South Congress Austin - Homes, Culture, and Market Guide
A 78704 neighborhood anchored by Austin's most iconic street - boutique shopping, live music venues, vintage bungalows, and modern builds within walking distance of downtown.
#1 ABoR Team 2024$1B+ Career Sales1,000+ Homes Sold
Written by Joe and Cara Keenan - 40+ homes sold in South Congress and the surrounding 78704 corridor.
Austin Neighborhood Guide
South Congress Neighborhood Guide - Austin Real Estate
South Congress (SoCo) homes for sale in 78704. Austin ISD, boutiques + live music, vintage bungalows and modern builds. Keenan Group, #1 ABoR Team 2024.
Who is the best realtor in South Congress?
The Keenan Group at Compass is the #1 Austin Board of Realtors team (2024), with 25+ years, 1,000+ homes sold, and $1B+ in career volume serving South Congress. Joe and Cara Keenan represent buyers and sellers in South Congress with data-driven pricing, full-scale marketing, and direct access to qualified luxury buyers.
Source: Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate, Austin TX
Luxury Buyer Fit Snapshot
Compare South Congress on price, schools, and lifestyle access before scheduling private tours.
Buyer Fit
Best for buyers evaluating current inventory depth and value pockets in South Congress.
Lifestyle Fit
Austin ISD (78704) helps anchor school-driven search and day-to-day livability.
Keenan Group Authority
- ZIP codes
- 78704
- School district
- Austin ISD
- Active listings
- 21 active listings
What is South Congress like in Austin?
South Congress is a neighborhood in Austin's 78704 ZIP code centered on South Congress Avenue, one of the city's most recognized commercial and cultural corridors. In the 12 months ending October 15, 2026, 32 homes sold in South Congress at a median price of $838K (Keenan Luxury Market Index, from MLS closed sales). The area stretches south from the Congress Avenue Bridge toward Ben White Boulevard, roughly 1-2 miles from downtown Austin. The neighborhood is known for its independent boutiques, restaurants, live music venues (the Continental Club, C-Boy's Heart & Soul), and walkability. Hotel San Jose and South Congress Hotel anchor the hospitality scene. Austin ISD serves the area with Galindo or Zilker Elementary (Becker Elementary closed after 2025-26), Lively Middle School, and Travis High School.
- 78704 neighborhood along South Congress Avenue, 1-2 miles from downtown Austin
- Austin ISD: Galindo or Zilker Elementary, Lively Middle School, Travis High School
Source: Written by Joe and Cara Keenan - 40+ homes sold in South Congress and the surrounding 78704 corridor.
Trailing 12 months ending October 15, 2026 · Keenan Luxury Market Index, MLS closed sales
Map & Boundary
South Congress Neighborhood Map
Active Listings
South Congress homes for sale, schools, and articles
Why Buyers Choose South Congress
South Congress sells itself on walkability and culture. It is one of the only Austin neighborhoods where you can walk to world-class restaurants, live music, and independent retail from your front porch - and still be downtown in 5-10 minutes. That combination of cultural density and proximity does not exist at this scale anywhere else in the city.
The housing stock is a mix of original 1940s-1960s bungalows, mid-century cottages, and contemporary new builds. Lot sizes typically range from 5,000-8,000 square feet. The teardown-to-rebuild cycle is active, with modern 2,500-3,500 square foot homes replacing older structures on the same lots. The result is an eclectic streetscape where a restored 1950s cottage sits next to a three-story contemporary - and both feel at home.
- The Continental Club, C-Boy's Heart & Soul, and the Saxon Pub anchor a live music scene that runs seven nights a week within walking distance.
- Hotel San Jose, South Congress Hotel, and Austin Motel have turned the corridor into a hospitality destination - which supports property values through tourism foot traffic.
- Becker Elementary closed after the 2025-26 school year; Austin ISD reassigned its students to Galindo or Zilker Elementary.
- Congress Avenue Bridge bat colony draws 1.5 million visitors annually and marks the northern edge of the neighborhood.
- The proximity to Lady Bird Lake trail system gives residents hike-and-bike access without driving.
Current South Congress Market Data
In the 12 months ending October 15, 2026, 32 homes sold in South Congress at a median price of $838K, with a median of 53 days on market and a median of $469 per square foot (Keenan Luxury Market Index, from MLS closed sales).
As of October 15, 2026, South Congress had 21 active and 0 pending listings, with 7.9 months of supply and a 93% sale-to-list ratio in the 12 months ending October 15, 2026.
- Median sale price, 12 months ending October 15, 2026: $838K
- Closed sales, 12 months ending October 15, 2026: 32
- Active listings as of October 15, 2026: 21
- Product filter: Single Family Residence only
- Price bands: review the live comp set by property type, lot, condition, and street-level position
Daily Geography in South Congress
South Congress is 5-10 minutes from downtown Austin. The neighborhood runs along South Congress Avenue from the Congress Avenue Bridge south to Ben White Boulevard (Highway 71). Most daily commutes use Congress Avenue, South 1st Street, or Lamar Boulevard to reach downtown, the Capitol complex, or I-35.
The corridor's commercial density means most daily errands - groceries, coffee, dining, hardware - are walkable or a short bike ride. This is a genuine walk-to-everything neighborhood, not a marketing exaggeration. Residents routinely walk to dinner, coffee, and weekend shopping without moving their car.
- Downtown Austin: 5-10 minutes by car, 15-20 minutes walking across the Congress Avenue Bridge.
- UT Austin campus: 10-15 minutes via Congress Avenue or I-35.
- Austin-Bergstrom Airport: 10-15 minutes via Highway 71. This is one of the closest central neighborhoods to the airport.
- Lady Bird Lake hike-and-bike trail: direct access from the northern edge of the neighborhood.
- Barton Springs Pool: 10 minutes by car or a 20-minute bike ride through Zilker Park.
- South Congress restaurants and shops: walkable from most homes in the neighborhood.
- H-E-B Oltorf: the primary grocery anchor, 5 minutes south on Congress.
Local Anchors That Shape the Neighborhood
South Congress has a commercial identity that few residential neighborhoods can match. The avenue is a destination - tourists, locals, and Austinites from other zip codes all converge here. That creates a neighborhood where the street life is part of the value proposition, not just a convenience.
- Continental Club: Austin's most iconic live music venue, open since 1955. Blues, country, and rock seven nights a week. Walking distance defines the SoCo lifestyle.
- Hotel San Jose: The boutique hotel that helped define the modern SoCo aesthetic. Its courtyard bar is a neighborhood gathering point.
- South Congress Hotel: Newer addition with rooftop pool, restaurants, and event space. Anchors the commercial corridor's northern end.
- Perla's: Seafood restaurant with a patio that functions as the neighborhood's outdoor living room. Weekend brunch draws a crowd.
- Allen Boots, Uncommon Objects, and Parts & Labour: Independent retail that has survived the chain-store pressure. These shops define SoCo's character.
- St. Edward's University: The private university campus on the neighborhood's southern edge provides stability, employment, and a green buffer.
The tension in South Congress is between preservation and commercialization. Long-time residents value the independent, eclectic spirit. Development pressure has brought hotel projects, mixed-use buildings, and higher density. The neighborhood's character persists, but it is evolving - and buyers should understand that the SoCo of 2026 is different from the SoCo of 2010.
How South Congress Compares to Nearby Alternatives
South Congress buyers typically compare with Travis Heights, Bouldin Creek, Zilker, and South Lamar. The decision usually comes down to noise tolerance, walkability priorities, and whether you want to be in the action or adjacent to it.
- Compared with Travis Heights: Travis Heights is immediately east with a quieter, more residential feel. Slightly higher prices for comparable homes, more tree canopy, and walking access to the east side of Lady Bird Lake. Travis Heights buyers trade SoCo walkability for neighborhood calm.
- Compared with Bouldin Creek: Bouldin Creek is west of South Congress with a similar creative, eclectic character. Prices are comparable. Bouldin has more of a neighborhood identity separate from commercial activity; SoCo is defined by the avenue itself.
- Compared with Zilker: Zilker is southwest with larger lots, Zilker Park access, and Barton Springs. Zilker buyers prioritize outdoor access; SoCo buyers prioritize cultural walkability.
- Compared with South Lamar: South Lamar runs parallel to the west with newer condo and townhome development.
- Compared with Clarksville: Clarksville is north of the river with a similar boutique-and-restaurant feel. Clarksville is quieter; SoCo has more energy.
Quick Answers About South Congress
South Congress is 5-10 minutes from downtown Austin by car. You can walk across the Congress Avenue Bridge to downtown in 15-20 minutes. The UT campus is 10-15 minutes away. Austin-Bergstrom Airport is 10-15 minutes via Highway 71 - one of the shortest airport commutes from central Austin.
South Congress is served by Austin ISD. The school path is Galindo or Zilker Elementary (Becker Elementary closed after 2025-26), Lively Middle School, and Travis High School. Some areas near the southern edge may feed into different campuses. Always verify address-level campus assignments with Austin ISD before making an offer.
South Congress is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Austin. Residents can walk to restaurants, coffee shops, boutiques, live music venues, and grocery stores along the avenue. The Lady Bird Lake hike-and-bike trail is accessible from the northern edge. Most daily errands do not require a car.
The Keenan Group is the #1 Austin Board of Realtors Team (2024) with 40+ homes sold in South Congress and the surrounding 78704 corridor. With $1B+ in career sales and 1,000+ transactions, we provide block-by-block expertise on noise buffers, STR regulations, and lot redevelopment potential. 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 South Congress. Joe and Cara Keenan have completed 1,000+ career transactions and $1B+ in career sales volume, with deep expertise in South Congress pricing, schools, and market dynamics. Contact Keenan Group for a confidential consultation: (512) 415-7653.
To list your home in South Congress, start with the Keenan Group - Austin's #1 Board of Realtors team (2024). The process: a pricing analysis built on live South Congress market data and recent sales, a full marketing plan (professional media, the Compass network, and our private-exclusive channel), and negotiation through closing. Keenan Group's median days on market is 13, including off-market, private, and pocket sales that close at zero days on market. Contact the Keenan Group to list your home: (512) 415-7653.
The Keenan Group at Compass is the #1 ranked team by the Austin Board of Realtors (2024) and a luxury listing specialist in South Congress - 25+ years, 1,000+ homes sold, and $1B+ in career volume. Joe and Cara Keenan represent sellers with data-driven pricing, full-scale marketing, and direct access to qualified luxury buyers. Contact the Keenan Group: (512) 415-7653.
Best Restaurants Near South Congress
Where South Congress buyers and residents actually eat - from date night to weeknight favorites.
| Name | Cuisine / Type | Price | Highlights | Last verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seafood | $$$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| Pizza | $$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| Mediterranean | $$$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| French-American | $$$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| Japanese Omakase | $$$$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| Burgers | $$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| American Diner | $$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| Mexican | $$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| Cuban-Caribbean | $$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| Vietnamese-French Bakery | $$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| Coffee & Cafe | $ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| New American Farm-to-Table | $$$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| Hot Weather Food | $$$$ |
| 2026-03-27 |
Best Trails & Outdoor Spots Near South Congress
Trails and outdoor activities that buyers and locals ask about most.
| Name | Highlights |
|---|---|
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail |
|
Barton Springs Pool |
|
Blunn Creek Greenbelt Trail |
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Big Stacy Park & Pool |
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Blunn Creek Nature Preserve |
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Lady Bird Lake Boardwalk |
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Zilker Park Trails |
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Things To Do Near South Congress
Family favorites, date night ideas, and local experiences close to the neighborhood.
| Name | Highlights |
|---|---|
Congress Avenue Bridge Bat Watching |
|
Continental Club |
|
C-Boy's Heart & Soul |
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Allen's Boots |
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SoCo Strip Shopping & Murals |
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Lady Bird Lake Kayaking & Paddleboarding |
|
Hotel San Jose |
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South Congress Hotel |
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Zilker Botanical Garden |
|
South Congress Support Pages
South Congress Homes for Sale
Browse active listings in South Congress with photos, pricing, and open house schedules.
78704 ZIP Guide
Demographics, schools, walkability, and community profile for ZIP 78704.
Austin ISD
School ratings, enrollment data, and campus profiles for Austin ISD.
Our Results
1,000+ homes sold over our career. See our track record and client results.
How South Congress Compares
Side-by-side comparison with similar Austin neighborhoods based on price range, school district, and location.
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Active Listings | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
South CongressCurrent | $838K | 21 | You're here |
| $1.14M | 22 | View Guide | |
| $1.05M | 23 | View Guide | |
| $1.58M | 10 | View Guide | |
| $1.42M | 15 | View Guide |
Median sale price, trailing 12 months ending October 15, 2026 · Keenan Luxury Market Index, MLS closed sales. Contact Keenan Group for a personalized comparison.
Neighborhood listings
South Congress Real Estate Market
Homes in South Congress sell for around $469 per square foot, roughly 1.6 times the City of Austin median of $297.
| Metric | South Congress | City of Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Median Sold Price (12M) | $838K | $603K |
| Median Days on Market | 53 days | 52 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 92.6% | 93.4% |
| Median $/sqft (typical home) | $469 | $297 |
| Active Listings | 21 | 3,260 |
| Homes Sold (12M) | 32 | 8,844 |
| Months of Supply | 7.9 | 4.4 |
Data as of . Source: Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate, Austin MLS (ACTRIS). City of Austin reflects closed sales within its city limits over the trailing 12 months.
How South Congress Compares
| Neighborhood | Median Price | School District | ZIP | Active Listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Congress (you are here) | $838K | Austin ISD | 78704 | 21 |
| Bouldin Creek | $1.14M | Austin ISD | 78704 | 22 |
| Travis Heights | $1.05M | Austin ISD | 78704 | 23 |
| Barton Hills | $1.58M | Austin ISD | 78704 | 10 |
| Zilker | $1.42M | Austin ISD | 78704 | 15 |
Median sale price, trailing 12 months ending October 15, 2026 · Keenan Luxury Market Index, MLS closed sales
Last updated
