As the capital city of Texas, Austin is renowned for its vibrant culture, live music scene, and diverse mix of neighborhoods. For those who enjoy exploring on foot, Austin’s great walkability is vital to experiencing each of these neighborhoods unique charm. From the historic streets of Clarksville to the bustling corridors of Downtown, every neighborhood in Austin has its own character for residents and visitors alike to wander and discover. In this article, we take you through the streets of Austin to explore the city’s most walkable neighborhoods. Whether you’re a seasoned Austinite looking to discover new corners of the city or a newcomer eager to dive into Austin’s deep-rooted culture, join us as we traverse the neighborhoods that make up Austin’s pedestrian-friendly landscape.   5 – Downtown Austin At the heart of the city, Downtown Austin is a vibrant and dynamic area that offers something for everyone. From its iconic skyline to its busy streets, Downtown is a reflection of Austin’s unique culture and atmosphere. The area houses a diverse array of businesses, restaurants, and attractions, making it a hub of activity day and night. Whether your exploring the shops on Congress Avenue, taking in a show at the Paramount Theatre, or enjoying a leisurely stroll along Lady Bird Lake, Downtown Austin offers endless opportunities for entertainment and exploration. The Texas Capitol lies just North of Downtown Austin, showcasing its unique architecture. The building serves as a symbol for Austin’s rich history and vibrant culture. For those who are interested in learning more, guided walkthroughs are hosted every afternoon. Contrasting the vibrant streets of Downtown Austin, the Driskill Hotel stands out with its intricate details and grand facade. Beyond it’s unique construction, the Driskill is a gathering place where locals host events showcasing Austin’s music, art, and culture. Since it’s original construction in 1915, the Paramount Theatre has stood as a center for entertainment, hosting a diverse array of performances – from broadway shows to film screenings and live music performances. Like many of the historic buildings in Austin, the theatre retains the original charm it has had since it’s construction. Located in the center of the city, the Austin Central Library contrasts the historic architecture prevalent in much of downtown. Inside, the library offers a variety of activities, from children’s story-times to adult learning workshops and technology classes. In addition, the building regularly hosts events centered around creativity, offering author readings, art exhibitions, and live performances. Although downtown is known for it’s lively atmosphere, there are many other activities available for when you want to relax. Located in the heart of Austin, the 10-mile Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail leads you along the edge of Lady Bird Lake and passes by skyscrapers, neighborhoods, parks and cultural landmarks. Boat rentals dot most of the trail and allow you to join the hundreds of Austinites regularly paddling the lake. Downtown Austin stands as a vibrant center of culture and activity, offering a dynamic blend of historic and modern attractions. Whether you’re exploring landmarks, enjoying live entertainment, or taking in the sights of the city, downtown has something for everyone. Its lively atmosphere makes it a must-visit neighborhood in Austin!   4 – Clarksville Filled with history and character, Clarksville is one of Austin’s oldest and most charming neighborhoods. Located just west of Downtown, this tight-knit community boasts a unique blend of historic homes, local businesses, and green spaces. Clarksville’s tree-lined streets and pedestrian-friendly atmosphere make it a haven for walkers and cyclists. The neighborhood is also known for its thriving arts scene, with galleries and studios showcasing the work of local artists. Clarksville’s close proximity to downtown and strong sense of community offer a more laidback environment, that still benefits from the many diverse amenities located downtown. Located in Northern Clarksville , the historic Texas Governor’s Mansion has served as the official residence of countless Texan governors and their families since 1856. Its elegant architecture and storied past make it a fascinating stop for people wanting to explore deeper into Austin’s rich heritage. They offer free guided tours in the afternoon Wed – Fri. Discover the natural beauty of Pease Park! This urban oasis offers a peaceful escape with its lush greenery and winding trails. Whether you’re looking to picnic or take a leisurely stroll, Pease Park is a hidden gem waiting to be explored. Josephine House is renowned for its inviting ambiance and exceptional menu. The charming setting and delicious dishes make it a perfect spot for any occasion. For over 20 years Cipollina has been serving the Clarksville area. They have grown popular for their unique Austin take on traditional Italian cuisine. Clarksville’s blend of history, community, and accessibility to downtown amenities makes it a unique and desirable neighborhood in Austin. Its character, combined with a strong sense of community, offer a laidback yet vibrant lifestyle that appeals to residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re exploring its tree-lined streets, visiting local galleries, or simply enjoying the neighborhood’s atmosphere, Clarksville provides a glimpse into Austin’s rich past and promising future.   3 – Holly Street District Holly Street District in East Austin is a flourishing neighborhood that seamlessly blends historic buildings with it’s modern infrastructure. The Neighborhood has undergone significant revitalization in recent years, attracting many new residents and businesses to the area. Because of this, Holly Street District offers a wide variety of dining and entertainment options. With its tight-knit streets and vibrant community, Holly Street District is a testament to Austin’s continuous growth and diversity. Enjoy the scenic beauty of Downtown Austin at Waller Beach. This 28-acre park  overlooks Lake Austin with its lush greenery and peaceful waterside views. This hidden gem offers a serene escape from the city bustle of Downtown. Stroll along the expansive Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk, with the Austin skyline as your backdrop. This scenic walkway offers breathtaking views of the cityscape, making it a favorite for locals and visitors alike to enjoy a leisurely walk or bike ride. Known for their rich tonkotsu broth and vibrant atmosphere, Ramen Tatsu-ya is a must-visit for ramen lovers in Austin. Step into this Austin staple and join the queue for a taste of their legendary bowls. Check out the inviting storefront of Cenote in East Austin. This popular spot offers more than just great coffee and food; it’s a hub of local culture and community, reflecting the unique character of Austin’s diverse neighborhoods. With its historic charm, modern amenities, and diverse offerings, the Holly Street District in East Austin has become a thriving neighborhood that showcases the city’s unique blend of old and new. Its revitalization has attracted new residents and businesses, making it a vibrant hub of activity. The district’s tight-knit community and lively atmosphere make it a true reflection of Austin’s continuous growth and diversity.   2 – Bouldin Creek Nestled just south of Lady Bird Lake, Bouldin Creek is an engaging neighborhood known for its deep-rooted local culture. This busy community boasts a strong sense of pride, with many residents actively working to preserve it’s unique character. In addition, Bouldin Creek is perfect for food lovers due to its especially diverse food scene on South Congress. Its shrub-lined streets and proximity to parks make it a favorite among nature enthusiasts, and provide ample opportunity for outdoor recreation. Get a taste of South Congress’s vibrant energy! The colorful storefronts of Monkey See Monkey Do, Avenue Barber Shop, and Big Top Candy Shop add to the fun vibe of this bustling Austin street. Whether you’re shopping for quirky finds, in need of a trim, or craving something sweet, these spots have you covered. Perla’s Seafood & Oyster Bar fly in their oysters fresh daily from the East and West Coasts. They offer a large outside patio which overlooks the vibrant and busy South Congress street. At the top of Bouldin Creek lies Butler Park, a large urban park with plenty of paths to explore and great views of the city to the North. Additionally, the Long Center is located within it, regularly hosting many different conventions, concerts, and events. Bouldin Creek, south of Lady Bird Lake, embodies Austin’s charm. With its diverse food scene on South Congress and leafy streets, it’s a haven for foodies and nature lovers alike. The neighborhood’s strong community spirit adds to its unique character, making it a standout in Austin’s landscape.   1 – Mueller One of the fastest growing neighborhoods in Austin – Mueller takes the number one spot for walkability. Originally serving as the Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, the land was repurposed in the early 2000s and has since transformed into a thriving community. As a result, the neighborhood has a distinctive modern feel that isn’t replicated anywhere else in Austin. The neighborhood’s large, flat landscape highlights Austin’s natural greenery with 8 refurbished parks and over 5-miles of trails, as well as its own, Morris Williams Golf Course. Mueller is bordered by parks along most of it’s landscape, opening up to a bustling business district to the North. This district holds the majority of Mueller’s activities and restaurants, including L’Oca d’Oro – who have won multiple awards for their innovative Italian-inspired dishes. Since 2012, the Texas Farmers’ Market has been hosted every Sunday at the Mueller Branch Park Pavilion. With over 120+ local vendors, Mueller residents can enjoy easy access to fresh produce and groceries. Aldrich Street serves as a central hub for many of the events that regularly take place in Mueller, such as the Mueller Christmas Walk pictured here. Watch movies and enjoy some popcorn at the Blue Starlite Urban Drive-In. Located in South Mueller, the hill offers a beautiful vista of Austin’s ever-evolving skyline. Other restaurants within the business district include Xian Sushi and Noodle, who offer a wide range of Pan-Asian dishes and fresh sushi, and Torchy’s Tacos, who’s delicious tacos have been a staple of Austin’s food-culture since 2006. Mueller stands out as a contemporary and sustainable neighborhood in Austin, embodying modern urban living. Its innovative design and commitment to sustainability set a high standard for future developments. With its blend of residential, commercial, and green spaces, Mueller creates a dynamic and inclusive community. Its dedication to innovation and community engagement makes it both progressive and inviting   Although we didn’t mention them all, the neighborhoods we have covered represent the best of Austin’s lively and diverse atmosphere. From the vibrant nature displayed in Mueller to the diverse and colorful storefronts lining South Congress, Austin’s pedestrian experience is truly unlike any other, offering a near endless number of activities and places to explore. While our rankings provide a glimpse into the walkability of Austin’s neighborhoods, they only scratch the surface of what each area has to offer. Every neighborhood has its own unique character, shaped by its own history, culture, and residents. Whether you prefer the historic charm of Hyde Park or the modern vibe of Mueller, there’s always more just waiting to be explored on foot. So, lace up your walking shoes and get ready to discover the sights, sounds, and flavors of Austin, one neighborhood at a time!

Top 5 reasons Barton Hills Neighborhood is one of the best neighborhoods in Austin. This article will give you an insiders guide to life in Barton Hills – and why so many neighbors never want to leave the Barton Hills neighborhood once they get their spot.  Case in point, many of the residents purchased their home in the 1950’s, 60’s and 70’s and have never left.     The neighborhood is located in Austin’s most famous zip code – 78704. The “04” became famous with the rise of the ACL festival, hosted annually within Zilker Park. ACL is located near Barton Hills Thousands of local and out of town visitors attend the ACL Fest The “flags” are a popular spot to meet up with friends at ACL Fest                 #1 – Barton Hills is in close proximity to many of Austin’s favorite attractions Barton Hills is adjacent to Zilker Park as well as Barton Springs, one of Austin’s most treasured local attractions.  Living In Barton Hills is like having the city’s greatest playground in your backyard.  Another unique feature in Barton Hills is the Barton Creek greenbelt which runs through the neighborhood.  There are numerous access points to hike and bike along the many greenbelt trails. Furthermore, Barton Hills is only three miles from Downtown Austin. Barton Springs, a popular swimming spot James D. Pfluger Bridge, the downtown pedestrian bridge which spans Lady Bird Lake               One of the many entrances leading into the Barton Creek Greenbelt trails Greenbelt swimming hole located off of Barton Creek Trail                             #2 – Barton Hills is uniquely located close to both city life and nature Barton Hills is ideally positioned, with Barton Creek greenbelt running to the south and west perimeter of the neighborhood and South Lamar acting as the eastern boundary.  The northern boundary of the neighborhood is just 3 miles from downtown Austin.  The neighborhood also has easy access to Mopac and Hwy 360. #3 – Barton Hills is one of Austin’s most walkable neighborhoods In addition to the hiking trails that run through the neighborhood, Barton Hills is bike-able and walk-able to numerous restaurants, coffee shops, bars and shopping. Keep in mind, its called Barton Hills, not Barton flats – therefore, expect some elevation when walking through the neighborhood!  South Lamar is one of the boundary lines for the Barton Hills Neighborhood, with many of Austin’s most popular restaurants located just off of it, such as Torchy’s Tacos, Matt’s El Rancho, and Kerbey Lane cafe. Kerbey Lane Cafe, a popular family-owned local cafe Just across from Kerbey Lane Cafe is Torchy’s Tacos, who are known for their unique selection of tacos Matt’s El Rancho, famous Tex-Mex restaurant             Better yet, neighbors can two-step right across South Lamar to the world famous Broken Spoke dance hall! First built in 1964, the Broken Spoke continues to serve the Austin area to this day An Official Texas Landmark, the Broken Spoke dance hall attracts locals and tourists alike               #4 – Barton Hills is zoned for highly rated schools Barton Hills Elementary entrance Barton Hills is zoned to the highly rated, Barton Hills Elementary school. On any given weekday you will see children walking to school. This is an added benefit as almost every home in the neighborhood is located within a mile of it. Just over 350 children attend Barton Hills Elementary. This small but mighty group of children and families are very involved in the school community. One of the best features of the school is that it backs up to the Barton creek greenbelt, and as such, offers opportunities for outdoor learning.  After completing elementary school, students have a choice of attending O’Henry middle school or applying to Anne Richards School for girls, Kealing middle school or Small middle school.  Austin High is the designated high school for the neighborhood.       #5 – Barton Hills is the friendliest place I have ever lived Best of all, the Barton Hills neighborhood is a true community.  The neighborhood association organizes an annual 4th of July parade featuring old fashioned fun including contests to decorate bikes and wagons.  There are numerous block parties through out the year and on Halloween the streets are full of trick or treaters.  As a result, people know each others names and take care of each other. How much do homes cost in the Barton Hills neighborhood? The neighborhood was built between 1955 and 1978 and much of the original architecture is still prevalent. However, there are also newly constructed homes scattered between the older properties. In recent years developers have been buying up older homes and tearing them down to make room for large, modern architecture.  The lot value for “tear down” homes starts at $900K  Older homes in the neighborhood that have been cared start at around $1M and and updated homes fetch as much as $2.5M.  There are some single bedroom condos in the neighborhood for as little as $350K.   Buyers can expect to pay between $2.5M -$5M for new construction or around $1000 per square foot.  Homes with a great greenbelt view sell for a premium. Barton Creek, photo taken from the Greenbelt walking trail Ready to move to the Barton Hills neighborhood?  You’re in luck, we have a beautiful 4 bedroom home available for sale located at 2807 Rockingham Dr. This midcentury modern home on .43 acres is your opportunity to live in one of Austin’s most coveted neighborhoods, Barton Hills.   This home features a classic limestone exterior, dramatic 1970’s architecture and is situated on a large private lot with an abundance of trees.  There is even a private greenbelt entrance located around the corner from this home.  Don’t miss your chance to live the Barton Hills lifestyle.  Contact me today for more information or to schedule a private showing.

With a never ending list of everything you ‘should do’ when purchasing a home, it seems counterproductive to focus on what you should not do. But being aware of the dont’s is just as important as the do’s, when it comes to making the biggest financial investment of your life. And knowing what not to do, just might land you better financing and the home of your dreams. It may seem obvious to not do certain things like switching your job or co-signing a loan, but did you ever think that depositing cash or financing a new piece of furniture could affect your ability to get a mortgage? As big as your ‘to do’ list is when purchasing a property, make sure you also have your ‘not to do’ list in close reach. Read on to make sure you are avoiding these common mistakes and what to be aware of before you make your first offer on a property. #1 Don’t overestimate what you can afford Before you even begin the search for that perfect property, it is essential that you get pre-approved. Looking for homes outside of your budget is a waste of your time and can wreak havoc on your emotions. And you will be disappointed if what you are pre-approved for is substantially less than what you thought. It is best to run the numbers yourself before meeting with a mortgage broker. Mortgage brokers will likely do a debt to loan ratio. Meaning, they take your monthly debt and divide it by your monthly income. Most mortgage brokers want to keep your debt to loan or DTI below 33%. So for example, if your debt is $1,500 a month (and debt accounts for debt obligations like car payments and student loans not bills like you cell phone or power bills) and you make $6,000 a month, your DTI is 25%. They will calculate your new monthly mortgage to make sure your overall DTI is below 33%. A great way to understand your own spending habits is to track them. There are a number of apps you can use like Mint or Itab that allows you to record your daily purchases. There is a section for you bills and you can calculate how much you are saving a month as well. Once you allot for things like taxes and vacations you will have a pretty good idea of where your money is going. Replace your rent or your current mortgage payment with a monthly mortgage payment you would feel comfortable with and make sure you are in that ballpark when getting a loan. You know your own lifestyle, if you like to travel and dine, than you may want to make sure you will have the disposable income that suits your own life. #2 Don’t get emotionally invested When you find that perfect home, it can be hard not to get emotionally attached. Depending on the time of year or the market you are in, there could be other offers on the property or things could go wrong like the home inspection and the offer could fall through. Go in the home buying process with high intention and low attachment. It will keep your spirits high when looking for that perfect place. #3 Don’t make any large purchases When you begin thinking about purchasing a home, make sure you avoid making any large purchases. Large purchases such as buying a new car, a new furniture set or a home entertainment center. Banks will look at your financial history and want to see any recent activity. The mortgage pre-approval you were given is based on how much money you had in your account and how much money you owed at the time you applied. If you make a large purchase and there is less money in your account, the less money the bank will be willing to lend you for your mortgage. As tempting as it is to envision furnishing a new property or parking your new car in the driveway of your dream home, hold off till you close on the property and are sure you can afford it. #4 Don’t take out or put in large amount of cash from your bank account Do not put in or take out large amounts of cash. The bank financing you will flag large deposits coming in because they may be loans from a bank or another lender. You in turn would have to pay back those loans on top of your mortgage, which would damage your loan to debt ratio. A parent or family member may have gifted you part of your down payment in which case they may need to sign a letter stating that the money was a gift and you will not be paying them back. If you did in fact have to pay them back, it would be added to your monthly debt. If you do happen to get a large sum of money from selling something like a car or if someone pays you money back that is owned, you may just have to prove it was from a legitimate source. Most lenders will look at up to 60 days worth of bank statements. It is best to get your documentation organized prior to applying for the mortgage and make sure you can account for any large withdrawals or deposits. #5 Don’t apply for more credit How much you will get to finance your house will come down to how much money you have saved and how much money you have coming in, or your capital. Any extra debt will decrease the amount you are approved for so adding anymore credit can greatly affect how much your loan will be. #6 Don’t co-sign a loan This may seem like common sense but if a friend or family member needs you to co-sign a mortgage then you might not think anything of it. But co-signing a loan can really effect your own chance of being able to get one. If they default on their mortgage then you are responsible for the payments, which in turn would affect your ability to make your own. In cases like these, it is best to protect your own financial interests. #7 Don’t finance anything Along with new home purchases comes new appliances, new furniture and maybe a new big screen TV. But financing anything when applying for a mortgage or prior to closing will do more harm than good. Stay clear of the temptation to get every last thing you need for a new home and focus on your ability to afford it in the first place. #8 Don’t switch a job, leave a job or start a company Your ability to show you are financially stable is the single biggest determinant in getting a mortgage. Quitting a job or switching jobs can aid in your potential risk to a lender that you are not in a good financial or stable position. If you are planning on applying for a new position or starting a company, it is best to do it once you have closed on the property. And of course, try not to get fired. #9 Don’t miss loan payments If you do have any loans you’re paying off, make sure you do not miss any payments. You likely haven’t missed any if you have good credit, but be extra cautious when applying for a mortgage. Sometimes they’re honest mistakes like having been away for work or on a trip for a substantial amount of time. Or maybe you were in the hospital or a family member was sick so you were not as on top of your bills. But having a 30 day missed payment can drop your credit by more than 100 points. So be sure to stay on top of your finances, especially when your credit score is crucial to your pre-approval. #10 Don’t switch banks I mean you likely don’t switch banks very often, but sometimes banks offer freebies like televisions sets or cash back when opening an account. It can be tempting, especially given the timing, but detrimental to a mortgage pre-approval. Stick with the bank you have now so you will be able to provide at least 60 days of transactions and bank account balances. It may seem minor but can make your life a lot more complicated than it needs to be if you switch your bank last minute. Conclusion The list may be longer than you expected, but you can easily avoid a number of problems by understanding what can affect your decision making and your ability to get financing when you are getting ready to purchase a new home. By getting your finances and documents in order prior to getting a pre-approval, and by getting a pre-approval prior to searching for a home, you will be well ahead of the game. And once you have the pre-approval, you will know everything not to do, so it is still effective on closing. And that’s it! Hold off on that new car, stick with the bank you’re with and stay on top of your bills. Mortgage pre-approvals can be stressful and time consuming but well worth the extra effort once you get the key to your dream home!

Purchasing a home will inevitably be the biggest financial discussion of your life. And the decision as to whether it is the right time to purchase a home depends on a number of factors. And it is not just your finances. Although your finances are important, other things you should consider before putting in an offer are your age, the current real estate and mortgage market and of course where you see yourself in the future. So should you rent or purchase a home? Find out by asking yourself the following questions. What are your future plans? In the short term, renting is always cheaper. There are substantially less costs involved in renting, and normally just comprise of first and last months, a monthly hydro bill and maybe the actual expense to move. Where if you decide to purchase a home there are a number of costs involved. Even once you are able to save the deposit you will need to save an additional amount to pay the costs of purchasing. Other costs include land transfer taxes, lawyers fees and potentially closing costs. And once you do move in, your monthly bills will likely be more than if you were renting. It is best to calculate how long you plan to stay where you are. If you plan to stay indefinitely, then purchasing is your best decision. If you plan to stay for only a few years, then renting may be substantially cheaper. There are scenarios where this may not be the case. If you are purchasing in a large metropolitan city or in the surrounding areas of one, there is a chance that the market could go up substantially in a couple years time, in which case you would have made money. But no one knows for sure what the market is going to do, so it is best to take the risk you feel most comfortable with. How old are you? If you are still in your twenties you may end up relocating due to relationships or career opportunities. In which case renting would give you more flexibility than purchasing. If you are in your thirties and are in a longer term relationship and are more established in your career, then purchasing may be a better option. As well, most people spend their twenties saving so they can purchase in their thirties. But the sooner you know where you want to live and who you want to be with, the sooner you should purchase. How much does it really cost? There are a number of fees that come with home ownership. And as we have gone over a few already, it is best to run the numbers yourself so you have a better idea of how much it would cost to purchase vs rent. Fees to purchase include saving the deposit, which is usually about 20% of the purchase price of the home. Lawyers fees, land transfer fees, closing costs if the home your purchased is new build and moving expenses including moving trucks. You will have to furnish the new home, you may need to purchase window treatments and do any needed renovations or repairs. And of course, your carrying costs. With renting you normally just pay your landlord once a month and then possibly a hydro bill and or tenant insurance. But when you own a home you will have to pay your mortgage, property taxes, maintenance fees if it is a condominium and any additional bills like hydro and insurance. You will also need to put some money away on a monthly basis to save for future repair or maintenance of the home including replacing the roof or furnace. Depending on how much you have saved to put down on the property and how much rent is in the city, you would have to run the numbers yourself to see what makes sense. But make sure you consider the amount of buying vs renting in the long run and the costs associated with each. Are you in high interest debt? If you have car loans, credit card debt or any other debt that has a high interest rate, it may make more financial sense to pay that off and then save up for the deposit for a home. Buy taking out a mortgage when you are already in a substantial amount of debt, may be putting yourself in a worst financial situation. And the likelihood of getting a mortgage or a mortgage with a good interest rate, will be lower if you already have a number of loans. Take care of the debt you are in, and then sign off on the big mortgage loan. Do you have the deposit saved? If you do not have between 10% and 20% of the purchase price of the home saved then your monthly payments will be a substantially lot more. Putting down as much as you can will keep your carrying costs lower. As well, if you do not have at least 20% saved, you will likely have to insure your mortgage which can up your monthly payments. Assess your current savings, see how long it will take you to save a deposit, and start looking once you have it saved. Another option, if you feel comfortable, is asking your parents to lend you a certain percentage towards the price and paying them back a certain amount every month, so you can sooner get into the market. Run the numbers and know what makes the most sense for you. Is your job stable? How many years have you been in your job? Do you plan to stay in the field you are in? These are the types of questions you should be asking yourself when thinking about purchasing. If you are happy in your line of work, you plan to stay in the city you are in and you are confident that your job is stable, then purchasing is likely your best bet. But if you are in a line of work that involves contract, seasonal work or if you have just started your job or would consider moving somewhere else, then you should hold off on purchasing until you are more decisive. Conclusion It may seem like the obvious choice to build equity and bank in on future appreciation, but purchasing may not always be your best option. If you are just starting out in your career, have other debts, have not saved a sufficient deposit, are not established in your line of work or might consider moving, then you might want to consider renting until you are in a more stable and confident position about the future.