Living in Austin, there are often moments when you realize this is the pride that Texans talk about.

At first, the phrase "Everything is bigger in Texas" sounded like a joke.

It's not just about size; it's more about a way of thinking that is big and confident.

Texas holds a somewhat unique position among the states in the U.S.

It has a history of being an independent republic, and that still deeply influences people's identities. While people from other states might say, "I am an American" first, Texans naturally say, "I am a Texan" first.

This feeling is very much alive in Austin as well. On the surface, it's a hip and free-spirited city, but underneath, there's a unique sense of pride typical of the Texas capital.

Living in Austin, this pride subtly reveals itself in everyday life.

When barbecue comes up, it's almost a matter of pride. If you mention barbecue styles from other states, the natural reaction is, "That's not barbecue." It's not just a matter of food preference; it's a certainty about one's regional culture. This is different from New York or California. While they boast diversity, Texas has a feeling of "we set the standard."

Another thing that stands out is the sense of scale. Roads, houses, the sky—everything is big.

Austin is considered a relatively compact city within Texas, but compared to other states, it still feels spacious and relaxed. This sense of space influences people's mindsets. Instead of starting small, there's a tendency to think big from the outset. So when it comes to entrepreneurship, the scale is different. It's not about "let's try it and grow"; it's more about "let's go big from the start."

Politics and values are also tied to this pride. Texas is traditionally a conservative state, but Austin has a more liberal atmosphere within that context.

Interestingly, even if opinions differ, there's a shared recognition that "we are Texans." This is a characteristic of states with strong regional identities. While California takes pride in progressive values, Texas finds pride in saying, "We have our own way."

Sports cannot be overlooked either. Especially during college football season, the atmosphere changes completely. Austin is home to the University of Texas, so on Longhorn game days, the entire city moves as one team. This isn't just about supporting a sport; it's more like an event that reaffirms regional identity. Families gather to watch the game, wear matching colors, and take it for granted. As these experiences accumulate, the sense of "I belong to this state" becomes stronger.

When compared to other states, this becomes even clearer. California has pride from its diversity and economic power, Hawaii has uniqueness from its nature and culture, and New York is a brand in itself.

But Texas centers around a strong message of "we are who we are."

So there's a vibe of not being overly concerned with outside opinions.

The Texas pride I feel while living in Austin seems to stem from this. It's a confidence created by the intertwining of history, culture, and lifestyle.

It's not something that comes from external validation; it feels like a belief that is inherently accepted.