Thinking about moving to Downtown Austin? This vibrant neighborhood is where urban excitement meets Texas charm. Known for its incredible culture, mouthwatering food, diverse entertainment, and some of Austin’s most scenic outdoor spaces, Downtown Austin is quickly becoming a top choice for homebuyers. From its iconic live music scene and legendary festivals to trendy bars, dog-friendly spaces, and cozy coffee shops perfect for remote work, Downtown Austin offers something for everyone. If you’re considering a move or just curious about life in this urban hub, this guide covers everything you need to know. Scroll Down to Read More Our Downtown Austin Neighborhood Guide.
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Downtown Austin Neighborhood Map
Downtown is bordered by West Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to the north, Hwy 35 to the east, Lady Bird Lake to the south and North Lamar Boulevard to the west. Explore other Central Austin neighborhoods in our Central Austin neighborhood guide. Scroll down to continue reading our Downtown Austin neighborhood guide.
Downtown Austin Zip Code
The Downtown area is in Austin’s 78701 zip code.
What Is It Like Living in Downtown Austin?
Living in Downtown Austin means having access to the best of the city within walking distance. Think condo living with breathtaking skyline views, eclectic street art at every turn, and an endless lineup of dining, nightlife, and entertainment options.
Residents here boast about the neighborhood’s lively energy and central location. Whether you’re commuting to work, trying a new restaurant, or hitting up a trail by Lady Bird Lake, Downtown Austin puts you in the middle of everything. It’s perfectly suited for young professionals, empty nesters, or anyone looking for an exciting, walkable lifestyle.
Key Highlights:
- Dynamic city-center vibe
- Walkable streets and convenient transit options
- Iconic live music and arts scene
- Variety of new and reimagined luxury condo developments
Can You Have a Dog Living Downtown?
Absolutely, Downtown Austin is a dog-lover’s paradise! Many condo buildings are pet-friendly, offering amenities like on-site dog parks and pet-washing stations. Additionally, the area features plenty of nearby green spaces for your furry friend to explore.
Favorite spots for dog owners:
- Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Park – An off-leash area next to Lady Bird Lake, perfect for swimming and mingling with other dog owners.
- Banger’s Sausage House & Beer Garden – A pet-friendly beer garden with dog treats on the menu!
- Shoal Creek Trail – A scenic trail ideal for long walks with four-legged companions.
Best Coffee Shops to Work From
If you’re one of the many who work remotely, Downtown Austin’s thriving coffee culture has you covered. These coffee shops combine excellent brews with cozy, productivity-friendly vibes.
Local favorites:
- Caffe Medici – Known for its expertly brewed, fair-trade coffee and relaxed atmosphere.
- Houndstooth Coffee – Sleek and modern, with free Wi-Fi and plenty of seating options for focusing on your tasks.
- Jo’s Coffee – Famous for its laid-back Austin vibe and the iconic “I love you so much” mural outside.
Downtown Austin Condos
Most residences in Central Austin’s Downtown neighborhood are condominiums. Many of the high rises that fill Austin’s skyline were built in the last decade. You’ll find everything from brand new units with all the top amenities to older buildings that need some work. Most of the units are a little on the smaller side with 1 bedroom, but you can from 2 bedroom units, and, from time to time even 3 bedroom units in some buildings.
Average Downtown Austin Condo
The average condo in Central Austin’s Downtown neighborhood meets the following profile:
- 2 Bedrooms
- 2 Bathrooms
- 1,190 Sq Ft
Downtown Austin Schools
Children who live in Central Austin’s Downtown neighborhood are served by the Austin ISD and will likely attend the following schools:
- Mathews Elementary - 8/10
- O'Henry Middle - 6/10
- Austin High - 8/10
School ratings reflect Great Schools ratings as of January 2025. Ratings are subject to change at any time. Please verify ratings and boundaries with the school district.
Downtown Austin Sold Data – What Downtown Austin Homes Actually Sold For
What sold recently in Downtown Austin and for how much? Where can I find pictures of homes that actually sold? How many days does it take to sell a home in Downtown Austin? How many homes are currently for sale in Downtown Austin? What’s the median sold price in Downtown Austin? What does the 90 day historic market trend look like in Downtown Austin? How’s the Downtown Austin market trending?
All of these questions (and more!) can be answered on our Downtown Austin Sold Data Report.
Things to Do in Downtown Austin
Living downtown you are in the entertainment hub of Austin. Historic 6th Street and the Warehouse District offers restaurants, bars and clubs. Lady Bird Lake offers kayaking, canoeing and rowing. You have hike and bike trails that lead to popular Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool. There are also multiple parks within the downtown boundaries such as Waterloo Park, Duncan Park and House Park. Plus, you can always attend one of the multiple festivals or events in and around the downtown area.
Fun Activities Locals Love in Downtown Austin
Living Downtown means there’s always something happening just around the corner. Here’s what locals love to do most:
- Live Music at Stubb’s Bar-B-Q or ACL Live at the Moody Theater.
- Explore Art with the vibrant graffiti murals scattered across town (#HopeGallery might be Instagram-worthy).
- Shop Local at the Republic Square Farmers’ Market every weekend.
- Catch Sunset kayaking along Lady Bird Lake for an unrivaled view of Austin’s skyline.
Top Festivals That Happen Downtown
Austin lives up to its nickname, “The Live Music Capital of the World,” with iconic festivals right in the heart of Downtown. Grab your tickets early for these must-attend events!
- South by Southwest (SXSW): Celebrate music, film, and interactive media with visitors from across the globe.
- Austin City Limits (ACL): A music festival attracting A-list performers, held annually in Zilker Park.
- Texas Book Festival: A haven for book lovers, offering readings, panels, and book signings.
- Pecan Street Festival: Support local artists in this long-running arts and crafts event.
Staying Active in Downtown Austin
Downtown Austin isn’t just about bars and concerts—it’s also a haven for fitness enthusiasts. Whether you want to kayak, bike, or hit a yoga studio, staying active here is easy and fun.
Places to get moving:
- Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail: 10+ miles of idyllic pathways for walking, jogging, or cycling, surrounded by nature.
- Castle Hill Fitness: A boutique gym offering classes, workshops, and state-of-the-art equipment.
- CorePower Yoga: A Downtown favorite for breaking a sweat and finding your zen.
- CrossFit Central: One of Austin’s top CrossFit gyms conveniently located downtown.
Why Residents Choose Downtown Austin to Live
Residents choose Downtown for its unbeatable location, dynamic community, and endless entertainment. It’s perfect for those who thrive on being surrounded by the best the city has to offer. Whether you’re chasing a career opportunity, seeking an urban lifestyle, or just want to ditch the long commute, there’s no better place to live than Downtown Austin.
And while Downtown delivers convenience and excitement, it also boasts beautiful green spaces, making it an ideal balance of city life and nature.
Thinking About Moving to Downtown Austin?
Downtown Austin isn’t just a place to live—it’s a lifestyle. Whether it’s for the vibrant culture, the dog-friendly spots, or the incredible coffee shops, this urban hub has something for everyone.
If you’re considering making Downtown Austin your new home, take the next step today. Connect with our team of local experts who can help you find the perfect place to match your needs, vibe, and goals.
Central Austin Realtor Specializing in Downtown Austin
Rebecca Jacks and Raymond Stoklosa are Central Austin Realtors specializing in Downtown Austin homes. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home in Downtown Austin, Rebecca and Raymond know the area well and have the experience and tools necessary to make your next real estate transaction stress free. For more info about who we are and how we work, check out Buying a Downtown Austin Condo and Selling a Downtown Austin Condo.
