The Domain

The Domain is a premier mixed-use development located in Northwest Austin, bordered by Loop 1 on the west and north, Burnet Road on the east, Braker Lane on the south, and the Union Pacific Railroad on the west. Originally developed on a 304-acre tract formerly owned by IBM, The Domain was purchased by Endeavor Real Estate Group in the late 1990s with initial plans to create a tech office campus. When the dot-com bubble burst, the development pivoted to retail and has since evolved into what is commonly referred to as Austin's second downtown. The Domain represents a new urbanist community designed for walkability, with a mix of shopping, dining, office space, and residential living integrated throughout the development. The area has transformed significantly over the past decade, evolving from a luxury shopping destination featuring high-end retailers like Tiffany's and Nordstrom into a vibrant urban center with local flavor and diverse offerings. The Domain spans approximately 1.3 miles and continues to expand beyond its original boundaries, with major developers including Cousins Properties Inc., Stonelake Capital Partners, and Houston-based Hines shaping its ongoing evolution.

The Domain attracts a diverse demographic of young professionals, families, and affluent residents seeking an urban lifestyle with suburban convenience. The community is designed around walkability and mixed-use development, with ground-floor retail and restaurants complemented by residential units on upper floors. Daily life in The Domain centers around shopping, dining, and entertainment, with residents and visitors enjoying outdoor spaces designed for pedestrian traffic and social interaction. The area hosts various local businesses, restaurants, and entertainment venues including comedy clubs and diverse dining options ranging from casual to upscale establishments. While The Domain itself does not have traditional parks, the surrounding North Austin area provides access to recreational facilities and outdoor activities. The community emphasizes connectivity and integration, with developers working to create cohesive neighborhoods rather than isolated developments. The area has become increasingly popular for both living and working, with many residents employed in the nearby office towers and corporate campuses that have been developed throughout the district.

The Domain area is served by Austin Independent School District (AISD). Students in this northwest Austin neighborhood typically attend schools such as Burnet Elementary School, Zilker Elementary School, and other AISD elementary schools depending on specific location within the Domain boundaries. For middle school, students are generally assigned to schools within the AISD system serving North Austin. High school students typically attend schools such as Anderson High School or other AISD high schools serving the northwest corridor. Specific school assignments depend on the exact address within The Domain, as the area spans multiple attendance zones. Parents should verify current school assignments with AISD, as boundaries and assignments may change. The schools serving this area are part of the Austin Independent School District, which is the largest school district in Central Texas.

The Domain offers an extensive array of dining and entertainment options that have evolved to include both local Austin favorites and national brands. The area features numerous restaurants, cafes, and bars catering to diverse tastes and price points. Notable entertainment venues include comedy clubs and live music venues that reflect Austin's cultural identity. Shopping options range from luxury retailers to local boutiques and national chains, with Domain Northside serving as one of the primary shopping areas. The development includes both indoor and outdoor shopping experiences designed for pedestrian browsing and dining. Nearby attractions outside The Domain's strict boundaries include TopGolf, which sits just across the street and is frequently associated with the area. The Q2 Stadium, home to Austin FC soccer team, is located nearby and opened in 2021, further enhancing the entertainment and recreational appeal of the broader Domain area. The dining and entertainment scene continues to expand as new businesses open and the area develops.

The Domain's residential offerings consist entirely of rental apartments and multifamily units rather than single-family homes or condos available for purchase. All residential units are leased through various apartment companies operating within the development. The housing market in The Domain reflects its status as a premium urban development, with rental prices positioned at the higher end of the Austin market. The area attracts renters seeking walkable urban living with integrated retail, dining, and entertainment. Many buildings feature mixed-use design with ground-floor retail or restaurants and residential units on upper floors, creating an urban village atmosphere. The broader North Burnet/Gateway area surrounding The Domain encompasses approximately 2,300 acres and includes additional residential development opportunities. Recent development trends show significant growth in multifamily housing, office space, and hospitality properties. Stonelake Capital Partners' master plan for the southern portion of The Domain includes 2,500 multifamily units as part of a 15-phase mixed-use development. Prospective residents should expect premium pricing reflective of the area's walkability, amenities, and urban lifestyle. The rental market in The Domain remains competitive, with high demand from young professionals and those seeking urban living experiences in North Austin.