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French Place

Gentrified East Austin Neighborhood Close to UT

Overview

Sometimes called Cherrywood or New Hyde Park, French Place is a neighborhood full of vibrant residents, uniquely style, and beautiful streets shaded by mature trees. Just five minutes from Downtown and the University of Texas, the location is ideal for students, professors, and people who work anywhere in central Austin. Because French Place is located just east of IH-35, real-estate is more affordable than in the nearby North Campus and West Campus neighborhoods. This doesn't mean the location isn't excellent – French Place close to major city centers, a quick ride from UT on the shuttle, and a quick drive to all major freeways.

Originally owned by the Giles family in the 1940s, French Place did not significantly develop until the mid 1980s. Now, the neighborhood is home to a diverse group of young and old, student and professional, and one-story homes on wide, shaded streets. Graduate students, professors, artists, musicians, young families, retirees, and hipsters all live and work together. French Place residents are know for their diverse interests, unique homes and yards, and laid-back attitude, and as one of Austin's older neighborhoods, retains a strong sense of history despite rapid development in the past 20 years. Residents tend to take pride in their individuality and creativity, and bright colors bring a unique style to the bungalow-style homes.

In recent years, French Place has become almost fully gentrified, and the growth and development shows no signs of shopping. Unlike other cookie-cutter communities in and around Austin, French Place homes are unique, and many are situated on oversize or oddly shaped lots, contributing to a feeling that each street is different than the least. The real estate market consists of single family homes, bungalows, and small multi-family, though there are also apartments located along the Manor road area.

Hipsters and art-enthusiasts have turned French Place into a hotspot for art and culture. The Cherrywood Art Fair bring in artists and appreciators of all ages each year to celebrate local art, and countless private studios operate year round to keep the momentum going in one of the coolest art scenes in town.

What to do

French Place is a great place to hang out with friends for a relaxing afternoon or evening. One of the coolest places to hang out, and a business that attracts a loyal following of Locals, is Clementine Coffee Shop. Offering coffee, espresso, pastries, beer, and wine, this shop attracts young people and students out to study, but on the weekends you can find musical performances and a more lively atmosphere. The great outdoor patio overlooks Manor, and on the weekends this is a great place to people watch.

Also on Manor Road are several excellent Austin restaurants. First is East Side Café, an incredible local restaurant offering fresh, organic foods, a nice wine list, and friendly, prompt service. One of the few restaurants in town that actually takes reservations, this is a great spot for a casual dinner or date. Just across the street is Hoover's, one of Austin's best home-cooking restaurants, which offers southern-style cooking and a full bar. Owner Hoover Alexander is serious about BBQ, and the deserts are always baked fresh and delicious. Just a bit further down Manor, check out Mi Madre's for some incredible breakfast tacos and migas, and some of the friendliest service in the neighborhood.

Further north in near IH-35, check out Star Seeds Cafe. This 24/7 dining spot has great breakfast and home-cooking, and is a popular at all hours among college students, neighborhood residents, and partiers looking for some great food. The prices are great, but watch out for busy times such as Sunday morning of UT game weekend.

In French Place, you can also catch a play at the Vortex or Salvage Vanguard Theaters. At Salvage Vanguard, local directors and actors produce original plays open to the public, and prices are very reasonable. Another must-see is the Cherrywood Art Fair, a massive gathering of local artists and art-lovers designed to spread the word about art in East Austin and bring together the community to celebrate the Austin scene.

Why live here?

No matter what you call it, French Place is a great place to live in central Austin. A unique and vibrant community of diverse interests, French Place is a great place for students, young professionals, and creative types, and with excellent appreciation and huge demand, French place is a great place to buy in Austin.

Quick Facts

Household Income

$41,806

Recent Job Growth

2.73%

Median Home Value

$299,900

Median Home Age

50

Appreciation (2007)

4.05%

Percentage Renting

54.01%

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