Student Living with a Quiet Side

Overview

Though it’s still unquestionably a student neighborhood, North Campus, with its eclectic mix of student apartments, gorgeous single-family homes, and beloved local businesses, embodies what’s best about Austin, and is definitely greater than the sum of its parts. Bounded by East 38th street to the north, Guadalupe to the west, Dean Keeton to the south, and Interstate 35 to the east, this neighborhood sits sandwiched between UT Campus and Hyde Park, and predictably, takes on some of the best characteristics of both.

In the middle of North Campus is a very exclusive smaller neighborhood with large, stylish homes occupied by old-Austin families, professors, and other professionals. It’s a Central Austin oasis: you’ll find million-dollar homes nestled between gorgeous oak trees, bounded by some of the neighborhood’s beautiful parks – all only blocks from major commercial areas and busy streets.

The western edge of North Campus is mostly commercial, especially on the section of Guadalupe just north of UT Austin and the southern border of the Hancock Center. Also, the eastern section is home to Concordia University, one of Austin’s several private universities. Their 20-acre campus serves the small college (about 1,200 students), and is one more reason for steady real estate appreciation and commercial development in the area.

North Campus is a highly desirable area for students, particularly law students (the Law school is only a few blocks south off Dean Keeton), who are seeking a bit more peace and quiet than West Campus has to offer. With a branch of the University Co-op nearby on Dean Keeton, countless restaurants, and housing of all type, there’s something for everybody in North Campus.

What to do

North Campus features two great parks: Adam’s Hemphill Park, which is a great place to take the dogs for a walk, and Eastwoods Park, which in addition to trails and open areas, has a wading pool. This is a great area to take a run, have a BBQ with some friends, or just relax and enjoy the dense trees and beautiful homes nearby.

Businesses that cater to students and locals are primarily located along the western and southern borders of the area. One popular area is the commercial center at 30th Street and Speedway, which features restaurants, a convenience store, and condominiums. Check out Crown and Anchor, one of UT’s greatest pubs, for a good selection of beers as well as some of the area’s best hamburgers, or Posse East, another beloved student hangout with awesome drink specials and a great patio on the border of UT Campus. Double Dave’s Pizza is just around the corner, and has a Sunday buffet that always attracts hungry students – its a great place to get together and watch a game with friends.

On the Guadalupe side, check out one of Austin’s favorite local business, Amy’s Ice Cream, at 36th street, or grab some Japanese food at Zen across the street. There are also several great coffee shops, especially La Tazza Fresca, which features live music and poetry during the school year, and Spiderhouse, an Austin institution that attracts hipsters, students, and adults alike with its unbelievable outdoor patio and outstanding selection of drinks (with a full bar!) For some great Mexican food, stop by Trudy’s, a local chain with locations near UT as well as in North Austin. Their “Top Shelf Tuesdays” always attract a crowd, with some of the best (and cheapest) Mexican Martinis in the city. Also, check out Texadelphia, the local chain that’s developed what can only be described as a cult following with their world-famous Texas Cheesesteak.

Quick Facts

Household Income

$15,703

Recent Job Growth

2.73%

Median Home Value

$669,000

Median Home Age

35

Appreciation (2007)

2.92%

Percentage Renting

85.13%