If you’re looking for that perfect mix of energetic living, vibrant nightlife, upscale and hole-in-the-wall dining options, and ample entertainment, look no further than downtown Austin.
NEIGHBORHOOD CULTURE
Downtown Austin encompasses the area between Lamar Blvd to the west and I-35 to the east. Lady Bird Lake creates a natural southern border while MLK Jr. Blvd separates downtown from West Campus and the University of Texas. Its 1.8 square miles serve as the heart of Austin. The lifestyle that downtown Austin affords is its major draw. On any given day you’re sure to find high-tech, business, and government professionals bustling around, as well as students, tourists, retirees, and young adults enjoying downtown’s many amenities.
Revel in the history of Austin at the state capitol building, located directly in the city center on a beautiful, sprawling lawn. Or opt for a visit to The Driskill Hotel, an iconic and historical landmark that is considered one of the most haunted hotels in the country.
Navigating downtown is made easy with Austin’s CapMetro public transportation system. It is currently undergoing a large expansion to include additional light rail lines, rapid bus transit lines, a commuter line, and even a tunnel running underneath downtown.
FOOD & ENTERTAINMENT
Whether you are looking for authentic cuisine or fine dining, downtown’s food options are virtually endless and ever-evolving. Some of our favorites include Wu Chow for upscale Sichuan shareables, Gus’s World Famous Fried Chicken for a no-frills, albeit delicious, meal, Swift’s Attic for a date night, Lonesome Dove for inventive fare, ATX Cocina for modern Mexican, and Lambert’s for BBQ in a fun atmosphere.
Downtown is home to a variety of museums including The Contemporary art museum, Mexic-Arte Museum, and the Bob Bullock Texas History Museum. Additionally, the Austin Central Library boasts six floors complete with a rooftop terrace, gift shop, cafe, and other high-tech amenities.
Old Sixth Street (aka Dirty Sixth) is known as the party center of Austin. Lined with dive bars, food trucks, restaurants, and live music, the vibrant energy of Sixth Street is ever-palpable. Enjoy a farm-to-table meal at Parkside before catching a comedy show at Esther’s Follies. Afterwards, grab a drink or two at Shakespeare’s, all while never leaving Sixth Street.
SCHOOLS & HOUSING
While there are no public schools located downtown, residents of this area are served by AISD’s Mathew’s Elementary School, O Henry Middle School, and Austin High School.
Living the downtown lifestyle comes at a cost. The median sale price of a downtown home in February 2022 was $680,000 while renters are likely to pay upwards of $2,500 per month.
