Uptown Austin

Housing in Uptown Austin is centered on established condos

Uptown Austin is a compact neighborhood where housing leans heavily toward high-rise and mid-rise condos. The 1960s-built Westgate Tower, Austin's first high-rise residence and a midcentury modern landmark on the National Register of Historic Places, rises directly beside the Texas State Capitol. Other units in Uptown Austin date to the 1970s and 1980s. Many residences have sweeping views stretching from the Capitol across the downtown skyline and out to the western hills, with balconies and large sliding glass doors. Interiors range from renovated spaces with modern finishes to classic layouts retaining original character. Industrial-style loft conversions with high ceilings and open floor plans add variety. Buildings typically come with garage parking.

Units sell for prices from the mid-$200,000s to the upper $500,000s in most cases, with monthly HOA fees anywhere from roughly $400 to $1,400. You’ll still spot some classic bungalows and American Foursquares in Uptown Austin, in addition to the condos, but many of them are now used as attorney offices and other businesses in an area that’s also home to Travis County’s Blackwell-Thurman Criminal Justice Center. “What really sets Uptown Austin apart is the atmosphere,” says Leslie Gossett, who grew up in the Austin area and is a global real estate advisor at Kuper Sotheby's International Realty. “It's quieter than the bustling heart of downtown, but don't you think for a second that it's sleepy. This area is a blend of Austin’s traditional character with a polished, contemporary vibe."

Multiple types of outdoor spaces are close by

Residents of Uptown Austin have prime access to the Texas State Capitol grounds, which is about 22 acres of tree-shaded space open to the public. Walking paths wind past dozens of monuments across the historic lawn. Waterloo Park, just east of the Capitol, features a more contemporary outdoor experience. The roughly 11-acre park has play areas for kids and over a mile of trails through native plant gardens alongside Waller Creek. Waterloo Park also has the Moody Amphitheater, an open-air venue that seats around 5,000 and hosts regular concerts and community events. Wooldridge Square, a roughly 2-acre pocket park, is just outside the neighborhood as well, and includes benches, tables and open lawn space for picnics. You can head just a little bit farther south to access a wealth of green space along Lady Bird Lake, also known as Town Lake. The 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail runs through lakeside parks, and the lake itself is a draw for activities including kayaking and paddleboarding.

A busy calendar of festivals, art and live entertainment

Uptown Austin’s central location gives locals easy access to an assortment of community events. “There's always something happening: music festivals, art shows, cultural events, you name it,” Gossett says. “People here are passionate about our city, and it shows.” Some of the choices are:

• Movies in the Park at Moody Amphitheater, which you can catch in the spring and summer
• Creek Show. which is an annual display of light-based art installations by Waller Creek each November
• Día de los Muertos, which is a two-day celebration at Waterloo Park in November, with music, dancing, food and face painting
• South by Southwest, which is Austin’s largest event, a music, film and technology festival held in March in the downtown area

Public transit and major roads connect the area

Capital Metro provides bus service throughout the area, including regular, high-frequency and rapid routes that connect to other parts of the city. Downtown is within walking distance or a short bike ride, located about a half-mile away. Drivers can reach Interstate 35 and the MoPac Expressway nearby. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is just over 10 miles south of the neighborhood.

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Access to Austin ISD schools and higher education

The Austin Independent School District serves students in Uptown Austin. The neighborhood is about 2 miles from the highly rated Austin High School, which carries an A-minus grade on Niche and houses multiple specialized programs, including The Academy for Classical Studies, The Academy for Design & Technology, The Academy for Global Studies, and The Academy for Science & Innovation. Nearby private options include the River Campus for the A-plus-rated Headwaters School, which serves students in grades 6 through 12 and includes the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme. The University of Texas’ 441-acre main campus is also just north of Uptown Austin.

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