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Austin Neighborhood Guide
Downtown Austin condos and homes for sale in 78701. High-rise living, Rainey Street, 2nd Street District, walkability score 90+. $650K median. Austin's #1 team.
Downtown Austin in 78701 has a median home price around $875K. Zoned to Austin ISD. 16 listings currently available. Keenan Group - #1 Austin team, 25+ years, 1,000+ transactions.
Source: Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate, Austin TX
Luxury Buyer Fit Snapshot
Buyer Fit
Best for buyers targeting $875K+ opportunities in Downtown Austin.
Lifestyle Fit
Austin ISD (78701) helps anchor school-driven search and day-to-day livability.
Real experiences from buyers and sellers in this neighborhood

Being in the commercial real estate business for 35 years, I've seen my share of professionals, but few are as conscientious as Cara Keenan and Joe Keenan at Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate. They came highly recommended from a friend as I looked for a home or condo in Austin, and I couldn't have been happier with the last ten months of working together. Not only are they smart, ethical, loyal, and really knowledgeable about the market, but they're a lot of fun to work with as well. In sum, there's only one residential real estate firm I would recommend to friends looking for a home in Austin: Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate.
Chip Conley
Commercial Real Estate Veteran & Austin Homebuyer
My sister and I were truly impressed with Joe Keenan and Cara Keenan throughout the entire process! They listed our parent's home that we grew up in and had owned since 1967. They were so knowledgeable, professional, and quick to respond to any and all questions or concerns that we had. The process of selling, listing, handling offers, and even closing was explained to us so well. We are so appreciative of Joe Keenan and Cara Keenan and will recommend to friends. They are amazing!
Seller Fit
16 active listings means pricing precision and premium positioning matter for faster offer quality.
Keenan Group Authority
Yes. Downtown Austin has a Walk Score above 90, making it the most walkable area in the Austin metro. Most residents can walk to groceries (Whole Foods on 5th Street), dining, entertainment, fitness, and employment without a car. Lady Bird Lake trail access is available directly from downtown.
Downtown Austin is primarily in ZIP code 78701. This ZIP covers the area from Lady Bird Lake north to the UT campus, and from I-35 west to Lamar Boulevard / MoPac. Parts of Rainey Street and the 2nd Street District fall within 78701.
Downtown Austin is served by Austin ISD. However, most downtown buyers are young professionals, investors, or empty nesters rather than families with school-age children. Families in the area typically attend Mathews Elementary, O. Henry Middle School, and Austin High School.
HOA fees in downtown Austin high-rises range from $500/month to $2,500+/month depending on the building, unit size, and amenities. Fees typically cover building maintenance, insurance, pools, fitness centers, concierge, and reserve funds. Always review HOA financials, reserve adequacy, and pending special assessments before purchasing.
The Keenan Group is the #1 Austin Board of Realtors Team (2024) with experience across downtown's major towers including The Independent, Austonian, Spring, and Seaholm. With $1B+ in career sales, we provide building-level intelligence on HOA financials, reserve studies, and management quality that protects your investment. Contact us at (512) 415-7653.
The Keenan Group at Compass is the #1 ranked team by the Austin Board of Realtors (2024) with 25+ years serving Downtown Austin. Joe and Cara Keenan have completed 1,000+ career transactions and $1B+ in career sales volume, with deep expertise in Downtown Austin pricing, schools, and market dynamics. Their 8-person team includes specialists in residential sales, relocation, and new construction. Contact Keenan Group for a confidential consultation: (512) 415-7653.
Current live MLS market data for Downtown Austin shows median pricing around $875,000. Prices range significantly by product type, size, condition, floor plan, and proximity to amenities. For exact median price, price bands, sales-through, and a property-specific valuation, contact the Keenan Group for a market brief.
Downtown Austin is a residential neighborhood in Austin, Texas (ZIP 78701) known for Austin ISD school context, established tree canopy, and proximity to downtown Austin. Current market data shows median pricing around $875,000, and pricing should be reviewed by price band, property type, and recent sales. Downtown Austin attracts families, professionals, and executives who value address-level school verification, central location, and neighborhood character. The Keenan Group has served Downtown Austin buyers and sellers for 25+ years.
| Neighborhood | Median Price | School District | ZIP | Active Listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Austin (you are here) | $875K | Austin ISD | 78701 | 16 |
| Downtown Condos | $670K | Austin ISD | 78701 | 235 |
| Tarrytown | $1.95M | Austin ISD | 78703 | 30 |
| Bouldin Creek | $1.17M | Austin ISD | 78704 | 28 |
| Brentwood | $664K | Austin ISD | 78757 | 25 |
Last updated
Cindy Elbrecht
Family Estate Seller in Austin, TX
I work in finance downtown and wanted to ditch the commute entirely. Joe showed me condos and townhomes in the Rainey Street and Second Street areas. He was honest that downtown living means noise, parking headaches, and higher HOAs, but said the walkability and lifestyle trade-off is worth it for the right person. I bought a two-bedroom townhome near the convention center and walk to work in eight minutes. Joe helped me find the right fit without sugarcoating the downsides.
R. Kane
District guides, ratings, and school-zone pricing impact

Austin's urban core in 78701 — high-rise condos, Rainey Street, Congress Avenue, Lady Bird Lake trail access, and walkability that no Austin suburb can match.
#1 ABoR Team 2024$1B+ Career Sales1,000+ Homes Sold
Written by Joe and Cara Keenan — 25+ years selling Austin residential real estate including downtown high-rises.
Downtown Austin is the urban core of the city, centered on ZIP code 78701 and defined by Congress Avenue, Lady Bird Lake, and the State Capitol. It is primarily a condo market, with high-rise towers dominating the inventory. The area has a walkability score above 90, with Rainey Street, the 2nd Street District, and Congress Avenue providing dining, entertainment, and retail within walking distance. Austin ISD serves the area, though most downtown buyers are young professionals, investors, and empty nesters rather than families with school-age children. Major employers including Google, Meta, and Apple have offices downtown or nearby. Current market context is verified through live MLS market data before property-specific pricing guidance.
Source: Written by Joe and Cara Keenan — 25+ years selling Austin residential real estate including downtown high-rises.
Map & Boundary
Active Listings
16
Downtown Austin is the only walkable urban market in central Texas. Nowhere else in the Austin metro can you live without a car — walk to work, walk to dinner, walk to Lady Bird Lake for a morning run, and walk home from a concert on 6th Street. That walkability is the product, and it commands a price premium per square foot that reflects genuine scarcity.
The inventory is almost entirely condos. The major towers — The Independent (58 stories, Austin's tallest residential building), The Austonian, Spring, 360 Condominiums, Seaholm Residences, and the newer towers along Rainey Street — define the market. Single-family homes downtown are rare and typically trade above $2M. The typical downtown buyer is choosing between towers, not between a house and a condo.
Where Downtown Austin buyers and residents actually eat — from date night to weeknight favorites.
| Name | Cuisine / Type | Price | Highlights | Last verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Farm-to-table American | $$$$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
Red Ash |
Trails and outdoor activities that buyers and locals ask about most.
| Name | Highlights |
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Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail |
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Pfluger Pedestrian Bridge |
Family favorites, date night ideas, and local experiences close to the neighborhood.
| Name | Highlights |
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Side-by-side comparison with similar Austin neighborhoods based on price range, school district, and location.
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Active Listings | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
Downtown AustinCurrent | N/A | 16 | You're here |
| $670K | 235 | View Guide | |
| $1.9M | 30 | View Guide | |
| $1.2M | 28 | View Guide | |
| $664K | 25 | View Guide |
Prices based on trailing 12-month polygon-based market data. Contact Keenan Group for a personalized comparison.
6 transactions totaling $2.95M | Avg list price $492K
| Address | List Price |
|---|---|
| 1812 West Ave Unit #202 | $650K |
| 40 N Interstate 35 Unit #8B2 | $475K |
| 40 N Interstate 35 #5C3 | $500K |
| 54 Rainey St #Ph13 | $420K |
Live MLS market data for Downtown Austin is temporarily unavailable. Keenan Group verifies median price, price bands, active inventory, and recent sales-through before giving property-specific guidance.
Downtown Austin is bounded roughly by I-35 (east), MoPac/Lamar (west), the UT campus and Capitol complex (north), and Lady Bird Lake (south). Most daily needs are met within this footprint on foot. The area is Austin's most connected transit hub, with Capital Metro bus routes, the MetroRail Red Line terminus, and rideshare services concentrated here.
The parking and traffic reality is worth stating plainly: if you live downtown and work downtown, you may not need a car at all. If your job or social life extends to the suburbs, you will need one — and parking in your building typically costs $150-$300/month for a reserved space. Street parking is metered and competitive.
Downtown Austin is defined by its public spaces and entertainment infrastructure more than by residential character. It is a place where you live in a tower and your living room is the city itself — Lady Bird Lake for morning exercise, Congress Avenue for coffee, 2nd Street for lunch, and Rainey Street or 6th Street for evening plans. That trade of private space for public amenity is the downtown value proposition.
The biggest change in downtown Austin over the past five years has been density. New towers have added thousands of residential units, which has improved walkability and street-level energy but also increased competition for parking, restaurant reservations, and weekend trail use. Downtown is becoming a real urban neighborhood — with both the advantages and friction that implies.
Downtown buyers typically compare with Clarksville, Rainey Street (technically part of downtown), South Congress, and East Austin. The decision is usually between walkable urban living and more space at a lower price point.
Yes. Downtown Austin has a Walk Score above 90, making it the most walkable area in the Austin metro. Most residents can walk to groceries (Whole Foods on 5th Street), dining, entertainment, fitness, and employment without a car. Lady Bird Lake trail access is available directly from downtown.
Downtown Austin is primarily in ZIP code 78701. This ZIP covers the area from Lady Bird Lake north to the UT campus, and from I-35 west to Lamar Boulevard / MoPac. Parts of Rainey Street and the 2nd Street District fall within 78701.
Downtown Austin is served by Austin ISD. However, most downtown buyers are young professionals, investors, or empty nesters rather than families with school-age children. Families in the area typically attend Mathews Elementary, O. Henry Middle School, and Austin High School.
HOA fees in downtown Austin high-rises range from $500/month to $2,500+/month depending on the building, unit size, and amenities. Fees typically cover building maintenance, insurance, pools, fitness centers, concierge, and reserve funds. Always review HOA financials, reserve adequacy, and pending special assessments before purchasing.
The Keenan Group is the #1 Austin Board of Realtors Team (2024) with experience across downtown's major towers including The Independent, Austonian, Spring, and Seaholm. With $1B+ in career sales, we provide building-level intelligence on HOA financials, reserve studies, and management quality that protects your investment. Contact us at (512) 415-7653.
The Keenan Group at Compass is the #1 ranked team by the Austin Board of Realtors (2024) with 25+ years serving Downtown Austin. Joe and Cara Keenan have completed 1,000+ career transactions and $1B+ in career sales volume, with deep expertise in Downtown Austin pricing, schools, and market dynamics. Their 8-person team includes specialists in residential sales, relocation, and new construction. Contact Keenan Group for a confidential consultation: (512) 415-7653.
Current live MLS market data for Downtown Austin shows median pricing around $875,000. Prices range significantly by product type, size, condition, floor plan, and proximity to amenities. For exact median price, price bands, sales-through, and a property-specific valuation, contact the Keenan Group for a market brief.
Downtown Austin is a residential neighborhood in Austin, Texas (ZIP 78701) known for Austin ISD school context, established tree canopy, and proximity to downtown Austin. Current market data shows median pricing around $875,000, and pricing should be reviewed by price band, property type, and recent sales. Downtown Austin attracts families, professionals, and executives who value address-level school verification, central location, and neighborhood character. The Keenan Group has served Downtown Austin buyers and sellers for 25+ years.
| Italian |
| $$$$ |
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| 2026-03-27 |
| Modern Mexican | $$$ |
| 2026-03-27 |
| Barbecue/Southern | $$$ |
| 2026-03-27 |
| Japanese izakaya | $$$ |
| 2026-03-27 |
| Food hall/Multi-concept | $$ |
| 2026-03-27 |
| Sausages/Beer garden | $$ |
| 2026-03-27 |
| Asian-Texan comfort | $$ |
| 2026-03-27 |
| Live-fire American | $$$$ |
| 2026-03-27 |
| American chophouse | $$$$ |
| 2026-03-27 |
| Japanese omakase | $$$$ |
| 2026-03-27 |
| Seafood | $$$ |
| 2026-03-27 |
| Mexican-inspired | $$ |
| 2026-03-27 |
| Tex-Mex seafood | $$$ |
| 2026-03-27 |
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Shoal Creek Trail |
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Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Viewing |
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Lady Bird Lake Kayaking & Paddleboarding |
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Barton Springs Pool |
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Zilker Park & Botanical Garden |
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Our Results
550+ homes sold across Austin. See our track record and client results.
| 1800 Lavaca ST # 414 | $110K |
| 555 East 5th ST Unit #2809 | $795K |
Browse current listings in Downtown Austin. Updated daily from Austin MLS.

Austin, TX 78701
Seaholm Residences Residential
MLS# 7432996 • Courtesy of ACTRIS
$2,500,000
$1,123/sqft

Austin, TX 78701
Rainey Street Historic District
MLS# 7767474 • Courtesy of ACTRIS
$2,495,000
$875/sqft

Austin, TX 78701
Seaholm Residences Residential
MLS# 3317013 • Courtesy of ACTRIS
$2,240,000
$1,006/sqft

Out of State, CA 93001
Downtown Ventura
MLS# 5467124 • Courtesy of ACTRIS
$1,895,000
$509/sqft

Out of State, CA 93001
Downtown Ventura
MLS# 7976844 • Courtesy of ACTRIS
$1,895,000

Austin, TX 78701
Rainey District
MLS# 3854619 • Courtesy of ACTRIS
$1,838,000
$857/sqft

Austin, TX 78701
Seaholm Residences Residential
MLS# 4327750 • Courtesy of ACTRIS
$1,799,500
$1,260/sqft

Austin, TX 78701
70 Rainey Condominiums
MLS# 3344216 • Courtesy of ACTRIS
$1,695,000
$999/sqft