Happy January and Happy New Year! ✨
As we kick off 2025, it's the perfect time to reflect on the past year and set our sights on new opportunities in the real estate market. Whether you're looking to buy, sell, or simply explore your options, the Austin market is full of potential. With the area's continued growth and exciting developments, there's never been a better time to make your move.
Each month, you can expect to see home and lifestyle tips, upcoming events in Dripping Springs and the Southwest, West, and Downtown Austin areas, an update on the real estate market, and so much more!
Here's a look at what caught my eye this month:
- Top Live Music Events In Austin: The Musical Capital of the World
- Austin Ranked A Top 5 Destination For Movers in 2024
- Upcoming Events
- Shannon's Spotlight: Terry Black's Barbecue
- Slaughter Lane in South Austin Undergoing $22.9M Expansion
- Top 10 Employers In Austin
- Real Estate Market Update
If you have questions about anything local or real estate related, consider me a resource. If you or someone you know is thinking of making a move, I'm always happy to help. Let’s make this a great year together! |
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Top Live Music Events In Austin: The Musical Capital of the World
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When you think of Austin, Texas, one of the first things that likely comes to mind is its vibrant music scene. Dubbed the “Live Music Capital of the World,” Austin is a city where music is not just entertainment but a way of life. From blues to country, rock to indie, and everything in between, Austin’s rich musical history and eclectic venues make it a global destination for music lovers.
Why Austin Is The Live Music Capital of the World
Austin earned its moniker thanks to the sheer volume of live music venues per capita. With over 250 spots to catch a performance, you can find live music on almost every corner—whether it’s a bustling downtown club, a cozy coffee shop, or an outdoor stage beneath the Texas stars. The city’s deep-rooted musical tradition dates back decades and has fostered legendary talent like Willie Nelson, Janis Joplin, and Stevie Ray Vaughan.
Adding to this, Austin’s commitment to supporting the arts and fostering creativity ensures a steady flow of emerging talent. The city’s annual music festivals and events attract visitors from all over the world, solidifying its status as a global hub for music enthusiasts.
Top Music Events in Austin
Austin's 2025 lineup of music events is packed with incredible festivals and concerts. Here’s a guide to the must-see music events in Austin this year
South by Southwest (SXSW) - March 7-15, 2025
Perhaps Austin’s most famous festival, SXSW is an annual celebration of music, film, and interactive media. Held every March, SXSW transforms the city into a playground for artists and fans, with thousands of performances at venues ranging from intimate bars to large outdoor stages. It’s an unparalleled opportunity to discover new talent and experience diverse genres.
Sips & Sounds Music Festival - March 7 & 8, 2025
Set against the beautiful backdrop of Auditorium Shores, this festival pairs live music with Austin’s culinary excellence. Featuring a variety of artists and genres, Sips & Sounds offers an intimate, laid-back vibe perfect for welcoming springtime in the city.
Urban Cultural Fest - March 2025
Celebrating diversity and culture, the Urban Music Festival takes place during the Texas Relays weekend each spring. This festival highlights R&B, soul, and hip-hop artists while promoting community engagement and local talent.
Blues on the Green - Summer 2025
A beloved local tradition, Blues on the Green is a free summer concert series held at Zilker Park. It’s the perfect way to enjoy live music while picnicking with friends and family under the open sky. This event showcases local talent and embodies Austin’s laid-back, community-focused spirit.
Hot Summer Nights - Summer 2025
Organized by the Red River Cultural District, Hot Summer Nights offers free concerts across multiple venues in the heart of downtown Austin. It’s an excellent way to explore the local music scene without breaking the bank.
Levitation Festival - September 25-28, 2025
Austin’s Levitation Festival, known for its roots in psychedelic rock, brings an electric mix of established and emerging artists to stages across the city. Fans of boundary-pushing sounds will love this intimate, multi-venue experience.
Austin City Limits Music Festival (ACL) - October 3-5 & 10-12, 2025
Held over two weekends in October at Zilker Park, ACL brings together some of the biggest names in music alongside up-and-coming artists. Featuring eight stages and over 100 performances, ACL offers something for everyone. The festival’s family-friendly vibe, combined with local food and art vendors, makes it a quintessential Austin experience.
Austin’s music scene is a living, breathing testament to the city’s creative soul. Whether you’re visiting for a world-renowned festival or simply exploring the local scene, you’re bound to find something that resonates with you. Pack your dancing shoes and get ready to experience why Austin truly is the Live Music Capital of the World.
Photo credit to KSGR.com
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Austin Ranked A Top 5 Destination For Movers in 2024
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Austin continues to shine as one of the top five metropolitan areas for people on the move in 2024, according to U-Haul's Top U.S. Growth Metros and Cities report. Holding steady at No. 5 for the second consecutive year, Austin remains a magnet for newcomers.
Dallas-Fort Worth claimed the No. 1 spot this year, climbing from No. 9 in 2023, while Houston ranked No. 9. Additionally, College Station, a Texas favorite, secured No. 6 on U-Haul's list of top growth cities outside major metros.
Read more here.
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Looking to buy or sell in 2025 or have a question about the real estate market? Let's chat!
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Shannon's Spotlight:
Terry Black's Barbecue
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Terry Black’s Barbecue on Barton Springs Road is a must-visit destination for anyone craving authentic, mouthwatering Texas barbecue. This renowned family-owned restaurant is a local favorite known for its perfectly smoked brisket, flavorful ribs, and homemade sides like creamy mac and cheese and tangy coleslaw. The Black Family has deep roots in Texas barbecue tradition, with the family's patriarch, Edgar Black, opening the original Black's Barbecue in Lockhart, Texas, in 1932. In the early 2000s, Terry Black, one of Edgar’s grandsons, decided to bring the family's famous barbecue to Austin and in 2014, Terry and his brother Mike opened Terry Black's Barbecue. What sets it apart is its dedication to traditional slow-smoking techniques, ensuring every bite is tender and packed with flavor. Located near downtown, it’s the perfect spot to immerse yourself in Austin’s rich culinary scene. Whether you’re a lifelong Texan or visiting Austin for the first time, Terry Black’s delivers a true taste of Texas barbecue tradition.
Photo credit to Terry Black's Barbecue Facebook Page.
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Slaughter Lane in South Austin Undergoing $22.9M Expansion
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The Slaughter Lane corridor is undergoing a $22.9 million expansion, increasing the existing four-lane roadway between MoPac and Brodie Lane to six lanes.
This phase of work is part of a larger project from FM 1826 to Old Lockhart Road which will focus on enhancing safety for pedestrians and bicyclists while boosting mobility. Bike lanes and shared-use paths will also see safety improvements, including curb extensions, upgraded traffic signals, and pedestrian enhancements at key intersections, such as Brodie Lane and Bowie High School.
Funded by 2016 mobility bonds and a federal grant allocated by the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization (CAMPO), the project began in 2021 and is expected to be completed by summer 2026.
Read more here.
Photo credit to article.
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Top 10 Employers In Austin
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Real Estate Market Update
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In 2024, closed sales across the Austin-Round Rock-San Marcos MSA remained stable, ticking down 0.5% to 29,872 sales, according to the December 2024 and Year-End Central Texas Housing Market Report released by Unlock MLS today. During the same period, active listings saw an increase of 14.7% to 132,993 listings offering buyers more opportunities. Together, the data reflects buyers’ ability to find homes that meet their needs within the current market conditions and sellers viewing the market as favorable.
Clare Knapp, Ph.D., housing economist for Unlock MLS and the Austin Board of REALTORS®, predicts that the coming year will mirror 2024’s conditions offering consistency for homebuyers and sellers.
“2025 market activity will likely look similar to trends observed in 2024 with the median sales price and closed sales hovering between a range of 5% up or down year-over-year. This stability will give homebuyers and sellers clear expectations to plan their next steps with greater confidence. Additionally, mortgage rates will likely hover between 6 and 7%, as the Federal Reserve adopts a cautious approach to potential rate cuts. This consistency will allow both buyers and sellers to benefit from a predictable lending environment. However, external factors, such as economic shifts or policy changes, could influence these trends, underscoring the importance of staying informed and adaptable to navigate the market successfully.”
Excerpted from ABOR.com
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