I have three days in Austin, TX to figure out where I want to live. Can you point me in the right direction?

Question

I'm taking a trip to the Austin area in about three weeks, during which time I have to at least get some idea of what community I want to call home. I'm looking for something away from the big box retailers and the cookie-cutter housing tracts - something with a little history; some place native Austinites themselves would be proud to show off. Suburbia doesn't sound the least bit attractive to us; we're looking for a place that's safe, walkable and ecclectic. I've heard that this is to be found in the south part of Austin. Is that true? Specifically where should I be looking? Are there any other areas that sound like they might tickle my fancy? Please give me as much detail as possible.

Also, give me a few places places to visit while I'm there that would convice me that there's nowhere else I'd rather live.

Thanks!

Oh, by the way, we're looking to rent an apartment.

Answer 1

i'd live in an apartment/condo near downtown-Whole Foods area/Zilker park/Barton Skyway area. BUT, I do know of a very cool complex not far from downtown, in south austin, and has views of surrounding greenbelt/cedar forest as well as a few downtown views, a great pool, and the complex has an entrance to the trail to barton creek waterfalls(twin falls and sculpture falls), and the falls a little further up at the hill of life, all this right out your doorstep. It's a bit overpriced, but a great spot. As for walkable, though, it's just off the mopac expressway, and not set for great walks outside on the streets, just down in the greenbelt area, which is great

A great place to walk is around Town Lake just a block south of downtown. There are festivals and concerts at Auditorium Shores on the south shore of the lake, it's a great area, it's the beginning of south austin, it's super ecclectic area near zilker park and south congress area(locals area), south austin stretches for miles north and south, so a specific area like the one i described would be a good start, ask about an apartment between downtown and zilker park area, possibly as far as barton skyway area.

Check out the statue of Stevie Ray Vaughn near Auditorium Shores on the path around Town Lake

As for places to visit, in Austin, it's the lake views from the cliffs and the enchanted hills and the great parks everywhere and the little bbq or mexican joints along the way to those places you're looking for that make Austin so wonderful.

As for must visit, go to barton springs pool and take a swim, it will be hot as can be outside, and this spring fed pool is 68 degrees year round, it's huge, right in the middle of the creek, and filled with locals, and right in the middle of zilker park where the infamous and personally well enjoyed Austin City Limits Music Festival is held. Hope this all helps.

Answer 2

Downtown loft apartments are catching on and becoming all the new rage for a price! Be sure to eat nachos and margaritas at the Oasis (Out 2222 toward Lake Travis. Just stick with nachos and drinks. The food isn't great, but the view and the series of decks that cascade down the cliff overlooking the lake is what you go there for! If you get there at sunset, it sets directly in front of the decks! And on the way, check out Mt. Bonnell. Many steps to the top, but it's the highest point in Austin and overlooks the whole town. You can even see the capital from up there. It's spectacular. Barton Springs in Zilker park is a must, and for eccentricity, look for Leslie on 6th street! Just ask! You'll get a few laughs from people in the know...which is just about everyone! Oh, and be sure to stop at Amy's Ice Cream in the arboretum for a real treat! Arrive early or you'll be standing in line for over an hour just to get a scoop! Another must-do resturaunt is La Fonda San Miguel. Be sure to order the queso...but request no tomatoes and ONLY corn tortillas.

Answer 3

I don't know what your budget is; but check out anything off of Bee Caves Rd. in Austin. Also, Check out Canyon lake area to the south. Its about 30 miles south of Austin. its off FM 306 near New Braunfels and is 14 miles east off of 35.You willl pass San Marcos along the way which is another cool college town. It has Aquarena Springs, and the outlet mall . See it anways. When you get to the fm 306 ext there will be a shell station. Take It and go right. Maybe consider developments off of 306. Go to the Canyon Lake Dam Area and take a walk. you can't miss it because you will see an enormous grassy slope. This is after you pass the gualalupe river and companies that offer tubing services for tubing the guadalupe. The park is called overlook park. You can find a walking path on top of the dam that will give you a view of the lake on one side and a view of Canyon City on the other side.Its about 400 feet high and it is a great view. This whole area is a canyon and you can see for miles and miles. There are a lot of housing options here, so don't rule it out. See this are, its worth your time. Well worth the trip. It is a great view of the lake if you like to walk. The dam is about a mile wide so plan to walk two miles from end to end if thats what you want to do. Like country music bar scene?, check out Gruene Hall in Gruene, or eat at the Grist mill in Gruene, Texas. Also off of 306, just take a left on the road right after you pass the shell station on your left.

Answer 4

South Austin is the older part and not so safe. Apartments are considerably older: hubby lived in one that's still available back in the late 60's-1970!. Actually, you should try Round Rock or Georgetown north of Austin. Quaint small towns. If not, try North Austin for safer features. The capital and The University (and home games - IF you can get tickets) are a must. The Bullock Museum is rich with our history and culture.

Answer 5

If you are wanting eclectic South Austin and downtown would be the place. There are also other small towns and cities nearby, if you are interested I can send you a relocation pack with helpful info on Central Texas and I can also help locate a rental for you, if your interested e-mail me I'd be happy to help.

Answer 6

try around highland mall or lamar...lamar has alot of apartments if that is what you are looking for...hyde park is a good area too....i choose to live in central Austin (which is north of downtown) because it is easy to get places, is a bit quieter.......i think there is a duplex for rent on guadalupe and denson...good luck!

visit the capitol if you havent already...it is beautiful....there is a really cool hike and bike trail that runs along southish lamar...you can go to zilker park and canoo down the river...if you come in august you can go to the congress st bridge and watch all the bats fly out.....go to ruby's bbq, they are good but spicy

Answer 7

Have you tried Anderson Mill? Duplex houses are cheaper than renting an apartment or the same with more space with garage and back yard ...check it out!

Answer 8

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Answer 9

no