Housing Stock In Vibrant Downtown Austin Offers That Wow! Factor

Austin's a pretty happening place, luring some 160 people a day eager to move here in 2016. The brisk relocation difference is fueled by myriad dynamics: It's the live music capital of the world, host to multiple important conventions of global significance (including SXSW) and a burgeoning high tech sector that's fast becoming Central Texas' answer to California's famed Silicon Valley.

For those more in tune with nature, Austin's got you covered too. LBJ Lake, Barton Creek, Zilker Park and other natural amenities offer beautiful landscapes abounding with flora that can be viewed while walking along an expansive network of hiking trails or by canoe or kayak.

So much to do, and so much to see. So why not be at the center of it all? As the central business district continues to shift in shape, omnipresent cranes attest to brisk construction of new high rises. But much of the construction centers on housing, given a pent-up demand for downtown living. Realtor.com offers a comprehensive compilation of available housing stock in the desirable sector, with search fields designed to tailor one's budget and preferred neighborhood locale.

At The Independent located at 301 West Ave., Unit 3802 offers some lucky homeowner a unique perch overlooking the city. "Right above the corner from everything," the website reads, and it's no exaggeration or marketing gimmick. This cozy 1,351-square-foot abode is located in the Seaholm district, mere steps from Shoal Creek, Lady Bird Lake, Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.

The unit is housed in a unique high rise that's difficult to describe architecturally but is already getting raves even mid-construction. The unique high rise will stand out even in a glass landscape of impressive structures across the Austin skyline. Rather than trying to describe it, here's a rendering:

The two-bedroom, two-bath unit is located on the 38th floor facing north, with stunning views of the Capitol building, the city skyline and, further out, still a glimpse of the bucolic Hill Country. Imagine seeing the fields of bluebonnets to which throngs descend each spring from such a vantage point! The beauty of Austin can be viewed from the comfortable perch of a private, covered balcony.

The interior is rather breathtaking. The place has floor-to-ceiling windows, quartz counters, Bosch appliances, ten-foot ceilings and more dramatic appointments.

But what about practicality? Well, there schools in the area that include Mathews Elementary, Austin High School and O. Henry Middle Intermediate. All public schools are serviced by the Austin ISD. This is luxury living without sacrificing the practical or utilitarian given access to schools and grocery options along with high quality of life considerations. As an example, check out the pool:

Those groceries can be gotten within walking distance, with meals prepared in a kitchen adjacent to a dining area that opens up to the family room. Natural stone counters abound throughout, giving the kitchen an airy, solid vibe conducive to cooking with wild abandon. Foodies and culinary mavens would truly feel like a top chef here, situated in a kitchen that feels like being on top of the world.

So what does one pay for such surroundings? The unit is listed at $940,000. Realtor.com also urges veterans to check eligibility for a VA loan with zero dollars down to snag this coveted home. Click here to request a private showing.

Nearby at The Four Seasons Residences, 98 San Jacinto Blvd., is a sightly older unit built in 2010 offering similar amenities. Unit 601 there offers luxury finishings and an impeccably professional, at-your-service concierge staff catering to your every need. The condo is a cozy one-bedroom, one-bathroom place encompassing just over 800 square feet of space—perfect for the young professional on the rise.

A stone's throw from the University of Texas at Austin campus, the condo yields views of Lady Bird Lake and the Long Center all visible from the vantage point of an open porch. Here's a view of those porches, to give you an idea of what would await you:

Imagine the possibilities of soaking in some culture at the Long Center without having to fight traffic! Within walking distance of this charming space is an array of quality-of-life attractions: Hiking trails, restaurants, nightclubs, oh my!

At the end of a busy day, one can take refuge in an inviting bedroom featuring a floor-to-ceiling window from which to gaze at the big city below.

This charming condo is on the market for $808,999. For more details on this unit, click here. Prospective buyers can click at the same link to request a private showing.

But let's go back to The Independent for a moment. Those seeking true luxury—and exponentially more space—should check out Unit 5304. Comparatively speaking, this place is a behemoth among its smaller counterparts with 3,514 square feet encompassing three bedrooms and three baths.

Indeed, it's the largest three-bedroom unit available at the luxury high rise, featuring a media room, study, butler's pantry, three (yes, three) parking spots, two balconies and 3 1/2 baths. Gaggenau appliances are de rigueur here against extended hardwoods. A measure of privacy is assured in these environs, with only three other residences on the same floor.

Situated on the southwest corner of the unique high rise, the same dramatic aforementioned views of Lady Bird Lake and the Hill Country are offered in a truly luxurious setting. Such luxury comes at a price, with the unit on the market for just over $3.5 million.

Click here for more details. In the meantime, gaze your eyes on some of the luxurious surroundings awaiting one lucky home buyer:

At 360 Nueces St., Apartment 1601 looks like the kind of place where Frank Sinatra himself would've been at ease. We're talking at-the-height-of-his-powers, Capitol-label-years, swinging cat Sinatra here. In short, this is one groovy place befitting the cool city of its locale.

At 801 square feet, this is one beautiful bachelor or bachelorette pad, a one-bedroom, one bath space with great views of the historic Capitol building, Lady Bird Lake and the downtown skyline can be had from a private balcony. Amenities for denizens of this building include: a fitness center; heated pool; media room; conference room; pet park; and an oudoor cabana-style grilling station. High-speed Internet was recently installed for those wanting to get some work in from the comforts of home.

Like Sinatra, you'll feel like the chairman of the board here. Fly me to the moon, indeed. Price: $459,000. Fore more details, all the cool cats can click here. Check out some of the interior, and try to tell me Old Blue Eyes wouldn't love this cozy spot. Just look at that view:

There's another charming downtown unit on the market at 800 Brazos. Unit 1009 is a rather gorgeous space built, as it happens, as Sinatra was less than five years from his storied comeback after the lean years following the conclusion of World War II. The remodeled unit built in 1949 hearkens to a past, glorious age.

But inside, you'll find all the modern trappings. The condo includes stainless steel Kitchen Aid appliances, concrete floors, granite counter tops, a large, glass-door shower and a walk-in closet. Warm paint colors complement the industrial loft vibe. The new owner will inherit a refrigerator, washer/dryer, television and balcony planters conveyed by the previous occupant. There's a large balcony with western views of the city, including the centerpiece Capitol building.

Amenities abound at Brazos Place, including valet parking, a fitness center, rooftop terrace and storage space for bicycles and other belongings. The best part? We got three words: 24-7 concierge service (or is that two words?). In terms of size, it's an 884-square-foot condo containing one bedroom and one bath. The sticker price on this intimate setting: $354,900. Click here for more details and to request a private showing.

Check out this listings and more at Realtor.com. Property listings aren't limited to downtown Austin, mind you. That's just a sector we felt like focusing on this weekend. Visitors to Realtor.com can input their desired ZIP code to find available homes in one's preferred area. Happy house hunting!