South Austin Real Estate Blog

Life in Austin 78704

Who refers to areas by zip code? Austiniites do thats who! In a city with as many different flavors and cultures as Austin we acknowledge that each neighborhood can have night and day differences. This is a city that relishes in its various areas, and loves the fact that each area has its own personality.

So what is the personality of central Austin's 78704?

Some of my favorite neighborhoods and hot spots are located in 78704. In fact those that live in this zip tend to have a large level of pride for being a 78704 resident. Neighborhoods such as SoCo (South Congress), Travis Heights, Barton Hills and South First St all call 78704 home.

I can't honestly tell you there is on general type of home in this area. The variety of houses reflects Austin to a T! There is a huge variety of styles, ages and even colors of homes. Yes colors, drive through you'll see everything from blue to green to orange and red. And despite that this is just south of downtown Austin, some of the areas don't even have paved driveways giving it a rustic out of city feel. Some of Ausitn's oldest homes and neighborhoods are in 78704 and the city has grown up all around it.

Home styles include large Victorian, small historical cottage, sprawling mansion, and modern contemporary...to name a few. Many of the older homes have been remodeled and sadly a few have been torn down and rebuilt. But there are a few that are so notible they have been put on the national registry making them a landmark home. It's really intersting when you walk around in these neighborhoods to see some of these historic homes with their historic landmark, and read about how this dwelling came about.

This area is rich in culture and history! And on top of that some of Austin's best hot spots have made this area their home.

78704 Hot Spots

I could write a book on what there is to do in 78704. So for berevity's sake I won't. My advice to those seeking to explore this area, park your car and get on the street, you'll see much more that way. From the Austin'n Trailer Dining Park to Guerros with its garden setting for live music you'll see some of Austin's favorite sights! This is also where Zilker Park and Barton Springs is located, as well as Barton Springs Rd which is home to Chuy's, Shady Grove, Romeo's and many other great dining spots.

One really cool feature of this area is The Hotel Saint Cecilia, one of Austin's favorite Inns.The hotel is a combonation of a large Travis Heights house and added on contemporary hotel rooms It's complete with a pool and lounge area. The theme of the hotel is inspired by the artistic eccentrity of the 50's, 60's and 70's. Hotel St. Cecillia : www.hotelsaintcecilia.com

So for those looking to live in a diverse and eclectic central Austin community, 78704 may just be for you. Contact me to discuss the homes for sale in this area.

Malita Jones, REALTOR
(512) 497-6442
South Austin Real Estate

The Flats on Spyglass is a condo community in South Austin. One huge aspect of these condos are its location. Located on Spyglass just off Mo-Pac and Barton Skyway just south of the river and downtown. For those that aren't familiar with this area, maybe this will ring a bell. The Flats on Spyglass are located right by one of the entrances to the greenbelt hiking trails and springs!

This is a coveted and popular south Austin location. Its so convenient to downtown and the city's beloved Zilker Park.

Zilker Park is where Austin City Limits music festival and many other great concerts are held each year. Zilker is also host to many other fantastic Austin events. Running right along Zilker Park is Barton Springs Road which is a hot resturaunt area for such places like Shady Grove, Austin Java and Chuy's, to name a few. The Flats on Spyglass is also convenient to downtown Austin and Town Lake, also known as Lady Bird Lake. Town Lake is over 10 miles of walking / jogging trails along the Colorado River. This is a great spot for cycling, walking, running or just strolling with friends and walking the dog. Most days you'll see someone strumming their guitar or painting the local scenery at Town Lake. Its such a great recreational area.

But within walking distance of The Flats on Spyglass is Taco Deli, a fantastic dining spot and many businesses such as Intel. In fact there are several businesses along Spyglass, perfect for those wishing to live right by work.

Just on the other side of Mo-Pac is Barton Creek Mall, a great shopping area!

Features of The Flats on Spyglass

The condos themselves are three story townhome style units where the first floor is a two car garage. The second floor opens into a living space and includes cabnitry built by a local business, balcony to enjoy those gorgeous greenbelt views. Units include a mix of carpet, travertine tile and hard wood flooring, as well as granite countertops, even onyx is built into units. The builders tried to capture that feel of nature being the area is so geared towards those that love the natural aspects of the Austin greenbelt.

The Flats on Spyglass are located in the zip code 78746.

Prices and availabilty vary, please contact me to learn more about completion and unit prices.

The Flats on Spyglass were built by David Weekly Homes and designed by James La Rue Architecs & Charls Fisk Architecure PLLC. Developed by The Sutton Group the condos interor were designed by CTA Architects and Engineers.

Malita Jones, REALTOR
(512) 497-6442
Austin Real Estate

Driftwood is a fantastic little town on the edge of south Austin.

Nestled amongst the Austin hill country, out in the middle of what seems like nowhere is the wonderful Trattoria Lisina Italian Restaurant. Tattoria means an informal, family owned restaurant as is common in Italy. Lisina is named for his wife Lisa, who is an intragral part of his business.

First you see the vineyards and then the imposing two story height limestone building. The food, service and atmosphere are all spectacular. The Mandola Estate Winery is out in front do you see the vineyard as you drive up. The restaurant features authentic, country Italian fare and wines from the winery. Damian Mandola, a restaurateur since 1975, is the mastermind of the Trattoria Lisina Italian Restaurant as well as the Mandola Estate Winery and Mandola's Italian Market at the Triangle on Guadalupe in central Austin, Texas.

Some of you may be familiar with Damina Mandola from his populr restaurant Carabas. He also did a cooking show with his nephew that was quite popular amongs syndicates. Trattoria Lisina and Mandola Estate Winery are available for weddings, large planned dinners and corporate events. They usually have life music in the vineyard area, you can enjoy a bottle of wine from their vineyard while you and your party wait for your table. They also have guest cottages on the premises. I’ve been there and I can say I love it!!!

Trattoria Lisina is located at 13308 FM 150 W : Driftwood, TX 78619: www.trattorialisina.com

Betty Saenz, REALTOR
(512) 785-5050
Driftwood Homes For Sale

There is always so much to do in Austin. If you are ever headed toward boredom in this city, there is something seriously wrong with you. There is no excuse. We have buses that are free, bike lanes specifically for your riding pleasure, walking and running trails, cabs, trains, automobiles and even a “bike rickshaw”, that’s right, you can hitch a ride on the back of a bicycle pulling a little cab, for lack of a better term, that will hold up to 4 people. What better way to tour Austin than being pulled on the back of a bike, hair blowing in the wind on a warm summer night….you get the idea.

Anyway, back to First Thursdays on South Congress…this is a South Austin tradition, dating back to I don’t know when, showcasing local talent, and no-talent, local artisans that are wonderfully talented, and those that may not be so much, but who cares? Everyone is out in the streets mingling with friends and making new ones, eating from the fabulous restaurants lining the streets and the air-streams that offer everything from sandwiches to ice cream and donuts.

Businesses along South Congress (known as SoCo) stay open late on First Thursday so that shoppers can pop in and add to their list of places to hit. Restaurants in the area often time offer specials for those looking to take a load off and sit down for a bit. But the big attraction are the vendor tents, tents line the streets with local vendors offering their wares and as you stroll through the maze you feel excitement in the air, mingled with the music which can only be experienced in Austin. Food, fun, shopping, music and culture...I love this town!

Brenda Starr, REALTOR
Sky Realty
(512) 940-3353
www.RealEstateForIndependentWomen.com

Looking for a beautiful neighborhood to live in Austin, Texas? The south Austin area has a lot to offer. My favorite area south of the river is called Travis Heights.

Framed in 100-300 year old graceful oak trees, Travis Heights features a beautiful park, creek, walking trail, play ground and swimming pool located throughout the middle of the neighborhood. Homes in the area are craftsman style homes built primarily between the 1890’s-1940’s. Residents of south Austin take great pride in living in this area and typically boast a bumper sticker on their car that says “78704 not just a zip code but a way of life".

Having lived in the area myself, I loved walking in the park, swimming in the pool year round and enjoyed the ambience the area exudes. Nearby Congress Avenue features fantastic eclectic shopping, restaurants, music, clubs, walk-up dining trailers, a monthly thriving flea market, and a street life that is unique to the south Austin.

There are several neighborhood schools located in Travis Heights. Students can typically walk, bicycle or ride the bus to school. Home prices in this neighborhood range from $275,000.00 on up to several million dollars. Here you can find a range of single-family homes, condos, a few duplexes and homes with historic designations. Having sold homes in this area for the last 26 years, I would love to take you on a tour of this vibrant, thriving neighborhood.

Located just a stones throw to downtown Austin and the 6th street music scene come see me and enjoy an introduction to an area that has so much to offer.

Abbe Waldman-Realtor, Broker Associate Sky Realty
abbe@austin.rr.com
(512) 736-5802
www.AustinHomesandLandSales.com