Where is South Central Austin situated?
South Central Austin is located between Mopac (Loop 1) and IH-35 reaching as far north as the Lady Bird Lake and south towards Slaughter Lane.
What makes South Central Austin a great area to live?
South Central Austin is a wonderful part of town to live if you want to be close to restaurants shopping and entertainment without the traffic or higher rental rates of living directly downtown. You’ll also be able to enjoy the hiking kayaking and other outdoor activates found right here in this area.
Hugging the southern portion of Downtown Austin residents here experience the “funky/unique” feel that Austin is known for. Some of the oldest Austin neighborhoods are located south of downtown giving this area a lot of charm plus a strong sense of community.
South Central Austin residents have a quick 15 minute drive to the airport and are just over an hour from San Antonio (traffic-dependent of course).
What changes have been happening to the South Central area over the last few years related to the rental market?
As the entire Austin-Round Rock metropolitan area continues to grow rapidly following the end of the 2008 recession South Central Austin has been seeing an increase in its apartment demand. Average home prices in Austin have increased steadily over the last several years with a current median home price in Travis County at $357500 (according to ABOR’s June 2016 report). This has pushed more potential buyers to opt for renting instead financially allowing them to live closer to major employers and the active lifestyle found in South Central Austin. A domino effect is in action as multiple apartment communities continue to be built here to meet demand which helps to draw more businesses to the area which is increasing the value here.
How do these rental market changes benefit renters in the area?
According to the Community Director of Marquis at Barton Trails Gregory Trevino this current surge of new apartments being built should financially benefit renters in South Central Austin. “You will see better move-in specials as well as competitive rental rates giving renters more options to choose from.”
It is financially in the best interested of a new apartment complex to become fully occupied as quickly as possible which is why you’ll often find move-in specials or reduced rates offered. When multiple new properties in the area are constructed around the same time the move-in specials become even more enticing. Additionally older communities may lose residents to the brand-new properties causing for them to start reducing rates or offering move-in specials as well.
Another benefit renters will see in South Central Austin due to new rental community construction is better service. “The competition created as new communities open can improve the quality of service that renters receive in the area” mentioned Trevino. Renters have more options when shopping around for an apartment home and this has prompted for property management companies to offer additional services to their residents. Marquis at Barton Trails for example offers a 24 hour maintenance guarantee to their residents.
What are some large new or notable employers in the South Central Austin area?
Some of the key major employers in the area include Intel and SHI. There is also lots of area jobs in the industries of health care (St. David’s South Austin Medical Center) education (St. Edwards University; AISD) and retail.
What is there to do for fun in South Central Austin?
South Central Austin is one of the best areas in the city to live for those looking to fill their weekends with fun. Whether it’s a Friday night on the town or a Saturday afternoon exploring the outdoors there is plenty of options just minutes away.
Dining – Likely the area of Austin with the most diverse dining options available no matter what you like South Central Austin has it. Japanese Southern-style seafood Classic Mexican Tex-Mex Cajun Indian Cantonese English Thai Mediterranean American Italian and more. Some of the top rated area restaurants are Evangeline Café (Cajun-Creole) Tarka Indian Kitchen (Indian) Uchi (Contemporary Japanese) Shady Grove (Burgers & Tex-Mex) Vespaio Ristorante (Italian) Home Slice (Pizza) LENOIR Restaurant (Eclectic cooking) and Chuy’s (Mexican). Some of Trevino’s favorites for a quick bite nearby are Torchy’s Tacos (an Austin chain restaurant that President Obama enjoyed during his most recent visit to Austin) and P. Terry’s Burger Stand.
Night Life – An obvious spot for nightlife in South Central Austin is the downtown scene of 6th Street just on the other side of Lady Bird Lake. Another popular choice is the Broken Spoke off South Lamar which has been an Austin-favorite for decades – enjoy live country music and dancing! Also on South Lamar is The Highball known for its private karaoke rooms bowling massive parties and fun weeknight events such as “Geeks Who Drink” trivia.
Staying in Shape – South Central Austin has plenty of options for exercise both indoors & out. For those who prefer to stay cool Trevino suggests Lifetime Fitness Gold’s Gym or 24 Hour Fitness. If you’re needing some fresh air head out to Zilker Park (the “urban oasis” of Austin) Lady Bird Lake (running/biking trail kayaking SUP and more) or the hike Barton Creek Greenbelt which will take you all the way up to Austin’s popular Barton Springs Pool.
Day Trips – Looking to venture out and explore on the weekend? Head just 45 minutes south to San Marcos to enjoy a full day of floating down the San Marcos River. You can bring your own tube or rent one when you get there. If you’re looking for a little bit more action-packed excitement head a little further south and check out Schlitterbahn Waterpark. This waterpark is so massive that you have to take a bus to get from one side of the park to the other.
Learn More About Our Featured South Central Rental Community: Marquis at Barton Trails
How does Marquis at Barton Trails stand out from other rental communities in the area?
Marquis at Barton Trails was built in two different phases at the same great location (ideally situated off South MoPac Expressway and Highway 290 West) allowing future residents more choices when it comes to apartment finishes layouts and price range.
Marquis residents are able save money when shopping and dining in the area with the great discount program they are given access to when living here. Currently there are great discounts for moving services gym memberships area restaurants pet products & services limousine rentals and more!
The Marquis community offers lots of luxury amenities such multiple swimming pools a pet park remote-access gated entry and a great on-site workout facility.
“The gym in our community is one of the best gyms in the area. It is spacious and has state-of-the-art equipment. Additionally we love pets and are one of the only communities in the area that has a dog wash station for your four legged friend!
For peace of mind we offer a 30 day No-Fault Guarantee and a 24 hour Maintenance Guarantee to our residents.” – Gregory Trevino (Community Director of Marquis at Barton Trails a CWS Apartment Community)
Day or night Marquis at Barton Trails is the perfect place to entertain friends and relax.
Enjoy luxurious high-end finishes in your apartment home.
All photos courtesy of Marquis at Barton Trails/CWS
