Larry E Vaughn

Founded by entrepreneurial visionary Lance Vaughn, Urbanly.com is dedicated to matching Austin’s urban charm and appeal to your desired lifestyle. With a focus on finding ideal residential qualities to fit your needs, Urbanly.com offers a vastly improved shopping experience that saves you time in screening neighborhoods and properties that don’t warrant a personal visit.

The team of real estate and related business professionals Lance has assembled provide an unique opportunity for you to understand the Austin cultures, shopping districts, neighborhoods, lifestyles, conveniences, and how each of these affect your needs and preferences, so you make the right decision about the best location for your new home.

Our newly expanded home listings, coupled with insightful information on services and facilities convenient to each location help you better understand the character of the neighborhood, the proximity to attractions in the area, and the property’s virtues. Now you have the perfect tool to screen out those properties that don’t fit your needs before you invest time in taking on site tours.

The Urbanly.com team’s collective background comprises many years experience in a variety of business and consulting practices that lend another layer of understanding the intense demands on your time, and allow us to cut through the maze of details to be as efficient as possible in getting you settled.

Finding just the right accommodations in Austin can sometimes be challenging. Whether you’re looking for a single family home, apartment, condo, or other type residence, we strive to minimize the challenge and eliminate the stress. Buying or renting a home is a life-changing event, and we are committed to making this experience as pleasant and rewarding as possible. Connecting buyers with ideal Austin properties in neighborhoods that match their lifestyle preferences is a passion we look forward to sharing with you.

Selling? Homes listed with Urbanly.com receive our uniquely designed internet listing services, which provide a more intimate shopping experience to visitors to your home’s website, yielding a better qualified prospect already well familiarized with your property and its proximity to conveniences.

If you are looking for urban-ly living with close-in convenience to downtown Austin, or have a property that would be of interest to someone who is, give me a call or email me. I look forward to our team helping you choose the neighborhood and property that will be the perfect fit for you. Lance Vaughn, Realtor/Urbanist, Austin, Texas, 512-751-7201, lance@Urbanly.com.

The Austin Community

Chic and modern versus old and nostalgic. Contradictory life styles? Not here in Austin. These seemingly opposite lifestyles join seamlessly to provide city dwelling at its best. Local neighborhoods retain their quaint, comfy and grass roots down-home feel, while home values in the close-in neighborhoods of the old-downtown area have increased, as renovation, reconstruction and development have flourished in recent years. Recently the new construction focus has been on high-rise condos and lofts that further enrich the lifestyle choices with dramatic downtown views and close-in access.

Convenience is critical for many home shoppers, including many with downtown workplaces, a desire to locate near one of the centrally-located hospitals, or enjoy the bustling night life and live music that have made Austin famous around the world. Austin’s ubiquitous and progressive bus system with 400+ vehicles, enhanced by light rail commuter service into the downtown area, provide outstanding services to residents of the community, expanding their ability to reach amenities easily and inexpensively.

Longer term transportation planning addresses the pressures of regional population growth in the Austin which is estimated to double in the next 25 years. The plan provides an opportunity to cut through Austin’s traffic congestion and help ensure that our city’s communities remain great places to live, work and play. Input from thousands of citizens has helped create the plan, which includes Capital MetroRail, Capital MetroRapid, expanded Local and Express bus services, more Park & Ride locations and possible future rail services in Central Texas.

While we understand that nothing can replace an actual tour of a property and its neighborhood, we also realize that your time is often stretched to the limits, and that you can use some help in making your home search as efficient as possible. Here at urbanly.com you’ll be able to gain great insight into the features of each home listed, and the neighborhood in which it resides, as well as its proximity to amenities. Just check out the “walkability” rating for the property to see just how convenient it really is to the services you seek.

Some of the older, more prestigious neighborhoods in close-in Austin retain the charm of “old town,” and have the benefit of being right in the heart of Austin. These neighborhoods have wonderful character, while being very close-in, making walking to destinations not only possible but also very pleasant. We call this “walkability.” Our property listings give you insight into just how convenient each of these locations really are.

Close-in Urbanly Austin Neighborhoods

Barton Hills

Barton Hills is a small residential community nestled among the hills of south Austin along beautiful Barton Creek. This historic neighborhood is all about walkability, and has experienced continual rejuvenation due to its proximity to downtown. Amenities are easily accessible on foot or bicycle, and residents can also drive a short distance to bustling nearby shopping areas on South Lamar and Ben White Boulevards. The Barton Hills area is just minutes from downtown Austin and easy access to Barton Springs Road which is known locally as “restaurant row.”

Barton Hills’ hilly, meandering streets are lined with ranch-style homes, low-rise apartments and condos whose residents enjoy easy access to Zilker Park and Lady Bird Lake on its Northern edge, MoPac on the West, and South Lamar Boulevard and Loop 360 to the southwest. The neighborhood elementary schools also consistently get top marks from state education officials, making Barton Hills a popular location for young families, as well as business professisonals.

Bouldin Creek

Tucked away in the south-central part of Austin’s Urban Core.is Bouldin Creek, a neighborhood of unassuming small homes and apartments once the childhood home of writer and radio humorist John Henry Faulk whose small family mansion on West Live Oak has been an upscale dining spot for over 50 years.

Given its proximity to downtown and nearby “SoCo,” parts of Bouldin Creek have been a desirable location for new development, but the neighborhood maintains its own, independent, character. Small apartments and homes fill this neighborhood where the local coffee shop is unquestionably not part of a chain, as it provides home brewed coffee concoctions for customers and water bowls for visiting pets on the funky patio on South First Street.

Bounded by South Congress Avenue on the East and Bouldin Creek on the West, South First runs through the heart of the melting-pot neighborhood, and sets the tone for home-grown business and home-spun neighboring. With its Mexican bakeries, independent “revolutionary” bookstores, tattoo parlors, an art gallery or two, and various cafes South First gives Bouldin Creek a flavor all its own.

Dawson

The Dawson neighborhood is located in the south-central part of Austin’s Urban Core, bounded by West Oltorf Street on the north, South 1st Street on the west, Ben White Boulevard/US Highway 71 to the south, and South Congress Avenue on the east.

Given its proximity to downtown and nearby “SoCo,” parts of the Dawson neighborhood have been a desirable location for new development, but the community maintains its own, independent, freestyle character while providing excellent access to all the desired amenities and services.

Downtown Austin

Austin’s downtown is defined by its position adjoining beautiful Lady Bird Lake, formerly called Town Lake, which is a reservoir on the Colorado River. A system of hike and bike trails built along the shoreline of the lake establishes it as a major recreational attraction with spectacular views punctuated by the stately State Capital Building as it rises above the lake and downtown area.

But, the capital city is possibly best known for its entertainment venues such as 6th Street, the Warehouse District, Red River District near the convention center, which comprise three blocks of the best, and arguably the most, live music in Austin. If Austin is the worlds live music capital, then the Red River District is the heart of it all. Any weekend you can see more than twenty bands playing in this three block area.

East 6th from Congress Avenue to Interstate 35 is Austin’s official entertainment district, and as home to numerous clubs and bars it is the heart of our live music scene running the gamut from jazz, blues, hip-hop, country, rock, to all other genres. You’ll also find every kind of food throughout the area, including ribs, Tex-Mex, Cajun, chili, steak, and seafood. Casual to formal; you’ll find it all in the district. 6th Street is also the traditional site of numerous fairs and holiday festivities where residents and guests take to the street for fun and socializing.

Downtown Austin’s famous nightlife scene is just one aspect of what is a vibrant city center 24 hours a day. Downtown also has its quiet places and times, galleries and shops that nourish a sophisticated lifestyle. The entertainment districts are just far enough away from most of the downtown apartments and lofts to serve as an inviting get away without being noisy, but still within an easy walk.

Downtown living is, of course, ideal for anyone working downtown, but given easy access to major freeways commuting from downtown is fairly easy. Getting around downtown is made easy by using the free “Dillo” buses. The city also provides abundant sidewalk bicycle racks on major downtown streets. Walking and biking are favorite pastimes, with many nearby well maintained trails and paths provided.

Downtown Austin’s exciting vibes come from an aggressive effort to create a pedestrian-friendly downtown community where residents can enjoy easy access to recreation, shops, cafes, galleries and nightlife. And, everything within walking distance. Urbanly.com’s website includes “walkability” information on downtown and close-in properties for those who enjoy walking or biking.

Residents can find almost everything they need for daily urban living within the boundaries of downtown Austin; dry cleaners, drug stores, gas stations, boutiques selling clothing, home furnishings and artwork. There are also several popular home decor stores, a homegrown bookstore and the Whole Food Stores grocery store and cafe with take-out for the downtown neighborhood resident.

World’s Largest Urban Bat Colony

Crowds gather at dusk to watch a flock exceeding a million Mexican free-tailed bats flitter out from under the Congress Avenue Bridge as it spans Lady Bird Lake. Standing along the walkways on the bridge, or from any of the areas on either side of the lake, visitors are treated to an exceptional spectacle as the bats start their daily activity of feeding on pesky mosquitoes. It’s advisable to wear a hat for bat watching; guano happens.

Nightwing – Across Congress Street from the American-Statesman Newspaper building, on Barton Creek, is an eye-catching, free-swiveling sculpture named Nightwing, which honors the famous Austin bat colony of Mexican free-tailed bats.

East Austin

From contemporary urban lifestyles to reminiscent corner stores, East Austin is a mix of urban and traditional residential cultures and economic development. East Austin blossomed into a thriving urban neighborhood as the downtown area began to grow out toward the more affordable East side. Today the area is popular with those seeking urban living on the outskirts of downtown proper.

To accommodate the demand for growth, mixed-use developments are filling the demand for modern urban lifestyles, while older Victorian-era homes in the area are also being returned to their former glory. This neighborhood is truly a perfect blend of modern, nostalgic, upscale and affordable.

Residents of this neighborhood can enjoy the nearby Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail, museums, festivals and numerous art studios. History buffs can tour the Texas State Cemetery, where many of Texas’ most notable citizens are at rest.

Hyde Park is an attractive 2,000 home historic community located on the north edge of the University campus with the charm of tree-lined streets. This neighborhood is attractive for younger families due to its proximity to parks, Central Market North, and downtown amenities. This neighborhood is bounded by 38th Street, 51st Street, Guadeloupe, Duval, and (north of 45th Street) Red River.

Lower Congress (LoCo)

Congress Avenue, three miles south of Lady Bird Lake, called Lower Congress, or “LoCo,” is an ideal location for those seeking lower urban home costs with quick access to every where in Austin. MoPac Boulevard (Loop 1), U.S. 290, Texas 71, Capital of Texas Highway (Loop 360) and Interstate 35 are all very easily accessible from here. It is said that every where in town is about twenty minutes or less from here.

The broad expanse of South Congress Avenue is lined with apartments, condos, lofts, boutiques, cafes, and other neighborhood businesses. The area is also home to a thriving medical complex around South Austin Hospital, the South Campus of Austin Community College and Capital Metro’s South Central Transit Center.

The LoCo neighborhood extends generally from Interstate 35 west to Manchaca Road and from Ben White Boulevard south to Stassney Lane, including the neighborhoods of Battle Bend and Southwood.

Mueller

This development on the north side of UT is a master planned community with a variety of home styles ranging from condos, to lofts, apartments and single and multi-story homes. Large areas in the urban village provide outdoor community spaces like Lake Park with outdoor entertaining space and a 6.5 acre lake, beautiful parks, hike and bike trails, man-made lakes and playgrounds.

Developed on the old Robert Mueller International airport site in East Austin the development offers affordable homes for families with condos priced from the $100ks, row homes, yard homes and condos in the $200k range, town homes, yard homes, and condos in the $300ks and up. Mueller has a diverse melting pot of cultures and a comfortably walkable neighborhood with lots of green space.

Old West Austin

Old West Austin includes the neighborhoods of Pemberton Heights, Old Enfield, Bryker Woods, Tarrytown and Clarksville. Located in the west-central part of Austin’s Urban Core, the boundaries for this area are Enfield Road on the north, Lamar Boulevard on the east, Lady Bird Lake on the south, Mopac on the west.

The Old West Austin area is recognized both for its architectural and historical significance, and has traditionally been the one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Austin. The homes reflect the architectural styles popular from mid-19th through mid-20th centuries, and the historic district has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

Traditionally one of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Austin, properties are meticulously maintained along streets and lawns lined with majestic oak trees. Homes in this area include single family residences, bungalows, cottages, and elegant mansions.

Bryker Woods, located just east of MoPac near 35th Street, (part of the Old West Austin historic district), was originally developed in the 1930’s and is spotted with many quaint cottage homes. It features stately tree-lined streets and convenience to Seton Hospital, Bailey Park, and Pease. Homes here begin in the $300K range.

Clarksville is a small historic area on the western edge of downtown, located east of MoPac bounded by 6th Street & 10th Street, West Lynn, and Waterston. Several restaurants are within walking distance, and, downtown itself is only a stroll away. There are a number of art galleries and small specialty shops in the neighborhood. Homes here are priced in the $300K and up range.

Tarrytown may be Austin’s most prestigious address, bounded by 35th Street in the North, Enfield in the South, MoPac in the East and Lake Austin on the West. Mostly an area of gracious houses, Tarrytown also offers condo and apartment conversions, and duplexes for rent, old churches and quiet parks.

On the banks of Lake Austin, on the western edge, is a 22 acre, turn-of-the-century park and nature preserve with lily ponds, tame deer and even peacocks. In the heart of Tarrytown is another park where area residents go to swim, hike and bike, relax and picnic. On the Southern edge of the neighborhood is the Lions Municipal golf course, and another park with a swimming pool that is a neighborhood gathering point for swimming, picnics and summertime movie nights.

South Congress (SoCo)

South Congress Avenue, a historical boulevard with a promising future, lends its name to the popular “SoCo” area, where Austin’s heritage is being transformed into a creatively vibrant and upbeat neighborhood. Situated between Bouldin Creek and Travis Heights with Lady Bird Lake on the North and extending south beyond Oltorf (the traditional southern boundary of downtown) to include apartments and businesses being built southward to Ben White Boulevard.

The heritage of Austin resonates throughout the SoCo shopping area, which extends to Oltorf, and has been described as “eclectic,” “funky,” “boutique,” “hip,” or “retro.” Whichever it means to you, there can be no doubt the area provides a unique shopping experience with that friendly locally-owned feel for bargain hunters and seekers of the rare and unusual.

The broad expanse of SoCo Avenue is lined with apartments, condos, lofts, boutiques, restaurants, neighborhood bars and coffee shops. One of the most famous landmarks, the Continental Club, is where many popular musical acts have launched their careers. Rejuvenated red-light motels now rent upscale living quarters to area executives and the rich and famous, while industriously eclectic storefront shops and cafes respond to the off beat lifestyles that make the area so popular.

The view of downtown Austin’s State Capitol Building from SoCo, by the way, is a definite eye pleaser, and the subject of countless photographs and still life paintings. Residents in the SoCo area can find pizza by the slice, sushi, and veggies to go, or go upscale with three course dinners complete with vintage wines. The beautiful Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail is also, literally, within walking distance.

“First Thursday” of each month is a regular event sponsored by businesses on South Congress that is quickly growing in popularity, and is becoming “the” thing to do on the First Thursday. Shopping and people watching are favorite activities as stores and shops stay open until 10 PM. A variety of themes and activities are provided throughout the evening.

On the Western edge of the SoCo strip, South First Street businesses reflect the rich Hispanic heritage of the neighborhood with independent grocery stores, bakeries, family restaurants, coffee shops, tattoo parlors, an art gallery or two, and fine locally owned cafes. With the entrepreneurial persistence that marks the Austin lifestyle, homegrown businesses like these local and independent purveyors have become instant local favorites.

South Lamar

To shop south of the river in Austin is to find unique spots like no other. If you’re on a clothes quest, you’ll find vintage, retro and club wear along South Lamar, which is quickly gaining momentum for location and vibe. Located just south of Oltorf between South Lamar/Manchaca and the Union Pacific Railroad, this neighborhood is experiencing revitalization and property conversions while maintaining good pricing value.

Travis Heights

Tucked on the southern edge of downtown between South Congress Avenue and Interstate 35, on the east, is the Travis Heights neighborhood, south of the Colorado River. It is one of Austin’s most sought after locations for many of the professionals who office downtown. This is an ideal location in a charming old world community just minutes from downtown, one of the neighborhood’s main attractions. The rejuvenation of nearby South Congress Avenue, including “SoCo” with its eclectic cafes and shops, added even more to the popularity and the value of property in the area.

Travis Heights was originally the ideal location for a home in the country, away from downtown, when the only way across the Colorado River in the 1880s was by ferry. Today most of the area is made up of 1920s single family homes and very popular apartment complexes, and older mansions with carriage houses and detached garages that have been turned into highly sought after apartments.

Travis Heights gets its name from the rolling terrain that gives residents great views of quiet woodland hollows with downtown in the distance. Community parks have stately wooded landscape where visitors can walk, jog or cycle. The greenbelt offers 23 acres of natural areas, and a dog-friendly park at Riverside Drive and Interstate 35 gives residents a leash-free play area to spend time with their pets after work and on weekends.

UT

Austin is more than the traditional stuffy center of government; it is a robust and vibrant melting pot of a community on the rise, where the University of Texas campus generates a refreshing flow of youthful ideals and ambition, as well as bringing research-related jobs to Austin.

Getting around, to and from, this campus is made much easier than in many campuses, as the city transit system provides about 8,000,000 bus trips to UT students, faculty and staff annually. There is rarely much of a wait for transportation, as during peak hours the busses arrive every ten minutes, and off peak every fifteen minutes and make all parts of the campus, downtown, and other areas of the community available.

Hyde Park is a 2,000 home historic community located on the north edge of the University campus. This is an attractive neighborhood for younger families due to its proximity to parks, Central Market North, and the charm of lovely tree-lined streets. This neighborhood is bounded by 38th Street, 51st Street, Guadeloupe, Duval, and (north of 45th Street) Red River.

Zilker

Homes in this area range from petite houses to large estates and historic homes dating to 1875. With downtown and South Congress just a short walk away, Zilker is one of Austin’s hippest communities.
The community also appeals to active lifestyles, with meandering hike-and-bike trails, frisbee golf, extensive botanical gardens and sunset views of the Congress Avenue Bridge.

Zilker Botanical Garden

Zilker Botanical Garden is ideally located in the center of Texas’ capital city on 30-acres on the south side of Lady Bird Lake, and boasts gardens magnificently endowed by nature with bountiful trees, natural grottoes, and aquatic habitats that have been integrated into a design of spectacular beauty and serenity.

Featured gardens include a Japanese garden, xeriscape demonstration garden, rose garden, cactus garden, bedding displays, floral display garden, butterfly trail, butterfly garden, and herb & fragrance garden and a prehistoric garden.

The Hartman Prehistoric Garden is filled with Cretaceous plants, gar-filled streams, reptiles, dragonflies, and butterflies that recall a period millions of years ago, during the Cretaceous period, when the park was a beach shoreline on the Great Inland Sea.

Educational opportunities for people of all ages are offered through displays, research programs, and specialized gardens. Guided group butterfly tours are available with advance notice.

The Japanese garden transforms 3 acres of rugged hillside into a peaceful garden complete with a traditional Moon Bridge over Koi filled ponds, a Japanese Teahouse which affords a beautiful view of the Austin skyline, and stone gates donated by Austin’s Sister City of Oita, Japan.

The gardens are free and open to the public year-round. There may be admission and parking fees for special events.