Where it is
South Austin covers the large area south of Lady Bird Lake. The neighborhoods closest to the river include Bouldin Creek, Travis Heights, Zilker, and the South Congress and South Lamar corridors, just across the bridges from downtown. The area continues south along MoPac, I-35, and South First Street toward Ben White Boulevard and beyond.
Housing styles
- Mid-rise apartment buildings along South Lamar, South Congress, and South First
- Garden-style communities with more green space, usually further south
- Older homes, duplexes, and fourplexes in established neighborhoods, which can be good rental-home options
Nearby amenities
- Zilker Metropolitan Park and Barton Springs Pool
- South Congress Avenue for shopping, dining, and views of the Capitol
- Auditorium Shores and the Lady Bird Lake trail
- Local restaurants and coffee shops along South Lamar and South First
Getting around
South Austin has direct access to MoPac (Loop 1), I-35, and Ben White Boulevard (US 290/SH 71), and several bridges lead into downtown. Traffic on those bridges and on MoPac can be heavy at peak hours. Several CapMetro routes serve the main corridors.
Things to ask about
- Commute direction: if you work north of the river, test the drive at your real commute time before signing.
- Unit location: in larger garden-style communities, which building you’re in affects parking and walking distance to amenities.
- Specials: these change often, so I check current offers before we tour.