Neighborhood Guide: Bouldin Creek, Austin
Bouldin Creek is a desirable Austin neighborhood with a reputation as a hotspot for creatives, artists, and students looking to live near the city's urban core. Hiking and biking are popular pastimes, but there's still plenty to see and do in Bouldin, from restaurants to bar hopping and shopping.
Bouldin Creek is known for its mix of retro and modern architecture and its embrace of the "keep Austin weird" philosophy. As a result, you're likely to see quirky landscaping and murals around this unique neighborhood.
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Types of Homes and Apartments to Rent in Bouldin Creek, Austin
Bouldin Creek is located south of the Colorado River from Downtown Austin, about 1.6 miles away. Bouldin Creek is shaped like a long rectangle jutting slightly southeast of the general Downtown area.
The bustling South 1st Street runs through this Austin neighborhood, where it's easy to find cafes, bars, and shopping. The Insta-worthy "Greetings from Austin" mural is also located in Bouldin Creek and is referred to as the "I love you" mural.
New apartment complexes and condo developments have rapidly transformed the South First Street area of Bouldin Creek, with more mixed-use communities underway. Apartment complexes range between small units and mid-rise buildings. Single-family homes are also available for rent in the neighborhood.
During the 1970s and 80s, artists, creatives, and musicians flooded Bouldin Creek for its affordability and access to Downtown. Today, Bouldin Creek's rents are on the rise but still a desirable place for artists and college students looking for off-campus housing in a hip neighborhood. You'll soak up the creative vibe during art walks or pub crawls, and take out-of-towners on tours of all the vibrant murals in the area.
Bouldin Creek, Austin Landscape
While Bouldin Creek is an urban neighborhood, it offers quick access to the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Zilker Park, and the scenery of Lady Bird Lake. This Austin neighborhood is leafy with small lawns, and locals aren't afraid to get creative with their landscaping and blend zen gardens with urban treehouses. New condo and apartment projects with rooftops are also in the works.
Must-See Attractions
You don't need to leave Bouldin Creek to see the city's best attractions. The lively SoCo District is within reach with funky boutiques and dining options. Creatives peruse area galleries, and nature lovers take a reprieve from city living and areas like Lady Bird Lake.
Living in Bouldin Creek, Austin
Bouldin Creek, Austin, offers the best of city living. You have all the amenities you need, from shopping to dining. Plus, it’s just 1.6 miles to Downtown Austin with public readily available.
You won't find corporations and big businesses in Bouldin Creek, but you have several options if you want to work in the neighborhood. The development and construction industry is booming as the area transforms. There are also plenty of retail, restaurants, cafes, and galleries to grow your career from Bouldin Creek.
Things to Keep in Mind
Consider a few things if you're ready to move to Bouldin Creek. You can take public transportation into Downtown Austin, bike, and walk. However, Austin is still a driving town, and unless you're committed to being car-free, you'll need some wheels or a rideshare budget.
Although Bouldin Creek is close to Downtown, it's still residential and is considered a safe place to live. As a result, it doesn't have the influx of families you might expect in a safe and cozy neighborhood. Still, it is welcoming to students, artists, and hipsters looking for an urban lifestyle without compromising on nature and a community feel.
Here’s what else you need to know before moving to Austin.
Things to Do in Bouldin Creek, Austin
There are lots to do in Bouldin Creek, Austin. Here's where to start planning your social calendar.
Enjoy SXSW
The annual SXSW tech, film, and music festival attracts thousands of visitors. Residents also aren't far from popular music venues like The Continental.
Visit the Greetings from Austin Mural
The Greetings from Austin Mural, which is a giant replica of a 1940s postcard, is among the most popular examples of public art in Austin. The mural was painted in 1997 by artists Todd Sanders, Rory Skagen, and Bill Brakhage.
Check out the Art For The People Gallery
Austin's Art for the People embraces the idea that everyone can be an art collector on a budget. There are also rotating exhibitions representing up to 60 artists and their original artwork, including paintings, 3D, and fiber.
Peruse the SoCo District
SoCo, or South Congress, is often considered its own neighborhood. It's easy to walk over from Bouldin Creek and visit some of the city's trendiest art galleries, restaurants, and shops. The area is also home to the legendary Continental Club and the most prominent colony of urban bats at the South Congress Bridge.
Walk Along the Lady Bird Lake Trail
Lady Bird Lake Trail boasts an idyllic urban path that takes visitors along a lush, urban trail complete with a boardwalk. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy ten miles of running, walking, and cycling paths. You can also see the Auditorium Shores paying homage to late bluesman Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Where to Eat and Drink in Bouldin Creek, Austin
Bouldin Creek is home to some of Austin's hottest places to eat and drink. Here are a few places to try.
Bouldin Creek Cafe
The local, woman-owned Bouldin Creek Cafe serves vegan dishes made from scratch and handcrafted coffee. They're also known for paying a living wage and supporting the community through foundations and fundraising.
Fresa's Chicken
Fresa's Chicken features walk-up, take-out dining, and a dog-friendly outdoor patio. Locals come for wood-grilled meats, tacos, guac, wings, and specialties like Yucatan spice chicken.
Lenoir
Locals head to Lenoir's vintage-chic restaurant and wine garden for a romantic night out. Couples order Mediterranean and Indian dishes for a fine dining experience.
Taco Joint
Taco Joint is the spot for simple breakfast tacos and inexpensive lunches, where you’ll find artists and students stopping in for a quick bite.
Elizabeth Street Cafe
Elizabeth Street Cafe serves casual Vietnamese and French dishes like Banh Mi and boiled escargot in a Thai basil curry butter sauce.
In a Nutshell
Bouldin Creek, Austin, is a hip and trendy place to live that still retains a creative, cozy feel. You can hit some of the best pubs, shops, and galleries in the city or spend the day exploring Lady Bird Trail. Bouldin Creek ideally blends urban and nature in one neighborhood.
Final Thoughts
Ready to find the perfect apartment in Bouldin Creek, Austin? Sign-up with Apartment List to start your search.
If Austin doesn't seem like the right place for you, consider other places to live in Texas.
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