How To Experience Downtown Austin Like A Local
As Austin continues to grow, one thing remains constant: the capital of Texas is one of the most vibrant, eclectic cities in the United States.
There aren’t many places that offer the varied lifestyle Austin does, from the impressive live music scene to the great restaurants, and a wide range of outdoor activities.
The heart and soul of it all is
Downtown Austin, where there is never a dull moment. Downtown Austin is extremely walkable and has everything you need to live, work, and play. From the Colorado River on the south side to the State Capitol on the north end, downtown is the place to be when investing in Austin luxury real estate..
HOUSING MARKET
In 2021, Yahoo Finance ranked Austin the #1 hottest housing market. By the standards of 2021, Austin homes for sale are moving less quickly this year, but it remains a seller’s market due to its constant flow of transplants, strong economy, and the fact that mortgage interest rates haven’t spiked.
The median price of homes in Austin is $499,995. That’s a jump of 28% since February 2021. Downtown real estate runs the gamut, from single-family houses to high-rise condos to gorgeous lofts. Many professionals choose to live downtown to be near their jobs with the state government, many businesses, and the University of Texas (which is just north of downtown).
If you’re interested in Downtown Austin real estate, don’t delay your search. Prices are expected to keep rising, and any big increase in mortgage interest rates can adversely affect your ability to buy a Downtown Austin condo for sale. Partner with a licensed, talented real estate agent to find a place that meets your lifestyle needs, and then you can begin to experience Downtown Austin like a local.
AUSTIN CITY LIMITS
With so many venues for country, blues, and rock music, it’s no wonder that Austin is called the “Live Music Capital of the World.” The first thing you should do to experience Downtown Austin like a local is check out the
thriving music scene.
A great place to start for residents of Downtown Austin real estate is the venerable Austin City Limits Live (ACL Live) at The Moody Theater—where the long-running television series “Austin City Limits” is taped. “
Austin City Limits” features big-name contemporary artists. Pretty much every big act in music, spanning all genres, has been featured on “Austin City Limits” since it began in the mid-1970s, originally to showcase Texas musicians. Smaller acts are booked into the sister venue 3TEN ACL Live. You know you’re in the right spot when you see the Willie Nelson statue.
People who buy Downtown Austin condos soon discover that there are an estimated 200 live music venues in Austin, many of them concentrated downtown. Locals eventually gravitate toward their favorites, where they can enjoy up-and-coming musicians as well as seasoned pros. A few that stand out are the long-running Antone’s Nightclub on Fifth Street, which has been home to some classic acts over the decades. Some other standbys are Emo’s, which used to be known as the Back Room, and Parish in East Austin. Among the favorite listening rooms are The Roosevelt Room, the Elephant Room, Speakeasy, and the rooftop Terrace59 lounge.
SOUTH BY SOUTHWEST
South by Southwest, or SXSW, has become one of the biggest festivals in the country. It brings together the best in contemporary music, film, and interactive media. It’s held annually over several days in mid-March at venues spread throughout Downtown Austin. People who have recently purchased Downtown Austin condos for sale have a front-row seat for SXSW, and many of these venues and events are within minutes of each other, making it easy to get around.
2ND STREET DISTRICT
The 2nd Street District, located on and around 2nd Street on the south side of Downtown, is the go-to place for a wide variety of shops, eateries such as III Forks and Corner Restaurant, and live-music venues. The 2nd Street District is also home to some swank Downtown Austin luxury condos, making it a favorite of young professionals who have everything they need within walking distance.
ZILKER PARK
Zilker Park is a wonderful civic treasure that covers more than 350 acres just south of the Colorado River and has provided hours of fun and recreation to generations of Austin residents. People who have recently purchased Downtown Austin homes for sale can begin to experience the area like a local by exploring all that Zilker Park has to offer. Zilker Park features a massive green space that attracts joggers, bikers, and picnickers, as well as many sports facilities and sports programs.
Zilker Park is also home to the Barton Springs Pool, which is fed by underground springs, and the Deep Eddy Pool, where Austin residents love to cool off. Other attractions at the massive park include the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, the Zilker Botanical Gardens, a playground, and a miniature train ride—all of which are particularly popular with families who own Downtown Austin real estate.
Zilker Park is home to many events, performances, and festivals throughout the year that attracts residents of Downtown Austin condos. They include the ABC Kite Festival, Zilker Summer Musical, Blues on the Green, Austin City Limits Music Festival, and the Trail of Lights. A Christmas highlight is the Zilker Holiday Tree, which stands 155’ tall and is decorated with more than 3,300 lights.
HUNTING FOR AUSTIN HOMES FOR SALE?
If you’re ready to start shopping for Downtown Austin condos for sale, let the experts at Prospect Real Estate wow you with their market analysis and expertise of the local market.
