South Congress

When visitors come to Austin, one of the first areas they ask to see is the tourist hotspot along South Congress Street. South Congress lends its name to the entire area on both sides of the road – from South 1st Street on the west to Interstate 35 to the east and from the Colorado River on the north to Highway 290 on the south. South Congress (also known as SoCo) epitomizes the hip, cool ambiance of south Austin. It's possibly the best-known neighborhood in Austin for its unique, local shops and boutiques, trendy lodging, diners, coffee shops, and lounges that line Congress Ave. Many are open 24 hours a day. The California-style food trucks that are now ubiquitous around town appeared here first and have been spreading out to other parts of town. Crowded with pedestrians at almost all hours, the neighborhood is a city hub and landmark, and a walkable exhibition of Austin's one-of-a-kind, slightly offbeat local character. There’s also a picture-postcard vista of the Texas State Capitol. Taking flight every summer evening from beneath the Congress Avenue Bridge is the world’s largest urban bat colony. This neighborhood also represents a cultural map that, at its core, celebrates the Keep It Weird movement and draws newcomers to this town. 

Prospective residents searching for South Congress housing have a wide variety from which to choose. Texas ranchers, craftsman, cottage bungalows and newly constructed industrial-style homes co-mingle with apartments and condos creating a vibrant and dynamic neighborhood. Most properties are shaded by beautiful oak trees and have built a patina appreciated by those who love mid-century homes. Parks, bus lines, and sidewalks make this neighborhood extremely pedestrian-friendly. 

Austinites living in the South Congress area sought this area out for the lifestyle it offers. Only 3 miles from Downtown Austin in Travis County’s 78704 zip code, the journey down South Congress Avenue begins with crossing the South Congress Avenue bridge. Leaving behind the formality of the State Capitol, law offices, banks, high tech employers and high-end hotels and restaurants, the trip down South Congress Avenue heads into the hip and happening SoCo area. At its heart, SoCo offers vintage boutiques like Uncommon Objects, historic barbershops, historic boot stores, and eateries like Hopdoddy’s. Many a celebrity has been spotted wandering up and down South Congress Avenue in town for film or music events. There are local clothing stores, including one where Bob Dylan reportedly shopped for retro outfits. There's a Farm-to-Market stocked with local produce, and a local chain supermarket. 

Live music shows abound, including nightly sets at the legendary Continental Club. Austin is known for live music, and the Continental Club has been the launching point of many musical careers since the 1950s. Two other businesses that trace their origins way back and have become local landmarks are the Hotel San Jose and Jo's Coffee. First Thursday is a monthly neighborhood party in SoCo and an Austin tradition that is suitable for all ages. Held the first Thursday of each month, many of the stores on South Congress stay open late (most until 10 pm, some later), and have special sales. Many restaurants and lounges have drink specials. 

The many shopping, dining, and entertainment attractions make SoCo one of the more desirable places to live for many people. In case these attractions are not enough, the Downtown Hike and Bike Trail is within walking distance, and the Barton Creek Greenbelt is just to the west. Residents can be seen riding their bikes into the downtown area for work or play, walking their dogs, and public transportation is easy to use. Several major arteries make access to the east and west parts of the city very quick.

Austin ISD serves students living in South Congress. Travis Heights, Galindo and Dawson Elementary (K-5), Fulmore Middle (6-8), and Travis High (9-12) are the assigned schools for this community. Private school options include Parkside Community School (3-12 years), San Juan Diego Catholic High School (9-1), and St Ignatius Martyr Catholic School (PK-8). St. Edwards University and the Texas School for the Deaf are also nearby.