Though this area has been developed for decades, the Dawson Neighborhood Association, or DNA as its come to be known, is fairly new. In the short time Dawson has been in existence, they’ve made a name for themselves in the push to revitalize South Austin. Dawson fought to rehabilitate East Bouldin Creek and the Texas Department of Transportation on the Ben White Freeway Project – all of which has made South Austin aware of its once unknown neighborhood. Scroll Down to Read our Dawson Neighborhood Guide.
Dawson Homes for Sale
Dawson South Austin Neighborhood Map
Dawson is bordered by Oltorf to the north, S 1st to the west, S Congress to the east and E Ben White (290) south. Explore other South Austin neighborhoods in our South Austin Neighborhood Guide. Scroll down to continue reading our Dawson neighborhood guide.
Dawson Homes
Most homes in South Austin’s Dawson neighborhood were built between the 1950s, 60s and 70s.
Photos of Dawson Homes
Average Dawson Home
The average home in South Austin’s Dawson neighborhood has the following profile:
- 3 bedrooms
- 1 bathroom
- 1,200 sq ft
Dawson Sold Data – What Dawson Homes Actually Sold For
What sold recently in Dawson 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 Dawson? How many homes are currently for sale in Dawson? What’s the median sold price in Dawson? What does the 90 day historic market trend look like in Dawson? How’s the Dawson market trending?
All of these questions (and more!) can be answered on our Dawson Sold Data Report.
Dawson Homes – Video
Dawson Property Tax Rate
The property tax rate in South Austin’s Dawson neighborhood is 1.8092% as of the 2023 tax year, down from 1.9749% as of the 2022 tax year. The property tax rat was 2.1767% as of the 2021 tax year.
Dawson Schools
Children who live in South Austin’s Dawson neighborhood are served by the Austin ISD and will likely attend the following schools:
- Dawson Elementary - 2/10
- Lively Middle - 3/10
- Travis High - 2/10
School ratings reflect Great Schools ratings as of June 2024. Ratings are subject to change at any time. Please verify ratings and boundaries with the school district.
Things to Do in Dawson
Austin Playhouse
Watch some of the best talent in Austin at Dawson’s locally owned playhouse. The owner, Don Toner built this business from using a stage at McCallum High School to a year round two stage facility in Dawson. Each season, they have a number of theatrical productions at reasonable prices – with student discounts.
Under Pressure Hands On Screen Shop
Next time you’re looking for something different to do, head a few blocks north of Dawson on 1st St to Under Pressure Hands on Screen Shop. Bring a picture or an idea and they’ll put it on a shirt for you. Great regular spot for the person who wants to stand out, or to take your kids for a fun afternoon. They are great with kids by the way.
Join the World Adult Kickball Association
If you haven’t already figured it out, you can find an organized group that does just about anything in this city. The World Adult Kickball Association is one great example. Each season lasts around 2 months and plays on Thursday nights and costs $70 for a season of fun – and there are prizes for the winning team and runner up. Each season they get a bar to sponsor the event, which means after everyone heads over there for drink specials. Great place to meet people and have a ton of fun.
Places to Eat in Dawson
El Borrego de Oro
Located in the southeast corner of Dawson, El Borrego de Oro is a neighborhood favorite. Not known for its curb appeal, locals come back for the authentic Mexican food at reasonable prices. They make their own tortillas and make a special margarita from an old family recipe.
Habanero Mexican Cafe
One of Dawson’s hidden gems. Family owned and in business for a few decades, this place is here to stay. Well executed, authentic Mexican food for a more than reasonable price. One thing to check before you go is their hours. They’re open every morning at 7am for breakfast and close at either 3pm, 5pm or 9pm throughout the week. No margaritas unfortunately, but they do serve beer.
Opal Divine’s
Just east of Dawson you’ll find Opal Divine’s, a local spot. More known for its great drinks and accommodations for large parties, Opal Divine’s has a large patio with a view. They have several events throughout the week so be sure to check the website before you go to find out what’s going on. Scroll down to continue reading our Dawson neighborhood guide.
Coffee in Dawson
Garden District Coffee House
Garden District Coffee House, one of the few coffee houses in South Austin’s Dawson neighborhood, serves good coffee and food. If you’re looking to relax, sit outside on their patio which overlooks the Great Outdoors Garden Center. Their coffee is locally roasted and they have vegetarian food/snack options.
Summermoon Cafe
My favorite coffee in South Austin. Why? Their moon milk. From what I can gather, moon milk is a slightly sweeter milk that they make onsite. They use it in lattes and mochas (when you order it) and it makes the coffee taste fabulous! No bitter espresso taste – just smooth coffee with a hint of sweet. Atmosphere is ok, but I’ll keep going back for the great coffee. Chairs are comfortable and there are plenty of electrical outlets.
Once Over Coffee Bar
Another great South Austin coffee spot. They have a great patio that has plenty of shade and indoor seating for those who prefer. Coffee drinks are great (I’ve had hot, cold and frozen drinks) and they give a cash discount.
Where to Work Out – Gyms Near Dawson
Golds Gym
Just south of Dawson you’ll find Gold’s Gym. This one is always clean, they have plenty of equipment, a women’s preferred room and a cardio room. Their group classes are also pretty popular, especially on the weekends, and are included in your membership.
South Austin Tennis Center
A few blocks south of Dawson, South Austin Tennis Center is a cheap place to play tennis ($4/person during peak times, $1.50-$2.75/person during off peak times). Courts are easy to reserve and well maintained. They have lessons for all types of players. Also a great place to find a tennis partner – so no excuse not to start playing tennis if you’re new to the area or your spouse doesn’t like to play! Thank you for reading our Dawson neighborhood guide.
South Austin Realtor Specializing in Dawson
Rebecca Jacks and Raymond Stoklosa are South Austin Realtors specializing in Dawson homes. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home in Dawson, 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 Home in Dawson and Selling a Home in Dawson.