Travis Heights is Close to Home

Travis Heights has always been one of my favorite Austin neighborhoods. Brad and I lived there in a duplex we built overlooking a creek and Downtown in the late ’70s. We loved the towering oak trees, the proximity to the Capitol and downtown, the architecture of the grand old homes and the quiet vibe of the neighborhood. We’d sit on the back deck and enjoy the sunset and the view and sip a cool margarita on a hot summer day. In the evening, we’d see fireflies buzzing and occasionally find a family of raccoons peering in our sliding glass door. Life was simple and laid back in 78704.

Today, Travis Heights bustles with activity. Its close proximity to downtown makes it one of the most sought after neighborhoods in the city. Funky, off beat places line South Congress Avenue just to the west with the likes of Lucy in Disguise costume shop, Uncommon Objects antiques, Ten Thousand Villages and lots of fun food trailers like Hey Cupcake and and The Flying Carpet Moroccan Burgers. Now trendy restaurants, boutique hotels, bars and live music venues like the Continental Club rock the neighborhood nightly. Upscale restaurants like Perlas in this popular SoCo area have been featured by traveling chef Anthony Bourdain, and Kendra Scott launched her spectacullar jewelry line here and has her store front nearby. Guero’s, a former Old Austin grain and feed store, is now a popular lunch or dinner stop with a killer new outdoor stage. Hotel San Jose draws movie stars, politicians and musicians from all over the world seeking a little bit of what makes Austin weird.

Homes in Travis Heights are in great demand. Prices have risen steadily for many years and investors have “redeveloped” some of the older apartments into saucy condos. Little Stacy Park provides a nice place with a lovely creek to hike, picnic and walk the dog. A favorite of artists and musicians, Travis Heights residents enjoy a bond can often be found sharing meals, music and their talents together. For those that like a neighborhood where you can walk to coffee, shops, and food, Travis Heights is a winner.