The South Lamar neighborhood is one of the fastest-growing areas of Austin. Located just south of the downtown core, South Lamar has vacation rental condos scattered amid the neighborhood’s many tasty restaurants and trendy retail shops. For vacationers seeking a home base to explore “weird” Austin, the South Lamar neighborhood is an ideal fit.
South Lamar Boulevard is a main thoroughfare from Lady Bird Lake on the north side to Ben White Boulevard to the southwest. There is less traffic in this area compared to the South Congress neighborhood just to the east. The side streets are quiet, residential areas with modern single-family homes, typically with three or more bedrooms.
The vibe of South Lamar is laid back – a slice of upscale urban living with lots of green open spaces not far away. To the west, in an area known as the Barton Creek Greenbelt, are wonderful hiking, biking and jogging trails. Further north, Lady Bird Lake is within walking distance and provides beautiful trails to explore.
The South Lamar neighborhood is basically shaped like a triangle, with three streets making up much of its boundary. South Lamar Boulevard is the western boundary, from West Oltorf Street on the north end to Ben White Boulevard on the south end. Ben White Boulevard is the southern boundary. The eastern boundary are train tracks located between Clawson Road and South 1st Street. The tracks follow West Bouldin Creek for the most part. South Lamar is bordered to the east by the Galindo neighborhood, Westgate and South Manchaca to the south, and Barton Hills to the northwest. The Zilker and Bouldin Creek neighborhoods are to the north, closer to Lady Bird Lake and downtown.
About Vacation Rentals in South Lamar
The South Lamar region saw a big growth period during the last part of the 20th Century, with several new developments coming to fruition in the late 1990s and into the 2000s. Prior to that, the neighborhood was a bit more working class and the residences here were considered low-income housing. Back then, it was a spot that was slightly removed from the city’s core, so rents were affordable while still close to downtown. Many blue-collar workers, artists, musicians and performers moved to the area for its cheap rent. Back then, Lady Bird Lake was known as Town Lake.
The population of Austin took off in the early 21st Century, and the South Lamar neighborhood was one of the boom areas. As new residents moved in, older, more dilapidated properties were razed, and new construction quickly changed the look and reputation of South Lamar. Retail businesses flocked to the area, and several restaurants, bars, pubs and taverns soon followed. Many of the homes and condos that were built during this time are still around today, mostly in the southern part of South Lamar.
Attractions in South Lamar
Even though South Lamar has become more contemporary, it hasn’t completely discarded its artistic roots. The distinctive neighborhood still has its share of mixed-use developments, boutique shops, condos, townhouses and single-family homes. There’s lots to do, from shopping and nightlife to hiking and biking at the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Here are a few South Lamar highlights:
ZACH Theater is a hub of creativity in Austin. The professional theater company is the oldest continuously active theater in the Lone Star State – and one of the 10 oldest in the United States. The theater consistently provides original culturally relevant and poignant productions throughout the year.
The Broken Spoke is a landmark honky-tonk that calls itself the “last of the Texas dancehalls.” Revelers have been two-stepping on South Lamar since the 1960s. The bar has welcomed local musicians and numerous notable Country & Western icons over the years, including Wille Nelson and Kris Kristofferson.
The Art Garage Austin, on South Lamar Boulevard, is a perfect place to paint pottery, fuse glass and throw clay. It’s a top spot for art parties, art camps and art classes. At Alamo Drafthouse cinema, you can catch the newest blockbuster film while sipping your favorite alcoholic or nonalcoholic beverage.
South Lamar has trendy restaurants, eateries, diners, coffee shops, bars and taverns to explore. Uchi is home to James Beard-winning chef Tyson Cole’s menu of beautifully crafted and succulent sushi, sashimi, tempura and makimono. The cozy restaurant is set in a refurbished home on South Lamar Boulevard.
Odd Duck is an innovative farm-to-table restaurant that showcases the finest in local flavors. For authentic Tex-Mex, head south to Matt’s El Rancho for great food and endless margaritas. Matt’s El Rancho has been serving Austin eaters since 1952.
If traditional Mexican far like mole, café de olla, tortillas and salsa are more your speed, head to El Naranjo. For the flavors of the Orient, try Ramen Tatsu-Ya, one of the finest ramen restaurants in the city. Enjoy organic, fair-trade coffee at Irie Bean Coffee and Wine Bar.
How to Find the Best Vacation Rental
Vacation rentals in South Lamar provide a lot of bang for your buck. Traditional hotels in Austin are often cramped, expensive, and not close to anything you’d want to do. They’re also noisy, dirty, and lots of the amenities can be sketchy. Why tolerate it? There are turnkey vacation rentals available that have everything you need for a top-flight vacation and more. And while a vacation rental might cost a bit more than a traditional hotel, the savings and added benefits you’ll get from the vacation rental far outweigh the costs. When you add it all up, oftentimes it’s more cost-effective to go with the larger, nicer vacation rental.
Vacation rentals come with multiple rooms and multiple bedrooms. They’re also larger, so you can get your entire family under one roof. Vacation rentals also come with fully stocked kitchens, so you’ll have all the pots, pans, cups, plates and flatware you need. And there’s a dishwasher so you can wash it all and reuse it. Oh, and did we mention a full refrigerator, ice maker, coffee machine and other appliances that make your vacation easier? Not to mention the bathrooms, which can have improved features like double vanities or even a steam shower or Jacuzzi tub.
Contact us today and let’s discuss the options. We have amazing rentals in Austin for all sizes of groups. We also have vacation rentals all over the city, including South Lamar and downtown, as well as Texas’s amazing Hill Country just outside the city.