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Amanda Caracappa, Texas Realtor®

Your Texas Realtor

Amanda Caracappa

La Conterra

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A Growing Community:

A few years ago, the La Conterra neighborhood received some good news. In 2017 KB Homes, the company responsible for numerous housing developments spread throughout the country, announced expansion of their existing Georgetown community. 

Adding a new selection of one to two story floorplans, prospective new residents were thrilled to discover that there were new homes being listed. Now, nearly three years later, it isn’t hard to see why this announcement was met with such enthusiasm. 

This announcement was not limited only to the construction of new homes. In addition to the expanded section of neighborhood, KB Homes also set in motion the plans to construct new amenities that could be enjoyed by every resident, regardless of age. 

Today, members of the community have access to the existing community pool and park, as well as a second basketball court and children’s playground, both of which were included in the 2017 plans for expansion. Now, with construction long completed, these amenities are used widely by residents. 

In addition to these locations found within La Conterra, the community is also extremely close to San Gabriel Park. There you can find a skate park, pavilions, playgrounds, picnic areas, a football field, soccer field, softball field, flower garden, hiking trails and a fishing pier. 

With more and more being added to the local community each year, it should come as no shock that the La Conterra development continues to grow, both in popularity and in size. 

Living Near Georgetown, Texas:

Everyone knows that the key to real estate is the clich’d ‘location, location, location’, but with a location like Georgetown, Texas, it would be a mistake to overlook it. Resting just 25 miles north of Austin, Georgetown is an eclectic community which embraces its beautifully historic districts and modern developments all the same. 

This mixture of tradition and innovation isn’t far removed from the attitude of Austin itself, but Georgetown takes it a step further by being located further away from the urban center. Communities surrounding Georgetown have a beautiful combination of suburban living and natural beauty, evident in the outdoor recreation spaces such as Lake Georgetown, San Gabriel Park and Hike and Bike Trails, Blue Hole and Inner Space Cavern.

Not only does Georgetown have terrific outdoor attractions, it also has a vibrant downtown and suburban community. Downtown Georgetown is home to a number of amazing restaurants, shops and attractions that are sure to keep residents busy. 

For the kids, La Conterra is served by the highly regarded Georgetown Independent School District. The school system ranks highly for its student to teacher ratio, test scores, college prep, diversity and much more. 

Outdoor Attractions and The Natural Landscape:

The community of Georgetown has made a concerted effort to maintain and preserve the natural beauty of the area. Today, residents can appreciate these efforts through visiting and enjoying a number of popular destinations. 

San Gabriel Park, mentioned above for a number of recreational amenities, is also a popular spot for locals to enjoy their surroundings and get in their exercise routines. San Gabriel has nine miles of hiking and biking trails, as well as 1.6 miles for its granite trail loop, among a number of other smaller trails. One in particular, a lighted, one mile trail begins at Walden and College and leads to Blue Hole Park. 

Blue Hole Park is a popular swimming hole, especially during the heat of the Texas summer. Overlooked by imposing limestone bluffs, Blue Hole is a gorgeous lagoon style swimming hole, complete with amenities such as picnic areas and public restrooms. 

One of the more fascinating attractions in Georgetown is a cave system known as Inner Space Cavern. Even more unique than the caves themselves is the story behind them. Discovered in 1963 as a result of core sampling from the Texas Highway Department, Inner Space Cavern was hidden for nearly 10,000 years. With thousands of square feet to explore, it seems worthwhile to venture down into a system that went undiscovered for millennia.

Finally, Lake Georgetown is one of the most popular destinations for locals, especially those who enjoy being out on the water, whether they prefer boating, kayaking, paddle boarding and more. For those with landlegs, it also includes spaces for horseback riding, hiking, biking and fishing. 

The Appeal of Downtown Georgetown:

Some residents of Georgetown make the commute into Austin for their work, which makes sense considering it is only a few dozen miles away. However, Georgetown itself happens to have a robust and vibrant economy all by itself, presenting opportunities for employment. Of course, this leads to an even more exciting and varied lifestyle for residents who want to relax and take in all that the area has to offer. 

Because Georgetown is such a hub for commerce, dining and entertainment, there is never a shortage of things to do. With restaurants lining the streets of Downtown Georgetown, escaping for a night of high quality food and entertainment has never been easier. Likewise, there are stores and shops to keep any shopaholic satisfied. 

There is also a deep sense of history in Georgetown, especially in the Old Town section. With architecture dating back to the turn of the century, these Victorian style buildings are a testament to the area’s pioneering roots. There are also a number of these buildings which offer historical tours to give you an even deeper appreciation of how Georgetown has developed and grown over time. 

For residents of La Conterra, making a trip into Downtown Georgetown is a breeze. In fact, the trip is only 3.5 miles. 

The Homes:

KB Homes is a nationally recognized building company, famous for their signature style of planned communities. All KB homes are built to conform to EnergyStar standards, helping your family become eco-friendly without having to do a single thing. 

On an individual level, these EnergyStar guidelines can save your household up to 30% of yearly energy costs as well, saving you money. In addition to energy saving, all KB Homes come with WaterSense labeled faucets and fixtures. Living in Texas, this is incredibly important and with WaterSense you can reduce your water use by 20% simply by using WaterSense appliances. 

La Conterra has 14 unique one or two story floor plans that buyers can choose from. These homes, ranging from 1,965 to 3,475 square feet contain a number of special features. In addition to the fact that the homes can include up to six bedrooms and four bathrooms, prospective buyers have a number of individual choices to make. With flexibility in lot selection, exterior and interior design preferences and more, each home can be as unique as the person living there. 

The homes also feature covered patios, kitchen pantries, formal living rooms and a variety of multi-purpose rooms. These can be converted into dens, lofts, game rooms and anything in between. 

With incredibly accessible pricing, terrific amenities and a superb location outside one of the Country’s most popular cities, the KB Homes La Conterra neighborhood is one you won’t want to ignore. 

Lake Travis Summer Living Guide – Part Two

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There is a lot to see and do during the summer when you live in the gorgeous area of the country which surrounds the Texas capital city, Austin. The city itself is a hub for excitement and entertainment, and has rightfully earned the title of America’s fastest growing city in 2019. There are some things, however, that you need to venture a few miles away from downtown to experience. While Austin does have a beautiful lake, Lady Bird Lake, on its south side, LBL does have some limitations.

Lady Bird Lake is a quiet, scenic spot which adds to the city’s charm. However, there are some things that are prohibited there. You can’t operate a gas powered water vehicle and you can’t swim.

That’s where Lake Travis comes in.

We’ve talked a lot about the recreational activities that are available on Lake Travis, such as boating rentals, jet skis, zip line parks and water parks. In fact, our Lake Travis Summer Living Guide Part One dives into much more than that. We talk about the terrific restaurants, boat rental facilities and outdoor discovery centers.

There is a lot more to this popular lake than we could cover in one edition. Here, we expand on our previous list and compile some of the best sightseeing locations and entertainment venues so you can get the most out of your trip to the lake.

Sightseeing:

Scuba Dive in Lake Travis:

So technically this might also spill into the category of ‘recreation’, but the views of the lakebed should constitute some of the most impressive sightseeing experiences in or around Lake Travis.

There are multiple entry points for scuba divers in Lake Travis, and which one you use might depend on your skill level, preference for experience and which company you use as a guide or rent your equipment from. Before you decide to dedicate a day to scuba diving in the lake, make sure you have done your homework to make sure you know which company you want to use and what, if any, requirements you may need to meet.

One of the dive spots is called ‘Wreck Alley’, a spot which features a number of sunken houseboats, cars, motorboats and much more. It tends to be fairly deep and the current can cause sediment to obscure your vision, so we recommend going there with a guide company so you don’t lose your bearings.

Another great spot, especially if your level of experience is less than expert, is around Starnes Island (also known as Rattlesnake Island). There are three boat hulls and plenty of sunken items from lake goers to explore. Some divers can be lucky enough to discover lost jewelry, cell phones and much more.

These are just two of the many popular spots for scuba diving on Lake Travis, but there are plenty of online resources and professional recommendations from local dive companies.

Lakeway City Park:

Not only does Lakeway City Park provide scenic overlooks of Lake Travis, but it also gives visitors up to two miles of hiking and biking trails. Also included within the park are basketball courts, baseball fields, a dog park, gardens, and much more.

More importantly, the park sits directly on the shores of Lake Travis, providing direct access to the water and designated swimming areas. With 64 acres of well manicured land, there is plenty of space to enjoy the beauty that exists within the Lake Travis coastline.

Lakeway City Park is often called a hidden-gem by locals and visitors alike, offering a quieter day at the lake than you might find in other spots. There are no motor watercraft allowed at Lakeway City Park so you won’t have to worry about safety while swimming and wading in the designated swimming spots.

Entertainment and Events:

We know that COVID-19 has thrown a lot of events into a realm of uncertainty, and this summer many plans have had to be postponed. However, that shouldn’t overshadow some of the most popular events that have become loved by locals and visitors alike.

When restrictions are lifted, we hope that most of these great events can be safe and successful so they can provide the same amount of fun and excitement that they have in the past.

Lake Travis Music Theatre:

Not everything in and around Lake Travis has to be dedicated to the lakeside. The Lake Travis Music Theatre is a perfect example of this, providing guests a respite from the world for a few hours of well rehearsed theater.

The productions that are performed here showcase the talent that can be found in the greater Austin area, so not only are you getting a great show, you are also supporting local artists and performers.

There have been past performances of Bye Bye Birdie, Sound of Music, Oliver!, South Pacific, Annie, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Guys and Dolls, Fiddler on the Roof, Cinderella, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, A Charlie Brown Christmas and Peter Pan. With a mixture of classic shows and contemporary productions, there’s a good chance that you might find a show you can enjoy.

Fourth of July Fireworks Show:

We know that this event already happened this year, but this is a regular occurrence on Lake Travis, so you should be sure to catch the fireworks next summer. Often launched from Starnes Island, this fireworks show casts brilliant colors over the darkened waters of the Lake for the enjoyment of people from miles and miles away.

You can always see hundreds of boats gathered on the water, settling in to watch the show. As the sun begins to set, these vessels find a nice spot on the lake to park and watch as one of the state’s most impressive pyrotechnic displays begins.

There are also displays hosted by Volente Beach Resort. This special venue is popular for many other reasons beside their fireworks display. They also have a resort, water park, restaurants, and boating rentals.

Wherever you settle down to watch the show on Lake Travis, you’ll be amazed at the way the light and the crack of the bursts roll across the water.

Lake Travis SpringFest:

With just short of 9,000 attendees this year, the Lake Travis SpringFest is always a fun time for local residents to gather and have some fun. Due to the safety concerns of COVID-19, the SpringFest organizers have postponed this year’s events until October 17th.

This is a great way to let your kids run free and enjoy some of the activities that have been set up for them. In addition to the Kidzone and ToddlerTown areas for the young guests, adults can enjoy themselves at the outdoor lifestyle expo and look at some of the best watercraft available from reliable dealers, as well as cool off by tasting some of the best local craft beers.

Past SpringFests have held extremely popular BBQ cookoffs, a great way to get a taste of some of the local flavor. There is also plenty of live music to enjoy as it reverberates through the crowds, or as you settle down in front of one of the stage areas.

This year’s SpringFest is likely to be a bit different than past or future events due to safety precautions such as social distancing, but as past years have shown it is still a fantastic community event with free admission and parking. The event is held at the Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave, Texas.

What Are You Waiting For?

With these attractions and much more, Lake Travis offers a little something for everyone. With 271 miles of coastline to explore, Lake Travis is one of the best locations to enjoy some time on the water. As you’ve also seen, there is plenty of activity and excitement to be found in the areas that surround the lake as well.

Regardless of if you are into high octane thrills, peaceful floating on the water or exploring the hiking and biking trails on the shores or even the bluffs of the lake, Lake Travis has something for everyone.

Remember to check out our Lake Travis Summer Guide Part One to learn more about recreation and dining in and around the lake as well. You’ll surely find something that interests you.

Lake Travis Summer Living Guide – Part One

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Austin, Texas has plenty of fantastic spots to spend your free time during the summer, but few others can rival the popularity and variety found in Lake Travis. Aside from being a gorgeous body of water, Lake Travis is the site of numerous recreational activities, dining options, sightseeing spots and entertainment. 

The lake itself is massive, measuring in at an impressive 63.75 miles long. It has 271 miles of shoreline, more than half of the length of Rhode Island’s coastline. It’s no wonder why the lake is often referred to as the ‘Crown Jewel’ of the highland lakes, covering a whopping 18,929 acres. 

Lake Travis is a manmade reservoir, constructed in 1942 in a herculean effort to contain floodwaters and protect the Austin area from natural disasters from flash flooding. In fact, the lake is capable of managing a water level difference of 100 feet, from minimum to maximum water change. This is massively important during the flood season, acting as a barrier between the residents of the Austin area and the forces of nature brought upon by the mighty Lower Colorado River. 

Living in Central Texas means that a trip to the ocean is a pretty big commitment. Fortunately for the residents of Austin and other local counties, Lake Travis’ luminescent blue waters offer a solution for those of us who are naturally drawn to large bodies of water. Read on to discover what else this majestic lake has to offer. 

Recreation:

Lake Travis provides opportunities for people of all ages. Whether you are looking for relaxation or high octane experiences, Lake Travis delivers. 

Boat Rentals:

There are plenty of places you can find a great deal on boat rentals on Lake Travis. You can find rentals for watercraft varying from jet skis to yachts, depending on what kind of day you have in mind. 

Zip around on a personal jet ski for a day and explore the largest lake on the Lower Colorado River. Link up with a group of friends or take on the day solo. 

More interested in having a party? Look no further than the fleet of party boats found all along the banks of Lake Travis. By reserving a party barge you and your friends can relax on the lake, enjoy the views and watch the sun go down over the water. These chartered cruises can accommodate between 30 and 100 guests, depending on which company you book your outing with. 

Looking for something a bit more extravagant? Check out the number of premier yacht rentals available on Lake Travis. These companies almost always provide chartered yacht rentals, so all you have to worry about is having a great time. The driving, docking, anchoring and everything else is taken care of. 

Lake Travis Zipline Adventures: 

With five zip lines scattered throughout the park, Lake Travis Zipline Adventures is a great way to spend an afternoon with friends or family. Even better, they hold the record for the longest zipline in the state of Texas’ a whopping 2,800 feet long!

The circuit of ziplines provides breathtaking views of the lake. Waiting between each zip, you can even take a moment to take in the view…and catch your breath. All told, the ziplines add up to an impressive one mile. The zipline tour packages include everything you need for a successful outing, including equipment, boat transportation water and a trail snack. The tour is led by a professionally trained tour guide who will also offer educational moments throughout the day. 

The final zipline, the 2,800 foot adrenaline inducing drop over Lake Travis, is a great way to end the adventure. If you’re deathly afraid of heights, you may not want to look down because this final zip has you propelling off a 20 story cliff! 

Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center:

This excursion is a few miles away from the lake itself, but the natural beauty of the nature preserve is well worth the drive. With ecological diversity rarely seen in Texas, Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center is located on 75 acres of pristine land, complete with carefully tailored educational programs and an environmental center.

The visitor’s center was constructed to be a model of sustainability, implementing eco-friendly designs such as ground source climate control, solar panels and rainwater collection systems. Inside folks can find a number of terrific exhibits like the Solar Observatory, Geology Learning Wall, Water Cycle Exhibit, Weather Cycle Exhibit and much more. Some might even consider the natural surroundings to be just as educational as the learning center, but that’s something you’ll have to decide for yourself…

This special place has been open to the public since 1976, and has only grown in popularity in the years since. Some of the major attractions in this preserve are the awe inspiring forty foot waterfall and the short walk from an arid savannah into the spectacular grotto. There is also a cave which has been carved into the surrounding rock wall which guests can venture into and explore. 

Dining:

Regardless of whether you are eating in one of the most highly rated restaurants or enjoying a casual lakeside meal, few backdrops add more to the ambiance than direct waterside views. The shores of Lake Travis are dotted with restaurants of all types and sizes, giving visitors a taste of nearly every type of cuisine.

The Oasis on Lake Travis:

One of the most scenic dining options, not just on Lake Travis but in Travis County as a whole, would have to be The Oasis on Lake Travis restaurant. Overlooking the lake, this popular spot is perched 450 feet above the lake, balanced on the natural bluffs that make up many miles of the lake’s coast. 

The Oasis on Lake Travis also holds the honor of being the largest outdoor restaurant in the entire state of Texas, providing plenty of space for hungry customers clamoring for a scenic experience. In fact, The Oasis can hold an impressive 2,500 diners. 

Known for much more than just pretty views and great food, The Oasis also serves as a venue for live music. Inside, customers can find musicians entertaining onstage in the Starlight Terrace. If you prefer to sit outdoors, there is also live music in Beau’s Backyard. 

An evening at The Oasis on Lake Travis wouldn’t be complete without a clear view of a Texas sunset, even garnering the name of ‘The Sunset Capital of Texas’ because of how many people flock to this location to see the sky change colors as the sun dips behind the horizon. 

Beachside Billy’s:

Here’s a fun place for families to get away and cool off during the days in which the Texas sun continues to beat down over our heads. Beachside Billy’s is more than just a restaurant. In fact, this unique location’s full name is Beachside Billy’s Lake Travis Restaurant & Water Park at Volente Beach Resort. 

Here, adults and children alike can find respite in the cool waters provided by Beachside Billy’s. Featuring a sandy beachfront on Lake Travis, an adult only pool (complete with swim up tiki bar) and plenty of kid oriented splash pads, play areas, rides and much more, it shouldn’t be hard to get both the kids and adults in agreement to spend a day at Beachside Billy’s. 

But of course, you can work up quite an appetite after playing and swimming all day. When that happens, be sure to stop over at the Beachside Billy’s restaurant. Highly rated by locals and residents alike, this restaurant serves up fresh seafood, steak, burgers and more. 

Even better, This particular place even has boat access so you can pull up right from the lake. It doesn’t get much better than that?

Canyon Grille Rough Hollow:

Scenery. Fine food. Casual atmosphere. 

There’s not much more to ask for from a lakeside restaurant, and yet Canyon Grille continues to go above and beyond to deliver even more. With a choice between the outdoor patio or indoor dining room, you can pick your experience. The outdoor patio sits just above the Rough Hollow Yacht club, and in the background you can see the larger setting of Lake Travis. 

Ranging from burgers and sandwiches, Tex-Mex platters and specialty dishes, Canyon Grille has a menu that is sure to please any hungry patron. Reasonably priced and carefully crafted, these menu items combine perfectly with the beautiful natural setting to create a memorable dining experience. As the sun begins to set and the shadows of the nearby hills stretch on the waters of the lake, all you have left to do is sit back, relax and eat. 

We’ve covered a lot here. Hopefully this gives you a great place to start when you’re looking for activities to keep you busy and where to grab a bite to eat once you work up an appetite. The wonderful thing about Lake Travis, however, is that there is still more to share!

Next time we’ll show you the best places for sightseeing around the lake, as well as some popular local entertainment venues. If you can believe it, there are still plenty of things we have yet to show you. 

Stay tuned!

Rollingwood

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A Neighborhood Hidden in Plain Sight

Rollingwood is a small, intimate community located within Travis County, Texas. Providing residents with a truly unique style of living, especially considering that the commute to Downtown Austin is only around 5 miles, Rollingwood is an excellent residential community for professionals with a tie to the city. 

[Read more…] about Rollingwood

South River City

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Bisected by West Oltorf Street, Greater South River City in South Austin, Texas is quite an interesting area. Subdivided into unique neighborhoods, each with their own personal flavor and lifestyle, Greater South River City is composed of residential neighborhoods, subdivisions, apartment complexes and condominiums. Because of the wide variety of housing options, the area benefits from a diverse and inclusive population. 

What’s clear is that this isn’t a question of whether or not you’ll find something to like about South River City it’s a question of what aspects of the area you’ll fall in love with next. 

Gradual Growth, Sustained Success:

Development of much of the 78704 area occurred during the mid-to-late 1800’s, and South River City is no exception. Although it rested physically close to downtown Austin, South River City’s initial development was stunted by the logistical issue of the Colorado River. 

There were developments in South Austin that occurred independently from the big city. The Texas School for the Deaf was opened in 1856, and St. Edward’s University was founded in 1877. These institutions, along with other developments led to a slow but steady growth in the area. 

Until a permanent bridge, the Congress Avenue Bridge, was built in 1910, commuting to and from the urban core of Austin was impractical for workers. This slowed the economic development of South Austin for its early years, but also allowed the area to develop its own personality compared to the City of Austin. Today, South Austin is still viewed as a separate entity from Austin, and maintains a unique feel to it. 

Transportation Problem? Solved:

It’s this autonomy that drives many residents to live here instead of on the north side of the Colorado. In fact, the differentiation between neighborhoods allows the residents to pick which lifestyle suits their preferences best. Greater South River City is a scaled-down example of the diversity in neighborhoods found throughout the 78704 area. Each neighborhood is intricately connected, maintaining a sense of individuality while providing unrestricted accessibility to other neighborhoods and their respective amenities.

While the entire area of South Austin is subdivided into numerous neighborhoods, so too is Greater South River City. Travis Heights sits in the center, St. Edward’s in the south and South River City in the north. Greater South River City rests south of Lady Bird Lake, a gorgeous, man-made body of water that is popular for recreation and admiration. With South Congress Avenue to the west, I-35 to the east and Highway 290 to the south, getting to and from town is a breeze. 

Small Town Feel, Big Town Perks:

One of the spectacular things about South Austin in general is the long list of things to see and do. South River City is no exception. Each subsequent neighborhood is home to beautiful parks, local eateries and plenty of shopping opportunities. 

South River City, the smaller neighborhood in the northern section of Greater South River City, features the Norwood Estate Dog Park. 

Norwood Estate Dog Park is actually a part of Town Lake Trail, itself a great way to take in the natural beauty of the Colorado River as it meanders through the heart of the city. The park is a popular spot for residents for letting their four-legged friends let off some steam and socialize with other friendly pups. 

Travis Heights, the middle section of Greater South River City, holds the Little Stacy Neighborhood Park. 

Little Stacy Neighborhood Park is a 6 acre wooded park which includes a playground for kids, a wading pool and picnic areas. It also has plenty of trails for walking or jogging, conveniently located in the middle of a more suburban area. The park also has tennis, volleyball and basketball courts for those who want a bit more of a cardio exercise. 

Big Stacy Neighborhood park is right next to Travis Heights Elementary School, and the students certainly have a lot to be thankful for because of it. The park has access to a playground, plenty of open space to run around and soak up the sun, picnic spots and even a full, free to use swimming pool. 

South of East Oltorf Street is the neighborhood of St. Edwards. Here you can find St. Edward’s University, itself providing a sense of youthful energy. Across from Travis High School is Blunn Creek Preserve, a pristine and relatively untouched track of land that provides a rugged experience for hikers and joggers. Here, the lush greenery shades you from the sun on the hottest of Austin days. While immersed in this 40 acre tract of land it’s quite possible that you may forget you’re in the heart of one of Texas? most populated areas, even if it’s just for a moment. 

Working Up an Appetite in Greater South River City:

There are plenty of great dining options in the area, and it would be impossible to name them all. Instead, here’s a short list of some locations that are loved by the locals. 

Curra’s Grill is on East Oltorf Street and serves up traditional interior mexican cuisine. They’re highly regarded for their extensive menu which covers anything from Fish Tacos to Tacos Carnitas to Cochinita Pibil. They have a reputation for serving large meals so make sure you arrive hungry. 

One of our favorite taco joints is in this area and it’s called Torchy’s Tacos. One of 60 locations, Torchy’s started in Austin so it’s only appropriate to feature this location. Just on the other side of South Congress, Torchy’s serves up high quality food using only the freshest ingredients. While you may run into one of the other locations during your travels, it’s always cool to be able to visit a location while in the city that started it all. 

You’ll have to explore the area a bit more to find your own personal favorites. We could list all of ours, but that ruins the fun of you being able to decide for yourself. Whatever the case, at least you know you won’t go hungry. 

Settling In:

If you’re considering joining the nearly 6,500 other residents who call South River City home, it’s important that you know what kind of community you’re moving into. Luckily because of the subdivided neighborhoods, there’s a lifestyle for nearly everyone. 

From the more youthful St. Edwards neighborhood to the suburban and green Travis Heights, all the way to the tight knit community of South River City which borders the river, there’s a little something for everyone. Because of the variety of homes available to choose from, you can pick the perfect fit for yourself and your family as you embrace the beginning of a new chapter.

St Edwards

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One of the primary focal points of the St. Edward’s neighborhood would undoubtedly be the presence of St. Edward’s University. The University itself has a long and storied history, one which only further enriches the historical significance of South Austin. The community that has been built up around the University clearly reflects the culture and youthfulness of a lively academic setting.

The surrounding neighborhood of St. Edward’s is popular for the students of the school, but that does not mean that it is exclusively reserved for this demographic. In fact, the area surrounding the University is full of families, young professionals and even a fair share of rising artists. 

A Community Built Around Education:

The community surrounding St. Edward’s University grew in conjunction with the school itself, but the area has nearly 150 years of history attached to it. On land which was originally used for farming and agriculture, Reverend Edward Sorin established a private Catholic school in 1877. This institution was initially named St. Edward’s Academy, an effort to honor St. Edward the Confessor (who also happened to be Sorin’s Patron Saint).

By 1885 the Academy was officially granted a charter to rename and rebrand itself as St. Edward’s College. As the school continued to evolve over time, so too did the neighborhood around it. Around the year 1900 the school enrolled nearly 200 students. Flash forward to today and the school has 4,300 students. As the school became more populated, so too did the community surrounding it. As the institution grew, it required more faculty and employees and local businesses grew alongside the school. 

There are plenty of open, green spaces within the community, matching quite well with the aesthetics of the school itself. All things considered, the unique feel of the community is also widely influenced by the lifestyle of the area itself. 

An Ideal Austin ‘College Town’:

Don’t let the label of ‘College Town’ fool you. This is not just a place for students and faculty. While the University certainly adds a sense of youth and energy to the community, it’s hardly required that you be associated with the school in order to live near it. In fact, most residents seem to find the presence of so much excitement and energy to be a welcome addition to their routines. 

The neighborhood is a great blend of a quaint, small town feel and an active urban/suburban setting. For young families who enjoy the activity of the Austin area but are more attracted to a small and intimate community, St. Edward’s is a perfect solution. 

There are other advantages to living in this section of Austin’s 78704 area, especially when you consider how close you are to local amenities and attractions. 

A Local Taste:

There are several restaurants that are local favorites nearby, some just a stone?s throw from the University. 

Torchy’s Tacos is one such popular local attraction, serving up great food using the finest quality ingredients. Today, Torchy’s has around 60 locations but each one is unique in terms of decor and feel. Most importantly, Torchy’s is a product of the City of Austin and even has three Austin locations, with one being just minutes away from St. Edward’s University. 

Another special local favorite is Summer Moon Coffee on South First St., less than half a mile from the University. If coffee is your thing, this is a very special place. Their addicting blend is made from only the freshest, 100% organic coffee beans which are then slow roasted in hand-crafted brick ovens. Only using the finest Texas oak as their fire source, they produce a cup of coffee that is unmatched both near and far. Top it all off with their homemade ‘Moonmilk’ sweet cream recipe and it becomes even more obvious why Summer Moon Coffee remains so popular. 

What Might the Future Hold for St. Edward’s Neighborhood? 

As the school continues to grow, so too will the area surrounding it. For those who like a bit of activity and youthful energy (a vibe that Austin tends to give off naturally anyway) St. Ed’s might be a great fit. With a local charm that is unique in urban settings, St. Edward’s seems to be able to take Austin’s lively personality and integrate it with a small town sense of community.