Best Austin Neighborhoods: The Downtown Austin Guide

Best Austin Neighborhoods: Downtown Austin Guide

If you want to be at the center of it all, there is no better place to live than downtown Austin. The trendy, tech-savvy heart of the city is where many of its residents work and play. From CEOs and entrepreneurs to foodies and live music lovers, everyone will find something that speaks to them downtown.

Whether you want to cut down on your work commute, live your best life in a high-end condo with gorgeous views of Lady Bird Lake, or be close to the best restaurants, bars, and music venues (or all three!)—downtown is the place to be.

In this Downtown Austin neighborhood guide, we’ll show you why people love living in the heart of the capital city.

Zip Code

78701

Average Home Price*

$1.06 M

Home Styles

High-rise, High-end Condominiums and Apartments

Average Price/SqFt*

$816

Est Off-Market Transactions

52%

*Based on 2022 Sold data for Downtown Austin.

Texas is a non-disclosure state. This means that the sales price of real property is not recorded and made available through the public record. The majority of properties are sold as off-market transactions. These transactions also often include an NDA to protect both the buyer and seller. The financial details of these transactions are not public record and are not reflected in ABoR’s MLS data.

Why Austinites Love Downtown Austin

Between the lively bar and restaurant scene on Rainey Street, live music venues along the Red River Cultural District, quirky bars on Sixth Street and the theatres, clubs, and LGBTQ+ bars in the Warehouse District, there’s a little something for everyone in downtown Austin.

Balance Work and Play

While a lot of Austin residents work downtown, even more flock to the area for leisure. Downtown Austin is a great place to live for those who want to eliminate their work commute while being just a few minutes from the best the city has to offer.

This Austin neighborhood is not just for corporate executives and college graduates. Many of downtown Austin’s residents are able to easily balance work and play as they live close to the office and just a few blocks from their favorite bar, restaurant, club, or music venue.

Heart of the City

In 1839, Edwin Waller, Austin’s first mayor, created the town’s blueprint to include Congress Avenue and the State Capitol building as the center of the city and its happenings. And in the true spirit of Waller’s grand plan, downtown has grown to become the heart of this vibrant city.

When you live in downtown Austin, not only are you close to the best that the city has to offer in terms of restaurants, shops, bars, clubs, and venues, but you’re also just a short commute to the other fun areas of Austin.

Zilker, Bouldin Creek, Travis Heights, East Austin, Clarksville, and Old West Austin all border the city center. Many of the most iconic and notable spots in Austin are either downtown or just a short drive away.

Green Space

Most of downtown Austin is well-developed and you can’t go far without running into a skyscraper. However, the area still has its green spaces and the beautiful views that accompany them.

The southern boundary of downtown is the Colorado River. With well-maintained trails along the river’s edge, it’s not uncommon to see downtown residents and their pups walking early in the morning or running before sunset. There are also places to launch your kayaks and paddleboards (with or without your pups!).

Downtown Austin Real Estate

Before you start looking for your new home in Downtown Austin, here’s everything you should know about the neighborhood and its real estate.

Neighborhood Ambiance

Some downtown areas of major cities have a less personal vibe because most of the buildings are businesses and corporate offices. But downtown Austin is different. People don’t just come downtown to work. People actually enjoy living here, making it more friendly and inviting than your average downtown area.

The downtown Austin neighborhood is lively and busy. With so much to do and see, there is never a dull moment when you live in the heart of the capital city. Not only does it hold some of the best restaurants in town, but it also hosts some of Austin’s most iconic music venues. It’s also close to many of the beautiful green spaces in the city. All of this makes it a great space for people who live an active lifestyle.

Architectural Styles

Downtown is home to high-rises with high-end condos and apartments. Think iconic residential skyscrapers with the amenities to match.

Single-family homes are the outlier in downtown Austin with residents trading backyards and long commutes for luxury amenities and closer proximity to work and play. Some of the most notable residential buildings in the area are The Austonian, The Independent, The Proper, and The W.

Average Home Price

The average home closing price in downtown Austin is $1,054,959 or an average of $815 per square foot.

Walkability

It probably comes as no surprise that downtown Austin is the most walkable neighborhood in the city. With a Walk Score of 92 (out of 100), the downtown area is often filled with people walking to and from work, home, shops, restaurants, gyms, museums, and more.

Schools

Downtown Austin is zoned for schools in the Austin Independent School DIstrict. These include Lee, Bryker Woods, Matthews, and Pease elementary schools as well as Kealing Middle, O Henry Middle, McCallum High, and Austin High School. The University of Texas at Austin High School is another public school that’s available to students in the area.

Downtown Austin also hosts highly-rated private and charter schools, including The Austin School for the Performing and Visual Arts, Cathedral School of Saint Mary, Headwaters School, and Austin International Academy.

Featured Property in the Neighborhood

Sold
210 Lavaca St #2709

Austin, Texas 78701

$699,900
Experience luxury living in the heart of downtown at The W Residences. Enjoy breathtaking city views from the 27th floor and indulge in convenient...
- Bed1
- Bath1
- Parking Underground Garage Parking - 1 Space
- CommunityDowntown Austin
- Type Condo
View
Wade Giles

Where to Eat in Downtown Austin

There’s no question that Austin is a city for foodies. And downtown Austin provides plenty of places to satisfy your appetite and expand your palette in the capital city.

Hestia

Hestia is an all-natural, wood-fired gastronomic experience. The industrial-style restaurant offers creative wood-fired dishes as well as chef-driven tasting menus and wine pairings. The restaurant aims to highlight the role of fire in food by showcasing unique techniques.

Wine lovers will enjoy Hestia’s wine menu featuring over 250 selections. They also offer an amazing curated wine pairing for the tasting menu that will make you think about wine and food differently.

Olamaie - Elevated southern cuisine

Olamaie offers a unique southern dining experience rooted in love and tradition. With southern fare that’s elevated by its farm-fresh ingredients and modern platings, this restaurant allows you to experience five generations of southern food in a soothing atmosphere.

Located in an elegantly refurbished home, Olamaie serves southern favorites, like butter beans, hushpuppies, and buttermilk biscuits, with a modern twist. The menu changes based on seasonality and market availability. And yes, they have complimentary valet parking so you don’t have to worry about driving around for a parking spot.

Red Ash - Best Italian in the city

Red Ash has some of the best Italian fare in the city. With craft dishes inspired by the culinary traditions of Northern and Southern Italy, this restaurant offers everything from wood-fired specialties to housemade pastas.

Red Ash has two levels of seating with a rustic modern feel. And while you may be full on pasta, don’t forget to try one of their delectable cocktails and desserts. They have a solid espresso martini, and the hot cream-filled doughnuts will change your life.

Geraldine’s

Located on the second floor of the Van Zandt hotel, Geraldine’s is a great place to grab a cocktail and catch some live music. They’re open for dinner and brunch, serving new American cuisine that’s as delicious as it is beautifully plated.

The restaurant offers gorgeous views of Lady Bird Lake and Downtown. It also offers a rooftop lounge with outdoor seating, including private cabanas. The restaurant offers music nightly, so be sure to check out the calendar before you visit.

Comedor

Comedor is a modern Mexican restaurant serving up a dinner and brunch menu curated by popular chef, Philip Speer. The menu features Mexican-inspired dishes with a modern, elevated twist. (We love the bone marrow tacos!) Mezcal fans will also enjoy their extensive menu, including some unique selections such as ensambles, pechugas, and Tepextates.

Aside from the food, the space itself is unique and beautiful. Designed by architect Tom Kundig, the restaurant features high ceilings and simple yet modern and elegant decor.

Lambert’s

While you may not think “sexy” when you think about barbecue joints, all of that will change when you visit Lambert’s. This old Austin staple offers fancy barbecue and other meaty fare. Located in a refurbished historic general store, Lambert’s has an intimate, fun, laid back, and sexy atmosphere that’s perfect for date night or even a girl’s night out.

If you plan on imbibing, Lambert’s also has a full menu of local Texas beers, classic cocktails, and new world wines. Don’t forget to visit the second floor bar and lounge, which frequently hosts live music.

Lin’s Asian Bar + Dim Sum

Lin’s specializes in Asian home cooking and dim sum. Chef Ling, who traveled to the U.S. from Fuzhou City, Fujian Province as a child, learned the art of Chinese cuisine in Chinatown restaurants in New York City before opening her own space. Her focus on healthy and local ingredients sets her apart.

Going to Lin’s without trying the soup dumplings is certainly a sin (and you will be judged for it.) Dim sum is only available on the weekends, so if you stop in on a weekday for lunch or dinner, be sure to come back for brunch when you can.

El Arroyo

Even if you have never had the food at El Arroyo, there’s a good chance you’ve seen a photo of their signs online. Well known for the fun, quirky, and sometimes saucy phrases on the restaurant’s sign out front, El Arroyo is the stuff memes are made of.

But this long-time local spot is worth a visit for more than just an Instagram photo. They serve a killer taco (including “Yankee tacos” like the Green Chile Chicken Sandwich or Bowling Alley Burger tacos) alongside classic Mexican and Tex-Mex plates. We also recommend trying a signature margarita, which you can have served in an engraved Yeti cup for an extra fee.

Things to Do in Downtown Austin

While you can certainly spend all of your time eating your way through downtown Austin, there are also plenty of historic and iconic places to visit as well. Not to mention, downtown is often home to some of the largest community events in the city.

Iconic Places in Downtown Austin

The Buildings

This may seem like a given, but downtown has some of the coolest buildings in the city, making it a great place to walk around and just enjoy the architecture. Don’t be surprised if a new skyscraper pops up every once in a while as the area is always growing.

Downtown is home to The Independent , which is the tallest residential building west of the Mississippi. Nicknamed the Jenga Tower or Tetris Tower, this building is really unlike anything you’ve seen before. Also, Facebook is housed in Austin’s tallest building, and Frost Bank, Google, and Indeed also have their own towers.

UT Tower

The downtown campus of the University of Texas at Austin features UT Tower, its main building. The tower is over 300 feet high and has 27 floors. It’s one of the most recognizable symbols of the university. It’s well worth a visit on your architecture sight-seeing trip around downtown Austin.

Central Public Library

We know what you’re thinking. Why would you visit the library unless you wanted to check out a book? But stay with us here… the Austin Central Public Library is actually still pretty cool even if you aren’t looking for a new read.

The building is architecturally interesting and beautiful in its own right with 6 floors, totalling 200,000 square feet. It also features 13 shared learning rooms that can be used for co-working, meetings, workshops, and more. It’s got an event center with space to rent as well as gallery space featuring temporary art exhibits.

The library is also home to Cookbook Bar & Cafe which offers counter-service with menu items tied directly into cookbook publications by local chefs and touring authors. You can grab a latte, local craft beer, or regional wine. Also, you cannot beat the killer views of the city from its rooftop with reading porches overlooking Shoal Creek and Lady Bird Lake.

Park Spaces & Historic Sites in Downtown Austin

Republic Square Park

Republic Square Park is a historic downtown park named as a tribute to the Republic of Texas. Renovated in 1976 as part of the U.S. Bicentennial celebration, this park has its roots in Mexican culture. The area surrounding the park was Austin’s original Mexican and Tejano community. In fact, Austin’s Tex-Mex tradition was born in the kitchens of Mexicans and Tejanos that lived around the square.

The park features regular events and activities like fitness classes, movies, live music, and public art work. It’s also home to Rosen’s Bagels and the Downtown Farmer’s Market.

Waterloo Park

Waterloo Park features 11 acres of green space with 1.5 miles of trails, gardens, and more. The park hosts a number of different community events throughout the year like the Ice Cream Festival. When the renovation is complete, the park will have continuous paths and bridges that bring you from The University of Texas to Lady Bird Lake. Waterloo Park is also home to the Moody Amphitheatre, a large venue with capacity for 5,000 guests. This amphitheater hosts year-round concerts, cultural events, and community festivals, right in the heart of downtown Austin.

Texas State Capitol Building

Downtown Austin is home to the Texas State Capitol Building, the seat of the Texas government. As one of the most recognizable buildings in the city, this three-story red granite structure is open to the public during guided tours that take place Monday through Friday. But even if you don’t take a tour, the building and grounds are worth a visit.

In true Texas fashion, the Texas State Capitol Building is BIG. (It just happens to be 14 feet higher than the U.S. Capitol building.) Housed on 22 acres, the building has magnificent grounds that are home to 22 monuments, historic buildings and trees as well as landscaped lawns that are perfect for a picnic or a leisurely walk.

The Bullock Texas State History Museum

Located just a few blocks from the Capitol building, the Bullock Texas State History Museum showcases the story of Texas with educational experiences and exhibits. Look on the website ahead of time to see which exhibits are currently being shown. But no matter when you visit, you’ll get a unique taste of the history of Texas, its people, and its culture.

Music and Events in Downtown Austin

Entertainment District

If you’re looking for a fun time, the entertainment district is where it’s at. Rainey Street, West 6th Street, East 6th Street, and the Warehouse district are brimming with fun, quirky bars that have laid back vibes and excellent cocktail menus. You won’t have to go far to find a group of people enjoying a local Texas beer and live music.

SXSW

South by Southwest is a popular conference and festival that celebrates tech, film, music, education, and culture. And it takes place in venues across the downtown area, typically in early to mid-March.

Depending on which badge you purchase, you can access different venues for different types of events. These events include film screenings, live music shows, keynotes, speaker panels, mentor sessions, workshops, comedy shows, parties, and more!

Marathons

Downtown is a popular spot for annual marathons and 5ks. Supporting the mental health and wellness of Austin’s local food scene, the Cap10K is Texas’ largest 10K, starting at Lady Bird Lake and finishing with a festival at Vic Mathias Shores. There is also the ThunderCloud Subs Turkey Trot, which is a 5-mile run or walk that has taken place downtown on Thanksgiving since 1991.

Miracle on 5th

Every December, Miracle on 5th takes over The Eleanor. This Christmas-themed pop-up bar serves festive cocktails and wall-to-wall Christmas decor. It’s a multi-room, multi-level, interactive Christmas experience featuring multiple bars and an abundance of Christmas cheer.

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Best Austin Neighborhoods: Downtown Austin Guide

78701

$1.06 M

$816

52%

Why Austinites Love Downtown Austin