Austin Profiles - 2nd Street

The 2nd Street District in downtown Austin has grown rapidly. Besides the nightlife bar scene of 6th Street, and a smattering of shops on Congress Avenue, downtown Austin lacked a hub for shopping, eating, and entertainment that the 2nd Street District is now providing.

Cashing in on Austinites' love for being outdoors, and its close proximity to the Zilker hike and bike trail, the 2nd Street District is pedestrian oriented, with wide sidewalks, and open air store fronts and outdoor seating at many of the restaurants. The 2nd Street District has also concentrated on having more daytime activities compared to 6th street which has more bars and late night entertainment.

Established local eateries, such as Austin Java Café and Jo's Coffee, mix and mingle with a few fun chains and other local establishments, to suit any taste bud. People-watching from an outside table provides limitless entertainment before heading to the next shop.

Several home furnishings and décor shops line the street. Austin's branch of Design Within Reach carries licensed mid-century classics, while Finch is filled with beautiful homey items for the Dwell Magazine lover. IF + D brings flooring, furniture, and more from international designers such as Tord Bjoonte, as well as equally beautiful pieces from local creative craftsmen Brian David Johnson, Holly Everett, and Fisterra Studios.

The emergence of more downtown attractions has affected parts of the Austin real estate market, which provide proximity to downtown. The first part of the market affected is the downtown Austin condos which have been popping up in recent years. Also several downtown Austin neighborhoods like Clarksville and Barton Hills which are in biking distance to downtown have also seen more interest from buyers due to their proximity to downtown.

Austin was recently listed as the 7th most dog friendly city in the country by Men's Health magazine, so man's best friend was included in the 2nd Street District's design. For the past two years, 30 of Austin's best architects, builders, and designers gather on 2nd street for what's become known as Barkitecture. The talented group comes together to create innovative, and amazingly designed, dog houses that are auctioned off, with proceeds going to local animal advocacy groups. Also, the Lofty Dog store caters to those canines living the downtown lifestyle.

Clothing boutiques dot the 2nd Street District. Many shops, like Girl Next Door and Shiki Style carry women's fashion from up and coming clothing designers. Cowboy Cool puts a western twist on primarily contemporary men's clothes. After a day of shopping in the sun, it's nice to wind down at Sage Salon, or Milk and Honey Spa, with a relaxing couples massage.

With newly built condominium complexes springing up downtown, and more on the way, the 2nd Street District can now be just steps from the front door. Block 21, at the corner of Lavaca and 2nd Street, will soon house the new W Hotel and Residences, the new Austin City Limits taping studio, as well as additional retail space, which will surely only add to the excitement and continuing evolution of Austin's 2nd Street District.

Ki helps buyers looking for homes in Austin real estate market (mostly central). Buyers who are looking for a home in Austin can start looking for homes on their site using the Austin MLS. Ki also posts regular updates on the Austin market on his Austin real estate blog.