CITY OF AUSTIN
City Offices
512-974-2200
www.austintexas.gov
Chamber of Commerce
512-478-9383
https://www.austinchamber.com/
Nestled in the panoramic, rolling and lake country of Central Texas, the Texas capital city of Austin gleams like an urban jewel. Combining a progressive, vibrant business community with a reputation for best of live music, and outstanding recreational opportunities, the city stands in a class of its own for appeal.
Services
The presence of nationally and internationally respected educational institutions is one of the factors that contributes to the city’s wide appeal to newcomers. Award-winning schools are supported by model programs like Austin Partners in Education, a program initiated by the chamber of commerce. This group serves as a catalyst and organizer of volunteer services that enhance the educational effort. Austin Community College provides an affordable start on a four-year degree, two-year degrees and certifications, and a wide range of continuing education opportunities. The college is also invaluable in serving local business and industry with specialized courses and training programs. Founded in 1883, the University of Texas at Austin is distinguished as one of the nation’s largest and most respected—number two on the worldwide “Top 200” list by The Times of London. The UT learning community brings together students from more than 100 countries, which complements the influx of bright minds recruited by local companies to enrich the city with delightful diversity.
Well-managed healthcare systems operate highly respected facilities and deliver patient-centered services to Austin residents. Seton Healthcare Network and St. David’s Health Care System are leaders in the dedication to offer comprehensive services that meet every need, from routine to the most advanced, close to home. This region also benefits from the exceptional pediatric resource of Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas, the only dedicated freestanding facility of its kind in the entire region. Dell Children’s is a premier provider of services for children and adolescents, serving a 46-county area and beyond. Award-winning hospitals and medical centers provide the latest in technological advancements, including specialties like neonatal care, organ transplants, oncology, and in-vitro fertilization. Proactive and progressive attitudes about health and wellness make it possible for residents to have access to expert guidance on such issues as nutrition, fitness, cardiac health, immunizations, sleep disorders, diabetes control, weight issues, parenting assistance, new-mother or expectant mother programs, support groups, and many other important topics. Hundreds of physicians representing every specialty and most sub-specialties provide quality choices for regular or critical care.
Lifestyle
Newcomers will discover a city with such unique and eclectic magnetism and appeal that a popular slogan is “Keep Austin Weird.” Austin has emerged as a hub for creativity, embracing within the community a blend of musicians, artists, entrepreneurs, and innovators. The spirit is intellectual, youthful and energetic, fueled by the presence of outstanding institutions of higher education. Dubbed the “Live Music Capital of the World,” the city offers hundreds of venues that feature everything from rhythm and blues to hard rock. The city is home to professional symphony, ballet, and opera companies as well as dozens of theatres, dance companies, vocal ensembles, and orchestras. Fine art museums, galleries and studios, and breathtaking gardens with outdoor sculptures fill the city with places to visit and enjoy around the four seasons.
The sports and recreation scene is as lively as the social atmosphere, including crowd pleasing UT Longhorn competition or Round Rock Express minor league baseball games. Regional lakes and waterways are ideal for boating, water sports, swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking. Vast parkland encourages camping, hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, rock climbing, and nature study in spectacular surroundings. City parks are lush and well-equipped with sports fields and courts, playgrounds, picnic areas, and other amenities. Recreation centers, private sports clubs, fitness centers, and activity centers for all ages underline a healthy lifestyle. The options for housing are as diverse as the culture in Austin, where downtown lofts contrast with country manors or exclusive gated communities hidden from view by lush greenery. Neighborhoods from historic and deeply rooted to suburban and upscale offer an equally rich kaleidoscope of settings and environments. Area lakes and hills offer spectacular views for residential development. Shopping for school clothes or unusual treasures are both easy in the city, where luxurious malls and attractive shopping centers combine with wonderful boutiques. Few cities can compare to Austin for its cosmopolitan advantages and warm, friendly, creative spirit.
AUSTIN NEIGHBORHOODS
Central Austin
Like many larger cities in America, Austin is seeing a revitalization and renewed interest in the central core as an exciting place for residential enjoyment. Several attractive loft renovations and the introduction of charming new housing options in historical structures like the Brown Building are breathing new energy and life into this long-established area. Residents of Central Austin enjoy a convenient, almost pedestrian lifestyle, in close proximity to the central business district, the Texas Capitol building and complex, and Austin’s entertainment district. The University of Texas is another exceptional landmark in Central Austin, surrounded by historic residential communities where homes in Victorian and Craftsman architectural styles are available.
East Austin
The expanse of the city east of Interstate 35 blends neighborhoods that offer a medley of settings, locations, price ranges, home sizes. Some areas feature homes that reflect Austin’s Victorian roots, while others are nestled in premier master-planned enclaves that enjoy record-setting popularity. Still other neighborhoods sprang up in the first half of the 20th century, adding to the possibilities for older “character” homes that are ideal for renovation or restoration.
West Austin
The part of the city stretching west from the downtown district toward Lake Travis is an eclectic mix of neighborhoods, architectural and home styles, and lifestyles. Rentals for students are the dominant feature in some neighborhoods, contrasting with some of the most prestigious and stunning residences in Austin that command breathtaking views. Some sections of West Austin feature older but tastefully updated and well-kept homes that are beautifully maintained and landscaped.
North Austin
The closer-in neighborhoods nestled in this section of the city provide some of the best access to the northern industrial market. Many who are looking for a starter house will find a reasonably priced and attractive residence shaded by mature trees. Many of the city’s handsome new apartment complexes are located in this area, welcoming many newcomers who want to take their time in getting to know the city before selecting a permanent neighborhood and lifestyle.
Northwest Austin
The fast-growing northwestern section of Austin is expanding in every respect, attracting new commercial amenities and state-of-the-art services like Seton Northwest Hospital. Fantastic single-family homes and condominiums in close proximity to Austin’s sparkling lakes and vibrant nightlife are attracting more and more young professionals and families. This area is roughly east of 620, west of Mopac, north of 2222, and south of Spicewood Springs. Northwest Austin offers phenomenal views of Lake Austin and the picturesque 360 bridge.
Far Northwest Austin
Stunning master-planned communities combine with elegant custom homes and prestigious neighborhoods in this desirable far-north section of the city. Some of these properties offer sprawling acreage or heavily wooded sites for exclusivity and seclusion, while others provide outstanding access to lakefront recreation and views. The shopping is first-rate, anchored by Lakeline Mall, and a number of new employment centers have made this section of the city an upscale and convenient bedroom community.
Lake Travis
As Austin’s first and still one of its most elegant master-planned communities, Lake Travis offers “just beyond the doorstep” access to waterfront recreation and stunning golf courses. Exquisite homes that climb over picturesque rolling hills command breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding landscapes. Boating, water sports, swimming, hiking, cycling, and horseback riding are popular pastimes in this spectacular natural environment that is closely associated with the vibrancy and visual appeal of Austin.
South Austin, Southeast Austin
The southern sections of the city include the slightly bohemian and eccentric area known as South Austin. The colorful and unusual SOCO shopping district with the popular First Thursdays event is one of many unique attractions. South Austin encompasses diverse neighborhoods, from close-in older areas like Travis Heights and Zilker to the wonderful 4,000-acre master-planned community of Circle C Ranch. Southeast Austin is experiencing growth and transformation driven by the presence of the airport and some new employment centers.
