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SoCo (South Congress)

Overview

In recent years, South Congress has become the place to be for the see-and-be-seen from all over the country. And with a new hip name to match, SoCo is now a haven for hipsters, artists, fashionistas, and tourists. Just about everyone, from parents and their kids to punk-rock twenty-somethings can find something to do in SoCo.

Bounded by Town Lake to the north, Oltorf to the south, and South First to the west, this neighborhood is sandwiched between Travis Heights and Bouldin Creek, two of Austin's most desirable residential neighborhoods. The view to downtown (looking directly at the state capitol) is breathtaking, and walking down SoCo on a lazy Sunday is the height of cool in Austin. The broad avenue is home to high-end apartments, beautifully restored hotels, great restaurants, legendary venues, and funky boutiques, and is within walking distance of Town Lake and the Hike and Bike Trail.

Much like Downtown, South Congress is an area that appeals to people from all over the city, and Austin residents of all types flock to the shops, restaurants, and hang-outs lining the wide avenue.

What to do

South Congress is at its best during First Thursday, the monthly celebration of art, shopping, and dining that takes over the entire area, with street vendors, artists, and musicians competing for attention amid curious tourists and bargain shoppers. If you've never seen SoCo before, make a point to come on the first Thursday of the month – it's an amped-up everyday South Congress.

As far as shopping goes, South Congress is home to some of Austin's best boutique shopping. Check out Creatures for creative fashions and footwear for men and women, or Service Menswear for work-inspired clothing and fashionable accessories. Other great stores include Therapy (which, in addition to clothes, is all about the healing powers of chocolate), Hovercraft (hip clothing and limited sneakers), By George (high-end women's fashion), Blackmail (for all things black) and the beloved St. Vincent de Paul Thrift Shop (where bargain shoppers can find anything and everything with a little patience).

Also look for Uncommon Objects, with its wacky selection of clothes and home furnishings, and Lucy in Disguise, Austin's beloved costume shop, for a truly unique shopping experience. Or stop by Turquoise Door for beautiful imported art and jewelry from Latin America.

For dining, SoCo is the place to be. One of Austin's best restaurants, the fantastic Vespaio, offers creative Italian cuisine, wonderful appetizers, and an impeccable wine list. Right next door is their sister café, Enoteca, which has some of the best brunch in the city and wonderful pastries and cheeses to go. South Congress Café is right around the corner, and serves up contemporary American cuisine, featuring great seafood, meat, salads, and desserts. Their bar is also a great place to meet up before a night out on the town.

There's also some outstanding low-key dining, from the classic Guero's Mexican food (with outstanding margaritas!), Homeslice pizza, and Zen Japanese. SoCo is also home to Austin legend Magnolia Café, which has outstanding food and is very affordable, and El Sol y La Luna, a wonderful patio café. Follow up some great food with great dessert at Amy's Ice Cream, one of Austin's most famous local businesses. Their Mexican Vanilla and Texas Dirt Cake never fail to impress.

On the western edge along South First, you can really see the Hispanic influence in the neighborhood – small grocery stores, awesome bakeries, and family restaurants offering up authentic food are a great reason to venture of the main street. An excellent example is Polvo's Mexican Restaurant, which has outstanding handmade Mexican food and margaritas that are worthy of some serious respect.

Don't forget to check out Jo's Coffee, which has become a local landmark by offering fashion shows and summer movie nights in their parking lot, and the Continental Club, one of Austin's most beloved venues where many famous artists got their start.

Why live here?

If you want to be in the middle of the action, living near South Congress is a no-brainer. Close proximity to Downtown and access to cultural opportunities, nightlife, and dining makes this a popular spot for the young and hip, but the old-Austin folks haven't up-and-left just yet. South Congress is a fairly narrow geographical region, mostly commercial, but there are two larger residential neighborhoods to the east and west, Boudlin Creek and Travis Heights.

Quick Facts

Household Income

$41,293

Recent Job Growth

2.73%

Median Home Value

$399,000

Median Home Age

34

Appreciation (2007)

1.01%

Percentage Renting

67.27%

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