As SXSW has grown enormously over the years, the question of whether or not it has become a nuisance or necessity for Austin has emerged.

2014 will mark the 27th year that SXSW has been held; it began March 1987. SXSW consists of a multitude of events. It is divided into music, film and interactive, which consists of trade shows, expos, conferences, a music festival and film screenings. The festival has made a name for itself and has become infamous across the world.

SXSW brings in more than 200,000 people into Texas’ capital city. In addition, it causes even more upsetting, frustrating and incredibly terrible traffic flow on the highways and streets for ten — what seems dreadfully long — days.

A saying for Austinites has even been drummed up for those who visit the city on occasions such as SXSW, Austin City Limits, Formula One and others. It’s along the lines of the Closing Time by Semisonic song, “you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here.”

Austinites for years welcomed everybody and anyone. However, being named the number one booming city and all can cause an influx of companies, small business owners, job-searching individuals and countless others to flee here as fast as humanly possible. Thus, creating a different viewpoint on those moving to Austin (because of overcrowding and what comes off as a hostile takeover by newcomers).

Whether or not you have lived here since the beginning of your life, moved here a some few years ago, or just recently cohabitated this intricate, unique, lively and expanding city, you know what it comes with.

SXSW is just one of those things that comes with living in Austin. You knew what you were getting yourself into when you moved here (I mean, come on).

One can simply reply to anyone who asks why they live or moved to Austin with “it’s Austin.” It needs minimal, if not at all, any explanation.

SXSW brings tremendous exposure, an influx of money for the city, and well, tons of culture all manifesting within the bounds of the city limits.

According to an analysis done by SXSW, in 2012, over $190 million was put towards Austin’s economy.

An influx of money? That one definitely sounds like a necessity for any city.

SXSW also brings brilliant minds, celebrities, technology, arts in all forms, top-tier companies and as an added bonus, what seems like endless free food and events. However, it is at the expense of dealing with thousands of people and the racked up parking fees.

The pros seem to outweigh the ten day nuisances that SXSW brings Austinites.

Secretly behind those under your breath angry words for those nuisances, you are proud to be a citizen of a city that holds a “world-renowned” music, film, and interactive festival.

I’ll be damned if there isn’t a secret smile on an Austinite’s face for being the envy of many who are fleeing so fast to move to Austin that all you see is the cloud of dust they leave behind.

Welcomed or not, SXSW is a tradition and despite the list of nuisances one can write out, it is an incredible festival that represents Austin in a magnificently positive light.

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