Austin Real Estate Blog | Austin Luxury Realty

With graduation rates at an all-time high and its high schools recognized as some of the best in central Texas, South Austin is a prized neighborhood for families seeking a well-rounded education for their children.

Highly rated Austin Independent School District (AISD)

South Austin is currently served by 13 schools, including two high schools, two middle schools, and nine elementary schools. These all fall within the highly rated Austin Independent School District (AISD).

The AISD is recognized state-wide as a model for urban public education. In 2015, 111 of the 130 schools that fall under the auspices of the AISD were awarded the highest "met standards" ranking by the Texas Education Agency.

The district also received the maximum number of…

Austin may be the music capital of the world but the cuisine has to come in a sizzling second. Food trailers, famer's markets, and star-rated restaurants abound, on street corners, in urban parks, and atop gleaming skyscrapers with sweeping views of Tower Lake.

The big BBQ boogaloo

Although the honey-hickory scent of slow smoked ribs is no longer the only pungent aroma to assault the senses of salivating Austinites, barbecue joints with oak-fired smokers and grungy, tattooed pit masters still pull in the public in their droves.

That's because it's hard to beat authentic Texan fare like pulled pork, smoked brisket, and racks of ribs. You can get your BBQ fix directly from the fire pit, from weather-beaten trailers, or from the fabled Franklin…

With its balmy climate, Austin rocks all year round. The city offers everything from fireworks, festivals, and real Texas rodeos to authentic pubs with well-rounded Texan beer, trendy bistros and laid back cafés specialising in healthy, homemade fare.

Here we provide an overview of just some of the key activities that keep Austin residents (and thousands of visitors) entertained year round.

What to do in Austin in the springtime

As the bluebonnets, Blackfoot daisies, and butterfly weeds burst out all over Hill Country, Austin shakes off the last of winter with a series of springtime festivals.

The four-day Euphoria Fest, featuringelectronica and hip hop, is one of the most popular music festivals in Texas. Attractions include a killer line-up,…

Austinites have access to acres upon acres of parkland and wildlife conservancies. Some are located within the city limits, while others are just slightly further afield.

In and around Austin, you'll find manicured grasslands that are perfect for picnics and games; deep refreshing pools fed by natural springs; and remaining tracts of wild Texas, populated by wild flowers, white-tailed deer, and silvery-gray opossums.

Best urban parks in Austin

Austin is known for its urban parks, which provide ample trails and wide-open spaces right in the heart of the city.

Zilker Park

The crown jewel of Austin's urban…

Austin boasts some of the most eclectic neighborhoods in Texas, with attractions that range from trendy boutiques, art galleries, and health-food eateries to authentic old buildings, antique and curiosity stores, and gritty bars, popular for their great local music.

Urban chic communities

Stroll through the shaded streets of Austin, and you’ll encounter urban chic communities raised on hip-slapping, hand-clapping, live music bands. You’ll be able to feast on tacos, falafel, and barbecued ribs, prepared and sold from mobile food vans.

Factor in vintage retail stores, access to networks of wilderness trails, and proximity to the Colorado River and Lake System, and there are a handful of Austin suburbs that are, indeed, cooler than cool.

Old…

The Texas capital is famous for its "Keep Austin Weird" slogan, its quirky music venues and shops, and its laid back vibe. It also has a history populated with interesting characters, from gunslingers to celebrities and sports stars, and a rich natural environment.

Here we consider some of the lesser known fun or quirky facts about Austin and its residents, now and in the past.

Austin today

Did you know that an average of 20 million people visit Austin, Texas every year? That's more visitors than Rome (which attracts 4.2 million), Hawaii (8.3 million), or even London (17.4 million)!

Also, did you know that...

• Austin is famous for its bats. Between March and October, an estimated 1.5 million bats emerge from under the Ann W.…

The city of Austin is home to a thriving arts and culture scene, with close on 40 galleries and art museums, regular exhibits, and many popular art events, including the Texas Biennial and Art City Austin.

Austin art galleries

Wally Workman Gallery is one of the most popular Austin galleries. This contemporary gallery is housed in a historic home, with two floors of exhibition space showcasing the work of over 50 established and emerging artists.

Gallery Black Lagoon exhibits work from over 250 artists. Most of the artwork on display is contemporary art, with strong photography exhibitions.

GrayDUCK Gallery exhibits work by both new and established contemporary artists. The gallery also regularly hosts poetry readings, film screenings,…

Austin boasts a number of good public and independent colleges and universities. High on the list are the esteemed University of Texas at Austin, the highly ranked St Edwards University, and popular Austin Community College.

University of Texas

The University of Texas at Austin, or UT Austin, is a public research university located just one mile from the Texas State Capitol. Founded in 1883, UT Austin is the flagship school of the University of Texas.

Today, the university enrolls 51,000 students across 171 programs that lead to bachelor's, master’s, or doctoral degrees. Among the areas of study offered are social sciences, communications, engineering, business, and biological sciences.

Based on academic achievement, UT Austin…

Austin is famous for its music scene, so it's no surprise that the city's official motto is “the live music capital of the world.” Austin's live concerts and amazing music festivals draw visitors from across the country, and are among the events that make the city a fun place to live.

There's also plenty more to keep you entertained. Whether you're living in Austin or just visiting, the city boasts an unusual share of attractions, from interesting museums and gracious historic buildings to gorgeous parks, lakes, and botanical gardens.

The State Capitol

The State Capitol is one of the most popular Austin tourist attractions. Completed in 1888, the Capitol is home to the office of the State Governor and the Chambers of the Texas Legislature.…

West Austin is served by the Eanes Independent School District (ISD), which includes six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. All nine of these schools are rated as exemplary by the State of Texas.

As a result of the Eanes ISD's focus on providing high-quality education in all of its schools, students from the district consistently score higher than Texas averages, and achieve SAT and ACT scores higher than the national averages. Based on its test scores, the district ranks sixth out of the 950 school districts in Texas.

Leading west Austin schools

Below we've provided an overview of a few of west Austin's leading schools.

Barton Creek Elementary

Barton Creek Elementary is a co-ed public school offering…