Image by: Jeremy Doddridge
Central Austin is home to our city’s diverse downtown and the vibrant neighborhoods surrounding it.  Downtown Austin attractions are countless: trendy restaurants lively clubs outdoor concerts historical architecture eclectic shopping a Saturday farmers’ market verdant parks with sparkling fountains in cool plazas. The magnificently restored and beloved State Capitol is in the heart of Central Austin. The University of Texas only a few blocks north of the Capitol isn’t just for students. Concerts art exhibits theatre lectures and exciting Longhorn sports – including the top-ranked Texas Longhorn football team – draw crowds from all over the state.
Ready for fun? Head for Sixth Street Red River and the West Downtown districts – you’ll hear the hottest new music and enjoy casual dining in a friendly atmosphere. World class acts perform at Stubbs MoMos Antone’s and other downtown clubs and concert Halls. Every year the whole town celebrates music with the annual South by Southwest (SXSW) and Austin City Limits (ACL) multi-day music festivals.
Ready to shop? Stroll the 2nd Street District for the latest in fashion accessories and home style. Stop for refreshment at a sidewalk café. Make an appointment to finish up with a soothing massage or mani-pedi at a sleek salon.
For those who love outdoor sports and activities Central Austin abounds with opportunity for walking running biking rowing kayaking tennis and golf. The Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail extends from East Austin to West Austin with several bridges crossing the Lake. The Shoal Creek greenbelt trail begins at Lady Bird Lake just east of Lamar and runs along the creek to 38th Street a 6.5 mile round trip. City owned Caswell Tennis Center is located at Shoal Creek and 24th St. There are also three city-owned golf courses within Central Austin: Lions Hancock and Morris Williams.
Central Austin neighborhoods are also diverse. North of the University charming Hyde Park boasts 100+ year old Victorian manses Craftsman cottages and the occasional student condo complex. In West Austin the crown jewels of Tarrytown Pemberton Old West Austin and Brykerwoods are home to dignified mansions classic bungalows and newly built retro-modern houses.
Developed between 1935 and 1970 Rosedale Allandale Crestview and Violet Crown are in the north part of Central Austin. East of I-35 trendy meets traditional in a lively ethnic and cultural mix. Revitalized neighborhoods and artists’ studio districts have brought new prosperity to East Austin. An entire new neighborhood Mueller has been created on land that was once the Austin airport. Low-rise and high-rise older and brand new condominiums and apartments are available throughout Central Austin. A few towers exceed 30 stories and afford stunning views of Austin Lady Bird Lake and the Hill Country. And Austin’s recently opened Metro Rail system links Crestview Mueller and East Austin to Downtown destinations.
