Once buyers have made their decision to move to Austin, Texas, many of them start their search in the Central Austin area. Central Austin includes the areas of Downtown Austin and many sought-after neighborhoods such as Tarrytown, Rosedale, West Campus, Eastwood, N Campus/Dean Keeton, Hancock and parts of Hyde Park. An eclectic, thriving city, Central Austin is the heartbeat for art, food, events and activities that draw many in from surrounding areas to be a part of Austin’s creative culture. Many buyers of Central Austin homes for sale are accustomed to cities where people don’t venture downtown except for business. Not true in Austin, residents of surrounding towns and suburban neighborhoods routinely visit this place affectionately known as the Violet Crown. The area of Central Austin is defined as the area north of the Colorado River, often referred to as Lady Bird Lake, as it winds through Downtown Austin and south of Hwy 290 and Allandale Road. With I-35 to the east, the area extends on both side of MoPac Expressway / TX-1 as the road travels north through the city. Buyers searching for Central Austin homes for sale will find a variety of styles from craftsman-style bungalows, contemporary lofts, and condos to grand Victorian-era residences. Housing vernacular changes according to the neighborhood. What all of these communities have in common is a price point that reflects the desirability of their location. Central Austin was slow in estimating the demand for high-rise living in and around the city. Many Central Austin condos for sale have just come to market providing an exciting opportunity for buyers to live in an urban environment with beautiful views of Town Lake and the walking trails and parks along the banks of Zilker Park. Central Austin condos for sale also include renovations of buildings that have existed for some time. Many of these condos have been updated with modern appliances yet keeping the charm that comes with apartments and condos built many years ago such as decorative tile baths and retro-looking kitchens. Single family homes in Central Austin also reflect the current trends toward renovation and expansion. Many homes have been revamped to include features and finishes popular in today’s market. With an average size of just over 2,000 square feet, homes here may sacrifice living space for convenience and a prestigious address. A large area, Central Austin has 6 Travis County zip codes including 78701, 78703, 78705, 78731, 78751, 78756. Most Central Austin homes for sale are located in pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods with sidewalks and local cafes and coffee houses. Many residents can walk, bike or take a local bus to their place of employment.
Central Austin
Central Austin has its own sense of place reflected in a laid-back lifestyle. With many young professionals and the nearby presence of the University of Texas, there is almost a “college town” ambiance where residents find music venues, honky-tonks, and yoga studios sitting comfortably beside upscale boutiques and national retailers. Visitors to this area will note that it is not unusual to see shorts and flip flops alongside business suits on a typical day in Central Austin. Whole Food’s flagship store draws crowds with its exceptional menu of ready-to-eat foods perfect for a picnic along the river. For those buyers who don’t already have their heart set on living out in Austin’s Texas Hill Country, living in Central Austin is an option to consider. Famous for its Texas-style nightlife, Central Austin lives up to its reputation as a music festival city. Rainey Street pubs and restaurants, along with 6th Street bars, host local musicians and bands along with some touring acts. Austin is a foodie town, and newcomers love discovering “food courts” with trailers offering foods inspired by several types of cuisine. Whether it is a sit-down restaurant or food eaten at a picnic table, Austin “foodies” have a variety of choices. SXSW and Austin City Limits offer Central Austin residents the best and latest in music, film, and technology. Whatever their age, Austin hipsters love living here.
Austin ISD schools serve neighborhoods in Central Austin. Lee (K-5), Brentwood (K-5), Gullet (K-5), and Bryker Woods (K-5) Elementary Schools are some of the schools serving younger children in these neighborhoods. Kealing (6-8), Lamar (6-8) and Henry (6-8) Middle Schools and McCallum (9-12) and Austin (9-12) High Schools serve older students and rank well within the district and the state. Private school options are also available including Concordia High School (K-12), St. Austin Catholic School (K-12), Odyssey School (K-12) and Kirby Hall School (K-12).