Living in South Congress, Austin: The Shopping and Entertainment Heart of the City

Of Texas’ many growing neighborhoods, South Congress, Austin has seen one of the most radical transformations in the past few decades. Once the home of automotive shops and dubious motels, this stretch of road just south of downtown has transformed into a bustling shopping and dining district, attracting residents and tourists alike.

Where is South Congress, Austin?

South Congress Avenue starts at the Colorado River and extends 7 miles south to Slaughter Lane. But the South Congress neighborhood refers to the stretch of road spanning the river to the north and Ben White Boulevard to the south. Bordered by Travis Heights to the East and Bouldin Creek to the West, the neighborhood is just south of downtown Austin. 

One of the best features of this wide street is the unobstructed view straight downtown to the capitol building. 

History

Although Congress Avenue was established in the 1830s, it didn’t reach south of the river until 1852, to provide a convenient road to San Antonio. A series of unreliable bridges united the two stretches of road until 1910, when a sturdy concrete bridge was built to connect the two sections of Congress.

With easy access came fast development. Bungalows and businesses popped up in the neighborhood, creating a heyday through the 1950s. The area’s affordability made it a haven for artists and musicians in the 1970s, but the district also developed a seedy reputation. 

Eclectic independent shops took advantage of historic buildings and cheap rents to create a unique strip of boutiques and eateries. By the late 1990s, the area was booming again as developers revitalized run-down motels and homes. 

Now, South Congress, Austin (aka SoCo) is positively exploding. It’s both a desirable tourist and residential neighborhood, with single-family homes on side streets and high-end condo and apartment living up and down the avenue.

Lifestyle

There’s so much to do in this vibrant community that there’s really no reason to leave! Boutique shopping, great food and live music make this one of Austin’s most desirable neighborhoods. 

What to Do

Fans of shopping will find plenty of exciting options on South Congress. While the neighborhood has seen significant growth in the past few years, some famous attractions from the 1970s and 1980s are still going strong. 

Allen’s Boots has been outfitting Texans (and Texas visitors) with cowboy boots, belts and other western wear since 1977. Stop in to pick up a pair for work or play. 

 

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A post shared by Tesoros Trading Company (@tesorostradingcompany) on Oct 18, 2016 at 6:37am PDT

Just up the road, South Congress mainstay Tesoros Trading Company offers folk art and crafts from countries as near as Mexico and as far as Vietnam. This is the place to get something truly unique for your home.

New kid on the block Kendra Scott has also recently opened a glamorous flagship store to sell her famous jewelry. 

And if you get tired of the “every day” shopping in SoCo, just wait until First Thursdays. On the first Thursday of every month, artists and vendors set up booths along the street to peddle handmade goods. 

 

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Music lovers will find plenty to do on South Congress, too. The Continental Club has been featuring local and touring acts in the same location since 1955. Joe Ely, Stevie Ray Vaughan and other local favorites have graced this stage. 

The Continental’s owners also opened another venue more recently — C-Boys Heart & Soul. With live music 7 days a week, this soul and R&B club brings a welcome change from the country and Americana in so many other local venues. 

And if you want to get in on the action, head to Ego’s Bar for karaoke every night of the week. You can’t say you’re an Austinite until you do karaoke at Ego’s.

Where to eat and drink

The food on South Congress runs the gamut from laid back cafes to upscale raw bars. 

 

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Hopdoddy offers the best mix of quality burgers and craft beers in town, so head on over for a delicious bite (and to meet their friendly, dedicated team). We’re talking juicy burgers made with homemade buns and consciously grown ingredients, and some of the best craft beer you can find in all of Austin.

 

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Jo’s Coffee is an outdoor coffee stand that has been caffeinating the neighborhood since 1999. Take a picture in front of their famous “I love you so much” graffiti wall. 

Tex-Mex favorite Guero’s Taco Bar serves satisfying burritos, fajitas, and a wide variety of taco plates. Visit their outdoor cantina on weekends for live music, dancing and frozen margaritas. 

 

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Seafood lovers have to visit Perla’s. Split a dozen oysters and a bottle of rosé with a friend on the shady patio and enjoy the people watching.

And when you just want a quiet drink, head to the pool at Hotel San José. Just steps away from the bustle of South Congress, this ivy-covered courtyard is like an oasis in the city. 

Moving to South Congress, Austin

Real estate snapshot 

South Congress is a magnet for renters looking for a bustling lifestyle, and it shows. Most of the neighborhood’s residents are renters, and apartments are in abundance, from cozy rentals to upscale, modern apartments. Still, rentals in South Congress aren’t as pricey as one might expect, with apartment prices circling around $1,476.

 

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Transportation

Just across the river from downtown, life in South Congress provides easy access to downtown for work or play. Head east and you’ll reach I-35, the major north/south artery that runs through Austin and connects it to San Antonio and the northern suburbs. 

While there is no rail line on South Congress, there is a bus route that extends from William Cannon to the south, through South Congress Avenue, and nearly as far north as Wells Branch.

Schools & employment

Schools are conveniently located in the South Congress, Austin neighborhood. 

Travis Heights Elementary School is a dual-language campus, teaching in both English and Spanish. Lively Middle School provides a law and humanities magnet for students with an interest in global studies. 

High school students will attend Travis High, located in the Travis Heights neighborhood to the east. The school offers a wide variety of advanced and AP courses, plus fine arts and technical education.

 

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There’s also a private Catholic college in the South Congress, Austin, neighborhood. St. Edward’s University has just under 4,000 undergraduate students in a small but lovely campus at the south end of the street. 

Area employers include the local tourism and hospitality businesses, plus St. Edward’s University. With easy access to both I-35 and Ben White Boulevard, many residents of South Congress find it easy to commute to work all over the city.

Looking for the perfect new place in SoCo? Browse through thousands of apartments in Austin and find your ideal home in a snap.