The annual arts, culture, and music conference South by Southwest (SXSW) attracts thousands of people to Austin, Texas every mid-March. Since its debut in 1987, the length and scope of the festival has grown every year—currently, the event lasts for 10 days. As the number of SXSW attendees continues to increase, the Austin area and its accommodations fill up quite swiftly during that time of year.
The price of Austin, Texas situated near the conference vary greatly depending on how early rooms are booked in advance. There are also other factors to consider when reserving lodging such as luxury, access to public transportation, and size. In an Austin suburb, renting a cozy, modest house could cost approximately $100 a night. However, a deluxe hotel room in the heart of the city’s Downtown can run about a few hundred dollars per night.
Stay In These 5 Noteworthy Neighborhoods Near SXSW
1. Austin, Texas
Image credit: mirsasha/Flickr CC-BY 2.0
This quiet suburb is a historic district replete with numerous culturally relevant buildings and attractions that are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Points of interest include the Blue Bonnet Court, a 1930s motor court-style motel; Elisabet Ney Museum, a former studio with Ney’s sculptures and artwork on display; and Peter and Clotilde Shipe Mansbendel House, a home built in the Tudor Revival architectural style.
2. Austin, Texas
Image credit: Andy/Flickr CC-BY 2.0
As far as quirky neighborhoods go, South Congress (SoCo) has a trendy, arts-oriented reputation and Americana vibe. It is known for its prominent neon signs and shopping center with a diverse collection of small, local eateries, music and art venues, and boutiques. SoCo has also become a major food truck hub with tasty offerings inspired by international cuisines.
3. Austin, Texas
Image credit: Marcus Calderon/Flickr CC-BY 2.0
Montopolis is another cozy Austin suburb. It is strategically situated close to the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport as well as major highways including U.S. Route 183 and Texas State Highway 71. Consequently, for SXSW attendees who prefer driving to and from the conference instead of relying on public transit, Montopolis is a solid neighborhood to stay in.
4. Austin, Texas
Image credit: Norm Lanier/Flickr CC-BY 2.0
Featuring lofts and apartments with a breathtaking view of the cityscape, Downtown Austin boasts a vibrant, dynamic atmosphere. Moreover, it is adjacent to the Colorado River and the University of Texas at Austin. Since the Austin Convention Center is located in Downtown, the hotels and vacation rentals in this area have a steeper price tag when compared to that of surrounding suburbs. However, with easy access to buses and trains as well as a vivacious nightlife scene, Downtown and all it entails may convince some patrons that its accommodations’ expensive cost is worth it.
5. Austin, Texas
Image credit: Wally Gobetz/Flickr CC-BY 2.0
This culturally significant neighborhood is deemed one of the oldest existing freedomtowns as it was founded by Charles Clark, a former African American slave. Clarksville boasts a nostalgic charm with its mom-and-pop stores like Anthony's Laundry & Cleaners and Nau Enfield Drugstore, an operating pharmacy and soda fountain. Although the district is small in size, it is immense in character and history.
This article was written by Justina Tran.