2113 Thornton Rd, Austin, TX 78704

A unique opportunity in the heart of sought-after 78704 to own TWO detached residences on one expansive 20,473-square-foot lot (.47 acres). Tucked away on a private, tree-filled property backing to a creek, both 2-bedroom, 1-bath homes are in phenomenal condition.

The original structure, built in 1952 and renovated in 2003, is a charming home offering 780 sqft, covered porches, and a fenced front yard. The second structure, built in 2007, offers 900 sqft, featuring abundant natural light, hardwood flooring, and inviting indoor-outdoor living spaces. Both homes include in-unit laundry and dedicated parking.

Live in one and rent the other, create a multigenerational retreat, or hold as an income-producing investment. Just minutes from downtown, South Lamar, South 1st, Loro, The ABGB, coffee shops, shopping, and entertainment, this property offers incredible flexibility and long-term potential in one of Austin’s most desirable neighborhoods.

All information provided is deemed reliable but not guaranteed, is subject to change and should be verified independently by buyer and buyer's agent.

The 0.47-acre lot at 2113 Thornton Road in the 78704 zip code contains two income-producing residences, making this one of the few remaining development opportunities in the heart of Austin's most established neighborhoods. Built in 1952 and renovated in 2003, the original 2-bed, 1-bath cottage sits on mature landscaping with multiple medium-height trees creating natural screening and privacy despite being located minutes from downtown Austin. The second structure, completed in 2007, adds another 2-bed, 1-bath unit with hardwood flooring and extensive glass that dissolves the line between interior living and the lush rear yard.

The primary cottage's covered front and rear porches blur the boundary between inside and outside living. Recessed lighting and ceiling fans throughout the main structure maintain the intimate, efficient feel typical of mid-century Austin cottages. Both residences feature tile and wood flooring, stainless steel appliances including dishwasher and range, and dedicated laundry hookups. The interior lot positioning just off Oltorf Street, with convenient access to South Lamar and South 1st Street, places residents within walking distance of Loro and The ABGB while maintaining the quiet garden-focused setting that defines this address.

Zilker Elementary, O Henry Middle, and Austin High School serve the property through Austin ISD, anchoring the neighborhood's family stability. The proximity to downtown Austin via Oltorf makes this location practical for professional commuters without sacrificing the tree-canopied, human-scale character that attracted residents to 78704 in the first place.

At $521 per square foot for 1,680 total square feet of developed space, the property offers flexibility that contemporary single-family homes cannot match. Investors currently operating the two units benefit from in-place tenants and dual parking arrangements. Owner-occupants can consolidate to one residence and develop, renovate, or hold the second structure for future value capture. The SF-3 zoning and substantial lot size position this asset ahead of surrounding properties constrained by typical subdivision lot lines.

The established tree canopy, covered outdoor living spaces, and dual-unit configuration create a rare combination in central Austin. This is acquisition-ready income property in a location where land assembly would cost significantly more than the asking price.

South Congress is the only street in Austin where you can buy custom cowboy boots, eat handmade sushi at a ten-seat counter, and watch 1.5 million Mexican free-tailed bats take flight from a bridge - all within a half-mile walk. That density of experience makes this neighborhood different from every other part of the city. It is a real neighborhood where people live full lives, and the commercial strip at its center happens to be the most photographed street in Texas.

The corridor runs along Congress Avenue south of Lady Bird Lake, roughly from the bridge to Oltorf Street, with residential streets extending east and west. Downtown is a ten-minute walk across the Congress Avenue Bridge. The Texas Capitol is visible from the north end. Perla's does coastal seafood on a patio that becomes a scene on weekends. Home Slice Pizza has had a line since the day it opened. Aba serves Mediterranean with a rooftop view. June's All Day handles the all-day cafe role. Otoko is one of the most exclusive dining experiences in Texas. Magnolia Cafe remains a late-night institution. Jo's Coffee is where the famous mural lives, and Lenoir offers a prix fixe wine garden.

Craftsman bungalows from the 1920s through 1940s give the neighborhood its character, with front porches and mature pecan trees. Modern condominiums line the avenue itself. Contemporary townhomes fill spaces between. Bungalows on decent lots start around $700,000 and can exceed $1.5 million. Condos range from the mid-$400s to over $2 million for luxury high-rise units with downtown views. Lot sizes for single-family homes are small, often under a tenth of an acre, which keeps the density high and the walkability real.

Travis Heights Elementary serves many addresses and carries a loyal following among families wanting a diverse, walkable community. Fulmore Middle School and Travis High School are the secondary feeders. The schools are urban public schools in the truest sense: diverse student bodies, active parent organizations, and programs that benefit from a central location. Some families supplement with Austin Montessori and other private options nearby.

The street itself is a walking experience: vintage clothing, record shops, galleries, and restaurants on both sides of a wide sidewalk. Barton Springs Pool is a short walk west. Blunn Creek Greenbelt cuts through the residential streets. The Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk puts residents on the water trail system without driving. The Congress Avenue Bridge bat colony draws crowds March through October. Social energy peaks on weekend evenings when the avenue fills and patios at Perla's and Home Slice spill onto sidewalks.

South Congress is not directly comparable to suburban luxury neighborhoods because the product is fundamentally different. East Austin has more new construction and grittier energy. Travis Heights is quieter with larger lots. Rainey Street has been consumed by high-rises. South Congress maintains a balance between commercial energy and residential livability none of those can match. The bungalows have proven to be strong long-term holds.

South Congress is for buyers who want to live inside Austin's cultural heartbeat. It works for couples, creatives, and professionals who prioritize walkability and social energy over square footage. It works for investors who understand that a Craftsman bungalow on a South Congress side street is one of the scarcest asset classes in the city.