I sometimes get asked by clients who haven't come to a decision "what is the difference between a home or hospital birth?"
Of course there are many differences  but for me,  I often give what i call my living room response.
When you have a homebirth, everyone who attends...your midwife, your best friend, the midwife's assistant, everyone, is there as a guest in your home. You are in your own space, where you are comfortable. All of your guest are there to make your birth work for you and your family.
When you go to the hospital, it is as if you are stepping into a strangers living room. you do not know where anything is, you do not know the rules of the house, you are not in charge.
For me, that is the biggest difference.
Of course, midwives and doctors approach birth differently. Some women will feel much safer in a hospital situation because that is the cultural norm. There are also several birthing centers in our area, which can offer a good halfway point.
I for one am very grateful that we have so many choices available to us in the Austin area.