The City of Austin has a proud reputation for the eclectic, musical, artistic, and certainly, the weird. A cultural anomaly from the first, the sight of cowboys, wearing spur-laden boots, enjoying the sounds of live music hip to hip with flower-crowned hippies has long been as likely here as it is unlikely that so many other places.
The carefree, friendly, laid-back way-of-life is only part of Austin’s story, however. Over the past several years, Austin has experienced a population and commerce surge, bringing not only industries such as technology, entertainment and big-business to Austin, but also attracting those who seek the cultural sophistication of city life, with the year-round activity and lifestyle the warm central Texas climate affords.
Austin’s real estate market is as diverse as the people who live here, with neighborhoods featuring everything from prohibition-era bungalows to ultra-modern glass and steel construction, often side by side!
Not only is the cultural landscape varied, but Austin’s climate and topography are equally divergent. East of IH-35, you will find some of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, set into the flatter landscape, more reminiscent of the deep south than the traditional images of Texas. Head West, and you quickly find yourself in rolling hills, rockier terrain and a drier climate. This isn’t your imagination, Austin essentially straddles two different climate zones, complete with distinct rainfall patterns, soils, and landscape!
Home to several colleges and universities, famed music venues, art and music festivals, a thriving tradition of political activism and a legendary devil-may-care attitude, the city’s youthful atmosphere and joie de vivre are infectious, teasing childlike joy from residents of all ages. There is even an annual kite festival in Zilker Park, the city’s beloved landmark, nestled between the skyscrapers of downtown Austin and the decidedly eccentric neighborhoods of South Austin.
Living in Austin means adjusting to rapid growth, but through the changes, Austin has maintained its flavor and penchant for entertainment, while adapting to the changing needs of the large city it has become. There is real estate for everyone here, whether you prefer a historic home in the heart of town, a downtown highrise with sweeping city views or a hill country retreat, the perfect place for you exists.
