Living in Downtown Austin

Living In Central Austin

Downtown Austin residents are passionate about their neighborhood.  The community is filled with restaurants, theaters, museums, outdoor activities, one of a kind retailers and an eclectic entertainment scene – all of which create a vibrant scene that is uniquely Austin.

A wide range of residential choices exist in and around the downtown area, from single family homes to more than 3,300 unique residential units available for purchase or rent.  The downtown community is made up of a diverse population – from students to empty nesters and more.

Most downtown dwellers will tell you that the real benefit of living downtown is being within walking distance of work, dinner, a play or a nightclub.  Currently, almost 363,000 people live within 10 miles of the heart of downtown Austin.  Downtown is home to almost 6,000 diverse residents, 90,000 daytime employees and well over 100,000 evening patrons.

Downtown Employment

Many top law firms, financial institutions, nonprofits, technology companies, professional services firms and governmental agencies house their operations in downtown Austin.  Downtown serves as the world headquarters to large corporations such as Whole Foods Market, GSD&M and Silicon Labs.  With all of the things to do and see downtown, employees often consider working downtown a huge perk!

Transportation

There are lots of ways to get around downtown.  Capital Metro operates numerous bus routes from all parts of town and a free ‘Dillo service that quickly circulates around downtown making short trips hassle-free.  The city also features several bicycle and pedestrian paths that help residents get to their destinations quickly and safely.

Health Care

Downtown residents have access to some of the best medical care in the nation.  Brackenridge Hospital, an acute-care hospital and outpatient facility located downtown, is the only Level ll Trauma Facility serving the Central Texas area.  Its facilities are recognized for demonstrating superior clinical, operational and financial performance.

Education

From public to private, elementary and secondary schools, downtown Austin is home to some of the best recognized educational opportunities in the city.  Downtown is also home to the Rio Grande campus of Austin Community College and the University of Texas and the nearby Houston-Tillotson University.

Outdoor Activities

Downtown Austin is host to many recreational activities and events.  At downtown’s Republic Square, Brush Square and Wooldridge Square visitors can log onto free wireless Internet, enjoy the weekly farmers’ market, attend the “Movies in the Park” or yoga classes, play Giant Chess, visit the O. Henry Museum or just relax.  Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail, Auditorium Shores and Zilker Park are all within walking distance of the heart of downtown.  With activities ranging from canoeing to watching the famous Mexican Freetail bats leave the Congress Avenue Bridge, downtown serves as a recreational hub for all of Austin.

Music

Austin doesn’t brag about being the “Live Music Capital of the World” just for the fun of it!  The district has more than 60 live music venues- a number that grows substantially when South by Southwest rolls into town!  If a club’s got an open spot on the floor, it’s a live music venue too!

Dining

Whether your’ looking for authentic Southern cooking, Tex-Mex or international cuisine, a meal on a budget or cuisine fit for a king, downtown Austin’s more than 125 restaurants have something to tempt your taste buds.

Arts and Culture

Downtown Austin’s numerous historic and culturally centers, libraries and museums are home to some of the world’s most prominent collections, including the Gutenberg Bible, Woodward and Bernstein’s papers, folk art and Texas historical documents.  Downtown also is home to the Texas State Capitol, more than 20 museums, 22 performance venues and 50 galleries..

Shopping

With more than 300 retailers, downtown is home to some of Austin’s most unique shopping opportunities in the city.  From home décor stores such as Design Within Reach, Loft, Mercury, and the Home Retreat to funky clothing stores like Estilo or Cowboy Cool, downtown shopping is sure to please.  Get unique gifts at Authenticity, Enchante, the Mexic-Arte gift shop or Tears of Joy Hot Sauce Co.  Looking for the perfect piece of jewelry?  Then head to Kruger’s, Koen and Son, Anthony Nak or Eliza Page.  Find that great piece of art at one of the many wonderful art galleries.  These and other retailers provide a one of a kind shopping experience in the vibrant setting of downtown.  Casual, cosmopolitan, eclectic, five-star, techie, hippie, historic, chic, intellectual, fashionable, artistic and weird…  The adjectives used to describe downtown Austin are as numerous and diverse as the people who live, work and visit here.