Austin Information, City Guides, Austin Neighborhoods

Austin General Information

The Texas state capital is quickly becoming known as a center for independent arts culture and the nation's premiere city for live music, not to mention a great place to get your BBQ on (that's beef brisket in Texas, just so you'll know). Austin plays host every March to one of the country's hippest and most respected arts festivals: South by Southwest (known as SXSW).

Each year this three-part festival showcases some of the edgiest films, bands and internet sites, as well as some that will become tomorrow's must-haves/must-sees.

In recent years the entertainment industry has discovered this big city with a small-town atmosphere, and it's not uncommon to see film crews blocking off an oak-lined street. Billing itself as the "live music capital of the world," Austin has been on the national music map since 1984 when Austin City Limits, a showcase for bands taped at the University of Texas campus, began airing nationwide. High-tech industries have also migrated to the Austin area, making it Texas's answer to Silicon Valley. But, for all the changes that have occurred in the capital city, Austin is still very much a town whose roots are buried in the past -- a past the city is proud to preserve and show off to visitors.

The University of Texas also has a big influence on the city. Austin has one of the highest levels of education in the United States and is also

a leader in the field of technology. With beautiful rolling hills overlooking Town Lake right in the heart of the city, miles of hiking trails, lush greenery in the gardens of Zilker Park, a rich cultural heritage and an independent spirit, Austin is also considered to be one of the United States "most livable cities".

Following are brief descriptions of Austin's most visible neighborhoods:

Downtown Austin - Sixth Street is the center of activity and fun in Downtown Austin. Many of the best hotels, restaurants, shops, bars, and music clubs are found on Sixth Street, which is often closed to traffic on weekends for festivals, craft shows, street dances, or parades. Nearby is the State Capitol building on Congress Avenue, where visitors can get a free guided tour.

East Austin - East Austin is the area east of I-35 that lies between Martin Luther King Boulevard to the north and Cesar Chavez Street to the south. East Austin is home to many African-American and Hispanic communities. There are a number of African-American heritage sites, including the George Washington Carver Museum.

North Austin and the University of Texas - Locals call the popular shopping strip along Guadeloupe Street that borders the west side of the University of Texas campus, "The Drag". This area has hip shops, music stores, coffee shops and trendy clubs. There are also several Bed and Breakfasts nearby.

South Austin - A more laid back atmosphere, South Austin is home to the Zilker Hillside Theatre and a number of vintage clothing shops, antique shops, and several great restaurants.

West Austin - Many of the upscale restaurants and affluent residential developments are in West Austin and along the shores of Lake Austin.

We do business in accordance with Federal Fair Housing law. (Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988).Some of the content on on this website has been secured from outside sources. We believe it to be reliable, however, we make no representation or warranty, expressed or implied , as to the accurrent Rental information is subject to change with or without prior notification.