West Campus Austin - Austin, TX

The area around West University was reserved by an act of the Congress of the Republic of Texas in 1839. However, university land remained undeveloped until 1899. Once begun, construction continued throughout the 20th century. This has created a mix of early 20th century buildings next to newer, more modern architecture. In 2004, the city passed a successful initiative to encourage a higher concentration of students in the neighborhood.

More than one dozen museums and art centers can be found within a mile radius of West University. The Texas Memorial Museum, LBJ Presidential Library and Blanton Museum of Art are located on the University of Texas campus. The Austin Museum of Art and Contemporary Austin Jones Center are on Congress Avenue. The George Washington Carver Museum, dedicated to African-American history, is on Angelina Street, only blocks away from the Texas Music Museum. Visit cultural centers' homepages for rates and hours.

Most restaurants in West University can be found along Guadalupe Street. Comfort food, southwest, Tex/Mex and Indian are all well represented along West University's main strip.

Big Bite Pizza & Grill brings New York style pizza and sandwiches to campus and area residents all day and all night long. Regulars recommend the fried pickles. Try Big Bite's signature dish, the phat cat.

Teji's Indian Restaurant has the largest selection of Indian delicacies in the neighborhood. Have a spicy or vegan entrée, Indian breads and beverages. Try a mixed grill for an infusion of flavors or the yellow daal for hot lentils that will warm the senses.

Late night hangouts are in no short supply at West University. One of the most relaxing places to go out for an evening with friends is at Freedmen's. The easygoing environment is the perfect place to sit back, lift a glass and eat a hearty plate of Texas barbecue. Catch happy hour Tuesdays through Fridays from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. for excellent deals on draft beer, whiskey, wine and barbecue sammies. Start with a plate of jalapeño cheese before ordering pork spareribs by the pound. If you're really hungry then try the holy trinity plate.

Bicycle-friendly roads and dedicated lanes exist on many of West University's busiest streets. Bus stops are located on almost every other intersection along Guadalupe Street; Lamar Boulevard has stations at major intersections. Personal vehicles are also a popular way to get around the area. Traveling west on 24th Street guides commuters to Windsor Road and the MoPac Expressway, also known as Highway 1. Eastbound transit on East Dean Keeton Street and West Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard leads to Interstate 35 access roads.

Taxi cabs, Uber and Lyft are all options for traveling the streets of West University. The UT campus offers parking for drivers affiliated with the college. Central Parking supplies daily- and monthly-rated parking at the Barn Lot on University Avenue. Paid parking is available on many major streets, also. Residents who can walk to their destinations will find wide sidewalks and responsive pedestrian traffic signals at city intersections.

One of Austin's most popular green retreats, Pease District Park, lies just across the street on North Lamar Boulevard. Pease Park features a splash pad open daily from May to September, a shared-use trail with views of Shoal Creek and West University, kickball and volleyball courts, off-leash areas for dogs, a playground for children and the annual Eeyore's Birthday Party celebration.

Celebrated every April or May, Eeyore's Birthday Party raises money for non-profits in Austin. Food vendors, face painting artists and local musicians all share their talents with patrons on this momentous day. Parking is not available for motorized vehicles; birthday attendees are encouraged to use the free shuttle bus, public bus, ride a bike or walk to the event.

The Shoal Creek Greenbelt is the 76-acre park on the west side of Lamar Boulevard. The greenbelt provides picnic shelters, shared-use trails and an off-leash dog area. Many Austinites find relief from the hot city streets under the canopy of trees and use the trails as a way to exercise themselves and their pets.

The Austin BMX and Skate Park is a safe place for active youth to be outside and have hours of fun. The skate park offers ramps, stairs and rails for kids to challenge their BMX and skateboarding skills.

The UT RecSports Center is an excellent facility for UT-affiliated residents to exercise and become involved in action-oriented programs. The facility also allows annual membership for 500 non-affiliated residents. The RecSports Center facilitates intramurals, sports clubs, wellness programs, swimming clinics, adventure programs and massage services.

The average one-bedroom residence costs $1,043 per month. The city center can be reached with a single bus ride for $1.25 or reached by walking or biking for free. Cost of living in West University is three percent higher than the city average.

Draft beers can be found for as little as $2, specially-priced glasses of whiskey pour for $5. Gas prices are a full 10 percent lower in West University compared to the national average.

An abundance of locally owned retail outlets populate near the UT campus on Guadalupe Street, and dozens of boutiques and specialty stores line the streets of West University.

Mandala Tibetan Shop sells products of the Himalayans to Austinites at its Guadalupe Street location. Shop for prayer flags, prayer beads, Buddha statues, Buddhist posters, singing bowls and much more. A percentage of all proceeds support Nepalese charities.

Visit Antone's Record Shop for out-of-print albums, new and used vinyl and the best selection of Texan musicians. Antone's has been a local gathering place for lovers of music since 1987. Browse the wide selection of music, T-shirts, books and accessories any day of the week.

The Wheatsville Food Co-op keeps West University residents full and happy with wholesome foods. Residents can buy a membership to support the co-op and gain special benefits. Larger chain grocers such as H-E-B and Randalls await just a short drive away.

The SFC Farmers' Market in nearby downtown Austin stars as the crown jewel of SFC's market system. Open every Saturday rain or shine, the market hosts live musicians, local farmers and artisans, and it even has room for a leisurely picnic.