Austin Relocation Guide: A Comprehensive Guide for those considering Relocating or Moving to Austin Texas, Including Information on Realtors, Employment, Education, Housing, Leisure Activities, Health Care, and Getting Settled

There's no doubt that Austin is a healthy city. With its miles of hiking, biking and running trails, a velodrome for cycling enthusiasts, and plenty of soccer, volleyball and football fields, Austin is a city that's committed to the health of its residents.

However, when we do get sick or injured, it's nice to know there are a wealth of resources to count on for a speedy recovery. There are two major healthcare systems in Austin: the St. David's Healthcare and the Seton Healthcare Network. In addition, another major healthcare organization - Scott & White Hospital - has several locations just north of Austin on I-35, primarily serving the Temple area.

Between these organizations, as well as other quality independent providers such as Health South and the Austin Regional Clinic, there are more than 30 healthcare facilities in the Austin area. Healthcare in Austin is top-notch, too. In fact, four area hospitals have been named to a list of the top 100 hospitals in the United States. Scott & White Hospital, along with South Austin Hospital (part of the St. David's HealthCare) Brackenridge Hospital, and Seton Medical Center (both part of the Seton Healthcare Network), were chosen from more than 5,000 hospitals that were analyzed for quality of care, efficiency of operations and sustained overall performance.

Besides access to a wide variety of healthcare facilities, Austin is equally as well known for its alternative care, including acupuncturists, health food stores, and mainstream groceries that offer organic choices for customers are all commonplace here. And don't forget massage therapists and Oriental medicine-it's no coincidence that the internationally known Lauterstein Conway Massage School (www.tlcschool.com) and the Academy of Oriental Medicine - Austin (www.aoma.edu) are both headquartered here.

The following pages list healthcare resources in Austin to help you find a doctor, hospital or immediate-care facility; a listing of public health and community clinics; and listings of AIDS and other support services.