Living in Downtown Austin: Best Districts, Nightlife, & Restaurants
If you’re looking to live in downtown Austin, this guide is for you.
Downtown Austin is loved by outdoor enthusiasts, professionals, music lovers, and entrepreneurs. Lady Bird Lake attracts those looking for waterside views and a location near walking trails, while the Moody Theatre attract fans of live entertainment.
We’ve organized the top five districts in downtown to live:
- 4th Street/Warehouse District
- Seaholm/Market District
- Red River Cultural District
- Rainey Street District
- 2nd Street District
4th Street/Warehouse District
The Warehouse District (also called the 4th Street District) extends along 4th Street just west of Congress Ave.
Things to Do (nightlife, dining, cafes, entertainment)
Warehouse District is where to be. Upscale and romantic cocktail lounges like Powder Room and The Roosevelt Room are exquisitely designed with ambient lighting and mystique. French restaurants such as Restaurant Francois and Peche are among the most elegant spots to dine in the district.
Republic Square, central to the Warehouse District, hosts a variety of events throughout the year including holiday markets, a Summer Sunset yoga series, and weekend farmers’ markets.
Conveniences in the Area
With central access to employers, the Warehouse District is a great area to live. Industrious, a coworking space, is popular among Austin remote workers.
Facebook, Indeed, and Whole Foods Market Headquarters are conveniently located on West 6th Street, while Dell Technologies and Salesforce offices sit across from the Indeed Tower.
Grab groceries at Royal Blue Grocery, necessities at CVS, or get a workout in at Studio Three or OrangeTheory.
Where to Live/Stay
Hotel ZaZa is an award-winning hotel on Lavaca Street known for its opulence, resort-style pool, chandelier-covered event rooms, and high-end dining.
415 Colorado has elevated the district’s housing standard with skyline views, floor-to-ceiling windows, and amenities like an indoor golf simulator. Located next to Sushi Roku, this apartment building also features a Swedish Hill cafe on its ground floor. Explore their apartment and penthouse suites here.
Similar residences include Hanover Republic Square and Gables Republic Square.
Seaholm/Market District
The Seaholm District was revitalized by the City of Austin, beginning with redevelopment of abandoned industrial sites such as the Seaholm Power Plant, Pole Yard, and Energy Control Center.
Located west of the 2nd Street District and bordering N Lamar Blvd, Seaholm is a livable area with grocery stores, offices, restaurants, and direct access to Lady Bird Lake.
Things to Do (nightlife, dining, cafes, entertainment)
Lady Bird Lake is a major attraction. Residents walk the Ann and Roy Butler Trail, bike along Lance Armstrong Bikeway, and enjoy Sand Beach Park.
Visit Shoal Beach, explore Shoal Creek Trail, or tour Austin’s Central Public Library, known for its art-deco design, rooftop views, and cozy seating.
Dine at Ember Kitchen, grab a sandwich from Meat & Bread, or enjoy bright atmosphere and upscale Mediterranean at The Peacock inside The Proper Hotel.
Conveniences in the Area
The Trader Joe’s in Seaholm Plaza is a major convenience, with additional shopping nearby on 2nd Street. Remote workers enjoy Trick Hat Workway. Grab a workout at the Lifetime Fitness or barre3, located near W. 3rd Street.
Major employers like Google and Deloitte are situated along W. 2nd Street.
Red River Cultural District
As expected of any city’s cultural district, Austin’s Red River Cultural District is known for its diverse array of art- from music, to food, to outdoor murals. Music lovers find home at Red River. It spans five blocks along Red River Street bordering I-35.
Things to Do (nightlife, dining, cafes, entertainment)
Art and culture manifest in Austin’s food scene. Attend Hot Luck during the summer for classic Texas BBQ and more. Popular local restaurants in the area include Pelons Tex Mex and Stubb’s BBQ – which doubles as a concert venue!
Conveniences in the Area
Waller Creek Center, a mixed-use office, hotel, and luxury residential space, is located just outside Austin Water and Waller Creek and an attraction by city-goers for its creative art installations.
Rainey Street District
Rainey Street Historic District has its eastern border along Lady Bird Lake and its western border along I-35. Rainey Street is filled with historic bungalow homes, many renovated into unique bars and restaurants. Its place on the National Register of Historic Places has contributed to the neighborhood’s charm.
Things to Do (nightlife, dining, cafes, entertainment)
An array of patio bars exist on Rainey Street. Banger’s Sausage House is an iconic Rainey spot with 202 beers on tap, housemade sausages, and live music on the patio. After that, check out Bungalow, a live music patio bar featuring signature cocktails, food trucks, and tons of outdoor seating. Come to Rainey on a “Sippin Sunday” for drink deals throughout the district.
Restaurants range anywhere from upscale dining to food trucks. Check out Geraldine’s and Emmer & Rye, or laid back local restaurants like Moonshine Grill, Anthem, and Salvation Pizza.
Where to Live/Stay
There are several hotels in the Rainey Street district. Hotel Van Zandt, a 4-star hotel inspired by country artist Townes Van Zandt, features an elegant bar and restaurant. Fairfield by Marriott boasts a towering building in the district, providing an upscale experience at an affordable price point.
2nd Street District
South of the Warehouse District is 2nd Street district, home to Austin City Limits’ Moody Theater and shopping and entertainment options. This six-block district is highly walkable and offers a modern living experience compared to other downtown districts.
Things to Do (nightlife, dining, cafes, entertainment)
There is no shortage of things to do in the 2nd Street District. Shop local at Hemline and United Apparel Liquidators, or trendy fashion at Urban Outfitters and Brandy Melville.
Check out Lamberts. Modern Mexican? Try ATX Cocina. In the mood for an upscale entree? You’ll love The Guest House.
On the eastern end of 2nd Street is the Austin Convention Center which hosts SXSW. In the center of the district is The Moody Theatre, famous for ACL Live and 3TEN. When you live near 2nd Street, you’re down the road from the biggest events in Austin!
Conveniences in the Area
Locals love popular gyms like Barry’s, Ride indoor cycling, and Solidcore, and you can even find a personal trainer at RxFit.
Austin City Hall serves as a meeting place for public discourse and community events in Downtown Austin. It’s notably characterized by angular architecture and limestone, making it a great spot to stroll and read.
Royal Blue Grocery is on W 3rd St, and a Trader Joes is down the road off West Ave, though there are many quick places to grab a bite like Local Foods and Sweetgreen.
Employees of Silicon Labs, the City of Austin, and Google will find living in the 2nd Street district extra convenient with quick access to these offices.
What District Should I Live in Downtown Austin?
Downtown Austin is walkable, vibrant, and offers an abundance of both outdoor activity and nightlife.
The most central district is Warehouse District, where residents are in proximity to shopping, Lady Bird Lake, and the largest nightlife scene. Major Austin employers like Google, Dell, and Facebook are in or within a block of Warehouse District, making it highly sought after.
If you’re looking to live at a downtown Austin luxury high rise, be sure to explore 415 Colorado, one of the newest and most significant apartment buildings in the area.