Downtown

Downtown Austin is certainly an urban setting. It has the high rises, hotels, tourists, and even the state capitol attractions. We have all the typical city necessities like tourists, chain restaurants, and taxis. Thankfully, the city doesn’t end there.

Austin, specifically downtown, has that small town Texas feel while still having the downtown urban vibe. Could it get any better than that? I think not. While we have traditional yellow taxi cabs we also have pedicabs (bike taxi) since the weather here is almost always favorable for them. Yes there is a TGIFridays where you can get your fried mozzarella but this is far from your only option. Whether you’re a foodie or just want some damn eats, there are food trailers, bbq joints, and more just for you. Plus, Whole Foods Market is headquartered here with a MASSIVE store that is to die for.

Those who live here reside in condos or apartments and are paying top notch. As far as I understand it is expensive pretty much everywhere. Just like your typical downtown, it is mostly singles or young people living this lifestyle rather than soccer moms and grannys.

SXSW.

What? You don’t know what that means? Wow. You should probably just Google it rather than have me explain it here. Apparently you don’t know anything about good music, movies, or websites. Kidding…sort of. These four letters are a huge part of what downtown is all about each year when March rolls around. The city is flooded with out of towners and Austinites alike to partake in this epic festival. Celebrity sightings and all around good times are always expected.

6th Street is the most popular night life area. Although it is certainly tourist-y it still has that laid back atmosphere that you just don’t get in other cities. Most bars have roof top or outdoor decks. Live music is always a given.

Downtown Austin has minuses for sure. parking, traffic blah blah, expensive blah blah. But just check it out. Visit the Capitol, talk a walk on Townlake, and enjoy Austin-the small town downtown.

Bridget D.

I have been selling condos in the downtown market now since 2007. I had one of the most amazing opportunities to sell out the 360 Condominium building for the developers back in 2007-2008. Continuing my career and staying focused on the growth of the city has been spectacular. The buildings are stunning, the walkability to shops, restaurants and bars is exciting. The sense of community is welcoming and live music keeps it fun!

Downtown Austin may look like a city, and in all respects it is, but it doesn’t feel like one. It has the tall buildings, the restaurants, the nightlife, and even the expensive shopping, but it doesn’t have that aggressive city feel. It has a very laid back, passive atmosphere that makes you want to take your time everywhere you go.
This atmosphere probably has something to do with why the traffic is always so bad. People are never in a hurry to get anywhere so they drive their cars like it’s always Sunday a.k.a. slow. If you are used to driving in the aggressive north east, this will be quite the culture shock.
One of the main highlights of downtown Austin is 6th street. There are over 200 bars lining this street. And since it’s always nice in Austin, the rooftop and outdoor bar is a major attraction.
SXSW causes the city to explode every year with thousands of tourists from around the world. It is an amazingly fun week and you can’t go five feet without running in to a live band playing somewhere.
Downtown Austin is an amzing place. If you can get used to the traffic, the lack in parking, and the homeless, this city is perfect for recent college graduate or anyone young at heart.

SXSW, 6th street, a thriving bar scene, music venues on every corner, skyscrapers and gourmet restaurants…that’s downtown Austin for you. This place is jammed with people on Friday and Saturday night, and full of suits walking the streets between banks and government offices during the day.

Question, what’s the difference between watching the TV show “Cops” and going to 6th street on Saturday night? Not much. 6th street is something everyone should experience, kinda like a death in family and a broken bone. If you really feel the desire to watch someone get in a fight, get arrested or vomit in public (or maybe do it yourself) by all means get to 6th street asap. Otherwise, there are a couple dozen cool nabes that can satisfy your barfly attitude with a lot less stress.

Come 2:00am, everyone gets kicked out of the bar. More importantly, come 2:00am every single person that just walked out of a bar will want a taxi just like you. Now, where did that laid back attitude go?

Downtown Austin is a constantly evolving environment, with a variety of music-oriented ecosystems. Any given person on any given night will feel like the mayor of music town, diving into the punk and heavy psychedelic rock of Red River, the big name bands that pass through UT and Stubbs, the blues and booty music of 6th street, the jazz, gypsy, and funk of the Warehouse District, and all of the extremely cultured and mostly indescribable music in between. Even the art galleries, coffee shops and restaurants emanate this vibe that revolves around Austin’s indestructible music genealogy. Increases in population and the building of more upscale apartments and condos, as well as the proximity to Austin’s legendary 6th street, makes this nabe one of the most expensive places to live in Austin and one of the most profitable places to work. Commute is easy from surrounding areas, with beautiful hike and bike trails, taxis and petty cabs, and bus stops on every block.

Katy G.