South Lamar Real Estate: A Festive and Dynamic Neighborhood in the Liveliest Part of Town
The South Lamar neighborhood is renowned for its lively, diverse local culture, a mix of both affordable and luxurious homes, and great schools.
Just a few minutes from the heart of the downtown business and entertainment districts and only about 10 to 15 minutes from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, South Lamar is an integral part of south central Austin. There are several distinct areas surrounding South Lamar Boulevard, and the homes vary from small, cozy and affordable bungalows to elegant and spacious luxury estates priced up to about $1 million.
South Lamar Boulevard is one of the most vibrant streets in Austin, alive with local shops and live music, and residents in the area enjoy living in a festive and dynamic neighborhood with lots of activities. The South Lamar Neighborhood Association represents neighborhood residents and property owners in issues vital to the South Lamar community. In addition, SLNA hosts a variety of activities to get neighbors socializing, such as the neighborhood holiday party, neighborhood garage sales, and their Fall Fest.
“The nightlife here is great,” says Krystal Ridge, a recent University of Texas graduate who works at a local advertising agency. “We’re close to downtown, but we definitely have our own vibe here.”
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Contact JohnConvenient Shopping, Well-Regarded Schools and Austin’s Most Beloved Public Park
South Lamar homeowners enjoy living in a part of town where everything is within walking or biking distance, and the streets bustle with activity. The roads are very friendly to cyclists, and a wide selection of shops, restaurants, and live music venues seamlessly mesh with the diverse local culture into the “SoLa” slice of the Austin lifestyle.
Students living in the South Lamar neighborhood attend the schools in Austin Independent School District, including Zilker Elementary School, rated “Exemplary” by the Texas Education Agency, O. Henry Middle School, and Austin High School, which was founded in 1881 and holds the distinction as the first public school in the state of Texas.
While South Lamar relishes its attractive combination of amenities, the true neighborhood gem is Zilker Park and the adjacent wilderness area of the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Zilker, Austin’s most beloved park, is celebrated as the home of Barton Springs, a spring-fed pool where dedicated swimmers brave all weather to plunge into its beautiful, naturally constant 68 degree waters. Zilker also plays host to the nationally famous Austin City Limits Music Festival.
“Everyone is friendly to each other,” Krystal says. “We come together really well. The only hard decision I ever face is to choose which one of my twenty favorite places to go on a Friday night!”
The Perfect Austin Music Experience
It is a lively, crowded evening at the Broken Spoke dance hall and bar. The locals are inside enjoying the happy hour prices and festive atmosphere, while the band is onstage setting up, getting ready for a high energy night of music and dancing. By the bar, Joan Lane, a recent University of St. Edwards graduate, enjoys a quick drink with friends before dancing the night away.
“This is my favorite live music place,” Joan, a country music fan, says. “My friends and I usually come up here and catch up every week to just hang out and dance.”
Like Joan, South Lamar locals flock to the legendary Broken Spoke every week to put their line dancing skills to the test. Just a few minutes down South Lamar, this club is the dream venue for every country fan — and even for people who think they don’t like country music. The saloon’s history reaches back to Bob Wills and the Texas Playboys and more recently has hosted some of the biggest country music artists, including Willie Nelson, George Strait, and even the Dixie Chicks. Open for half a century and still going strong, the Broken Spoke is a Texas landmark.
“It’s the perfect country music experience!” says Joan with a smile. “It’s one of the last true Texas dance halls and should not be missed!”
Embodying What People Think of When They Think of Austin
Rich with local diversity and culture, South Lamar is a highly sought-after neighborhood with abundant activity. The stunning selection of eclectic local shops and restaurants maintain Austin’s uniqueness, while residents enjoy Austin’s best live music, affordable homes, and great public schools.
“The area here is amazing,” says Richard Roy, a tech writer for Dell. “I love all the local unique shops here. They really keep up the ‘Keep Austin Weird’ spirit.”
Richard moved to South Lamar four years ago with his wife Mara and teenage son Patrick, and says that while South Lamar is known for its spirited personality, it’s also one of the friendliest neighborhoods he’s ever lived in.
“It’s a comfortable lifestyle I’ve always been looking for,” Richard says happily. “This is the only place in Austin I can see myself living in.”
