Serving All of Austin, TX
I’ve lived in Austin my whole life and watched it change from a sleepy college town to the buzzing place it is now. The Colorado River cuts right through town with the Hill Country rolling out behind it, creating perfect waterways for Austin boat tours and water activities. What makes Austin special is how it mixes outdoor life with city perks – you can paddleboard in the morning and catch a world-class show that night.
Austin’s parks are second to none. Zilker Park isn’t just a patch of grass – it’s where the city comes alive. You can spend hours hiking the Greenbelt’s limestone paths, kayaking Lady Bird Lake as the sun sets, or cooling off in the always-chilly Barton Springs. When summer hits, locals head to Lake Travis with coolers and boats, escaping the Texas heat in style.
Austin’s soul lives in places like the worn wooden floors of Continental Club on South Congress and the neon lights of Sixth Street. The State Capitol commands downtown, while the Blanton Museum shows what happens when Texas money meets good taste in art. SXSW and ACL aren’t just festivals – they’re when Austin shows off to the world, turning every bar, restaurant and backyard into a venue.
This town hooks you. The Hill Country sunsets, the live music pouring onto streets, the food trucks that ruin you for regular restaurants – it’s a place that gets under your skin.
Austin’s Urban Charms
Downtown Austin buzzes day and night. The skyscrapers might look sleek, but between them you’ll find quirky bookshops where the owner knows your name, food trailers serving better meals than fancy restaurants, and shops selling stuff you’ll never find at the mall.
Culture isn’t stuck behind museum walls here. Sure, check out the Bullock Museum to understand why Texans are so proud, but then wander down Rainey Street where old bungalows have transformed into buzzing bars. Public art pops up where you least expect it. Catch Blues on the Green in summer when thousands spread blankets across Zilker Park for free concerts, or hit the Pecan Street Festival when East Sixth shuts down and fills with artists and musicians.
Austin takes its green spaces seriously. Butler Park sits right downtown but feels miles away once you’re on its paths. The Umlauf Sculpture Garden hides art among native plants. You’ll see bike lanes everywhere – locals fought hard for them. We’re always pushing for better transportation while keeping Austin’s trees standing.
Every neighborhood tells its own story. Hyde Park’s historic homes and front-porch culture. East Austin’s mix of old families and new arrivals. Each feels like its own small town with its own vibe. The schools rank among Texas’s best, making this a place where families put down roots.
People move here for tech jobs or music dreams, but they stay because Austin gets the important stuff right. It’s got natural beauty, opportunity, and enough weirdness to keep things interesting.
Neighborhoods and Zip Codes of Austin, TX
Austin splits into neighborhoods as unique as the people living in them. Each has its own personality, from laid-back to buttoned-up. Here’s my breakdown after years of showing homes across town:
Downtown Austin (78701): The heart of everything – tall buildings, rooftop bars, and constant action. Living here means luxury condos with Lady Bird Lake views and being able to walk to work, concerts, and restaurants. Young professionals love it, but so do empty-nesters tired of yard work. The energy never stops.
South Congress – SoCo (78704): SoCo embodies “Keep Austin Weird” with its mix of bungalows and upscale apartments. The iconic view down Congress Avenue to the Capitol draws tourists and locals alike. It’s where Austin’s creative spirit lives on despite rising prices. Writers, musicians, and tech workers share sidewalks and coffee shops.
East Austin (78702, 78721): Once working-class, now the city’s fastest-changing area. Colorful murals cover walls, warehouses have become restaurants, and new builds sit beside homes that have housed families for generations. The food scene here blows away anything west of I-35. Artists came first, entrepreneurs followed, and young families keep arriving.
Hyde Park (78751): Tree-lined streets with craftsman bungalows and a tight community feel. Professors cycle to UT campus nearby. The Elisabet Ney Museum and Hyde Park Theatre add cultural weight. People know their neighbors here – it’s where Austin’s small-town roots still show.
Zilker (78704): Living beside Austin’s favorite park means never lacking things to do. Mid-century homes mix with newer builds, all with premium prices due to location. Roll out of bed for a morning swim in Barton Springs, hike the Greenbelt, then walk to dinner downtown. It’s the outdoor enthusiast’s dream.
Travis Heights (78704): Winding streets confuse GPS but create a secluded feel minutes from downtown. Historic homes sit beneath massive oaks, and residents walk to South Congress shops. The people here value architecture and privacy – many homes have stood for a century.
Clarksville (78703): History preserved just west of downtown. One of Austin’s oldest neighborhoods, originally settled by freed slaves, now home to historic houses and upscale dining. Residents walk to Whole Foods’ flagship store and enjoy Shoal Creek’s shaded trails. It’s prime real estate with serious character.
Westlake (78746): The premier address for those seeking luxury, top schools, and hill country views. Sprawling estates hide behind gates, and the schools consistently rank #1 in Texas. CEOs, successful entrepreneurs, and old Austin money call it home. It feels miles from downtown despite being just across the lake.
Mueller (78723): Austin’s experiment in planned community living built on the old airport land. Energy-efficient homes line parks and ponds. Its own town center hosts a farmers’ market that draws from across the city. Young families and sustainability-minded professionals love its modern, community-focused approach.
Tarrytown (78703): Old money and old oaks define this established neighborhood near Lake Austin. Stately homes on large lots create a private retreat that’s still close enough to downtown for an easy commute. Reed Park gives kids room to play while parents chat. Successful professionals put down generational roots here.
Bouldin Creek (78704): Quirky and close to everything, Bouldin Creek mixes vintage Austin charm with modern design. Walk to Auditorium Shores for concerts or South First for food. Old-timers who bought decades ago live beside tech transplants in modernist new builds. Authenticity meets convenience.
North Loop (78751, 78756): Vintage shops, record stores, and cozy bars give North Loop its lived-in cool. Mid-century homes house students, musicians, and young professionals. The vibe feels authentically Austin without trying too hard. It’s where locals go when downtown gets too crowded with tourists.
Cherrywood (78722): Friendly streets between UT and Mueller where professors and creative types set up home. Colorful bungalows, community gardens, and local cafes create a neighborhood where people actually talk to each other. Its central location and relaxed atmosphere make it a hidden gem.
From downtown energy to quiet suburbs, Austin offers spaces for every chapter of life. The city keeps growing, but each neighborhood holds onto what makes it special. Whether you want East Austin’s creative spark, Westlake’s luxury, or Hyde Park’s history, you’ll find your place here.
Income and Education in Austin, TX
Austin, Texas, thrives as a city with a robust local economy and exceptional educational opportunities. The city’s mix of tech companies, healthcare providers, government agencies, and entertainment venues creates jobs that pay well and support comfortable living. Folks moving to Austin often cite the strong job market and high pay as major draws – the median household income here lets most families live well above the national average.
You’ll notice education matters a lot in Austin. A huge chunk of adults here hold college degrees, which partly explains the city’s innovative spirit. Kids attend the Austin Independent School District (AISD), which runs everything from neighborhood schools to specialized magnets. Places like the Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA) and Anderson High routinely send graduates to top universities, while offering sports, arts, and clubs that develop well-rounded students.
If public school isn’t your thing, Austin offers plenty of private options with different teaching approaches. The city truly shines in higher education, anchored by the University of Texas at Austin – a research powerhouse with global recognition. Smaller schools like St. Edward’s and Concordia round out the higher ed landscape, giving students plenty of choices.
This educational ecosystem creates a talent pipeline feeding right into local businesses and startups. Tech companies move here specifically for the skilled graduates coming out of these schools. With strong schools and plenty of good jobs, Austin remains a place where families can put down roots and thrive.
Schools in Austin, TX
Public Schools:
Austin’s largest school district, Austin Independent School District (AISD), runs dozens of campuses serving kids across the city. Parents moving here should know about these standout public schools:
Liberal Arts and Science Academy (LASA): LASA consistently ranks among Texas’ best high schools, offering college-level coursework through AP classes and independent research projects. Kids who love intellectual challenges thrive here, with many graduates heading to elite universities. The school attracts academically ambitious students from across Austin.
Anderson High School: Northwest Austin families praise Anderson for balancing strong academics with a traditional high school experience. Students tackle plenty of AP and dual-credit courses while still enjoying competitive sports teams and award-winning band, theater, and art programs. Teachers push students academically while creating a supportive community.
Kealing Middle School: Kealing houses both neighborhood kids and students admitted to its competitive magnet program. The school’s robotics teams regularly win competitions, while its orchestra program has produced remarkable young musicians. Teachers here specialize in helping middle schoolers navigate the challenging transition years before high school.
Casis Elementary School: Casis, nestled in Tarrytown, benefits from involved parents who volunteer countless hours and raise funds for extra programs. Experienced teachers stay at this school for decades, building its reputation for excellence. Kids enjoy science labs, outdoor learning spaces, and arts enrichment beyond the standard curriculum.
Private Schools:
St. Stephen’s Episcopal School: Perched on 370 acres in West Austin, St. Stephen’s offers both day and boarding options for grades 6-12. Students tackle a demanding curriculum while participating in thoughtful discussions about ethics and values. The school emphasizes global perspectives, with many students studying abroad before graduation.
St. Andrew’s Episcopal School: St. Andrew’s runs two campuses serving kids from kindergarten through high school graduation. The school pairs challenging academics with strong arts and sports programs. Many parents choose St. Andrew’s for its commitment to character development and community service alongside traditional learning.
Regents School of Austin: Regents approaches education through a Christian classical model focusing on traditional subjects and methods. The 82-acre campus in Southwest Austin gives students room to learn outdoors as well as in conventional classrooms. Families appreciate the integration of faith with academic rigor.
Austin Waldorf School: Waldorf education looks different from conventional schooling, emphasizing hands-on learning, creativity, and connection to nature. Students might learn math through movement, or science through gardening. The curriculum intentionally limits technology while encouraging artistic expression at all ages.
Higher Education:
University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin): UT dominates Austin’s educational landscape with its 50,000+ students and sprawling campus. The university offers degrees in practically everything, with particularly strong programs in business, engineering, and the arts. Research breakthroughs happen regularly here, while the Longhorns sports teams unite the city in orange-tinged pride.
St. Edward’s University: Perched on a hill with stunning downtown views, St. Edward’s offers a more intimate college experience. Classes stay small, with professors who know students by name. The Catholic university emphasizes global awareness, with many students studying abroad during their time here.
Concordia University Texas: Concordia moved from central Austin to a spacious northwest campus surrounded by a nature preserve. This Lutheran university prepares students for careers in teaching, healthcare, business, and more. Many students choose Concordia for its faith-based approach and supportive community.
Austin Community College (ACC): ACC serves as the educational gateway for thousands of Austinites through its multiple campuses around town. Some students complete two years here before transferring to four-year schools, while others earn technical certifications leading directly to jobs. The college partners with local employers to ensure training matches actual job openings.
Huston-Tillotson University: This historically Black university in East Austin has educated students since 1875. The intimate campus creates a supportive environment where professors mentor students personally. Many first-generation college students find academic success here thanks to specialized support programs.
From elementary schools to universities, Austin’s educational institutions reflect the city’s commitment to learning, innovation, and opportunity for all students.
Public Transportation and Major Highways in Austin, TX
Getting around Austin keeps getting easier as the city expands its transportation options. While many locals still drive, alternatives continue improving for those seeking other ways to navigate the Texas capital.
Public Transportation:
Capital Metro (CapMetro): CapMetro buses form the backbone of Austin’s public transit, covering most neighborhoods with regular routes. The system works best in central areas where buses run frequently. Monthly passes make this an affordable option for daily commuters, while the CapMetro app helps track arrival times.
MetroRail: The 32-mile Red Line runs from downtown Austin up to Leander, making stops at key locations like MLK Boulevard and the Domain. Commuters appreciate the comfortable trains with WiFi, though limited service times and just one line restrict its usefulness for many trips. The stations have become mini-development hubs, with apartments and shops clustering nearby.
MetroRapid: These limited-stop buses on Routes 801 and 803 move faster than regular service by making fewer stops and using special transit lanes where available. The distinctive blue buses connect South Austin to North Austin along major corridors like Congress Avenue and Lamar Boulevard. Real-time displays at stations tell you exactly when your bus will arrive.
Project Connect: Austin voters approved this massive transit expansion that will add light rail lines, a downtown tunnel, and more bus routes over the coming decade. Construction has already started on some segments, with major changes coming to the city’s transportation landscape. The plan aims to give Austinites genuine alternatives to sitting in traffic.
Austin B-cycle (MetroBike): Grab a rental bike from stations throughout central Austin for quick trips around downtown, the university area, or East Austin. The system works best for short hops between neighborhoods or recreational rides along the lake. Regular commuters can purchase monthly memberships for unlimited rides.
Ride-Sharing and Scooters: Uber and Lyft vehicles cruise Austin streets constantly, providing door-to-door service that often beats parking hassles downtown. Electric scooters scattered throughout central neighborhoods offer another alternative for short trips – just download the app, scan the code, and zip along to your destination.
Austin-Bergstrom International Airport: Austin’s growing airport connects to downtown via regular CapMetro bus service, though most travelers opt for rideshare or taxis. The airport has expanded significantly to handle Austin’s population boom, with more gates and international flights being added regularly.
Major Highways:
Interstate 35 (I-35): This highway splits Austin down the middle as it connects San Antonio to Dallas. Local commuters love to hate I-35 for its notorious traffic jams, especially during rush hours. Despite ongoing construction projects, this remains Austin’s most congested roadway. Many businesses and landmarks use their position east or west of I-35 as a geographical reference point.
MoPac Expressway (Loop 1): Running parallel to I-35 but on the west side, MoPac serves neighborhoods like Tarrytown and Allandale. Recent express lanes with variable tolls have improved flow somewhat during peak times. The highway offers beautiful views of downtown as it crosses Lady Bird Lake.
US Highway 183 (Research Boulevard): This major artery curves from southeast Austin near the airport up through the northeast and northwest parts of town. Sections have been upgraded to freeway status with flyovers at major intersections. Many tech companies cluster along its northern stretch, making it a key commuter route.
State Highway 71 (Ben White Boulevard): SH 71 cuts across South Austin, connecting the airport to neighborhoods like Sunset Valley and Oak Hill. Recent improvements have eliminated traffic lights on sections, speeding travel times. The highway continues west into the Hill Country toward tourist destinations like Bee Cave and Lake Travis.
US Highway 290: Entering Austin from the east as Manor Road and from the west as an extension of Ben White Boulevard, 290 serves as a major east-west connector. The western portion is undergoing major reconstruction as the Oak Hill Parkway project after years of serious congestion.
State Highway 360 (Capital of Texas Highway): Winding through western Austin’s hills, 360 offers some of the city’s most scenic drives, with overlooks of the Pennybacker Bridge spanning Lake Austin. The road serves Westlake and other upscale communities while connecting major employment centers.
Texas State Highway 130 (SH 130): This toll road east of Austin allows through traffic to bypass city congestion. With an 85 mph speed limit in some sections, it’s the fastest legal way to drive in Texas. Though built to alleviate I-35 traffic, its distance from central Austin has limited its impact on daily commuter patterns.
US Highway 183A and State Highway 45: These toll roads serve Austin’s rapidly growing suburbs, connecting communities like Cedar Park, Leander, and Pflugerville to the city. They’ve enabled development further from downtown while providing faster commute options for suburban residents willing to pay toll fees.
As Austin continues growing, its transportation systems evolve to handle increasing demands. While traffic remains a challenge, the expanding transit options and highway improvements aim to keep Austinites moving as efficiently as possible through their booming city.
Things To Do in Austin, TX
From stunning lakeside attractions to vibrant cultural experiences, Austin offers a wide array of activities for visitors of all interests within a short drive of Lakeshore Drive.
Lake Travis
Lake Travis isn’t just another body of water – it’s Austin’s playground and natural treasure. The reservoir’s crystal-clear waters draw swimmers, anglers, and boaters looking to escape the Texas heat. You can rent anything from kayaks to pontoons at the marinas dotting the shoreline, or find a quiet cove to drop anchor and swim. What makes Travis special are those dramatic limestone cliffs that plunge straight into deep blue water – perfect for photographers and cliff-jumping daredevils alike. Whether you want a peaceful morning paddle or a lively afternoon with friends, Travis delivers with its mix of secluded spots and social hubs.
Pace Bend Park
Pace Bend wraps you in nine miles of Lake Travis shoreline, where towering limestone cliffs meet hidden sandy coves. Pack your tent and stay overnight at one of the primitive campsites, where you’ll fall asleep to cricket songs and wake up to deer wandering through camp. Mountain bikers love the challenging trails that wind through juniper woods, while swimmers flock to the gentle beaches on the east side. The west side’s dramatic cliffs draw photographers at sunset when the limestone glows orange and pink. Keep your eyes peeled for roadrunners, armadillos, and other wildlife that call this 1,400-acre peninsula home.
Hamilton Pool Preserve
Hamilton Pool feels like something you’d discover on a tropical island, not just 30 miles from downtown Austin. Thousands of years ago, the dome of an underground river collapsed, creating this natural swimming hole where a 50-foot waterfall spills into a jade-green pool. The overhanging cave creates a cool oasis even on scorching summer days. You’ll need to book your spot weeks in advance during peak season, but that quarter-mile hike through limestone canyons and the first glimpse of the grotto make the planning worthwhile. Swimming isn’t always allowed (depends on water quality and rainfall), so check before you go. Bring water shoes – the rocks get slippery.
Jester King Brewery
Jester King isn’t just a brewery – it’s a 165-acre working farm where wild yeasts floating on Hill Country breezes transform into some of the most unique beers you’ll ever taste. Grab a farmhouse ale or sour beer and wander the property’s hiking trails past goats, grapevines, and fruit orchards. The wood-fired pizzas at their restaurant use flour milled on-site and toppings grown in their gardens or sourced from neighbors. Weekend visitors might catch live music on the outdoor stage or one of their seasonal festivals. Beer geeks come for the innovative brewing techniques, but everyone stays for the laid-back vibe and stunning sunset views from the picnic tables scattered across the hillside.
Lakeway Resort and Spa
After a day on the lake, Lakeway Resort offers that perfect mix of Texas hospitality and upscale comfort. Book a massage that uses local lavender and honey at their Southern Comfort Spa, or just grab a cocktail at the lakeside bar where you can watch boats cruise by as the sun sets. Their three-tiered pool complex includes a swim-up bar and an adults-only section when you need a break from the kiddos. You don’t need to be an overnight guest to enjoy most amenities – their day passes give you access to pools and fitness center, while their restaurant serves up Texas-sized portions of smoked brisket and Gulf seafood with panoramic lake views. The Sunday brunch with a build-your-own Bloody Mary bar draws locals every weekend.
Want to experience the best of Austin’s lake country without the hassle? Book a guided excursion with a local expert who knows all the hidden gems. The water’s perfect and Austin’s waiting – what are you doing this weekend?