Downtown Austin Condo Guide

The following is an interview with Carl Shurr, Downtown Austin real estate expert.

What is the average price of the condos in Downtown Austin? The average price of a condo or loft in downtown Austin is $350,000. However, prices run the gamut from the $120s to over $4 million.

What is the average age of the condos in Downtown Austin? Downtown living is a blend of vintage and new construction. The Brazos Lofts, for instance, occupy a building constructed in 1925 and the Brown Building Lofts were built in the 1940s. Yet, in the past few years, Austin’s downtown skyline has been transformed by numerous high rise developments such as the 360 Condominiums, Spring, Milago and the Shore, which offer residents full amenity, modern living.

What is the average size of the condos in Downtown Austin? The average is about 1,100 square feet, but it can run anywhere from small, 400-square foot efficiencies to 7,400-plus for penthouse apartments.

How long do condos stay on the market in Downtown Austin? Currently, the average time a condo remains on the market is about  100 days. Of course, this will fluctuate as the market changes and inventory expands or is absorbed.

Why do residents choose to live in Downtown Austin? Living in downtown Austin is appealing to active people who love the outdoors and the best entertainment in Central Texas.  Downtown Austin offers its residents the ability to run, walk, hike, bike or swim in the many parks, lakes and pools within walking distance of downtown residences, but also the chance to walk to the best of Austin’s entertainment and arts scene.  The downtown area offers fine dining, performing arts, museums, boutiques and of course some of the best live music in the country. 

What are some the negatives of living in Downtown Austin? Parking is sometimes a negative of living in Downtown Austin much like most metropolitan areas.  However, downtown residents have the luxury of walking most places unlike other areas of Austin.  Also, in some areas noise levels can be a drawback compared to the suburbs.

What are the public schools like in Downtown Austin? Students in downtown Austin attend Matthews Elementary School, O. Henry Middle School, and Austin High School. All three schools were rated Academically Acceptable in 2006-2007 by the Texas Education Agency.

How close are the schools to Downtown Austin? Matthews Elementary is at located at 906 West Lynn Street. O. Henry’s campus is at 2610 West 10th Street. Austin High School is found at at 1715 W Cesar Chavez Street. All three are in the 78703 zip code and no more than 2 miles from the city center.

Are there any private schools near Downtown Austin? In terms of private schools, downtown has quite a few offerings, including the Girls' School of Austin (2007 McCall Road), which serves girls from kindergarten through 8th grade, and the Kirby Hall School (306 W. 29th St), a college preparatory school serving pre-K through 12th grade.

Are there any pre-schools near Downtown Austin? There are quite a few excellent private schools in or near downtown Austin including pre-schools thru high school.  Pre-school/kindergartens include All Saints Episcopal, Casa Montessori, Good Sheperd Episcopal and St. Martin’s Lutheran School.  There are a few that include kindergarten thru 8th grade and these include St. Austin’s Catholic School, St. Ignatius Martyr and St. Mary’s Cathedral School.  And finally for schools including grades up to 12th there is Kirby Hall and St. Andrews.

What kind of amenities does Downtown Austin offer? Downtown Austin is full of outdoor amenities.  It is one of the best cities in the country to live in if you like city life combined with outdoor activities.  There are miles of running and walking trails surrounding Lady Bird Lake that connect to the green belt.  Along Lady Bird Lake there are also several places to row, kayak or canoe by renting or joining clubs.  The 351 acre Zilker Park offers open green areas for relaxing or sports, sand volleyball courts, the botanical garden and of course Barton Springs Pool.  There is also Deep Eddy Pool along Lady Bird Lake which is a very popular outdoor swimming destination.  For golfers there is the Lions Municipal Golf Course which has hosted a list of notable golfers through the years, including Ben Hogan, Byron Nelson, Tom Kite, and Ben Crenshaw.

Are there any organized community groups or community activities in Downtown Austin? There are many events in downtown Austin including running, biking and swimming events, art festivals, music festivals and more.  Many of these are sponsored by one of the downtown community groups or the many charitable organizations in Austin.

What are the most sought after streets in Downtown Austin? For entertainment and dining most businesses are located on or near Congress or 5th and 6th streets.   Any streets within walking distance of these areas are popular for residents.

What are the most sought after neighborhoods in Downtown Austin? Clarksville, the Market District and the Wharehouse District are the most sought after residential neighborhoods in the downtown area.  Clarksville is the oldest and most established neighborhood just north of West Sixth Street and east of MoPac. Boasting umbrella-like shade trees and charming homes, this downtown community has experienced a consistent appreciation in property values. A stone’s throw from popular eateries and shops, Clarksville combines a taste of urban living with the enchantment of a historic neighborhood.  The Market District and the Wharehouse District both have a much newer and more urban feel.  The Market District includes the area south of 7th Street to Lady Bird Lake and is bordered by Whole Foods headquarters to the West.  The Wharehouse District is east of the Market District starting at about San Antonio Street.  It is bordered by 5th Street on the north side and Lady Bird Lake to the south. 

Where do people go out to eat in Downtown Austin? Many of Austin’s finer restaurants are centered downtown. Local celebrity Sandra Bullocks casually-chic Bess Bistro is a popular spot for dining and cocktails.  If you’re in the mood for truly excellent French dining Chez Nous and Aquarelle are excellent choices.  If you feel like having some of the best Mexican and Southwestern dining in Texas there are an abundance of excellent options including Ranch 616, Z’Tejas, Roaring Fork, Manuels, Rio Grande, Cantina Laredos, Corazon and Maria Maria.  If Italian dining is your pick, La Traviata and Taverna are excellent choices and the Spaghetti Warehouse is a good more casual Italian dining option.  For seafood and steak you can’t go wrong in downtown Austin with Eddie V’s Edgewater Grille, Sullivans, III Forks, Trulucks and McCormick & Schmicks.  And last, but definitely not least, if like sushi you will love the long standing hot spot Kenichi as well as the numerous excellent newcomers such as Maiko, Imperia, Silhouette and Yu Sushi.  In other words, there are many great dining options in downtown Austin.  Whatever you’re in the mood for you can find it in downtown Austin.

Where do people shop for groceries in Downtown Austin? Whole Foods Market at 5th and N. Lamar is the hub of downtown Austin grocery shopping and the corporate headquarters for Whole Foods.  It is both a great place to shop for groceries and for dining out.  Stocked full of locally grown produce, organic fare, fresh meats, baked goods, cheeses, chocolates, wine, and beer, the store draws a large crowd of shoppers and diners alike at all hours of the day.  If you’re in a hurry stop into one of two Royal Blue Grocery stores to find great food and wine choices and they are open till midnight.

Where do people workout in Downtown Austin? Downtown Austin has numerous excellent choices for exercise which is no surprise given Austin’s active, fit community.  Pure Austin is well-known and centrally located at 5th and Lamar, Gold’s Gym is an option at 6th and Congress and the Mecca Gym and Spa offers a more spa-like experience offering both exercise and restorative therapy including their popular eucalyptus steam room.  In the Clarksville area, Castle Hill Fitness gives downtowners another alternative that includes a fun cardio blast via its revolving rock wall.

What kind of organized sports are offered in Downtown Austin? Downtown residents can take advantage of the recreational leagues sponsored through the Austin Sports and Social Club. From softball and volleyball to kickball and football, the Austin Sports and Social Club has a menu of recreational sports from which to choose. The leagues are a good way to get exercise and make new friends.

How long does it take to drive to the airport from Downtown Austin? Getting to the airport is a quick and easy 15-minute drive from Downtown Austin.

What is the traffic like when commuting to downtown? Traffic congestion can be an issue if you are commuting into downtown Austin so what better reason to find a home downtown.

How long does it take to drive to the airport from Downtown Austin? Getting to the airport is a quick and easy 15-minute drive from Downtown Austin in light to moderate traffic and a maximum of 30 minutes in heavy traffic.

What makes you an expert on Downtown Austin? I have lived and worked in downtown Austin for the past many years and I take advantage of all it has to offer.  I’ve helped many buyers and sellers purchase and sell homes in almost every condominium building large and small in the downtown Austin market.  I also closely follow the many new developments underway and in the works for residential condominiums as well as the commercial and retail projects.  Please give me a call and I would be happy to share with you all that downtown Austin has to offer.