| One of the more recent developments in the Austin | | | | for years, and the Driskill Grill offers another close fine |
| real estate market are the multitude of loft | | | | dining experience. Eddie V's and McCormick & |
| condominiums springing up smack-right in the middle of | | | | Schmick offer superlative seafood, and Sullivans, |
| downtown. This new push towards urban living reflects | | | | Ruth's Chris Steak House and Fleming's are top-notch |
| an interest in a pedestrian-oriented community, optimal | | | | steak houses. The varieties of food run the gamut as |
| for those who work in Austin's business center, but | | | | well – from Spanish food at Malaga, to Italian at La |
| also attractive to others who appreciate an | | | | Traviata, from sushi at Kenichi or Kyoto to |
| abundance of amenities offered within walking | | | | Southwestern cuisine at Z-Tejas. |
| distance. Downtown Austin has much to offer Austin | | | | One the most attractive parts about Austin's |
| residents, whether they work, live, or visit this area | | | | downtown is its proximity to the nature and beauty |
| which truly represents the cultural heartbeat of the city. | | | | found at Lady Bird Lake, as well as the Town Lake |
| Austin's downtown is bursting with shops, cafes, | | | | parks and trails. The plentiful outdoor activities provide |
| galleries and nightlife. Whether looking for antiques at | | | | the urban dweller with opportunities to walk, run, bike, |
| the beloved Whit Hanks, seeking esoteric ethnic | | | | and boat - all within walking distance of the sleek and |
| treasures at Tesoros, or shopping for home furnishings | | | | sophisticated apartment buildings springing up. Waterloo |
| at Bella Home or Zanzibar, the shops are local, and the | | | | Park, Republic Square, and other smaller patches of |
| wares are unique. In addition to Starbucks, there are | | | | green add to the options for outdoor activity. |
| plenty of cafes around, including Little City, and Drogo's | | | | Downtowners will find their grocery needs admirably |
| Cafe do Brazil. Art galleries, including Art on Fifth and | | | | met by the flagship store of the Whole Foods Market |
| Artworks, are scattered throughout the area, and the | | | | chain. This Austin-based business launched their |
| nightlife – well, it can't be beat. | | | | enormous new store in 2005, making fresh and |
| Most of the new lofts are far enough away from the | | | | organic produce, dairy, meats and seafood available. In |
| entertainment districts to provide relative quiet, but are | | | | addition to staples, an on-site bakery and international |
| close enough to make a night out on the town just a | | | | groceries, Whole Foods offers an abundance of |
| short walk or cab ride away. The bars, music venues | | | | prepared foods, from soups, salads and sandwiches, |
| and restaurants of the famed Sixth Street district now | | | | to pizza, seafood and a raw foods stand. |
| have competition from the bustling young crowds of | | | | With all of life's necessities within walking distance, it is |
| the Red River scene. The Warehouse District | | | | no wonder that Downtown Austin real estate is |
| continues to be one of the most vibrant entertainment | | | | thriving as a residential community. |
| areas in the city, although the new 2nd Street shopping | | | | Ki is an Austin real estate agent. He runs a site with |
| and dining area is thriving as well. | | | | information about Austin real estate and a search of |
| Downtown Austin is home to some of the finest | | | | the Austin MLS. He also talks about current events on |
| restaurants in the city. Louie's 106 has enticed | | | | Austin real estate blog. |
| downtowners with its Mediterranean tapas and steaks | | | | |