Market Overview for Zip Code 78704
There are 357 active listings in Zip Code 78704 with a median list price of $755K and a median sold price of $828K.
Homes average 67 days on market.
Over the past 30 days, 54 homes have sold, with 548 sales in the past 12 months.
The average price per square foot is $561.
About Zip Code 78704
Zip code 78704 covers the heart of south-central Austin, including the neighborhoods of Zilker, Travis Heights, Bouldin Creek, Barton Hills, Galindo, South Lamar, and the South Congress (SoCo) commercial district. The zip code is bounded roughly by Lady Bird Lake to the north, South Lamar Boulevard and MoPac to the west, Ben White Boulevard (SH-71) to the south, and I-35 to the east. This area has long been one of Austin's most desirable residential locations due to its proximity to downtown, Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool, and the SoCo retail corridor. The terrain includes the Barton Creek greenbelt canyon system on the western edge and flat to gently rolling topography in the eastern neighborhoods.
Real estate in 78704 is among the most expensive in Austin, with a median home price of approximately $750K. Small bungalows and cottages in Bouldin Creek and Travis Heights on lots of 5,000 to 7,000 square feet start around $550K, often in original or lightly updated condition. Renovated homes and new infill construction in Zilker and Travis Heights range from $800K to over $2 million. Barton Hills offers mid-century ranch homes on larger lots (8,000 to 12,000 square feet) from $650K to $1.5 million. Condominiums along South Lamar and South Congress start at approximately $350K. Multi-family development has intensified along the South Lamar and Manchaca Road corridors, with new apartment complexes commanding rents of $1,600 to $2,400 for two-bedroom units. Teardown-rebuild activity is common throughout the zip code.
Students in 78704 attend Austin ISD. Elementary schools include Zilker Elementary, Travis Heights Elementary, Becker Elementary, and Barton Hills Elementary. Fulmore Middle School serves 6th through 8th grade, and Travis High School covers 9th through 12th. Zilker Elementary and Travis Heights Elementary are among the more sought-after attendance zones in the district. Austin ISD faces enrollment fluctuations in this zip code as rising home prices have reduced the proportion of families with school-age children. Private school options include Austin Montessori School and The Khabele School on South 1st Street.
The 78704 zip code is among the best-connected in Austin, with South Congress Avenue, South 1st Street, and South Lamar Boulevard providing direct routes to downtown in under 10 minutes. MoPac and I-35 run along the western and eastern edges, respectively. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is approximately 15 minutes southeast via SH-71. Zilker Park, a 351-acre metropolitan park, anchors the northwest corner of the zip code with Barton Springs Pool, the Zilker Botanical Garden, and the Zilker Hillside Theater. Lady Bird Lake's hike-and-bike trail runs along the northern boundary, connecting to downtown and East Austin.
Living in Zip Code 78704
The 78704 population is a mix of longtime Austin residents, young professionals, creative-class workers, and affluent families drawn by the area's walkability and cultural identity. Median household income is approximately $85,000, though the range extends from modest-income renters in older apartments to high-net-worth homeowners in Zilker and Travis Heights. The median age is in the mid-30s. The area has a notably high concentration of restaurants, bars, food trucks, and independent retail per capita compared to other Austin zip codes. Neighborhood identity is strong, with active associations in Travis Heights, Bouldin Creek, and Barton Hills engaging on density, traffic, and preservation issues.
Barton Springs Pool, a 1,000-foot-long natural spring-fed swimming area maintained at 68 to 70 degrees year-round, is the defining recreational feature of 78704 and one of Austin's most recognized landmarks. Zilker Park hosts the annual Austin City Limits Music Festival in October, the Trail of Lights in December, and Kite Festival in March. South Congress Avenue from Lady Bird Lake to Oltorf Street is a pedestrian-oriented corridor with shops including Allen's Boots, Uncommon Objects, and Lucy in Disguise, alongside restaurants like Guero's Taco Bar, Perla's, and Home Slice Pizza. The South Lamar corridor has added dozens of new restaurants and bars in recent years. The Barton Creek Greenbelt, accessible from multiple trailheads within the zip code, provides over 12 miles of hiking, climbing, and swimming holes when water levels allow.
Things to Do in Zip Code 78704
- Barton Springs Pool: 1,000-foot natural spring-fed pool in Zilker Park, 68-70 degrees year-round. Open daily for swimming and diving. Admission is $5 for adults.
- South Congress Avenue (SoCo): Pedestrian-friendly retail corridor with Allen's Boots, Uncommon Objects, Home Slice Pizza, and Guero's Taco Bar.
- Zilker Park: 351-acre metropolitan park with Barton Springs, the Botanical Garden, Zilker Zephyr train, and Hillside Theater for outdoor performances.
- Barton Creek Greenbelt: Over 12 miles of hiking and climbing trails through a limestone canyon. Multiple swimming holes when water levels allow.
- Austin City Limits Music Festival: Annual two-weekend music festival in October at Zilker Park featuring over 100 acts across eight stages.
Major Employers in Zip Code 78704
- City of Austin Parks & Recreation (Government): Manages Zilker Park, Barton Springs, and adjacent facilities, employing several hundred seasonal and full-time staff.
- Austin ISD (South Austin campuses) (Education): Multiple schools within 78704 employing hundreds of teachers and support staff.
- St. Edward's University (Education): Private university on South Congress with approximately 800 employees, adjacent to the southern edge of 78704.
- South Congress retail corridor (Retail/Hospitality): Over 100 independent shops and restaurants along SoCo collectively employing approximately 2,000 workers.
Zip Code 78704 Schools
Austin ISD serves 78704 with sought-after elementary campuses and Travis High School for secondary grades.
School District: Austin ISD
Public Schools
- Zilker Elementary - Pre-K through 5th grade campus adjacent to Zilker Park, one of the most popular Austin ISD attendance zones.
- Travis Heights Elementary - Pre-K through 5th grade in the Travis Heights neighborhood.
- Becker Elementary - Pre-K through 5th grade serving the South Lamar area.
- Barton Hills Elementary - Pre-K through 5th grade in the Barton Hills neighborhood near MoPac.
- Fulmore Middle School - 6th through 8th grade campus on South 1st Street.
- Travis High School - 9th through 12th grade campus on Oltorf Street with dual-language and career pathway programs.
Pre-Schools
- Austin ISD Pre-K - Public pre-K at participating elementary campuses for qualifying families.
- Austin Montessori School - Montessori program on South Lamar serving ages 3 through 6.
Private Schools
- The Khabele School - Independent school on South 1st Street serving pre-K through 8th grade with progressive pedagogy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is zip code 78704?
78704 covers south-central Austin including Zilker, Travis Heights, Bouldin Creek, Barton Hills, and South Congress. It sits between Lady Bird Lake (north) and Ben White/SH-71 (south).
What do homes cost in 78704?
The median home price in 78704 is approximately $750K. Bungalows start around $550K, renovated homes reach $2M+, and condos along South Lamar start at $350K.
Is Barton Springs Pool open year-round?
Barton Springs Pool is open year-round except during periodic cleaning closures. Water temperature stays 68-70 degrees. Adult admission is $5. Hours vary seasonally.
What school district serves 78704?
Austin ISD serves 78704 with elementary campuses including Zilker and Travis Heights, Fulmore Middle School, and Travis High School. The area also has private options including Austin Montessori School and The Khabele School.
How far is 78704 from downtown Austin?
78704 is immediately south of downtown, separated by Lady Bird Lake. South Congress Avenue connects directly to the Congress Avenue Bridge, placing most of 78704 within a 5 to 15 minute drive.
