South River City / Travis Heights

Bounded to the north by Lady Bird Lake, and Interstate 35 to the east, the Travis Heights neighborhood of Austin is a unique blend of homes and hip apartments. Some of the homes date back to the 1920's and there is some new development going on as well. It boasts beautiful tree-lined streets and rolling hills and it is close to just about everything Austin has to offer. The neighborhood is a blend of artists, students, families, and hipsters who enjoy the central location.

The homes in this area range from $300,000, to well over a million for some of the mansions that were constructed in the 1920's and 1930's. There are also more affordable condominiums and apartments, but you can still expect to pay close to $1,000 a month in rent. The neighborhood is a mix of ethnic groups and has a low crime rate and is a generally safe place to raise a family. Another reason this neighborhood draws in people is the fact it is so close to the rejuvenated South Congress Street area, with its eclectic collection of funky shops and diners. It's served by the Austin Independent School District, and there are also excellent private schools nearby as well.

Nestled between Congress and I-35 just south of Town Lake is the hip, desirable enclave of Travis Heights. Featuring a great blend of old architecture and newer housing, really easy access to downtown and the recently revamped SoCo district, and plenty of amazing green space, Travis Heights is easily one of the better places to live in Austin.

Locals are loyal and frequently active in Austin politics. In particular, people have been fighting the slow takeover of the area by “McMansions,” seeking instead to preserve older, smaller homes and their unique character.

Travis Heights is perfect for students, artists, families, tourists, and pretty much anyone who’d like to really experience life in Austin. Enjoy time outside in any of the numerous parks, travel with ease on foot, by bike, or by bus, and take advantage of the central location that allows exploration of the greater metro area with ease. Housing prices can vary pretty widely depending upon the home and the living situation—this is one part of town where upscale easily coexists with more mid-range and accessible. Old houses have often been converted into apartment-style living, but standalone apartment complexes are few and far between.

Dog lovers in particular should take their best friends to Norwood Park for fun, leash-free frolicking with other neighborhood pups.

The residents of this charming and historic neighborhood love their neighborhood, care about politics, and love their dogs (and other pets as well). Travis Heights (no one really calls it South River City) in particular provides a perfect snapshot of all that is unique, quirky and charming about Austin. Located just south of Lady Bird Lake and close to the heart of the city, this is a popular and desirable neighborhood to live in.

The boundaries for the South River City/Travis Heights neighborhood are W. Oltorf to the south and Lady Bird Lake to the north, South Congress Avenue to the west and Interstate 35 to the east. It is very convenient to downtown and Lady Bird Lake, as well as all the trendy and hip retail shops and restaurants found along newly rejuvenated South Congress Avenue. It is here one can find great eclectic vintage stores, a popular costume shop (Lucy in Disguise With Diamonds)and other local clothing and gift shops. Restaurants run the gamut from fine Italian dining at Vespasio to Magnolia Café where one can get breakfast 24-hours a day. Big Stacy and Little Stacy Park offer plenty of open space and trails, along with a pool that is open year-round.

The neighborhood has roots back to the late 1800s, and development took off here in the 1920s. One finds many small, older bungalow-style homes here as well as a few mansions and apartment complexes. Housing is pricier here than in less popular and convenient neighborhoods, and even a smaller home fetches in the low $400s. For a larger and newer remodeled home, expect to easily pay in the mid-$600s to $800s. Area schools include Travis Heights Elementary, Fulmore Middle School and Travis High School.

People from diverse backgrounds settle here, including artists, professionals, students and families. Basically those who are attracted to the “Keep Austin Weird” vibe that is strong in this area.

The South River City/ Travis Heights are is without a doubt one of the trendiest sections of the city of Austin and its location could not be more desirable. Directly east of South Congress, just below Lady Bird Lake and a skip and a hop to Downtown, residents have almost too much to do, but the shaded environment leaves room for sitting back to enjoy the fresh air. All the restaurants, bars, clubs and shops are just a walk away laying along South Congress and two modest parks run right through the middle of the community, engulfing almost every inch of public space in natural green.

Riverside Dr. is lined with tons of apartments, but in interior streets are dotted with charming houses with some dating back to the 1950s and 60s. This neighborhood is not for someone with a light wallet though as this prime real estate comes with prime costs. Houses sell for an average of $300,000 and rental prices stick around $950. The local population is a good mix of students, young professionals, families and retired individuals; all coming from various walks of life. Residents are close to Austin favorites such as the Magnolia Cafe and Amy's Ice Cream, not to mention the best flea market in the city and a large cluster of outdoor mobile food trailers. The minor downsides of living in South River City/ Travis Heights is the extreme lack of parking and the droves of tourists that come through the area. Aside from that, however, those can afford afford to live here fall deeply in love with the community.