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Cultural diversity is at the heart of Austin’s identity, particularly highlighted in the historic district of East Austin. Known as Six Square, this area was designated in the 1928 master plan as the “Negro District,” confining Black residents to a six-square-mile area. 

Despite these challenges, East Austin flourished as a hub for Black businesses, cultural institutions, and community solidarity. Today, Six Square celebrates this rich history through various cultural sites like the George Washington Carver Museum and Rosewood Park. 

These landmarks commemorate the resilience and contributions of Austin’s Black community. Events like the annual Juneteenth celebrations further emphasize Austin’s commitment to honoring its diverse cultural heritage and ensuring that its vibrant history is preserved and appreciated by future generations.

Outdoor Activities

Austin, TX, is renowned for its array of outdoor activities that cater to a variety of interests, thanks to its nearly 300 days of sunshine and mild climate. One of the city’s top outdoor attractions is Lady Bird Lake, which flows through downtown Austin and offers a perfect spot for kayaking, paddleboarding, and canoeing. 

Rental services like the Austin Rowing Club make it easy to get on the water, while guided tours provide unique perspectives of the city’s skyline. 

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The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail, a 10-mile loop around the lake, is popular among joggers, cyclists, and walkers, offering scenic views of both the lake and the urban landscape.

Zilker Park, spanning over 350 acres, is another jewel in Austin’s outdoor offerings. It hosts numerous activities including disc golf, volleyball, and picnicking. 

The park is also home to the Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool that maintains a refreshing 68-70 degrees year-round, making it an ideal spot for swimming, especially during the hot summer months. 

For those interested in hiking, the Barton Creek Greenbelt offers over 12 miles of trails winding through lush greenery and limestone cliffs, perfect for both beginners and experienced hikers. Additionally, Mount Bonnell provides one of the best spots for panoramic views of Austin, making it a favorite for photographers and sunset watchers.

Music Scene

Austin, TX, often referred to as the “Live Music Capital of the World,” boasts an incredibly dynamic and diverse music scene that attracts enthusiasts from all over the globe. 

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The city is home to over 250 live music venues, offering a variety of genres from rock and blues to country and jazz. Iconic spots such as The Continental Club, Antone’s Nightclub, and Stubb’s Bar-B-Q are renowned for their vibrant atmospheres and top-notch performances. 

Moreover, Austin hosts numerous music festivals that draw large crowds, including the Austin City Limits Music Festival and South by Southwest (SXSW), which together attract more than 450,000 fans each year.

In addition to these major events, Austin celebrates music year-round with a plethora of smaller, yet equally engaging festivals. The Austin Blues Festival, the Austin Reggae Festival, and the Besame Mucho Festival each highlight specific genres and cultural influences, enriching the city’s musical diversity. 

Local venues and outdoor spaces frequently host live performances, ensuring that residents and visitors alike can enjoy music almost any night of the week. The unique Free Week festival, organized by the Red River Cultural District, offers free admission to a multitude of concerts, showcasing the best local talents across various genres. 

This vibrant and inclusive music scene solidifies Austin’s reputation as a premier destination for live music lovers.

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Food and Drink

Austin, TX, is celebrated for its vibrant food and drink scene, which offers an eclectic mix of culinary delights and beverage experiences. 

The city is home to numerous renowned restaurants that showcase a variety of cuisines, from classic Texas barbecue to innovative modern dishes. For barbecue aficionados, Franklin Barbecue remains a must-visit, famous for its melt-in-your-mouth brisket and long lines of eager patrons. 

Meanwhile, LeRoy and Lewis are gaining recognition for their inventive approach to barbecue, incorporating underutilized cuts of beef and creative sides that offer a fresh take on traditional flavors.

For those seeking a more diverse culinary experience, Austin boasts a range of eateries that cater to different tastes and preferences. Barley Swine, led by Chef Bryce Gilmore, is known for its farm-to-table tasting menu that highlights local, seasonal ingredients with a focus on sustainability. 

For a taste of authentic Mexican flavors, Nixta Taqueria and Con Todo offer dishes that blend traditional techniques with contemporary twists, serving up everything from nixtamalized tortillas to mesquite-grilled cauliflower tacos. 

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Additionally, the annual Austin Food + Wine Festival is a highlight for food lovers, featuring artisanal food, wine, beer, and spirits from top-rated chefs and purveyors, along with interactive demos and tasting sessions.

Historic Attractions

Austin, TX, offers a rich tapestry of historic attractions that reflect its diverse heritage and vibrant history. One of the most iconic landmarks is the Texas State Capitol, completed in 1888, which stands 302 feet tall, making it taller than the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. 

The building, constructed from Texas pink granite, features stunning architectural details and offers free guided tours that provide insight into Texas’s legislative history. Adjacent to the Capitol, the Texas Governor’s Mansion, dating back to 1856, is another historical site open for public tours.

Another significant historic site is the Driskill Hotel, built in 1886. This Romanesque-style building has hosted many notable guests and events throughout its history, embodying the elegance of 19th-century architecture. 

For those interested in literary history, the O. Henry Home & Museum offers a glimpse into the life of the famous short story writer William Sydney Porter, known by his pen name O. Henry. The museum is housed in Porter’s former residence and features original manuscripts and personal artifacts. 

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Additionally, the Bullock Texas State History Museum provides a comprehensive overview of Texas history with interactive exhibits and galleries, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts.

Museums and Galleries

Austin, TX, is home to a diverse array of museums and galleries that cater to a wide range of interests, making it a vibrant cultural hub. One of the city’s standout institutions is the Blanton Museum of Art, located on the University of Texas campus. 

With over 21,000 pieces, it boasts the largest and most comprehensive collection of art in Central Texas. 

The museum’s collections span from European paintings to modern and contemporary American and Latin American art, featuring notable works such as Ellsworth Kelly’s “Austin” sculpture. The Blanton also offers rotating exhibitions and special events, making it a dynamic space for art lovers.

Another key cultural institution is the Bullock Texas State History Museum, which provides an extensive overview of Texas history from its earliest inhabitants to modern times. The museum’s exhibits include artifacts such as a World War I trench knife and a flag from the Guerrero Battalion, offering a deep dive into the state’s rich past. 

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For a unique experience, the Museum of the Weird showcases oddities and curiosities, staying true to Austin’s “Keep Austin Weird” motto. This museum features everything from shrunken heads to live sideshow performances, making it a must-visit for those interested in the bizarre. 

Additionally, the Mexic-Arte Museum in downtown Austin celebrates Mexican, Latino, and Latin American art and culture through its impressive array of paintings, sculptures, and interactive exhibits.

Austin, TX, offers a vibrant and diverse shopping scene that caters to a variety of tastes and preferences. One of the most iconic areas is South Congress Avenue, also known as SoCo, which is renowned for its bohemian atmosphere. 

SoCo is lined with eclectic boutiques, vintage shops, and unique art galleries, making it a haven for those seeking one-of-a-kind finds. Popular spots include Feathers Vintage, which offers a range of retro apparel and locally sourced goods, and STAG Provisions for Men, known for its stylish and relaxed menswear. 

The district also hosts First Thursdays, a monthly event where shops stay open late, and local vendors sell their crafts and art, creating a lively and festive environment.

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For those interested in a more upscale shopping experience, The Domain in North Austin is the place to be. This high-end shopping district features luxury brands and designer stores, providing a sophisticated retail environment. 

The Domain offers a curated selection of fashion, accessories, and home decor, with stores like Neiman Marcus and Louis Vuitton. After a day of shopping, visitors can enjoy various dining and entertainment options, making it a comprehensive destination for both shopping and leisure. 

Additionally, East Austin offers a unique blend of art and commerce, with creative spaces and galleries like Canopy Austin showcasing local artisans’ work against a backdrop of vibrant street art.

Nightlife

Austin, TX, offers a vibrant and eclectic nightlife that caters to a wide array of tastes and preferences, making it a top destination for night owls. One of the city’s most iconic nightlife experiences can be found at The Broken Spoke, known as the “last true Texas dance hall.” 

Here, visitors can enjoy authentic country music, take two-step lessons, and explore a small museum featuring country music memorabilia from legends like Willie Nelson and George Strait. 

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For those who prefer live music, Austin’s legendary music scene does not disappoint. The Continental Club, which has been a staple since 1957, offers a mix of blues, rock, and folk, while Antone’s is renowned as the “home of the blues,” having hosted greats like Stevie Ray Vaughan.

For a more modern nightlife experience, the Red River Cultural District is a must-visit. This area is packed with trendy bars, live music venues, and clubs that cater to various musical tastes, from punk and hip-hop to electronic and indie rock. 

Cheer Up Charlie’s is a popular spot, known for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse crowd, along with great live music and a spacious outdoor area. Additionally, the Warehouse District offers upscale nightlife options with stylish clubs like Red Fez and rooftop lounges such as Summit, where visitors can enjoy top DJs and stunning views of the city skyline. 

Whether you’re in the mood for a laid-back bar or an energetic dance club, Austin’s nightlife has something to offer everyone.

Living in Austin

Living in Austin, TX, offers a unique blend of urban excitement and natural beauty, making it an attractive destination for a wide range of residents. The city’s cost of living is slightly higher than the national average, primarily driven by housing costs. 

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As of 2024, the median rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is approximately $2,242, while a three-bedroom apartment can reach around $4,604 per month. Despite these higher housing costs, other expenses such as groceries, utilities, and transportation remain below or near the national average. 

For example, the grocery index is at 88.4, and utilities at 93.6, which contributes to making daily life more affordable (Numbeo, Redfin, TexasRealEstateSource).

Austin’s robust job market and thriving tech scene continue to attract professionals. Major employers include the University of Texas, which alone employs over 12,000 individuals, and tech giants like Tesla and SpaceX, which are expanding their presence in the area. 

The city’s focus on education is evident, with top-rated public school districts and numerous higher education institutions. Residents enjoy a vibrant cultural scene, highlighted by a plethora of live music venues, outdoor activities, and a rich food and dining culture. 

Popular outdoor spots include Barton Creek Greenbelt, Lady Bird Lake, and Zilker Park, offering plenty of opportunities for hiking, biking, and water activities. 

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Despite some challenges like traffic congestion and hot summers, Austin’s diverse entertainment options and welcoming community make it a desirable place to live (Travel Safe Abroad, Move to Austin, Numbeo). 

If you’re planning to move to Austin, hiring a professional Austin moving company can significantly ease the transition. These companies not only transport your belongings efficiently but can also help you get acquainted with the city.



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Austin, TX

New podcast searches for accountability after 2025 Central Texas flood

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New podcast searches for accountability after 2025 Central Texas flood


A long holiday weekend and America’s 250th birthday are giving Central Texans even more reasons to celebrate this Fourth of July. From fireworks over Lady Bird Lake and Willie Nelson’s annual picnic to hometown parades and rooftop parties, there are plenty of ways to spend the day around the Austin area.

Here’s a look at some of the biggest events, from Austin’s signature Star-Spangled Fest to neighborhood traditions and Hill Country celebrations. Unless otherwise noted, all events take place Saturday, July 4.

The main events

Star-Spangled Fest
Auditorium Shores & Long Center, 900 W. Riverside Dr.
Austin’s signature Fourth of July celebration stretches from morning to night as the city marks America’s 250th anniversary. The day begins with The Morning Spin from 10 am to 1 pm, featuring house music, craft coffee, cocktails, local vendors, and food trucks. The evening festival returns at 4:30 pm with kids’ activities, food trucks, and performances by Austin soul-funk favorites Tomar & the FCs, country singer Shelby Stone, a Veteran Recognition Celebration, and the Austin Symphony Orchestra’s annual patriotic concert before fireworks over Lady Bird Lake at 9:45 pm. The concert and fireworks will also be simulcast on KMFA 89.5. A number of parking garages are open around the park. General admission is free. VIP Lawn Access starts at $45, while reserved tables and private cabana experiences range up to $2,500. Tickets and VIP packages are available through the Star-Spangled Fest website.

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Several downtown hotels and rooftops are offering elevated alternatives to the crowds below along Auditorium Shores.

  • P6 at The Line Austin is hosting its “Creole Surf Riot” celebration with live music by Louisiana Surf Department, Creole-inspired food stations, and two complimentary drinks. Early bird tickets start at $75, with general admission at $90.
  • The Loren at Lady Bird Lake is celebrating with a waterfront barbecue, curated beverages, and live music by Working Title. Reservations are available from 6-10 pm, with the band performing from 6-11 pm. Admission is $98 per person, plus a 17 percent gratuity. The hotel recommends making reservations in advance, as last year’s Fourth of July celebration sold out.
  • Otopia Rooftop at The Otis Hotel in West Campus is hosting a Fourth of July party from 7 -11 pm, featuring specialty cocktails with Still Austin Whiskey Co., a complimentary welcome cocktail, light bites for purchase, and giveaways. Tickets start at $23.18. The rooftop offers skyline views, though organizers note the downtown fireworks display is not visible from the venue.

Willie Nelson’s Fourth of July Picnic
Germania Insurance Amphitheater, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Del Valle
Fresh off his 93rd birthday, Willie Nelson returns to Circuit of The Americas for the latest edition of his annual Fourth of July Picnic, a Texas tradition spanning more than five decades. This year’s lineup features Willie Nelson & Family, bluegrass phenom Billy Strings, alternative rock legends Wilco, Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Sheryl Crow, Lukas Nelson, Stephen Wilson Jr., Rodney Crowell, Margo Price, and Lily Meola. The evening concludes with fireworks. Gates open at 2:30 pm and music begins at 3:30 pm. Most tickets are priced around $100, with options ranging from reserved seating to pit tickets and VIP packages. Tickets, VIP packages, and the full event lineup are available on Willie Nelson’s official website.

Hill Country Galleria Independence Day Festival
12700 Hill Country Blvd., Ste. T-100, Bee Cave
Families looking to avoid the downtown crowds can head west for one of the area’s biggest free celebrations honoring America’s 250th birthday. More than 40 artisan vendors, carnival rides, water games, and complimentary face painting fill the afternoon before an evening of live music. School of Rock opens the entertainment at 4 pm, followed by CAZAYOUX, Jeska Forsyth, Jo James, and Austin Latin rock veterans Vallejo. Then fireworks complete the event. Attendees are invited to bring a lawn chair or blanket. The festival runs from 4-10 pm, with fireworks scheduled for about 9:40 pm. Admission and parking are free.

Red, White & Buda
Buda Amphitheater & City Park, 204 San Antonio St., Buda
Buda turns Independence Day into an all-day celebration, beginning with the community’s annual Bike Parade at 9 am. Festivities resume at 4 pm with a DJ, bounce houses, a splash pad, food vendors, a vendor market, cornhole, sand volleyball, and rock climbing. Live music begins with Elle Townley at 6:30 pm, followed by Shinyribs, the Gulf Coast soul and swamp-funk band led by former Gourds frontman Kevin Russell, at 7:40 pm. The evening concludes with fireworks at about 9:15 pm. Admission is free.

Free neighborhood parades and hometown traditions

Northwest Austin Civic Association
Austin’s largest neighborhood Independence Day parade happens in the North Austin Civic Association, at the 53rd annual Fourth of July Parade and Freedom Fest. The festivities begin with a community breakfast at 7:30 am, followed by the parade at 9 am. Austin Mayor Kirk Watson will serve as grand marshal as decorated bicycles, antique cars, marching bands, community groups, and the popular Ladies Lawn Chair Brigade wind through Northwest Hills before the Freedom Fest continues with family activities.

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Members of the Northwest Austin Civic Association’s Arm Chair Brigade gather with parade grand marshal Council Member Alison Alter before the neighborhood’s annual Fourth of July parade in Northwest Austin.Alison Alter/Facebook

Cedar Park
Cedar Park’s Sparktacular returns to Milburn Park with live music, carnival rides, inflatables, food trucks, and fireworks at 9:30 pm.

Georgetown
Georgetown’s celebrations last all day with amusement rides and games, a kiddie parade, arts and crafts booths, food vendors, live music, and a fireworks show to round it all out.

Lakeway
Lakeway’s Fourth of July Celebration begins with its annual parade at 8:30 am, followed by family activities before the city’s evening fireworks display.

Leander
Leander is getting things started early with Liberty Fest on July 3. There will be live music and food, plus activities for kids and fireworks to end the day.

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Pflugerville
Pflugerville’s Pfireworks lights up Typhoon Texas with live music, food vendors, family activities, and one of the area’s largest fireworks displays.

Round Rock
Just north of Austin, Round Rock’s Frontier Days begins with the annual Sertoma Independence Day Parade at 8:30 am along Mays Street. Giant helium balloons, festive floats, marching bands, and community groups kick off a full day of carnival rides, pig races, live music, and festival food before the evening’s fireworks show.

America250

Want to keep celebrating America’s 250th birthday? The Fourth of July is only the beginning of the nation’s yearlong semiquincentennial celebration.

Texas America250 exhibit
Lorenzo de Zavala State Archives and Library Building, 1201 Brazos St.
This exhibit next to the Texas Capitol spotlights the Lone Star State’s outsized role in American history through historic photographs, maps, artifacts, sheet music, state records, and other treasures from the State Archives. From cowboys to astronauts, and from Beaumont to Big Bend, the exhibit explores how Texas helped shape the nation. The exhibit is on view throughout 2026.

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Other things to see at the archives include:

For even more, the Texas America250 events calendar lists celebrations taking place across the state throughout the year.



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Safehold backs 336-unit Austin housing project due in 2028

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Safehold backs 336-unit Austin housing project due in 2028


NEW YORK, June 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Safehold Inc. (NYSE: SAFE), the creator and leader of the modern ground lease industry, has closed on a ground lease for the development of an Affordable Housing community in Austin, Texas. The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) development will provide 336 total units upon delivery in 2028. The project will be developed by The NRP Group, one of the most active developers of Affordable Housing in the United States and a repeat Safehold customer.

“We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with the team at NRP and our focus on the Affordable Housing market in Texas,” said Steve Wylder, Safehold’s Head of Investments. “We’ve established an innovative new ground lease structure for the Texas markets and are pleased our capital could play a role in moving this high-quality development forward.”

The transaction represents Safehold’s second transaction with NRP in Austin this year, both new construction 4% LIHTC developments. The project is located in northeast Austin, a high-growth region with strong long-term fundamentals and demand for high-quality housing product. The development is supported by tax credit equity from Huntington Bank, with construction and permanent financing arranged by Berkadia. 

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Safehold established a dedicated Affordable Housing team in 2025 and has continued to expand its investment into the sector. Additional information is available at www.safeholdaffordablehousing.com.

About Safehold:

Safehold Inc. (NYSE: SAFE) is revolutionizing real estate ownership by providing a new and better way for owners to unlock the value of the land beneath their buildings. Having created the modern ground lease industry in 2017, Safehold continues to help owners of high quality multifamily, affordable housing, office, industrial, hospitality, student housing, life science and mixed-use properties generate higher returns with less risk. The Company, which is taxed as a real estate investment trust (REIT), seeks to deliver safe, growing income and long-term capital appreciation to its shareholders. Additional information on Safehold is available on its website at www.safeholdinc.com.

About The NRP Group:

The NRP Group is a vertically integrated developer, owner, builder, and manager of best-in-class multifamily housing with a mission to create exceptional rental housing communities for individuals and families, regardless of income. Since its founding in 1994, NRP has developed more than 62,000 apartment homes and currently manages over 30,000 residential units. Through its disciplined approach to vetting opportunities, NRP has established a track record of delivering impressive returns for investors. The company’s formidable size and depth of talent provide the experience and infrastructure necessary to execute developments of varying degrees of complexity and scope in both urban-infill and suburban locations, including market-rate, affordable, mixed-income, and senior housing. The NRP Group has been consistently named a largest developer and builder in the U.S. on the NMHC “Top 50” lists, the Top 5 on the Multi-Housing News’ “Top Multifamily Developers” list, named a Top Affordable Housing Developer by Affordable Housing Finance, and has won three NAHB Pillar awards since 2020 for Development, Construction and Ones to Watch. The NRP Group has become the top multifamily developer in the U.S. that creates both affordable and market-rate housing at a national scale. Based on over 30 years of experience and expertise, NRP provides construction and property management services to outside owners and developers. For additional information, visit www.nrpgroup.com.

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(PRNewsfoto/Safehold)

Cision View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/safehold-closes-second-affordable-housing-ground-lease-in-texas-302809796.html

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Texas insurance costs surge 79% in six years as lawmakers question AI impact on rates

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Texas insurance costs surge 79% in six years as lawmakers question AI impact on rates


AUSTIN (Nexstar) –  During a Texas Senate Business and Commerce hearing Wednesday, lawmakers heard invited testimony examining soaring property and casualty insurance costs. Testimony focused on the need for more affordable options and the need to address the role of AI.

Increased costs

Amanda Crawford, the Commissioner of Insurance at the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI), acknowledged the reality of rising insurance costs for everyday Texans.

“The past few years have been very, very difficult. The average annual homeowner premium in Texas has increased from under $2,000 in 2020 to over $3,500 today. It’s a 79% increase in six years. That is a tremendous burden for Texans, especially for a necessary product like home insurance,” Crawford told lawmakers Wednesday.

Crawford went on to clarify that this increase can be attributed to increases in home values and claim costs related to severe weather.

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“Annual homeowners’ losses averaged 5.5 billion from 2015 to 2020, rising to 9.1 billion from 2021 to 2025.” Crawford went on to say that “Last year alone, the National Weather Service recorded 902 hailstorms in Texas. The next closest state, Kansas, had 375.”

Holding insurance companies accountable

Crawford clarified that the TDI requires insurance companies to elaborate on their filings to ensure that Texans are not subject to unfair practices and prices.

“My expectations are that every rate filing submitted to TDI gets a careful review. We examine every statutory filing for statutory compliance. We verify the math, we scrutinize assumptions, we make them show their work”

According to the Texas Insurance Code, the rate review process conducted by the TDI does not explicitly focus on affordability.

“There is not a purpose in there around affordability. It is about driving market competition. It’s about making sure they’re not excessive, but then they’re also adequate. And it’s about having market forces drive the rates that are filed. So I think that’s an interesting perspective when you look at it, because that really frames the whole rate review process as it has been put into law.”

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Insurance company officials say they are also focused on affordable costs.

“Our industry is not just saying, hey, legislators go fix all this. We are working all the time to bring down costs. It’s a good business decision because it helps us be more competitive,” said Scot Kibbe, the Vice President for State Government Relations at the American Property College for Insurance Association.

Concerns of price surveillance

Senator Nathan Johnson, D-Dallas, questioned whether insurance companies may be using technological advances, such as AI, to participate in price surveillance, a tactic to maximize profits.

“It sounds like, to some extent, every industry, with the advent of technological advantages we didn’t use to have, is able to create a special price just for you to find out your breaking point,” Johnson said.

David Bolduc with the Office of Public Insurance Counsel noted that there are protections in statute against companies charging different prices for the same coverage. But he added that the practice can be difficult to detect.

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“I don’t know that TDI has the ability to monitor that. I mean, we hear about it,” Bolduc said in response to Johnson. “I think, if you could do something in statute that would allow us to report it, or would allow TDI to take action about it, that might be useful in terms of monitoring it,” Bolduc added.

Earlier this month, the TDI released a “use of artificial intelligence” bulletin to set expectations on how “regulated entities will govern the development, acquisition, and the use of AI technologies in their operations.”

Crawford says this bulletin will help address price surveillance concerns by reminding companies of Texas Insurance codes related to unfair discrimination and deceptive practices.

“That’s one of the reasons for putting out the AI bulletin, the expectations and the consumer protection around the use of that data, and what they are using that for,” Crawford said.

Potential solutions

Bolduc called on lawmakers to reexamine AI’s role in the industry. He also asked lawmakers to look into making coverage changes more transparent.

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“It might be useful to continue looking for ways to be transparent about coverage changes. Notices of material change don’t seem to be working particularly well in the sense that we get a lot of phone calls from people saying they don’t understand what happened to them,” Bolduc said Wednesday.

Billy Crocker, Senior Vice President of Alliant Insurance Services, says the best way to fix pricing is to drive up competition between insurance companies.

“I think creating a lot of competition is the best way to drive this down, both for personal and business lines,” Crocker told lawmakers. “And then that brings the opportunity for access.”



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