Boomtown USA

OVER THE years, many factors have drawn newcomers to Austin—a lattice of green spaces, relatively mild winters, a large research university, delectable barbecue and Tex-Mex, and a vibrant local music scene that has earned the city a rep as the Live Music Capital of the World. But there’s something bigger happening in the capital now: Austin’s magnetic pull seems to be getting stronger every day.

The local population is speeding toward the onemillion mark, and studies peg it as the second-fastestgrowing city in the U.S., thanks in part to technology companies like Amazon, Google, Oracle, and Tesla setting up shop and expanding operations here.

Central neighborhoods—such as Tarrytown (an older enclave west of the Mopac Expressway) and Mueller (a newer 700-acre redevelopment built in the footprint of the city’s old airport)—are in high demand among home buyers. Meanwhile, groves of sleek condo buildings are transforming sleepier East Austin neighborhoods. Thanks to a number of high-rise towers cropping up in recent years, the skyline itself has changed considerably.

Vibrant Spirit

Such accelerated growth has reshaped the city’s character as well as its landscape. “I really like the youthful energy of a booming city that is attracting ambitious people from all over the world,” says Mark

Jacobs, an entrepreneur who moved to Austin two years ago. “Having easy access to so many great restaurants, along with great venues for theater, comedy, and music, is especially attractive. Austin has so much of what is desirable about a big city while still maintaining a more laid-back and friendly vibe of a smaller community.”

The past decade’s growth has fueled exciting expansion in the local restaurant scene. Excellent offerings now include Hestia (serving sophisticated wood-fired cuisine), Este (delicious coastal Mexican fare with seafood as the centerpiece), and both Loro and BBQ Ramen Tatsu-ya for exceptional Asian-barbecue fusion.

Cultural offerings have grown richer too. In 2018, the city unveiled the state-of-the-art, six-floor, 200,000-square-foot Central Library, which sits on the shores of Lady Bird Lake, providing rooftop views. More recently, Austin put the finishing touches on Waterloo Park—a multiuse urban park inspired by New York City’s High Line. Summer 2022 saw the opening of the 15,000-plus-seat concert venue Moody Center, where Harry Styles and George Strait have already performed.

Music fans can also catch local musicians at longtime hotspots like the Continental Club, Stubb’s, and the Broken Spoke. Art lovers’ favorites include such venerable institutions as the Blanton Museum of Art and The Contemporary Austin.

“When I moved to Austin in 2006, I missed the opportunities New York provided, but now I find there are more offerings in Austin than I have time to attend,” says Dalia Azim, author of the 2022 novel Country of Origin and deputy director of the Texas Book Festival, an event that has grown exponentially over the years.

“The city’s growth creates an enthusiastic energy that is contagious,” says Jacobs. “People want to be part of a successful community, and growth is the ultimate sign of success.” —S.

Kirk Walsh

3+ SECLUDED ACRES IN HUNTERS CREEK VILLAGE | Houston

$8,500,000 | 108 Shasta Dr. is nestled on 3+ acres at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac in sought-after Hunters Creek Village, this 14,000+ sf custom home offers plenty of space for entertaining and an abundance of privacy. Web# 46530888.

TIMELESS CLASSIC LUXURY MEETS CONTEMPORARY | Houston

$5,175,000 | 403 Greencove Dr. is a custom home that coalesces classic with contemporary elements to create an impressive residence on a hidden cul-de-sac in exclusive Piney Point, Memorial. Curved archways, 2-story ceilings and walls of windows provide soft transitions, large open spaces and endless natural light throughout the almost 11,000sf interior. Web# 29508818.

REFINED EUROPEAN ESTATE | Houston | $4,988,000

The elegant 632 Pifer Rd. is an almost 11,000sf European Estate that sits on the tree-lined street in the highly desirable Hunters Creek Village. Web# 76484137.

CONTEMPORARY WORK OF ART | Houston | $2,175,000

103 Roy St. is a contemporary, 3-story work of art with excellent natural light and refreshing modern lines highlighted throughout its design. Floor-to-ceiling glass wraps around tranquil views of the pool deck, waterfall and downtown skyline. Web# 77478722.

The exceptional 5338 Drane Drive is an elegant villa in sought-after Greenway Parks. Situated on approximately half an acre. This home boasts 5 bedrooms with en suite baths. Multiple living areas including an authentic wine cellar with room for dining. Wide hallways and galleries are suitable for a fine art collection. Charming dining areas inside and out. This home is an entertainer’s dream. Outdoor stone fireplace offers warmth on chilly evenings. Gorgeous pool is perfect for summer heat. Web# 20196151.

CURATED ITALIAN LIVING | Houston | $7,500,000

Inspired by Italian living, The River Oaks, Unit 201 showcases luxury finishes, furniture and art custom curated by CASA Design. Every detail matters and comes together to create an inspiring place to live in. Varying materials and forms fit timelessly within this condominium. The iconic location is inviting, alluring guests into the light-filled living. Web# 96751047. Adriana Banks, O: 832.234.7042, M: 713.898.6557, adriana.banks@elliman.com; co-listed with Rosie Meyers

INDOOR-OUTDOOR LIVING AT ITS FINEST | Houston | $5,299,000

Enjoy exceptional indoor-outdoor living and entertaining in this stunning estate at 5215 Green Tree Road in the Tanglewood area featuring bespoke craftsmanship and premium finishes. Luxurious 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms and 2 half bathrooms. Web# 87105679. Adriana Banks, O: 832.234.7042, M: 713.898.6557, adriana.banks@elliman.com

THE HEIGHT OF SOPHISTICATED LIVING | Houston | STARTING AT

$2,200,000 | Sophisticated living between the parks at The Sophie at Bayou Bend, 6017 Memoiral Drive. These condos will provide you with the feeling of a traditional home with the amenities of luxury condo living. Web# 60369061. Adriana Banks, O: 832.234.7042, M: 713.898.6557, adriana.banks@elliman.com; co-listed with Benjamin Dougharty

HISTORIC HEIGHTS BUNGALOW | Houston | $984,500

A historic bungalow at 711 Key Street, in the heart of the Heights. This bungalow mixes classic Heights charm with the personalized touch of modern spaces typically found in newer construction. Renovated in 2014. Web# 96939550. Adriana Banks, O: 832.234.7042, M: 713.898.6557, adriana.banks@elliman.com

AN UNMATCHED SENSE OF HOME | Horseshoe Bay | $5,490,000

Enjoy resort sytle living in the Texas Hill Country. This fully remodled home offers fantastic outdoor space that includes a pool, boat dock, outdoor kitchen and swings to sit and enjoy the expansive views of Lake LBJ. The community of Applehead Island offers a guard-gated entrance, world-class golf courses and many other amenities just minutes away. Web# 20235283. Amie Buentello, O: 469.273.1431, M: 972.800.4378, amie.buentello@elliman.com; Nadia Black, O: 469.273.1431, M: 214.554.0479, nadia.black@elliman.com

LAKEFRONT VIEWS | Austin | PRICE UPON REQUEST

This true waterfront 3-story condo with a spectacular view has been completely remodeled and comes with an attached covered boat slip. Enjoy the primary suite on the third floor that boasts its own fireplace and balcony, offering additional views of the lake. Located in the preferred corridor of Lake Austin with close proximity to downtown. Move-in ready condo. Web# De14409. Diane Dillard, O: 512.866.3795, M: 512.426.4368, diane.dillard@elliman.com; Lindsay Dillard, O: 512.866.3795, M: 512.636.7969, lindsay.dillard@elliman.com