Downtown Austin

Living in Downtown Austin

Downtown is the heart of Austin, sitting between Lady Bird Lake and the Texas State Capitol. Most homes here are high-rise and mid-rise condos and apartments along and around Congress Avenue, which makes it a natural fit if you want to walk to dinner, a show or the office.

What we love about it

Rainey Street, at the southeast edge of downtown, is a row of old bungalows turned into bars among the towers. Sixth Street is downtown's historic live-music strip, home to the 1886 Driskill Hotel, and ACL Live at the Moody Theater hosts concerts year-round. The Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail loops Lady Bird Lake, and from spring through late summer the bats fly out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge around sunset. South Congress, with its shops, restaurants and straight view back to the Capitol, is just across the lake.

Getting around and schools

I-35 and MoPac frame the area, and CapMetro buses and rail serve downtown. Austin ISD serves the central city. School boundaries can change and do not always follow city lines, so we always suggest confirming the assigned schools for any specific address with the district.

Homes you'll find here

Most homes downtown are condos, from high-rise towers with views of the lake and the Capitol to smaller mid-rise buildings, with a handful of lofts and townhomes. Many buildings offer amenities like a pool, fitness room or concierge, and floor plans range from studios to large penthouses.

Parks, events and weekends

Waterloo Park, along Waller Creek, has open lawns and the Moody Amphitheater for outdoor concerts. The Austin Central Library, with its rooftop garden, sits next to the lake, and on Saturday mornings the SFC Farmers Market sets up at Republic Square. Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool and the Trail of Lights each December are a short trip across the lake.

Before you buy

Check a few things by the home's address, not just the city name: the school district, the property tax rates on the county appraisal district's site, and whether the home is in a MUD, PID or HOA, each of which can add its own taxes, assessments or dues. Look the home up on FEMA's flood maps, get homeowners insurance quotes early, and confirm which electric provider serves it, since that varies across the Austin area. For a condo, ask for the HOA's budget, reserves and rules, including any limits on pets or short-term rentals, and how many parking spaces come with the unit. Austin Energy, owned by the city, provides electricity downtown.

Let's talk about Downtown Austin

Thinking about buying or selling in Downtown Austin? Our Austin team is here to help, from our office at 111 Congress Ave, Suite 500. Call us at 512-647-2709 or send us a note, and we will get back to you soon.

For the bigger picture, download our free Welcome to Austin guide on our Austin area page.