Downtown Austin

Deep in the heart of Texas lies the city of Austin with a population of over 2,000,000 people residing within the city limits. According to the Downtown Austin Alliance, the area represents a fast growing and continually expanding marketplace. Downtown Austin homes for sale include 844 condominiums under construction in addition to over 2,500 units built since 2000. With Austin’s reputation as a “best city” and its ranking as one of the 11th largest cities in the U.S., it is no wonder that buyers searching in the area have a lot of real estate opportunities to consider. Established in the early to mid-1830s, Edwin Waller designed Downtown Austin in a grid pattern over 640 acres. Even though Austin has experienced rapid growth at the street level, by viewing Downtown Austin’s impressive skyline, much of Waller’s design is still obvious today. The central business district and surrounding streets encompass portions of Travis County’s 78701 and 78703 zip codes. For buyers, Downtown Austin is considered to be between Martin Luther King Boulevard to the north, the Colorado River (Lady Bird Lake) to the south, Interstate 35 to the east and N Lamar Boulevard to the west. The city spreads out on either side of the main street, Congress Avenue, which leads from the Colorado River to the Texas State Capitol. Several districts divide Downtown Austin. Congress Avenue is the main boulevard with government buildings, hotels, and retail businesses lining the wide roadway. Downtown Austin’s Sixth Street District is well-known for its history and is the main entertainment district. With almost 23 million visitors a year, Downtown Austin’s Second Street District offers visitors dining and shopping. Rainey Street’s bars and eateries, hosted in tiny bungalows, are in walkable neighborhoods. The Red River Cultural District, running between the 600 to 900-block of Red River Street is home to some of Austin’s finest galleries, art shops, and music venues. Buyers considering Downtown Austin homes for sale will find luxury condo towers as well as smaller garden-style or loft condominiums. With an average size of over 1,500 square feet, Downtown Austin condos for sale offer an upscale, urban lifestyle with a sophisticated yet laid-back feel.

Downtown Austin’s city life is rich with activities and events from dawn to late in the evening. During the day, Lady Bird Lake and Zilker Park offer several options for exercise including paddle boarding or kayaking and walking or biking along the path that loops along the water. Zilker Metropolitan Park features sports fields, a dog park, the Zilker Botanical Garden and Umlauf Sculpture Garden provide buyers of Downtown Austin homes for sale multiple opportunities to enjoy Texas’ fabulous weather throughout the year. After sunset, Downtown Austin’s music venues come alive, restaurants fill, and the streets stay busy with visitors and residents into the early morning hours. Unlike many major cities that lack substantial retail within city limits, Downtown Austin is fortunate to have the Whole Foods flagship location within walking distance of many homes and offices. Whether for groceries or a quick bite to eat in their cafe, the store features gourmet foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, beer and wine and personal care items. You can get your shopping fix at the 2nd Street District, South Congress Avenue, and the Lamar Blvd shops.

Austin ISD serves students living in Downtown Austin. Several highly rated public and private schools are within the city limits including seven elementary schools (K-5) and six middle schools (6-8). Older students attend one of four high schools including Austin High School (9-12), known for their wide range of academic programs and activities. Downtown Austin private schools include Kirby Hall (PK-12), Austin School for the Performing Arts (6-12), as well as Montessori schools and day care facilities.