Noteworthy Neighborhood
South Austin expert shares his favorite 78704 spots and hot new home listing
Travis Heights resident and top-selling Kuper Sotheby's International Realty agent Carl Shurr has developed an intricate knowledge of the 78704 area's many unique neighborhoods.
Having worked for over a decade with homeowners, investors, developers, builders, and new residents relocating to Austin and specifically the 78704, Shurr has built up an exceptional knowledge of the South Austin real estate market. He has advised and represented clients in every South Austin neighborhood on a wide variety of properties, from land development to luxury homes.
Shurr chose to live and work in the 78704 because of its close proximity to his favorite parks, Lady Bird Lake, the hike and bike trail, and downtown Austin. He also loves how the community is filled with locally owned business instead of larger chain stores and restaurants, and has a mix of long-time residents and transplants.
Below are a few of Shurr's picks for the best spots in this hip area, as well as a hot new construction home listing that has been newly completed.
Eating and drinking
Enoteca Vespaio: "Hands-down my favorite place for classic Italian food in Austin," says Shurr. This bistro-inspired cafe has been serving up creative light fare and robust hearty meals since 2005.
Cafe No Sé: Set in the South Congress Hotel, this elegant and homey eatery serves up breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner (as well as its famous Cafe No Sé All Day Rosé). "My go-to spot for a lunch meeting and an outstanding cheeseburger, believe or not," says Shurr.
Homeslice Pizza: "My No. 1 pizza spot in Austin for New York-style pizza and amazing subs," he says — and given the lines, it seems like many others agree.
Mattie's: Housed in a 19th-century Victorian home, this antique-chic restaurant is a cherished destination for special-occasion dining or a simple dinner on the patio. "I love their front lawn for drinks, dinner, and watching the peacocks strut," says Shurr.
Thai Fresh: A restaurant and gluten-free bakery that focuses on local, sustainable, and seasonal ingredients. "Thai food with fresh, healthy ingredients. What a concept!" says Shurr. "I wish there was a Mexican Fresh and a Chinese Fresh too!"
Outdoors and recreation
Stacy Park: "One of the best-kept secrets in Austin, and Dude's (my dog's) favorite place," he says.
Rippner Tennis Center: According to Shurr, this is "the best spot in South Austin to play tennis and sharpen your skills at a clinic with great pros."
Lady Bird Hike and Bike Trail: "Stunning views of the city and lake, and uninterrupted trails for miles," says Shurr. "The best place for a run in Austin."
Iconic landmarks
Jo's Coffee: Looking for the "I love you so much" mural? You'll find it here, along with "great coffee and people-watching."
Hotel Saint Cecilia: "The coolest hotel in Austin, maybe in the world, is right here in Travis Heights," says Shurr.
Home for sale
2301 Rebel Road: A stunning new construction home in Travis Heights, located on an oak tree-lined street just a short walk from Stacy Park and South Congress Avenue, this incredible home was designed by Austin-based architect Steve Zagorski and built by Starling Development.
Features include floor-to-ceiling windows and an L-shaped floorplan that offers views of the yard, pool, and a beautiful live oak tree from almost every room of the home. Oversized windows provide an abundance of natural light and lend a spacious, treehouse feel to the home's multiple living spaces.
The main floor includes open living, dining, and kitchen space with views of the front and back yards, two bedrooms, and two full baths. The lower level features a large family room which opens to the pool, patio, and large fenced-in backyard.
Two guest bedrooms and two more bathrooms are also on the lower level, as well as a large room that could work as a studio, wine room, or storage off the family room. The third level includes a large rooftop deck with a full bar, sink, and refrigerator, plus views of South Austin, downtown, and sunsets over the Austin Hill Country.
The home is only a short walk from Stacy Park, South Congress Hotel, and the many shops and restaurants along South Congress. It's also less than five minutes to downtown, the hike and bike trails, Zilker Park, and Barton Springs. The home has just been completed and is move-in ready, with a list price of $2,350,000.
This home is on the market with Carl Shurr of Kuper Sotheby's International Realty. Click here to see more photos, details, and to contact the agent.