Downtown Austin

Welcome to Downtown Austin

Live, work, and play in the heart of Texas’ cultural capital.

Downtown Austin is the heart of the city and close to everything, from the bustling downtown to the shores of Lady Bird Lake. Residents of downtown Austin live in a variety of established urban neighborhoods within easy reach of the many hip cultural amenities that contribute to the city’s well-known slogan “Keep Austin Weird.” Austin is Texas’ political and cultural capitol with a world-renowned character unlike anywhere else. Population density is far lower than any other culturally influential city in the country, meaning Austin is as comfortable a place to live as it is endlessly exciting.

The Downtown Austin real estate mix includes an eclectic mix of single-family homes, townhomes, and condominiums, with larger lavish properties located in Downtown-adjacent neighborhoods, such as Clarksville, Old West Austin, Pemberton Heights, and Hyde Park.

What to Love

• Vibrant cultural scene
• Live music venues
• Ideal balance of work and play
• Major festivals
• Historic culture
• Outstanding restaurants

People & Lifestyle

Austin has been a hotbed of hi-tech industry since it was first dubbed “Silicon Hills” in the 1990s. That reputation has only grown in recent years, as the iconic South by Southwest festival has put Austin’s thriving tech scene firmly on the map. Central Austin is also home to the University of Texas’ flagship campus. Central Austin is home to a mix of urban professionals, young families, musicians, and artists, all of which make this the city’s highly livable and always-interesting urban core.

Dining, Entertainment & Shopping

Austin’s dining scene is an eclectic mix of Texan cuisine and trendy modern eateries. Proudly claiming to serve “the best barbecue in the known universe,” the smoked meat at Franklin’s BBQ is hard to beat. Odd Duck serves sustainable and delicious farm-to-table fare. Uchi puts a creative contemporary spin on sushi and other Japanese dishes. Jeffrey’s has been an Austin institution since the 1970s and continues to delight with its delectable French-influenced New American cuisine and upscale setting. Home Slice, known for its delicious NY-style pizza slices, serves up casual eats.

Things to Do

Since it started as a citywide music festival in 1987, SXSW’s remit has expanded in line with its now world-famous reputation. For 10 days each March, visitors from around the world flock to Austin for major tech conferences, film screenings, and a diverse lineup of live music. Austin City Limits is another major musical event, bringing big-name artists from a wide range of genres to Zilker Park for two 3-day weekends of performances. Other events held at Zilker Park include the fun Zilker Kite Festival and festive Trail of Lights. Austin is a renowned live music hub year-round, with legendary local venues, such as The Continental Club, The Mohawk, and Stubb’s BBQ, bringing a long list of acclaimed artists to the city over the years.

Schools

Downtown Austin is served by the Austin Independent School District.

• Mathews Elementary School, Public, PK–5
• Lee Elementary School, Public, PK–5
• O'Henry Middle School, Public, 6–8
• Austin High School, Public, 9–12