AUSTIN HOUSING AND NEIGHBORHOODS
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Consider that, without Whole Foods, the
closest major grocery store would be at
least two miles away. The eclectic mix of
other businesses, many of which are
locally owned, are also huge benefits
because they contribute to downtown’s
status as a walkable city that’s easy to get
around.
WHO’S MOVING TO
DOWNTOWN AUSTIN?
Like many downtowns across the
country, there was a large concentration
of single, young professionals, and
investors snapping up downtown Austin
lofts and condos. Not anymore.
The market may have catered to singles
and empty-nesters several years ago,
but now there’s a much broader
spectrum of who lives downtown. While
singles and professionals still dominate,
more families with children are making
the move. And, with plenty of good
public, private and charter schools
within easy access of downtown – plus
parks and a location that’s minutes
away from tons of kid-friendly activities
– it’s getting easier for families to make
the transition.
Another factor that’s drawing more and
more people to downtown Austin are
the increased services. Whole Foods
Market’s flagship store and corporate
headquarters at Sixth and Lamar, plus
tiny neighborhood grocery stores like
Royal Blue Grocery in the Second Street
District are welcome additions for
downtown residents in need of a bottle
of bubbly or a loaf of bread.
The newest downtown Austin
development projects, such as the
Second Street District, additions to the
Warehouse District, and new shops and
restaurants on Fifth Street, have made it
a lot easier for people to make the
decision to live in the heart of the city.
There are also plans to bring in still
more retail downtown, as residents are
demanding more services and options.
For example, the Second Street District
has done very well with the boutique
stores, sidewalk cafes, and coffee
shops that have popped up along the
street in the last year or two. The
Second Street District is also home to
restaurants, retail stores, home
furnishings stores, sandwich shops, and
more. KLRU Studios (home of the long-running “Austin City Limits” television
show) and its new performing arts
venue – ACL Live – opened adjacent to
the new W Hotel, and the Austin
Children’s Museum and the
Mexican-American Cultural Center are closeby,
adding to Austin’s cultural base and
downtown appeal.
“The city’s downtown offers a vibrant lifestyle...
This kind of “Austin-style” urban living means
residents have easy access to all the city has to
offer: a thriving entertainment district;
the best in music, arts and film;
fabulous restaurants; great bars; and a plethora
of outdoor activities around Lady Bird Lake.”
