Only true locals know these 27 unwritten rules of Austin

Whether you’re a Capital City native or a relative newcomer, there are just some things every Austinite understands to be true.

We asked our readers to share Austin’s unwritten rules, from common city knowledge to relatable trends and local lingo.

You won’t find these rules in a handbook, but they are undoubtedly absorbed by the community — and if you’re not from Austin, some of these might be a little difficult to explain.

We’re kind to our neighbors

• “Smile when you walk past someone.” —Annabel P.
• “Hold the door for people, smile or wave when you pass someone by, and a ‘yes sir/ma’am’ never hurts.” —@sacheverellthestore
• “All Austinites know to be kind to all animals.” —Zee Z.
• “Always watch for 🏃🏻‍♀️ & 🚴.” —@raisingninjas
• “In Barton Springs, geese always have the right of way.” —@ray.tangrui1992

Keep Austin Beautiful

• “Leave the greenbelt cleaner than you found it.” —@dazedd_
• “Don’t forget your reusable bags at H-E-B.” —@waifu.rachel
• “Do not ever litter anywhere.” —@livesinyogapants

The unspoken rule everyone knows

• “If you say you’re bringing breakfast to the meeting without specifying what you’re bringing, you need to show up with either tacos or kolaches.” —@secretstevie
• “We don’t move anywhere until we check out how good the nearest H‑E‑B is.” —@janeywarmbrod
• “Expect weirdness and embrace it!” —@michems9677
• “Queso is acceptable at breakfast, lunch, and dinner.” —@jmarcoux
• “If you go to De Nada Cantina, don’t drink more than two margaritas.” —@glcough
• “If you live south of town lake and a friend moves to the domain, the days are numbered.” —@trentdollarhyde
• “Work on the same side of the river that you live.” —@wutangfinancials

We’ve learned a thing or two from commuting

• “No slow drivers in the far left lane!” —Emily A.
• “Wave if someone lets you merge.” —@amillionofmax
• “We don’t honk. A tiny horn tap if someone in front gets distracted when the light turns green. Maybe a brisk honk if you are getting lane drifted on the freeway… otherwise no honking.” —@tbaby71_1111

We like it local

• “Support your small businesses!” —@shop.revival.atx
• “Throw a few dollars in the open suit case of the sidewalk musician.” —@miriamloganauthor
• “Support local artists!❤️🙌 😍” —@mindbodyhenna

Austinites are built different

• “Austin is a laid-back city so no dress codes.” —Jody W.
• “Don’t complain about the heat. This is Texas and yes, Austin is hot. You are going to sweat, your hair is going to look like crap, and you may have to change clothes twice a day.” —@lonestarsuz
• “It’s ok to wear flip flops to all restaurants.” —@bonniebrushwood

From your friendly neighborhood City Editors

• “You can never go wrong with local music — sometimes the best way to hear a band for the first time is live in the Live Music Capital of the World.” —City Editor Figi
• “Keep water shoes, a swimsuit, a towel, a quilt, and reusable grocery bags in the trunk of your car at all times.” —City Editor Morgan
• “Subscribe to ATXtoday to stay in the loop of current happenings.” —SATXtoday City Editor Nicholas

What did we miss? If you know an unofficial rule that’s not on the list, let us know.