North Central Austin: A charming escape only minutes from downtown

Your Neighborhood Expert

Agent Brennan Stravlo.

There are so many great places to live in Austin that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Kuper Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.

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Real estate agent Brennan Stravlo has no problem admitting he was "scared to death" to move north from the trendy south Austin area. But that was more than a decade ago, and now, having been in North Central Austin for 10 years, he loves living and working in the area.

"In the last 10 years, many restaurants have opened locations here, and The Domain just keeps expanding and getting better and better," he says. "It is so easy to get around, too."

While North Central Austin may have once looked a bit "shinier" than the "typical authentic vibe of old Austin," Stravlo says there's still plenty of authentic Austin charm in addition to locally owned restaurants — plus the perks of large home lots and no HOA.

Stravlo offered up a few more of his personal favorites about life in North Central Austin. Here's his guide to the area:

Where to eat & drink"Anderson Lane has a few hidden gems, including Little Deli & Pizzeria," says Stravlo.

You might also find him at cozy gastropub DrinkWell or grabbing dinner at Bartlett's. For south-of-the-border favorites, it's Enchiladas Y Mas and El Nuevo Mexico Restaurant — and you can't ever go wrong with Perry's Famous $19* Pork Chop Friday Lunch.

Where to play Walnut Creek Metro Park is a whopping 293 acres, with miles of paved hiking and cycling trails, an off-leash dog area, a swimming pool, playground, and sports and recreational facilities.

As a three-time marathoner, Stravlo says that he loves running around Lady Bird Lake, too, and it's only 12 minutes to get there. And beautiful Lake Travis is a mere 25 minutes away!

What to see Q2 Stadium is an incredible soccer venue that also hosts events like Willie Nelson's Fourth of July Picnic.

Playland Skate Center is a true Austin original: a 27,500-square-foot roller skating rink in all its retro glory with light shows and a fog machine.

For ice skating, Chaparral Ice is a family-owned ice rink in the neighborhood.

Where to liveNorth Central Austin specializes in the "typical Texas ranch that's mixed with new and modern construction," says Stravlo. "Much gentrification is happening, with original pricing at $450,000 to $2 million, so there are a range of options."

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Brennan Stravlo works and plays in North Central Austin. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, [email protected], or call 512-750-8154.