When the University of Texas was established in 1883, it would still be three years before Carl Benz applied for his patent on “a vehicle powered by a gas engine” and 18 years before mass-produced American automobiles came to the market. So the first university students in Austin got to school via trolleys dragged by teams of horses. That method of locomotion gave rise to the name The Drag, which hugs Guadalupe Street just west of the university campus. From those inauspicious beginnings, The Drag has grown into a thriving commercial district of local shops and restaurants, as well as condominiums catering to UT students. “It’s a great area for investors or parents of students who want to avoid the hassle of renting an apartment every year,” says Realtor Steven Johnson, who has been representing real estate transactions in the Austin area for 20 years.
The Drag provides a lively atmosphere right next to UT Austin.
Students enjoy close proximity to UT when living in The Drag.
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Vibrant shopping and dining options
Residents can walk to any number of nearby coffee shops, restaurants and shops. Whether it's breakfast at Kerbey Lane Cafe or pizza on the go at Dollar Slice Club, The Drag has virtually every level of the college student's food pyramid represented. For retail therapy, shoppers can hit C. Jane for the latest in trendy women's fashion or Urban Outfitters to get their hipster threads. Renaissance Market is an Austin mainstay, with local artisans offering hand-made jewelry and other trinkets. And UT fans can deck themselves head-to-toe in burnt orange before heading across Guadalupe to catch a Longhorns sporting event. For those who want to venture further afield, several Capital Metro bus stops in the area provide an easy alternative to driving, and The Drag is a mile north of downtown and a mile west of Interstate 35.
When it’s time for grocery shopping, Target Grocery is the closest option, where shoppers can also get any home necessities that they might require, and Wheatsville Co-Op is less than a mile north on Guadalupe. Guadalupe is lined with a variety of retailers, providing retail therapy for those in search of that comfort. And while the fast-food scene is definitely the primary source of dining-out options in the neighborhood, residents can also head to Acre 41, an upscale American eatery specializing in burgers and steaks.
Target is a convenient stop for The Drag residents on their way home.
C. Jane on The Drag offers chic, locally curated fashion.
The Drag's Dollar Slice Club is a student favorite for late-night bites.
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Condos, condos and more condos
Because of the neighborhood’s proximity to the university, The Drag is almost exclusively student housing, meaning condominiums are what buyers will find here. The median price of real estate in The Drag is $395,000, and buyers should expect to pay an average of $380 per square foot. Investors seeking to recoup initial costs will find that the average rent in the neighborhood is currently around $2,000 per month, with an average income potential of slightly over $2.00 per square foot per month. A two-bedroom/two-bathroom can sell for $315,000, and prices can go up to $425,000 for a three-bedroom/two-bathroom. Virtually all complexes have pools and other amenities for residents, and have secure gated access.
The Drag's condominiums blend comfort and city life.
Condos in The Drag offer prime access to UT Austin.
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The great outdoors, and some culture, too
There are no parks in the immediate neighborhood, but the sprawling University of Texas campus has far more than its legendary 40 acres of open space where neighborhood residents can recline and relax, including the South Mall between Littlefield Fountain and the Tower. Alternatively, residents can make the one-mile trip to Pease Park just west of Lamar Boulevard. Also offering more than 40 acres of open space, Pease Park provides visitors access to a playground, a splash pad and a basketball court. A treehouse observation pod overlooks the park, and Pease Park is the site of the annual Eeyore's Birthday celebration, traditionally held on the last Saturday in April every year. The event features live music, food vendors and a variety of family-friendly events, all serving as a fundraiser for local non-profits. Because the neighborhood is only a short walk to the UT campus, residents have easy access to the university’s cultural amenities, including the famed Blanton Art Museum, the Harry Ransom Center, the Lyndon Johnson Presidential Library and the Bass Concert Hall.
The Drag offers a lively contrast to the serene atmosphere of UT's Tower Plaza.
The Drag residents often visit Pease Park's splash park to cool off on hot days.
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Top-rated Austin schools
The Drag is districted to the Austin Independent School District, which earns an overall rating of A-minus from Niche. Children living here can attend Bryker Woods Elementary, O. Henry Middle and Austin High School. Bryker Woods and O. Henry both earn an A-minus from Niche, and Austin High School earns an A. In addition to boasting a catalog of famous alums that includes the likes of PGA professionals Ben Crenshaw and Harvey Penik, Presidential daughters Jenna and Barbara Bush and various politicians, Austin High School offers students the chance to participate in over 80 school-sponsored clubs. Alternatively, parents can avail themselves of several private schools in the area, including St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, which is rated as the best private school in the Austin area by Niche.
O. Henry Middle School is just a short drive from The Drag in Austin.
Bryker Woods Elementary students are familiar with the bustling atmosphere of The Drag.
The Drag residents enjoy the energy and events from nearby Austin High School.
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Getting around town
For those who want to venture further afield, several Capital Metro bus stops in the area provide an easy alternative to driving, and The Drag is a mile north of downtown and a mile west of Interstate 35.
Bus stops are a common sight on Guadalupe Street, helping students commute to and from class.
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.
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Fabulous Full 3 Bedroom 2 Bath at Centennial West Campus. Huge Open Living / Dining Area with spacious first leval Patio. Galley Kitchen with all modern appliances including full size washer / dryer. Bedrooms are Big With tons of Closet Space. Community has Private Pool, Gated Entry and Covered Reserved Parking. Close to virtually Everything including UT Campus, CVS, Target, Chase Bank, In n
Live just one block from UT in this well-maintained 2 bed, 2 bath condo at 501 W 26th St. Located in the heart of West Campus, this ground-floor unit offers convenience and comfort with a private balcony, granite counters, stylish wood cabinetry, and vanities. Includes washer/dryer and two reserved garage parking spots. Enjoy access to a private pool and open courtyard. Close to the entrance and
Kitchen counter top upgraded , Fresh painted, Secured community with Gate code entry , CCTV all over Corridor , Most of UT Student living very quite and only 5 minutes walk distance from UT campus. Under ground parking , two assigned parking spaces . Easy to access Hwy 35 and close to Austin downtown , Property located on 2nd floor and weather protected in Winter and Summer. A/C tune up ,
Centennial 2 bedroom 1 bath close to the University! Couldn't ask for a better location...Nice condo, all wood flooring, full size washer/dryer. Comes with 1 reserve parking space in the garage.
GrandMarc Austin offers a variety of fully furnished floorplans, including studio, one-bedroom, two-bedroom, three-bedroom, and four-bedroom apartments, all designed for comfortable student living. Each unit features private bedrooms and bathrooms, full-size washers and dryers, and high-speed internet access.Top amenities include a resort-style pool with a wade-in entry, a state-of-the-art
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Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
2,941
Median Age
24
Population Density
55 ppl/acre
Population under 18
26.6%
On par with the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
1%
Below the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$9,318
Significantly below the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$18,209
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
97.4%
College Graduates
69.6%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
34.4%
% Population in Labor Force
41.2%
Below the national average
65.1%
Weather
Annual Precipitation
37''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
97°F
Annual Snowfall
0''
Area Factors
Biker's Paradise
Bike Score®
97/ 100
Walker's Paradise
Walk Score®
96/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
68/ 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score
Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.
Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
