What happens when a city beloved for its culture and affordability faces rapid growth and soaring housing costs? British author and journalist Alex Hannaford, whose bylines include the Guardian, the Atlantic and British GQ, addresses this question in his new book, “Lost in Austin: The Evolution of an American City,” which he’ll discuss at the Texas Book Festival on Nov. 16. After moving to the U.S. in 2003, Hannaford lived in Austin until 2020, when he relocated to upstate New York. During his years in Austin, he covered topics ranging from the death penalty and criminal justice to culture and human rights. With a seasoned investigative lens, Hannaford explores how rapid growth, gentrification and tech industry expansion have reshaped the city’s character.
Once known for its vibrant art scene and affordable living, Austin has become a city where skyrocketing property prices and the displacement of longtime residents raise pressing concerns. Hannaford describes in his book these shifts in stark terms: “There’s a growing chasm between the rich and poor in Austin,” he writes, “Those who can afford to live in the coolest city in America and those who work there but can’t afford to call it home.”
Although Hannaford had the means to leave Austin, he acknowledges that many do not. “I’m fully aware I was in a position of privilege,” he says, noting that his family could sell their home and relocate—an option unavailable to many in Austin’s affordability crisis. For his family, “climate and guns were the two biggest motivating factors.” He recalls a 2019 incident when police arrested a man with an AR-15 near Peace Park’s splash pad, where his daughter often played. “What was he going to do that day? I have no idea, but it was frightening,” Hannaford reflects, underscoring how personal safety concerns influenced their decision to move.
Austin’s transformation displaces longtime residents
In “Lost in Austin,” Hannaford uses his personal experiences, historical research, and interviews with artists, displaced families, and small business owners to chronicle a city in flux. These residents, he notes, are increasingly forced to choose between rising rents and leaving behind the communities they’ve called home for generations. “The story of Rainey Street is Austin gentrification in microcosm,” Hannaford writes, pointing out how this historic Mexican American neighborhood has been transformed into an entertainment district filled with trendy bars and luxury real estate. “What was once a community rich with history has become a playground for tourists,” he adds, lamenting the loss of cultural identity in the face of development.
The transformation has been hastened by the arrival of tech giants like Tesla and Oracle, as well as media figures such as Joe Rogan, whose moves to Austin have made headlines. “In the decade up to us moving,” Hannaford notes in his book, “Austin’s population had expanded by more than 20%, yet it had also become the only fast-growing city in America with a declining Black population.” He paints a vivid picture of an evolving Austin where upscale restaurants and luxury high-rises are steadily replacing historic neighborhoods. This rapid urban shift, he explains, has left many struggling to find a place in a city they once called home.
A love letter and lament for Austin
Although Hannaford’s reflections on Austin are often critical, he takes a constructive approach, offering solutions to maintain the city’s unique character. “If you don’t criticize a city and look at what’s gone wrong, it’s never going to get better,” Hannaford emphasizes. In his book, he calls for confronting the costs of rapid growth and urges Austin—and similar cities—to balance development with preserving their character. “My hope is that by taking stock of what’s happened and how we can see how this might be fixed or prevent it from happening elsewhere,” he said, pointing to the importance of proactive community action to safeguard the city’s culture.
Reflecting on his motivations, Hannaford underscores his enduring affection for the city. “I love Austin so much, and I wouldn’t be where I am now without it,” he says, describing how his connection to Austin is deeply personal, from meeting his wife here to raising their child. Despite the changes, Hannaford’s goal is to see Austin thrive without losing what made it special. “It’s a lament as well as a love letter,” he says of his book, offering a nuanced view of a city caught between progress and preservation.
Alex Hannaford’s panel at the Texas Book Festival
The Texas Book Festival panel, titled “Highways, Growth & Gentrification: The Changing Face of Austin and American Cities,” will bring Hannaford together with Megan Kimble, author of “City Limits,” to explore how Texas cities are grappling with rising housing costs, gentrification, and infrastructure strain. Both authors address issues of housing inequality and cultural displacement, raising critical questions about the sustainability of urban expansion.
The Texas Book Festival, a free literary event on Nov. 16 and 17 at the Texas State Capitol grounds and along Congress Avenue in downtown Austin, will feature Hannaford’s panel discussion on Saturday, Nov. 16, from 3:15 to 4 p.m., with a book signing to follow.
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