South Congress is a fantastic neighborhood with condos that are priced at a premium and in high demand. The neighborhood has some of the best restaurants, retail shops and unique stores in Austin. If you want to be in the heart of the action, South Congress is an ideal place to be. There are several upscale condos here that make for a perfect vacation rental for a getaway to Austin.
A vibrant neighborhood south of Lady Bird Lake, South Congress is one of the hippest spots in south Austin. It’s best known for its collection of unique, local retail shops and boutiques, coffee shops, diners and lounges along Congress Avenue. It’s the birthplace of Austin’s unique food truck movement long before mobile eateries parked everywhere became a standard around town.
The South Congress community is made up of people from all walks of life: artists, doctors, lawyers and musicians. The neighborhood is friendly, and everyone treats their neighbor with love and respect. Residents who live in the South Congress area embrace the “Keep Austin Weird” mentality. They express their individuality in unique ways and aren’t afraid to be themselves. The unpretentious neighborhood is quite refreshing! With restaurants and to-dos that range from new to weird, there’s always a good time to be had on South Congress Avenue.
South Congress Neighborhood Vacation Rentals
Vacation rentals in South Congress command premium prices. It’s almost as expensive to stay here as it is in downtown Austin. The reason is the upscale neighborhood. There’s a cool mix of old and new that makes the neighborhood both classic and chic. You can find vacation rentals in all shapes and sizes, but most of the condos here will be two or three bedrooms. There are plenty of options that were built in the last three to five years and have higher-end details like wood flooring throughout, washer/dryers, stainless steel appliances and improved bathrooms.
Amenities at South Congress vacation rentals will include pools, gyms and clubhouses. More recently built complexes will have more of a wow factor. Think resort-style pools and gyms with modern equipment. If you’re looking for a vacation rental near South Congress, we can help you find a perfect match based on your budget and likes.
South Congress is the place to see and be seen, no matter the time of day. Oftentimes, the nightlife scene generates more traffic on the South Congress streets than pedestrians during the daylight hours. The great thing is the entire neighborhood walkable and one-of-a-kind – and chock-full of distinctive local charm.
South Congress Attractions
Located south of downtown and between I-35 and Mopac, the South Congress neighborhood has ample entertainment, dining and shopping in a safe, walkable area. It’s an eclectic area. There are lots of murals and outdoor art in the neighborhood. There is live music here at popular venues like the Continental Club. It’s not far from the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail. Key shopping destinations like Kendra Scott’s flagship store and Lucy in Disguise costume shop always have interesting and unique things.
The Congress Avenue Bridge is home to the world’s largest colony of urban bats, who take flight around the neighborhood every evening. The population of the bats grows by more than 50 percent in the late summer as the bats migrate to Austin to have babies. By the end of summer, the entire colony takes flight at dusk!
The South Congress neighborhood is an upscale part of Austin that includes West Congress, East Congress and Pleasant Hill. The northern boundary of the neighborhood is Highway 290, and the east boundary is I-35. The western boundary is South 1st Street, and the southern boundary is East William Cannon Drive.
The southwest section of South Congress has some wonderful eateries like Taquerias Arandinas, The Little Darlin’, Jalisco’s Restaurant & Bar, El Pollo Rico, Taco Cabana and East Buffet all along East William Cannon Drive. DK Sushi South & Seoul Korean is a highly rated restaurant on South 1st Street. West Stassney Lane is home to 1st Wok, Sabor Tapatio and Bahama Buck’s. Just off I-35 are Trudy’s South Star, Dimassi’s Mediterranean Buffet, Chili’s, Twin Peaks, Umi Sushi Bar & Grill, Chipotle, Jimmy Johns and Krispy Kreme.
South Congress Avenue has some cool restaurants, too. Wham Bam Bagels and Coffee Truck and El Sazon Catracho are at South Congress Avenue and East St. Elmo Road. San Juanita’s Tacos are about a block south. Further east, near Industrial Boulevard, St. Elmo’s Brewing Company is one of the highest-rated craft breweries in the city. About a block south is another popular brewhouse, Vacancy Brewing. Li’l Nonna’s on East St. Elmo Road is a wonderful vegan restaurant.
Need a lift? Shop for luxury cars at Porsche of South Austin, Ferrari of Austin, Capitol Chevrolet, CarMax and Carvana Austin.
Choosing South Congress for Your Vacation
South Congress is a melting pot of all things Austin. Once a seedy area with run-down motels, “SoCo” is now home to some of the city’s most exclusive boutique hotels and trendy Austin hot spots. Not only is there awesome music, but amazing food options, unique shopping and some of the best people-watching in the state. It’s a place where yuppies, hipsters and hippies stand shoulder-to-shoulder at The Continental Club listening to iconic Austin musicians like as Junior Brown, Dale Watson, Toni Price, and Lou Ann Barton, or wait in line to get a burger from Hopdoddy or ice cream from Amy’s.
A vacation rental can improve your vacation experience across the board. Don’t limit yourself to a one-room hotel with uncomfortable furnishings. Our vacation rentals come fully furnished and turnkey, with plenty of room and useful spaces like a garage or a patio with views of the city. There’s nothing like relaxing on your deck with a view of the city after a fun day of exploring Austin.
Families love our Austin vacation rentals because you can get the entire family under one roof, and you don’t have to pay for multiple hotel rooms. And, with a full kitchen at each of our properties, fully stocked, you’ll have no problems putting together a family meal with everyone seated at the same table. Having a kitchen at your residence also means you can prepare a few in-between meals at home to save money for a special night out at one of Austin’s top restaurants.