Central allandale By Jackie Potts

Down Town

A vibrant mecca of commerce and culture, the downtown cityscape has grown significantly in the past five years to include a variety of living quarters that put residents within walking distance of dining, entertainment, recreation and retail destinations.

"The residential population is approximately 5,300 people," says Charlie Betts, executive director of the Downtown Austin Alliance. "Presently, there are 1,500 announced units on the drawing boards."

While residential quarters run the gamut from small efficiency apartments to posh lofts, Betts says a typical downtown residence is a condominium measuring 1,200 to 1,400 square feet with two bedrooms, two baths, a kitchen, living room and a great view. Sale price per square foot would be about $300, he said.

Kevin Burns, a real estate broker and owner of UrbanSpace Realtors says people are drawn to downtown living for a variety of reasons.

"Most (residents) are location-driven," he says. "They want to be close to the trail, restaurants and bars. Whole Foods is a major amenity. People who live in Austin City Lofts or the Nokonah can walk there. I actually live in the Austin City Lofts and I walk to Whole Foods."

Natalie Smith, a three-year resident at Railyard Condominiums and an active participant in the Downtown Austin Neighborhood Association, says her life and leisure have become more integrated since moving downtown.

"Going out is not as much of a production," she says. "I can step outside and catch a band any day of the week. I can step outside and be on my way to dinner. There are so many things to do down here. You've got the arts, Town Lake, community events like symphony in the park, art openings..."

Another often cited reason for living downtown is ease of mobility. "Generally, people can do away with two cars and get by with just one," Betts says. "You can eliminate your commute time and the stress that goes with it."

While living downtown may cost more per square foot than living elsewhere, Burns contends that the trade-off of stress, automotive wear-and-tear, commute times and a simplified lifestyle are well worth the extra dollars.

"A lot of people are sick of living in the suburbs and dealing with long commutes," he says. "I work downtown, live downtown and play downtown. I'm a real estate broker and I haven't been in my car today.

"People are more willing to give up their gameroom and walk to Alamo Drafthouse or give up their exercise room to go run on the trail," he adds. "I see no end to the popularity of living downtown. It's where the culture of Austin is."

ZONE: Central

Zip Code 78701