Downtown Austin Neighborhood Guide
Welcome to happenin’ Downtown
Urban living at its best, downtown residents enjoy the best of Austin's entertainment with convenience to restaurants, live music, and Lady Bird Lake.
About Downtown
Downtown Austin is at the very heart of the Texas state capitol, both literally and figuratively. With access to restaurants, museums and an awe-inspiring view of the Texas State Capitol, this area of the city is the center of culture, commerce, and history.
What makes Austin quite unique is how modern downtown is. Being one of the fastest growing metropolitans year after year for decades, the downtown area has had to quickly catch up. This translates to a modern downtown with a focus on not just work, but also on living. The city is just as vibrant on evenings and weekends, if not more so, than during working hours. This also means bike-protected lanes that run right through downtown, starting from Mellow Johny’s Bike Shop (local celeb Lance Armstrong was a former owner) heading east on 3rd, past the famed Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater (not to be confused with the new Moody Center) to the Convention Center and underneath I35 to the East side via 4th St.
Things to Do in Downtown Austin
Whole Foods
The organic grocers flagship store!
Lamberts
The place to go for fancy barbeque, deviled eggs like you’ve never had before and a great happy hour.
Jo’s Coffee
Sure, you can head to their South Congress location to get your selfie with the I Love You So Much mural, or you can stay downtown and get your caffeine fix with an Iced Turbo while chomping down on a Jo’s Smash burger.
Waterloo Park
An amazing new park with amphitheater and a beautiful, free illuminated art walk in November.
Dirty 6th Street
The never-ending musical vibrations on 6th street are the pulse of Austin’s thriving live music and entertainment traditions.
West 6th Street
The place to go out if you're in your 20s/30s, feeling good about life, but ready to feel not-so-great the next morning.
Rainey Street
Once home to 1940s and 1950s bungalows, Rainey Street is now home to hip bars and high-rise condominiums, hotels and apartments. Come here for a slightly laid back version of West Sixth Street.
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Are Downtown Austin Schools Good?
Downtown Austin is zoned to the Austin Independent School District (Austin ISD). This is the main school district that serves the greater Austin area with 116 schools and more than 74,000 students.
Quick Stats for AISD
Average ACT Score: 23.1 (State: 20.2)
Average SAT Score: 1058 (State: 1019)
Graduation Rate: 94.4% (State: 90.3%)
Children living in the Downtown area will attend the following schools:
Elementary - Mathews Elementary
Middle - O. Henry Middle School
High School - Austin High School
See how they stack up - click here
The public schools in downtown Austin are rated A by Niche.
Commute Times
Downtown Austin to the Airport - 15 min. by car (Google Maps link)
Downtown - 0 min. by car
Boundaries
East to West: IH35 to North Lamar Boulevard
North to South: Martin Luther King Boulevard to Lady Bird Lake
Nearby Neighborhoods
Blog Mentions
Ready to learn more?
Have a no-obligation consult with Shane Adams, a REALTOR® who’s lived and specializes in the Downtown neighborhood!
The Downtown Lifestyle
Whether you want to be close to the night life, enjoy music, or are a foodie, there’s a little something for everyone downtown. The hike and bike trail of Lady Bird Lake is literally downtown’s backyard, and there are regular festivals and events to enjoy at Auditorium Shores.
Though downtowns aren’t always the best places for kids, downtown Austin could be a wonderfull place to raise a baby. Moms and dads have a number of excursions at their doorstep:
Austin Public Library - Recipient of Time’s 100 greatest places, this library boasts an amazing architectural design, amazing balcony views and convenient access to those pushing strollers and baby bjorning babies.
Shoal Creek Greenbelt - hop on this paved trail and pick up some groceries at Whole Foods while exposing the little one to the juxtaposed sites of city and nature.
Waller Creek Greenbelt - stroll up to the newest outdoor amphitheater in town at Waterloo Park and catch a show or during Christmas see the amazing illuminated art walk.
Long Center of Performing Arts - Catch the Austin Orchestra at Auditorium Shores as they perform to the spectacular firework display during Independence Day.
You’ll Love Living in Downtown Austin
You’ll love the laid back vibes and cool energy of this city center. Residents often walk to work, out to eat, and to nearby bars for fun on the weekends. The area is rapidly growing in popularity and a huge destination for tourists eager to immerse themselves in Austin's charm.
There is always some sort of entertainment going on downtown. Whether it’s all the glitzy F1 parties for the October racing event, the 10-day city takeover that is SXSW in March, the multiple marathons, triathlons and 10Ks, or the dozens of conventions, you will never be lost for something to do.
Homes in Downtown Austin
As an alternative to traditional single-family homes, low, mid, and high rise buildings and towers are the predominant choice of living downtown. There are a number of mixed-use buildings, such as The Proper Residences, W Residences and the Four Seasons Residences which offer luxury living with hotel amenities, and residential-only buildings like The Independent and The Austonian. Prices can start as low as $500/sqft, but quickly head to $1,000/sqft+, and often times change hands before even hitting the MLS.