Area Info - Austin, Texas
Austin bills itself as The Live Music Capital of the World and is the most progressive city in Texas and has consistently been listed at the top of Forbes' annual list of the best places to live in America. Many new jobs in the technology field account for higher than average salaries even for entry-level employees. The affordability of utilities and housing contribute to the appeal of home ownership in Austin. The fourth-largest city in Texas offers families and singles quality housing in a friendly, pleasant environment. A variety of restaurants and shopping facilities along with museums and cultural events adds to the appeal of the city.
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West Austin
Austin, Texas is one of the most popular places to live in the United States, with a projected population growth rate of 2.8 percent and a projected economic growth rate of a whopping 6.8 percent (http://www.forbes.com/pictures/mlj45hfdf/1-austin-texas/). The area is currently experiencing a booming real estate market. Located just minutes from downtown, the upscale neighborhoods to the west of the city are among the most desirable places to live in Austin.
Overview of West Austin
Geographically, the city of Austin bridges two different ecosystems. To the east lies prairie flatland, and the west is Texas Hill Country. The western part of the city contains a number of hills and dramatic limestone outcroppings; Lake Travis, lined with luxury waterfront homes and estates, meanders through its midst. Many of the West Austin homes for sale are built atop ridges overlooking wild basins, giving these properties a majestic quality and abundant privacy.
The Hill Country's beautiful scenery, and the recreational opportunities afforded by a number of parks and greenbelts, are main attractions to this area. Public schools in the area are excellent, and in the last ten years businesses have come to the region as well, making it an increasingly convenient place to live.
Neighborhoods with West Austin Homes for Sale
West Austin has several desirable neighborhoods: Old Enfield, Pemberton Heights, Bryker Woods, Tarrytown, Rollingwood, Westlake Hills & Northwest Hills. Old Enfield, Pemberton Heights and Bryker Woods are part of the Old West Austin Historic District.
Rollingwood is a small community directly to the south of Lake Travis. Bee Cave Road, with its shopping centers and ready access to Barton Square Mall, is the main thoroughfare. The homes in Rollingwood range from multi-million dollar estates to more modest single family homes and some condos. Lot size is generally large.
Westlake Hills spans the region directly west of Central Austin. It was originally designed as a subdivision where homeowners could purchase their own land and build to suit. For that reason, there are a number of different architectural styles, including some spectacular waterfront homes. Houses here tend to be very expensive, starting at a half million dollars or more.
Northwest Hills is the most affordable neighborhood in this area. The neighborhood has a number of condos ranging from basic to upscale, and it is still possible for prospective homeowners to get an older home in need of renovation for a reasonable price. Many homes in Northwest Hills are situated on the edge of ravines, giving this neighborhood a sense of privacy and a wonderful breeze on hot summer days.
West Austin is an area known for its luxury and established homes, recreational opportunities, excellent schools, and peace and quiet. Just a few miles from the bustling downtown area, the neighborhoods to the west afford homeowners both relaxation and all the amenities of urban living.
Downtown Austin
Many Austinites are passionate about living in the downtown area. With some of the tallest condo towers in the state 32 miles of inner-city hike and bike trails and the Lady Bird Lake, Downtown Austin is truly a city inside a park. Not only does Downtown Austin nurture an active outdoor lifestyle but the business and artist communities are vibrant and thriving.
Community
Austin's diverse population and close proximity of work, residence and play offers an opportunity for a quality of life that draws people from all over the nation. With everything from single-family homes to more than 5,800 units available fro purchase or lease in and near downtown, Austin has blossomed into one of the most sought after residential markets in the region (or nation.) No matter your age, profession or passion - you are sure to find a place in this exhilarating community.
Activities & Attractions
Previously known as Town Lake, Lady Bird Lake is Austin's most beloved attraction offering an opportunity to experience the best that Austin has to offer. The late itself is 426 acres and all along the shoreline you will find hotels, apartments, ball fields, lush greenery, Austin's notorious Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, recreation water rentals as well as Auditorium Shores. Lady Bird Lake offers such activities as paddle boats canoes and paddle boards. The lake is a popular training spot for rowing crews across the country in cooler months. Other water recreations offered along the shore are Deep Eddy Pool - the oldest pool in Texas and Barton Springs Pool - a natural spring that flows into Lady Bird.
Downtown Austin living offers every living essential including Grocery Stores ( including the Flagship Whole Foods), Health clubs and Spas, Movie Theaters, local eateries from casual to fine-star dining, Coffee Shoppes, Transportation, Museums, Music Venues, and Libraries.
South Austin
Nicknamed SoCo for South Congress, South Austin, Texas, has a diverse selection of real estate choices, with some that are close to schools or the Mary Moore Searight Metro Park. Four square miles comprise this area, and entertainment and charm can be found within. The northern boundary is Lady Bird Lake, and Ben White Boulevard is situated at the southern boundary. I-35 is the eastern boundary and the MoPac Expressway is the western edge. Included are neighborhoods that were built in the 1900s as well as new subdivisions.
South Austin Community
Enjoy the unique culture of the SouthPop Culture Center, with its South Lamar Boulevard location. Events include the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar and the San Francisco/Austin Connection as well as the Dia De Los Muertos Installation. Additionally, music lovers can enjoy the excitement of a variety of clubs and venues right within the neighborhood. For more culture and an outdoor experience, residents of South Austin enjoy the Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum. Moreover, flower lovers can visit the Lady Bird Wildflower Center. The Park and Recreational Center hosts youth sports and volleyball courts as well as a swimming pool, stage and club room; other sports enjoyed here include tennis, soccer, football, basketball and more. Shoppers can travel to nearby West Austin for the Barton Creek Square experience and upscale shopping or to local Southpark Meadows and Hill Country Galleria. Residents of the area can swim at Barton Springs pool, with its spring fed source. You might find one of the outstanding homes in the popular Travis Heights area, where neighborhood parks are within walking distance. Moreover, the active family can enjoy recreation, including rowing, kayaking, or stand up paddle boarding at Lady Bird Lake on the Colorado River.
South Austin Real Estate
Some of the real estate in South Austin is set amidst stately oak trees, and gated properties can be found. You might find one of the affordable homes in the Meadowcreek neighborhood which is ideal for family living. Or explore the possibility of living within walking distance to downtown or Central Market in addition to having access to walking trails. Condos offer spectacular Texas Hill Country views and such features as solar power and being a green community. Other fabulous areas include homes that are within walking distance to Lady Bird Lake. Real estate in the SoCo neighborhood is abundant with amenities; explore properties here or in nearby West Austin for an exciting lifestyle.
Pemberton Heights
Pemberton Heights is an quaint neighborhood located in the Old West Austin Historic District which is just west of downtown. There are many attractions, top-rated schools, and luxury homes in the area. It is a wonderful community for families and anyone working in downtown.
Near Pemberton Heights, you’ll find West Austin Youth Association. It is an organization offering children more than 30 sports while teaching integrity and sportsmanship. There are many volunteer opportunities available for children to give back to the community. You’ll also find several art museums, the LBJ Presidential Library, and Zilker Park, all located in or near downtown. Zilker Park is a 351 acre park with many recreational opportunities for everyone. Mayfield Park is also nearby. It’s a great place to have a family picnic and watch the peacocks. You’ll also want to visit Pemberton Castle, built in 1926 and is rumored to harbor ghosts.
Schools
Some of the best schools are located in or near Pemberton Heights. Children attend Cassis Elementary, O Henry Middle School, and Austin High School. The High School has been recognized as one of America’s exemplary high schools according to the United States Department of Education. It offers an excellent academic curriculum and its sports program is hard to beat.
Pemberton Heights Real Estate
Some of the best schools are located in or near Pemberton Heights. Children attend Cassis Elementary, O Henry Middle School, and Austin High School. The High School has been recognized as one of America’s exemplary high schools according to the United States Department of Education. It offers an excellent academic curriculum and its sports program is hard to beat.
Once you visit Pemberton Heights, you’ll understand why so many politicians, artists, and business professionals choose to make this their home. The newer luxury homes offer more modern amenities, but it is the location that makes this neighborhood so charming and exquisite.
Tarrytown
There are few neighborhoods that offer quiet and nearly pure residential space while just outside their borders the best restaurants, shops and music venues are bustling with activity. Welcome to the Tarrytown section of Austin, Texas, where residents experience all that and more!
Tarrytown Real Estate
Situated just to the west of the downtown area, Tarrytown real estate boasts beautiful, character-filled older homes mixed with fantastic new construction and lovely condominium, townhome and apartment complexes. This much sought-after neighborhood's streets are lined with luxury homes, many of which have magnificent views of Lake Austin. Most of the Tarrytown homes for sale range in price from the mid $400,000s to upwards of $2 million, although a few lower priced options do become available from time to time. For those who prefer condo or townhome living, one bedroom one bath units start in the low $200,000s and rise into the mid-million dollar price range for those in the market for true luxury homes. As you might expect, the rental market in Tarrytown is very competitive and, due to the desirability of this neighborhood, the availability of rental units is scarce. However, studios, one to three bedroom units, and single family home rentals can be found within the Tarrytown limits.
Life in Tarrytown
This peaceful, quiet area offers residents terrific educational options for families and is serviced by the Casis Elementary School, O. Henry Middle School and a high school named after the city itself. The Girl's School of Austin, for females in grades kindergarten through grade 8, is a very prestigious school. Just outside the boundaries of Tarrytown are several private schools, some of which offer Pre-K classes. Its close proximity to the University of Texas makes Tarrytown a great location for young adults attending college and also provides unending cultural and educational activities for the those who live here.
Tarrytown is known for its tall trees and boasts three terrific parks: Triangle Park, Reed Park and West Enfield Park. Each park has either playing fields, playgrounds, hiking trails or a swimming pool. Water sports are plentiful at the lake, and the Walsh Boat Landing is the site for the few business establishments located in the neighborhood.
Transportation in Tarrytown
Tarrytown real estate is bordered by the MoPac Expressway for those commuting by car. In addition, a few Capital Metro bus routes run through the neighborhood. Being so close to downtown makes bicycling another viable option for many.
Lake Austin
Lake Austin is a part of the Colorado River; it begins below Mansfield Dam and is principally fed by the outflow of Lake Travis. The lake meanders generally from northwest to southeast, with few significant tributaries; the largest are Bull Creek, entering from the north near where Loop 360 spans the lake at the Pennybacker Bridge, and Bee Creek, entering from the west just above Tom Miller Dam, where the lake ends. Its outflow through Tom Miller Dam then becomes the principal inflow for Lady Bird Lake.
Lake Austin is maintained as a constant-level lake by releases of water from Lake Travis upstream. The other Highland Lake reservoirs on the Colorado River are Lake Buchanan, Inks Lake, Lake LBJ, Lake Marble Falls, and Lake Travis upstream, and Lady Bird Lake downstream.
Due to the Lake Austin’s proximity to downtown Austin, the real estate along its shores has become some Austin’s most expensive; home pricing can reach $1,500/sf and higher toward the lower / downstream end of the lake. Many of these homes are sold “off-market” through Realtor networks, another reason to call Tate Property today!
