$781,880Average Value$421Average Price per Sq Ft9Homes For Sale
Quiet streets and South Austin's SoCo scene at Dawson's doorstep
Dawson keeps South Austin's eclectic charm alive just 3 miles from downtown, offering a quieter alternative to buzzier neighborhoods like Bouldin Creek and Travis Heights. It’s full of walkable, tree-lined streets where buyers will find a mix of midcentury bungalows and new construction. Trendy coffee shops and restaurants are within walking distance along South First Street and South Congress Avenue, locally known as SoCo. St. Edward’s University is right outside the neighborhood, too. And while there’s always something happening nearby, Dawson itself still feels like a true South Austin neighborhood.
Enjoy a direct route to downtown Austin from Dawson.
Sidewalks provide safe pathways for pedestrians in Dawson.
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Midcentury bungalows and new builds cover a wide price range
Midcentury homes share streets with contemporary new builds. Many of Dawson's original homes were built in the mid-20th century, and you'll still see plenty of ranch-style houses and Craftsman-style bungalows on shaded lots. Newer construction has become more common over the years, so it's not unusual to see an updated bungalow right next to a modern build.
Single-family homes typically sell from the upper $500,000s to the lower $1 millions. Contemporary condos land between the lower $500,000s and the lower $1 millions. Dawson's median sale price falls in the lower $600,000s, which is part of what draws buyers looking for that South Austin character without the top-of-market price tag found in Bouldin Creek, Travis Heights and Zilker. "The biggest issue for many people when it comes to Austin is how high the prices are," says Ian Grossman, co-owner of the Fenton Grossman Group with Douglas Elliman. "A lot of people love the 'weird' charm of the older homes in places like Dawson, instead of the million-dollar new builds that are popping up all over."
Dawson boasts a mix of historic and modern residences.
Tree-lined, residential streets are part of the neighborhood's old-school charm.
Discover the unique character of Dawson's homes.
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Austin ISD schools serve Dawson, with private options nearby
Dawson is part of the Austin Independent School District. Following the district's 2026-27 consolidation plan, students who used to attend the neighborhood's namesake Dawson Elementary School now attend Galindo Elementary School. From there, they head to Lively Middle School and Travis Early College High School. As an Early College High School, Travis partners with Austin Community College to offer dual-credit courses that let students graduate with a high school diploma and an associate degree at no cost. Private options in the area include St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic School and San Juan Diego Catholic High School.
Dawson's Cosmic Coffee & Beer Garden is a local hangout with food trucks.
Shopping and dining stretches from South First Street to SoCo
With South First Street and South Congress Avenue on either side of Dawson, residents have a solid dining scene to explore. You can walk to those corridors and:
Grab coffee at Summer Moon Coffee or Once Over Coffee Bar
Sit down for breakfast at Phoebe’s Diner or Habanero Cafe
Get a quick dinner at El Borrego De Oro or Habana Restaurant
Meet friends for drinks at Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden or The 04 Lounge
Visit Austin staples like P. Terry’s Burger Stand and Torchy’s Tacos
Beyond food, SoCo is a shopping destination lined with vintage boutiques, cowboy boot shops, art galleries and some of Austin's most photographed murals. H-E-B and Walmart are both within 2 miles for everyday errands.
Dawson offers access to U.S. Route 290 and State Highway 71.
Commuting from Dawson to downtown with highways close by
Dawson is one of the most centrally located neighborhoods in South Austin. Commuters are close to Interstate 35, U.S. Route 290 and State Highway 71, with direct connections to the MoPac Expressway. If you're heading downtown, the 3-mile drive can take anywhere from 10 to 30 minutes. South Congress Avenue and South First Street both offer a direct route into downtown without hopping on the highway. CapMetro bus service runs along both corridors, and downtown is close enough that biking works for shorter trips.
Getting outside at Gillis Neighborhood Park and beyond
There isn't a big park in the neighborhood, but residents don't have to go far to find green space. You're a short walk from Gillis Neighborhood Park, which has a playground, sand volleyball and basketball courts, a pool and a walking loop. The South Austin Recreation Center is another local favorite with pickleball courts. There are more green spaces along the East Bouldin Creek Greenbelt and Blunn Creek Greenbelt. Larger attractions like Zilker Metropolitan Park and Lady Bird Lake are a short drive north.
GreatSchools:
The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process.
View GreatSchools Rating Methodology
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Crime and Safety
1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime
Dawson
US
Homicide
5
4
Sexual Assault
6
4
Assault with Weapon
5
4
Robbery
5
4
Burglary
7
4
Motor Vehicle Theft
7
4
Larceny
8
4
Crime Score
5
4
Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com
Dawson Demographics and Home Trends
On average, homes in Dawson, Austin sell after 111 days on the market compared to the national average of 56 days. The median sale price for homes in Dawson, Austin over the last 12 months is $648,750, up 8% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
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Local Logic measures the walkability, access to public transit and bikeability of any address. CAP Index provides objective, accurate, and consistent data to help measure, compare, and mitigate crime risks.
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