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Zilker

Austin, TX

Neighborhood Market Analysis

Q3 2025 Report
$950,000–$1,050,000 (mid-2025 estimate for Zilker, above Austin city median)
Median Home Price
82 (Very Walkable—Walk Score)
Walkability Score
Zilker Elementary and Austin High are rated above average (GreatSchools 7–8/10); O. Henry Middle is average to above average.
School Rating

Location Overview

Neighborhood Boundaries

Roughly bounded by Lady Bird Lake (north), Barton Springs Road (northeast), South Lamar Blvd (west), and the Union Pacific railroad tracks (south).

Zip Codes

78704

Market Data Summary

Price Range$700,000 (condos/smaller homes) to $2.5M+ (luxury new builds)
Price per Sq Ft$600–$750 (varies by property type and finish)
Inventory LevelsHigh: Months of inventory in Austin is 6.3–6.5, with Zilker slightly lower due to continued desirability but still above 5 months (neutral to buyer’s market).[2][3]

Property Characteristics

Home Types & Architecture

Home Types

Single-family homesModern new buildsBungalowsTownhomesCondos

Architectural Styles

Mid-century modernContemporaryCraftsmanBungalowModern farmhouse

Property Details

Typical Lot Sizes0.13–0.25 acres (smaller for condos/townhomes)
Home Age Range1920s–2025 (mix of historic and new construction)
Construction QualityGenerally high; many recent renovations and luxury new builds, but some older homes may need updates.

Community Profile

Demographics & Lifestyle

Demographics

Diverse, with a mix of young professionals, families, and long-term residents. Median age is mid-30s. High educational attainment and above-average household incomes.

Community Vibe

Trendy, active, and outdoorsy. Strong local identity, eco-conscious, and socially engaged.

Typical Residents

  • Young professionals
  • Tech workers
  • Creative professionals
  • Families
  • Empty nesters

Family Friendly

Yes—proximity to Zilker Park, Barton Springs, and good schools make it attractive for families.

Amenities & Lifestyle

Parks & Recreation

  • • Zilker Metropolitan Park
  • • Barton Springs Pool
  • • Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail
  • • Butler Pitch & Putt

Dining Options

  • • Uchi (sushi)
  • • Odd Duck (farm-to-table)
  • • Chuy’s (Tex-Mex)
  • • Aviary Wine & Kitchen

Shopping Centers

  • • South Lamar retail corridor
  • • Barton Springs Road shops
  • • Nearby South Congress (SoCo)

Local Businesses

  • • Coffee shops (e.g., Patika, Merit Coffee)
  • • Boutique fitness studios
  • • Art galleries
  • • Local retail

Education & Schools

Zilker Elementary and Austin High are rated above average (GreatSchools 7–8/10); O. Henry Middle is average to above average.
Overall School Rating

Elementary Schools

  • • Zilker Elementary

Middle Schools

  • • O. Henry Middle School

High Schools

  • • Austin High School

Private Schools

  • • St. Ignatius Martyr Catholic School
  • • San Juan Diego Catholic High School

Transportation & Accessibility

Transit & Roads

Public Transit

  • • CapMetro bus routes 3, 30, 803 (Rapid)

Major Roads

  • • South Lamar Blvd
  • • Barton Springs Road
  • • MoPac Expressway (Loop 1)

Commute & Walkability

Commute Times10–15 minutes to Downtown Austin by car or bike; 20–30 minutes by bus during rush hour.
WalkabilityExcellent—most errands and recreation can be accomplished on foot or bike.
ParkingStreet parking can be limited, especially near Barton Springs and during events.

Marketing Intelligence

Target Buyer Types

  • Young professionals
  • Tech sector employees
  • Affluent families
  • Investors (short-term rental)

Key Selling Points

  • Walk to Zilker Park and Barton Springs
  • Top dining and nightlife
  • Central location with easy downtown access
  • Strong community vibe

Pricing Considerations

Price competitively—buyers expect value and are negotiating. Highlight recent upgrades and unique features.

Common Objections & Response Strategies

Objection: High property taxes and HOA fees

Response Strategy:

Provide detailed cost breakdowns and highlight value of location, amenities, and appreciation potential.

Objection: Older homes need renovation

Response Strategy:

Showcase recent updates or provide renovation estimates and connect buyers with local contractors.

Objection: Noise and parking issues during events

Response Strategy:

Emphasize walkability, off-street parking options, and event schedules to help buyers plan accordingly.

Investment Insights

Investment Potential

Appreciation Potential

Moderate to high long-term, but short-term appreciation has slowed due to increased inventory and market cooling.[1][2][3]

Rental Demand

Very strong—high demand for both long-term and short-term rentals due to location and amenities.

Buyer Competition

Lower than 2021–2023; more balanced, but still competitive for updated or unique properties.

Best For

  • Buyers seeking walkability and lifestyle amenities
  • Investors targeting premium rentals
  • Families wanting central location

Potential Concerns

  • High property taxes
  • Older homes may need renovation
  • Noise and parking during events

Professional Recommendations

1

Leverage hyperlocal data to set realistic pricing and manage seller expectations.

2

Highlight walkability, park access, and unique lifestyle amenities in all marketing.

3

Prepare for longer days on market—focus on staging and professional presentation.

4

Educate buyers on property tax implications and renovation costs.

5

Stay updated on short-term rental regulations and floodplain disclosures.

Competitive Analysis

Comparable Markets

  • Bouldin Creek
  • Travis Heights
  • South Lamar

Market Positioning

Premium central neighborhood with lifestyle appeal, positioned above South Lamar but more approachable than Travis Heights for some buyers.

Competitive Advantages

  • Direct access to Zilker Park and Barton Springs
  • Superior walkability
  • Eclectic mix of homes and amenities

Price Comparison

Zilker is 10–20% more expensive than South Lamar, but 5–10% less than Travis Heights for similar properties.

Investment Metrics

3.5–4.5% (long-term rental); 5–6% (short-term rental, depending on regulation)
Cap Rates
4–5% gross yield typical for updated homes
Rental Yields
High (25–28), reflecting premium location
Price-to-Rent
Positive for well-managed short-term rentals; break-even to modest positive for long-term rentals at current prices
Cash Flow
Stable to moderate growth over 3–5 years, with upside if inventory normalizes.
Appreciation

Buyer Journey Insights

First-Time Buyers

Challenging due to high prices, but condos and smaller homes offer entry points. Education on financing and renovation options is key.

Move-Up Buyers

Strong appeal for those seeking more space or lifestyle upgrade; many move-up buyers are relocating from other Austin neighborhoods.

Downsizers

Attractive for empty nesters seeking walkability and amenities, especially new-build condos/townhomes.

Investors

High rental demand and premium rates, but careful analysis needed due to high entry costs and evolving regulations.

Relocators

Popular with out-of-state buyers seeking Austin’s lifestyle; highlight central location and community features.

This neighborhood analysis was generated using hyperlocal data and AI intelligence.

Neighborhood conditions change - consult with local real estate professionals for the most current information.

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