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