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For this project, we ask you what you want us to investigate and what stories you'd like us to tell.

TELL US: When Can You Call Yourself A 'Real' Austinite?

Martin do Nascimento for KUT

What makes a “real” Austinite?

That’s the question Sarah Edens asked for our ATXplained projectlast week. She moved to Austin about five months ago. She's no stranger to moving to a new city — Edens said she's moved 11 times in the past 10 years, because she's a military wife. 

"I know how important it is, when you're new to a town, to really embrace the local culture of each place," she said.

So she wondered if just living in Austin is enough to make you an Austinite. At its most basic level, of course, the answer is yes. But to truly call yourself a member of any community, there are certain shared experiences that bind its people together.

So we’re putting her question to all of Austin:

When can you call yourself a "real" Austinite?

"I'm hoping that the answer to this question is not that you have to be born in Austin," Edens said.

Is it after you’ve lived here a year? Once you’ve sat in MoPac or I-35 traffic for more than an hour? Going to the Juneteenth celebration? Partying at Carnaval Brasileiro? Learning some history on the Tejano Walking Trail? The first time you think other people should stop moving here? After tossing back your first frosty marg at the Chili's at 45th and Lamar

RELATED | Subscribe to the ATXplained podcast on iTunes or Google Play

Bonus points for more creative, original answers. Avoid predictable ones like stuff about football and barbecue!

Let us know what you think in the form below — leave your phone number, if you don’t mind, so we can call you to record your answer to use on-air. You can also send your answer by voicemail or text to 737-443-9466 or email us at austin@kut.org

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Matt Largey is the Projects Editor at KUT. That means doing a little bit of everything: editing reporters, producing podcasts, reporting, training, producing live events and always being on the lookout for things that make his ears perk up. Got a tip? Email him at mlargey@kut.org. Follow him on Twitter @mattlargey.
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