2nd Street District

The 2nd Street District is a six-block mixed-use urban development located in southwest downtown Austin, stretching along West 2nd Street (also known as Willie Nelson Boulevard) between Guadalupe Street and Colorado Street. Developed by the City of Austin through public-private partnerships from 2000 to 2012, the district was designed to create a dense, walkable urban experience in the heart of downtown. The neighborhood is positioned just steps from Lady Bird Lake and the Texas State Capitol, making it one of Austin's most accessible and vibrant urban neighborhoods. By 2017, the district had grown to include over 600 residences, 250 hotel rooms, 3,000 jobs, and 175,000 square feet of retail space. The district is part of the larger South Congress/Downtown area and serves as a catalyst for downtown Austin's continued development and revitalization.

The 2nd Street District embodies Austin's distinctive urban lifestyle with a strong emphasis on walkability, live music, dining, and entertainment. Residents enjoy wide sidewalks, pedestrian-friendly pathways, and easy access to Lady Bird Lake's running, biking, and walking trails. The neighborhood attracts young professionals, empty nesters, and urban-focused residents who value proximity to downtown amenities and cultural attractions. Daily life in the district centers around the vibrant street scene with numerous locally-owned boutiques, nationally-acclaimed restaurants, and entertainment venues. The area hosts regular community events and maintains an authentically Austin vibe with its mix of homegrown businesses and cultural attractions. Residents benefit from the district's position as Austin's live music capital, with constant access to performances and cultural experiences throughout the neighborhood.

The 2nd Street District is served by Austin Independent School District (AISD). The primary elementary school serving this downtown area is Brykerwoods Elementary School. For middle school, students typically attend Lamar Middle School or Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders. High school students are zoned to Austin High School, located at 1715 West Cesar Chavez Street, which is one of AISD's flagship high schools with strong academic programs and arts offerings. AISD schools in the downtown core area are known for their diverse student populations and specialized programs. Families in the district also have access to charter school options throughout Austin.

The 2nd Street District is renowned as Austin's premier entertainment destination. ACL Live at The Moody Theater (home of the famed Austin City Limits television show) is the district's flagship music venue, with the smaller 3Ten ACL Live venue located nearby. Additional live music venues include Lambert's Barbecue, Ellis, and Fairmount, along with The Tiniest Bar in Texas. Fine dining establishments include La Condesa, Taverna, and Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood and Crab. The district features the Violet Crown Cinema, offering movie-themed craft cocktails and premium snacks. Shopping options range from locally-owned boutiques to specialty retailers, with Design Within Reach and other upscale shops. The Willie Nelson statue at Austin City Limits is an iconic photo spot. The district also features The People's Gallery and La Peña art galleries, the Texas Toy Museum, and numerous cocktail bars and casual dining establishments. The area is walkable with outdoor dining extending onto sidewalks.

The 2nd Street District features primarily high-rise residential towers and modern condominiums, with the Austonian condo tower serving as the neighborhood's flagship residential building. Housing in the district consists predominantly of luxury apartments and condos rather than traditional single-family homes, reflecting its urban downtown location. Typical units range from studios to three-bedroom residences, with prices reflecting premium downtown positioning. The district includes 250+ hotel rooms and over 600 residential units. Housing styles are contemporary and modern, designed for urban professionals and those seeking walkable downtown living. The market attracts buyers and renters seeking proximity to employment, entertainment, and cultural amenities without requiring a car for daily activities. Rental options are abundant given the mixed-use development nature of the district. Recent trends show continued demand for downtown urban living, with the district maintaining its position as one of Austin's most desirable downtown neighborhoods. Buyers should expect higher price points compared to suburban Austin areas, justified by walkability, amenities, and downtown location.