Domain - Austin, TX

The Domain is a fairly new development, started around 2003 with the first phase opening in 2007. The initial project was supposed to be a tech campus, but those plans changed into the mixed-use area it is today. The Dcomain is home to 100 shops and restaurants, including the only Neiman Marcus in Austin. Other stores include Louis Vuitton, Apple, Eagle Outfitters, Ralph Lauren, Dillard's, Tiffany & Co., and more. There are also hotels, offices, and apartment buildings.

It's just a ten minute drive north or south to the two closest museums. An Eastern Masterpiece Gallery serves as the home to Indian art and decor, and to the south, the Republic of Texas Museum allows guests to beef up on their Texas history through exhibits and events.

For art, residents can remain closer to home with trips to performing and visual arts schools and galleries such as the Paul Marnie Arts Center just minutes away.

The nice thing about renting in Domain is never having to leave the neighborhood. Within this pedestrian-friendly area, you can enjoy Gloria's Latin Cuisine, Blackfinn Ameripub, North Italia, Fleming's Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, McCormick & Schmick's Seafood & Steaks, the Park at the Domain, and several more.

Greater North Burnet-Gateway has countless other bars and restaurants. At Andiamo Ristorante, chefs produce authentic Italian cuisine daily, and this eatery has grown popular among Austin connoisseurs. Prima Patti items, such as the ravioli al funghi include wild mushroom and ricotta cheese ravioli sautéed in saffron white wine.

Szechuan House on Burnett Road has something for everyone, including vegetarian dishes. Locals love the ma po tofu, a hearty, spicy dish that arrives at your table full of flavor. For something different, try the smoked pig face, which comes with a pig's ear and cucumbers on the side.

Punch Bowl Social focuses on eating, drinking, and socializing. For those looking for a drink and a good time, mixologists focus on local brews and classic drinks with a forward-thinking twist. The restaurant and bar entertains with old-school games and activities that ensure everyone enjoys themselves.

Domain and the rest of the North Burnet-Gateway neighborhood has numerous ways to get around, and residents typically use either their cars or the local public transportation. Capital Metro buses, Rapid and Express routes let residents get to almost any point in the city.

Options like Uber and taxis are quite willing to drop off or pick up riders when requested, particularly around newer luxury apartments and condos where younger, wealthier residents are willing to spend a bit more on the convenience. Public parking is not cheap or readily available in many of these pricier areas, but with so many retail locations throughout this area, it's rarely difficult to find free parking.

Because Highway 183 and Mopac Expressway cut between the North Burnet and Gateway portions of this neighborhood, the location makes traveling nearly anywhere else in the city simple. However, this does come at a cost to the safety of walkers and bikers. While certain areas, like the Domain, cater to bikers, walkers and all things pedestrian, proximity to highways and larger roads like Burnet have yet to catch up with the bike lane trend.

Most walking is still easy on the sidewalks and once you get a bit further off the main roads, there are still a few more secluded drives for pedestrians and bikers to enjoy.

Domain Central Park features a modern design and an open-air pavilion. With numerous replanted oak trees and an outdoor shower that also serves as a rainwater fountain, this relaxing space showcases the height of revitalization and high-end living.

The park plays host to numerous events, including movie nights and concerts. Public access is free, and the design serves the athletically inclined with its showers and nearby walkways. The park favors Domain residents when it comes to reserving space for parties, giving the park an exclusive feel.

The cost of living is only slightly lower than the Austin average, as the price of living in trendy places like the Domain drastically inflate the average for the area. However, the median rent for a one-bedroom residence, at $993, is still a bit lower than the city median.

Public transportation in and around the area via the Capital Metro system is relatively cheap and extensive. If you plan on a day trip via regular service Cap Metro buses, $2 will purchase a day pass, and many bus routes capitalize on the quick access to expressways and highways.

Local bars are not cheap for most residents, as the trend toward unique bar concepts has pushed up beers and drinks up to $4 to $8. However, gas prices around North Burnet-Gateway are nearly 9 percent cheaper than the national average.

Living in the Domain area, you'll enjoy a variety of shops right outside your door -- many within walking distance. Venture outside this shopping district and you'll find even more shops to explore in North Burnet-Gateway. Gateway Shopping Center and The Shops at Arbor Walk carry almost any good or boutique imaginable.

Hunt & Co. Stamps has been selling collector items and stamps for nearly thirty years, and can help fill out a collection or the corner of an envelop as you see fit.

Several large chain grocers service the North Burnet-Gateway neighborhood such as H-E-B, Randalls, and Sam's Club, but smaller, health-minded selections such as My Fit Foods or nearby traditional grocers such as Hyridge Grocery provide a wide array of foods. Though no farmers' markets have set up shop in the neighborhood, organic and natural groceries can be located just north of the neighborhood boundary at Sprouts Farmers Market.