Austin Housing and Neighborhoods

Austin consists of various neighborhoods, each with its own distinctive personality and charm. Property values have risen in recent years in neighborhoods like Tarrytown, Hyde Park and Allandale, while development in the downtown area and the area east of Interstate 35 has created new opportunities for housing. For the environmentally conscience, Austin’s “green” housing sector offers energy-efficient living, with long-term savings and reimbursements as an incentive.

Downtown

Downtown Austin residents are passionate about their neighborhood. The community is filled with restaurants, theaters, museums, outdoor activities, one-ofa- kind retailers and an eclectic entertainment scene—all of which create a vibrant scene that is uniquely Austin.

A wide range of residential choices exists in and around the downtown area, from singlefamily homes to more than 3,300 unique residential units available for purchase or rent. The downtown community is made up of a diverse population—from students to empty nesters and more.

Most downtown dwellers will tell you that the real benefit of living downtown is
being within walking distance of work, dinner, a play or a nightclub. Currently,
almost 363,000 people live within 10 miles of the heart of downtown Austin.
Downtown is home to almost 6,000 diverse residents, 90,000 daytime employees and well over 100,000 evening patrons.

Central Austin:

With Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake) marking its southern border and U.S. Highway 183 lining its northern edge, Central Austin lies between I-35 and the MoPac Expressway. Known for its funky charm and eclectic mix of residents, Central Austin encompasses many neighborhoods. Until recently there have been few apartments or condominium communities in downtown Austin, but those that were so situated enjoyed high occupancy, thanks to their close proximity to the state capitol, offices in the Central Business District (CBD), the Sixth Street Historic Entertainment District and Lady Bird Lake. City encouragement and a hot economy touched off a downtown building boom, with high-end downtown condos and high-rises geared to lure wealthy, hip residents. In West Austin, neighborhoods such as Clarksville and Enfield feature tastefully updated homes as well as renovation projects and student rentals, while Tarrytown features large tree-shaded lots and elegant homes.

The university area, north of the CBD and the state capitol, showcases Victorian and Craftsman-style homes. Many stand in the shadow of three-story condominium projects, primarily housing students, or next to stately sorority houses.

The elderly Hyde Park neighborhood, north of the university, enjoys a rich history. Boasting some of Austin’s most beautifully renovated homes, Hyde Park delivers a small-town feel in an urban setting. North of Hyde Park, homes in Central Austin have multigenerational charm. The ranch-style homes and bungalows in Rosedale and Allandale are owned by a comfortable mix of original occupants and younger residents. Perhaps the most socially diverse and historic section of the city, East Austin is in the midst of a revival, with many businesses and residents seeking affordable and convenient locations
east of I-35.

East Austin is a melting pot of people gathered from all locations and all social backgrounds. With many residents from the Hispanic, African-American, Asian and European backgrounds, there are sites and exhibits of cultural importance. One example is the George Washington Carver Museum which
chronicles African-American life in the region, including the history of Juneteenth, when Texas African- Americans learned about the Emancipation Proclamation. The museum includes an art gallery.