Dawson is one of 78704’s most active neighborhoods and are largely responsible for cleaning up the South Congress area and making it the tourist hot spot it is today. Dawson is also one of the more affordable neighborhoods in 78704 and is perfect for someone who wants to be within walking distance of SoCo but who doesn’t want to pay Travis Heights or Bouldin Creek prices to get there.
Dawson Homes
Many of the homes in Dawson were built between the 1950s and 1970s, so they a bit bigger than the homes in Central Austin that were built in the early 1900s. The average home in Dawson is a 3 bedroom, 2 bath home with 1,300 sq ft of living space. You’ll find a lot of the homes are very well maintained and have a great curb appeal.
Grocery Shopping Near Dawson
Grocery shopping is quite convenient if you live in Dawson. The H-E-B is at the corner of Oltorf and Congress at the northeast corner of the neighborhood. If you prefer Whole Foods, there is one on 5th and Lamar just a few miles north. Or, if you prefer Central Market, you’ll find one near Westgate at the intersection of 290 and 360. For Walmart, head to 290 and IH-35 where you’ll find a full service store. If you need a Costco, try the Costco at Brodie and William Cannon.
Shopping Near Dawson
Dawson residents also have easy access to almost every single type of store you can imagine all within a 5 mile or less drive. The closest shopping can be done in Sunset Valley (Brodie Lane), where you will find virtually every single big box retailer (Home Depot, Lowes, Academy, Ulta, Walmart, Nordstrom Rack, Old Navy….) all within a few blocks of each other. If you get bored of Sunset Valley, head south on 35 and you’ll hit Southpark Meadows which has an even bigger selection. And, if you’re looking to make a day of it, head south to San Marcos for the big outlet malls.
Things to Do Near Dawson
Because the Dawson neighborhood association is so active, we always recommend getting involved with their activities. Its a great way to meet your neighbors and keep tabs on your neighborhood. After that, you can attend all of the festivals at Zilker Park and Auditorium Shores that are held throughout the year. If you like swimming, check out Barton Springs Pool during the summer. Its a spring fed pool that’s open during the Summer months. If you like movies, there’s an Alamo Drafthouse (an Austin tradition where you can have dinner and drink wine/beer during movies) on S Lamar. If you like the Lake, you can take your boat to the Lake Austin boat ramp at the corner of Exposition and Enfield or take it to Lake Travis which is about 30 minutes away. Whatever you like to do around Austin, Dawson is a perfect “home base.”
Places to Eat Near Dawson
Dawson is second only to Travis Heights and Bouldin Creek when it comes to being close to some great restaurants. The beauty of Dawson is you’re only a few blocks south and you can probably save yourself at least a few hundred thousand dollars on your home purchase. As long as you don’t mind the extra walk or driving, you can enjoy all the restaurants and food trucks on South Congress. Some of my favorites are Enoteca Vespaio, Botticelli, South Congress Cafe, Zen and Hop Daddy. If you’re looking for something a little more upscale, try Barley Swine, a great new restaurant on South Lamar. Like to go for Happy Hour? Try Red’s Porch, also on South Lamar.
Looking for Something Specific About Dawson?
If the answers to your Dawson questions weren’t answered in this neighborhood guide, call us at (512) 827-8323, email us at info@DawsonAustin.com or head over to our Contact a Dawson Realtor page and ask us. We live in the area and know it well. We’re here to help you get the info you’re looking for!
