TEXAS IS THE NEW CALIFORNIA

When we talk about art, culture, the economy and renewable energies, you think…California. Wrong! Now Texas is the answer. Forget what you knew about America’s second most populous state. It’s time to discover the new Texas. 

Barton Creek

Usually when we think of Texas we think of oil, cowboys,  agriculture and mining— the image of a conservative, old-fashioned state. Well, nothing is carved in stone. Texas, and especially its big cities, like Dallas and Austin, are changing for the better. 

Today, Austin is growing like no other city in the USA, and embodies the new Texas.

Since 2009, the AT&T Performing Arts Center has become the symbol of art in Dallas. The center which has an opera house, both ballet and classical dance theaters,  hosts dance shows and art exhibitions. It’s a perfect example of the changes Dallas is undergoing. 

AT&T Performing Arts Center

This center came to life thanks to Howard Rachofsky, a former financier who loves art and wants everyone to enjoy his extraordinary private collection. He wants to help Texas get rid of the backward image conveyed by politicians. In his opinion, Texas is as culturally rich as California. By making his private art collection available to everyone he has inspired his billionaire friends and brought new life to Dallas and  all of Texas.

Austin’s SXSW festival

But Austin, already known nationally as a ‘‘cool city’’, with its renowned South by Southwest festival (SXSW), is way ahead of Dallas in terms of culture. Nearly 150 newcomers arrive each day from every corner of the country, mostly artists and young entrepreneurs. Austin offers great living conditions with fine restaurants, rivers and cycle tracks. Whereas in California ‘‘all they think about is working’’ according to Katie Forrest, a ‘‘serial entrepreneur’’ whose start-ups are very successful. There are no table tennis sets or pool tables to make you stay late at work. To relax they’d rather go hiking in the forest or bathe in a nearby river.

‘‘ Forget about California : it’s Texas time !! ’’

Roscoe

Austin’s brand new “art district”, paired with the advantages Texas offers in terms of low taxes, rich 

soils, little regulation and low unemployment, are helping the state attract a new kind of population :  young, dynamic and progressive. Real estate developers are rejoicing as the number of building projet surges. And because buildings are four times cheaper than in New York City they are sure to sell. The quality of life and the affordable real estate attract many firms, which contributes to enriching the state. The area around Dallas, San Antonio, Austin and Houston is now considered by some as the second Silicon Valley.

With all the new firms, innovation is in full swing. And it doesn’t always come from where you expect it.

Cliff Etheridge, a retired cotton farmer, decided to go back into business by creating the largest windmill field in the country. He knew nothing about this type of renewable energy but he did know that the strong wind that constantly blows over Roscoe, a small town in west Texas, was ideal for wind turbines. His endeavor was a success and has made Texas the number one state in terms of wind energy. For a few years now, Texas has been investing huge amounts of money to develop renewable energy, including a projected “renewable power highway” over 3,600 miles long to transport solar and wind energy. 

Texas has made a real turnaround over the past few years, and is now shining like never before. A perfect example of the rebirth of a state which should be a real breath of fresh air for a country in need of initiatives and change.

Martin Hedon & Inès Boumaza

Références :
http://www.lemonde.fr/m-actu/article/2015/08/21/le-texas-c-est-sensass_4730527_4497186.html? xtmc=dallas_texas&xtcr=6
http://madame.lefigaro.fr/deco-design/apres-la-et-new-york-dallas-la-nouvelle-capitale- arty-051015-98751
http://www.telerama.fr/musique/le-festival-south-by-southwest-sxsw-ouvre-ses-portes-a-austin- texas,94304.php
http://iipdigital.usembassy.gov/st/french/ pamphlet2013/10/20131016284803.html#axzz3oMKwqUIm
http://paxnouvelles.com/article/austin-capitale-vibrante-du-texas
http://www.latribune.fr/opinions/blogs/la-tribune-des-expats/dallas-fait-son-grand-retour-parmi-les- villes-americaines-les-plus-dynamiques-511180.html