Austin Downtown Area

Austin is the 16th largest city in the United States and has grown at an astounding rate since the 1990's. According to demographic experts, the city shows no signs of slowing down in terms of growth. The downtown area of Austin is a thriving community of office workers, students, residents and tourists. The area is home to more than five thousand residents but the residential population has had explosive growth over the years. The local government has an organization called the Downtown Austin Plan which lays out strategies for creating a more diverse, livable, and sustainable downtown. The plan is to reshape downtown Austin into an area that has distinct unique districts and install urban rail modern transportation systems. The City Council has placed the development of Austin's downtown as one of its top priorities.

There are hundreds of businesses, stores, restaurants, museums, and theaters located in Austin's downtown area. The Austin Museum of Art, Old Bakery and Emporium and Texas Governor's Mansion are just a few of the noteworthy buildings that are in downtown Austin. The most frequented building in the downtown area is the Austin Convention Center. The facility is located in the heart of downtown's business district and is home to concerts, fairs, bazaars, trade shows and other events. Many of the tourists who come into the area are attending an event at the Austin Convention Center.

Downtown Austin stays particularly busy during the week. It is a bustle of activity with over 67,000 downtown workers heading to offices in the central business district. There are over 90,000 employees within a one-mile radius of Sixth Street and Congress. The thousands of businesses located in downtown Austin make the area a prime residential location for professionals who work at one of the companies in the area.

Downtown Austin can become congested due to the trade shows, tourists attractions, and conventions that take place in the area. It is estimated that seven million people visit downtown Austin for an event on an annual basis. The large amount of tourists that infiltrate downtown brings excitement for local residents who want to live in a fast paced environment. This same excitement proves to be unattractive for families who prefer a quiet environment. The large influx of people into the neighborhood alters the demographics of downtown. Local residents of the area mainly fall into the category of younger professionals, singles, and married couples without children.

Residents of Downtown Austin who want to escape the urban area have the convenience of the Town Lake Metropolitan Park which is located in close proximity to the neighborhood. Town Lake Metropolitan Park has some of the best hiking and biking trails in the city. The park features football, baseball, volleyball, and rugby fields. The park provides a country haven for those who live in Downtown Austin.

Overall, Downtown Austin can be described as cosmopolitan, eclectic, casual, chic, and artistic. The downtown area is a collage of government, business, and education that brings people together in a creative and energetic way.