AUSTIN, TX-The most recent issue of Hispanic magazine lists Austin as the “Best City for Hispanics to Live In.” The hip, groovy and cool characteristics that have long propelled Austin into the national consciousness succeeded once again in landing Texas’ Capital City as the leader in the magazine’s annual listing of Top 10 Cities. This marks the third consecutive year for Austin to appear among the three most popular places in the U.S. for Hispanics to live and work. Citing the city’s 26 percent Hispanic population, average household income, home values, low unemployment and “Hispanic coolness,” the magazine’s editors agree that Austin is “the most manageable city in the country with the highest quality of bilingual life.” In compiling the list, they looked at job growth, good schools, reasonable living costs, political power and culture. “There is no question that Hispanics have had a significant economic, political and cultural impact on Austin. This influence will only become more dramatic as the proportion of Hispanics in the city continues to grow. The designation by Hispanic magazine is a great honor for Austin and a testament to the manner in which the city has embraced this vital segment of the community,” says Austin City Councilman Raul Alvarez. The article also singles out the city as headquarters of Whole Foods, which Fortune magazine named as one of the best companies for minorities, and home to the University of Texas McCombs School of Business, which has 14 percent Hispanic business majors. “It is a great honor for Austin to be tapped as the best place in the country for Hispanics to live, work and raise their families. Our diversity and the unlimited cultural activities available to all segments of the population help draw attention to our city and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors alike,” says Bob Lander, President and CEO of the Austin Convention & Visitors Bureau. Three Texas cities made the top 10 list, which includes Miami at #2; San Diego, #3; San Antonio, #4; El Paso-Las Cruces, #5; Albuquerque, #6; Tucson, #7; Los Angeles, #8; Chicago, #9; and Las Vegas at #10. “The selection of Austin as the country’s premier Hispanic community is timely in that Austin hosts, for the first time, the annual convention of the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce,” notes Eliza May, Executive Director of the Greater Austin Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. “It is for all the reasons that Austin received this ranking—the culture, music, food, politics and bilingual population—that USHCC chose to celebrate its 25th anniversary here.” The 25th annual National Convention & Business Expo of the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce convenes at the Austin Convention Center, September 15-18. The four-day event marks the second major national gathering of Hispanic leaders in Austin during the past two years, with the National Council of La Raza meeting here last July.