Where it is
Downtown sits on the north bank of Lady Bird Lake, the reservoir on the Colorado River that runs through the middle of the city. Congress Avenue leads north from the lake to the Texas State Capitol, and the University of Texas campus lies just beyond it. I-35 marks the eastern edge, with Lamar Boulevard and MoPac on the west side.
Housing styles
Downtown is Austin’s most vertical neighborhood. Expect high-rise and mid-rise apartment towers, many with resort-style pools, fitness centers, co-working lounges, and package rooms. Some condo owners also lease their units. Floor plans tend to be efficient, and studios and one-bedrooms are common.
Nearby amenities
- The Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail loops around Lady Bird Lake
- Congress Avenue and the Texas State Capitol grounds
- The 2nd Street District, Rainey Street, and the Red River Cultural District for dining, music, and nightlife
- Waterloo Park and the Austin Central Library
- Zilker Park and Barton Springs are a short trip across the river
Getting around
Downtown is one of the easiest parts of the metro to live in without driving everywhere. It is served by many CapMetro bus routes and by the MetroRail Red Line’s Downtown station near the Austin Convention Center. For driving, I-35 and MoPac are close by, but downtown streets can be busy during events and weekday rush hours.
Things to ask about
- Parking: in many towers, a parking spot is a separate monthly charge. Ask what’s included and whether there’s guest parking.
- Noise: units facing entertainment streets can be louder on weekends. Floor level and which way the unit faces make a big difference.
- Fees: compare the total monthly cost, not just the advertised base rent. Here’s how I compare them.