North Central Austin Edition | January 2026

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North Central Austin Edition VOLUME 18, ISSUE 10 FEB. 6FEB. 25, 2026

2026 Voter Guide

2026 Health & Wellness Edition

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Austin faces diminished parks growth

acres of parkland per 1,000 people. Portions of city bond packages have been used to expand parkland, and Austin’s also relied on a parkland dedication system requiring developers to either pay fees or contribute land. But future acquisition funding is uncertain, especially under a new state law.

BY BEN THOMPSON

Morris Williams Golf Course

Austin’s supply of parks and open spaces is often referenced as one of its most cherished amenities. But after years of population growth, it’s become more challenging to meet rising recreational needs. The city prioritizes all residents living within 10-minute walks from a park and oering at least 24

CONTINUED ON 17

Austin’s dedication system that’s added new parks and amenities, like improvements at Morris Williams Golf Course, has been reduced. (Ben Thompson/Community Impact)

Also in this issue

Elections: Check out a local sample ballot for the March election (Page 8)

Health & Wellness: Learn how a bike race will support the National MS Society (Page 11)

Health & Wellness: Check out alternative therapies in the Austin-area (Page 12)

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About Community Impact

Owners John and Jennifer Garrett launched Community Impact in 2005, and the company is still locally owned today with editions across Texas. Our mission is to provide trusted news and local information that everyone gets. Our vision is to build communities of informed citizens and thriving businesses through the collaboration of a passionate team. Our purpose is to be a light for our readers, customers, partners and each other by living out our core values of Faith, Passion, Quality, Innovation and Integrity.

roll call.

Market leaders & metro team

Reporters Brittany Anderson Katlynn Fox Dacia Garcia Manuel Holguin Jr. Haley McLeod Michael Milliorn Hannah Norton Daniel Schwalm Brooke Sjoberg Ben Thompson Joel Valley Gracie Warhurst Sienna Wight Chloe Young Graphic Designers Abbey Eckhardt Alissa Foss Abigail Jones Sabrina Musachia Minh Nguyen Joseph Veloz Managing Editor Darcy Sprague Product Manager Gloria Amareth Quality Desk Editor Adrian Gandara

Krista Box General Manager kbox@ communityimpact.com

Elle Bent Editor ebent@ communityimpact.com

Travis Baker Austin Market President tbaker@ communityimpact.com

16225 Impact Way Pugerville, TX 78660 • 5129896808 CI Careers

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Impacts North Central Austin

espresso and light bites. At night, the space will turn into a bar featuring signature cocktails, beer, natural wines and non-alcoholic options. • Opened Dec. 19 • 1628 E. Cesar Chavez St., Austin • www.parleyatx.com 4 Present Practice The yoga and pilates studio offers a variety of non- heated and warmed classes, including Hot Power Vinyasa, Hot Sculpt, and Hot Mat Pilates. Present Practice founder Morgan O’Hare co-founded Yoga hOM. The studio will offer international retreats and teacher trainings. The business is expected to open a cafe this spring serving beverages from Desnudo Coffee. • Opened Jan. 1 • 206 E. Fourth St., Austin • www.presentpracticeyoga.com 5 Black Sheep Coffee The international coffee brand has launched its first Central Texas location in downtown Austin and is now serving 100% specialty-grade Robusta coffee, matcha, smoothies, pastries, waffles and curated food offerings. • Opened Jan. 15 • W. Sixth St. & Guadalupe St., Austin • www.blacksheepcoffee.us 6 Milkmade The family owned ice cream trailer will open in the parking lot of Michi Ramen. The business is owned and operated by mother-and-daughter duo, Jacalyn Helms and Erin Mindell Cannon. • Opened Jan. 20 • 6519 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin • Instagram: milkmadeatx 7 Quimera Gallery ATX Co-owned by Pooja and Praful Parmar, the latest art gallery and event space will feature local artists’ work and can be used for a variety of events. • Opened Jan. 5

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183 2 Two Goose The family-owned and operated barbecue restaurant offers Texas barbecue. The name is a nod to founder Aaron Aday’s two daughters, who are affectionately called “gooses.” • Opened Dec. 3

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1 Sydney’s Cat Lounge Launched by Quin Whiddon and Alex Whiddon, the space is part of the duo’s nonprofit, Sydney’s Sanctuary. The nonprofit was founded in 2024 with the mission to save cats in need. While at the cat lounge, community members can book time slots to visit the lounge and play or co-work with the adoptable cats while enjoying one of the lounge’s drinks. • Opened Nov. 4

• 706 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin • www.twogoosemarket.com

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3 Parley Founded by Bar Hacienda, Bar Fino and Here Nor There alums, Terance Robson and Jack “Slim” Hogan, the new spot has partnered with Oseyo and Idlewild. During the day, community members can enjoy a coffee bar with

• 1815 Rosewood Ave., Austin • www.quimeragalleryatx.com

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Coming soon

Now open

8 Rosen’s Bagel Co. The upcoming location will offer the business’s full menu which features hand-rolled, boiled-and-baked bagels, house-made schmears, breakfast bagel sandwiches and more. • Opening in spring • 5900 Westminster Drive, Austin • www.rosensbagels.com

Relocations

9 Poeta The Michelin Guide-recognized Italian restaurant helmed by chefs Krystal Craig and Ian Thurwachter, relocated to inside of East Austin Hotel. This move will marks the third reopening of Poeta. • Relocated Jan. 8 • 1108 E. Sixth St., Austin • www.poetarestaurant.com

12 Neon Belly Coffee & Bakery The shop serves a variety of coffee drinks such as the baklava latte, horchata latte and iced orange macchiato, along with classic options such as cold brew, drip coffee and espressos. The shop also serves matcha lattes and a variety of teas, while its pastry menu includes sourdough bites, cookies, muffins, scones and gluten-free desserts. • Opened Nov. 15 • 8312 Burnet Road, Ste. 101, Austin • www.neonbellycoffee.com

15 Tomo Mags The shop, founded by Vico Puentes, offers a curated collection of independent magazines, art books, journals, design goods and stationery. • Opened Dec. 20 • 411 Brazos St., Ste. 101, Austin • www.tomomags.com

Expansions

10 Noble Joe Coffee Co. The coffee shop is moving into a 1970s-style trolley that is about double the size of its current tiny home. The new 30-foot coffee trolley will support a second espresso machine. • Opening in early March • 1620 E. Riverside Drive, Austin • www.noblejoe.co

13 BookPeople Locally owned and operated bookstore BookPeople celebrated its 55th anniversary on Nov. 11. The independent bookstore offers books, gifts, planners, calendars, puzzles, socks, games and trinkets.

Closings

16 Vince Young Steakhouse The steakhouse closed after 15 years. • Closing Jan. 24 • 301 San Jacinto Blvd., Austin • www.vinceyoungsteakhouse.com

• 603 N. Lamar Blvd., Austin • https://bookpeople.com

In the news

11 Motoza Owned by Andrew Cao and Carlos Crespo, the marketing agency has offered services such as SEO, Google Ads management, and Meta Ads management to Austin community members and businesses since its launch in 2011. The company celebrated its 15th anniversary in January. • 500 W. Second St., Ste. 1900, Austin • www.motoza.com

14 Waterloo Ice House The company is celebrating 50 years of serving the Austin community. Founded in 1976, the restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner at four different locations.

17 Flavor Hospitality Group The restaurant group behind Gusto Italian Kitchen, Gràcia Mediterranean and Gina’s on Congress closed. Owner Cameron Lockley said the past year had been “difficult.” • Closed Dec. 25 • A 314 Congress Ave.; B 4800 Burnet Road, Ste. A-100; C 4800 Burnet Road, Ste. D-450, Austin

• 8600 Burnet Road, Austin • www.waterlooicehouse.com

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Election

BY HANNAH NORTON

Voter Guide

2026

Dates to know

Where to vote

Feb. 17: First day of early voting Feb. 20: Last day to apply for a ballot by mail (received, not postmarked) Feb. 27: Last day of early voting March 3: Election day and the last day for counties to receive completed mail-in ballots (or 5 p.m. March 4 if the carrier envelope is postmarked by 7 p.m. on election day)

Registered voters may cast ballots in either Texas’ Republican or Democratic primary, but not both. Third-party candidates will appear on the ballot in November. Travis County residents can vote at any polling location during early voting or on election day. Visit www.votetravis.gov for polling locations.

Only candidates in contested elections are included. Go to county election websites for information on uncontested races.

KEY: R Republican D Democrat *Incumbent

D Patricia Abrego D Chris Bell

R Jeremy Story D Dawn Marshall

Sample ballot

D Bobby Cole D Carlton Hart D Gina Hinojosa D Jose Navarro Balbuena

D Bernie Reyna D Caitlin Rourk D Linda Trevino Texas Senate District 21

Federal elections U.S. Senate R John O. Adefope R Anna Bender R Virgil John Bierschwale

D Faizan Syed D Zach Vance D Angela “Tia Angie” Villescaz Lieutenant governor R Timothy Mabry R Perla Muñoz Hopkins R Dan Patrick* R Esala Wueschner

D Judith Zaffirini D Cortney Jones

R Sara Canady R John Cornyn* R Wesley Hunt R Gulrez “Gus” Khan R Ken Paxton

Travis County Travis County commissioner, Precinct 2 D Reese Ricci Armstrong D Rick Astray-Caneda III D Amanda Marzullo D Brigid Shea* Travis County commissioner, Precinct 4

D Jasmine Crockett D Ahmad R. Hassan D James Talarico U.S. Representative District 37 R Ge’nell Gary

D Vikki Goodwin D Courtney Head

D Marcos Velez Attorney general R Joan Huffman R Mayes Middleton R Aaron Reitz R Chip Roy D Anthony “Tony” Box D Joe Jaworski D Nathan Johnson U.S. House District 10 R Rob Altman R Ben Buis R Robert Brown R Chris Gober R Brandon Hawbaker R Jessica Karlsruher R Kara King R Scott Macleod R Jenny Garcia Sharon

D Gavino Fernandez Jr D George Morales III

R Janet Malzahn R Lauren B. Peña D Greg Casar D Esther Amalia De Jesus Fleharty

D Susanna Ledesma Woody D Ofelia Maldonado Zapata Justice of the peace, Precinct 2 D Mariel Kelley D Randall Slagle*

State elections Governor R Greg Abbott* R R.F. “Bob” Achgill R Charles Andrew Crouch R Evelyn Brooks R Pete “Doc” Chambers R Arturo Espinosa R Mark V. Goloby R Kenneth Hyde R Stephen Samuelson R Ronnie Tullos R Nathaniel Welch

SOURCES: TEXAS SECRETARY OF STATE, TRAVIS COUNTY/COMMUNITY IMPACT

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Transportation

BY HALEY MCLEOD

183

Upcoming projects

Ongoing projects

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1 Congress Avenue Urban Design Initiative Project: Redesign Congress Avenue to be more pedestrian friendly. The first phase focuses on Cesar Chavez Street to Seventh Street. Update: Construction expected to begin early 2026. • Timeline: Phase 1: 2026–2027; Full project: 2026–2030 • Cost: Phase 1: $13 million; Full project: $29 million • Funding source: 2020 Mobility Bonds

2 I-35 Capital Express Central project Project: The multibillion I-35 overhaul. Update: Northbound I-35 frontage road right lane closed. Northbound I-35 Cesar Chavez entrance ramp closed. East side Levander Loop pedestrian trail closed. Southbound I-35 frontage road at River Street closed. • Timeline: 2025-2029 • Cost: $4.5 billion • Funding source: TxDOT and the Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization

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BY JOEL VALLEY Health & wellness Health & Wellness Edition 2026

Readers, welcome to Community Impact ’s annual Health and wellness edition! Many people make resolutions in the new year, setting new goals. Our Health & wellness guide, consisting of content from our team of reporters, aims to provide you with the information you need to set goals this year to keep yourself and your family well. Whether you're looking for unique therapy options for yourself, or are curious about your child's nutrition, we hope you can use this information to meet any goals you've set for this year.

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Texas MS 150 aims to raise $11.3M National MS Society ocials are hopeful the 42nd annual Texas MS 150 will generate about $11.3 million for multiple sclerosis initiatives, turning a weekend ride into the organization’s largest fundraising eort of the year. The details

toward its prepandemic numbers, according to National MS Society ocials. “The COVID-19 pandemic, along with some weather cancellations, really hit us as a charity pretty hard,” Garcia said. “We were sitting at $6 million in postpandemic fundraising, so we have been able to add about $1 million a year. We really are on an upward swing, and have a 10-year goal of hitting $20 million by 2035.” The National MS Society is seeking the following ahead of the Texas MS 150: • In-kind and monetary donations • Community partnerships • Sponsors • Approximately 2,000 volunteers across the entirety of the route The outlook Multiple sclerosis, a chronic disease in which the immune system attacks the protective covering

Emily Garcia, the assistant vice president of Endurance Events for the National MS Society, said the Texas MS 150—which will run April 25-26— is historically the top fundraising event for the National MS Society. “There are 49 other bike events that are happen- ing around the country, and ours is the largest by more than double,” she said. “The wonderful thing about our event is that we engage communities all across Texas.” Zooming in The Texas MS 150—which once generated about $20 million annually—is steadily climbing back

Participants can begin in their ride starting at either the Bastrop or Austin route.

COURTESY NATIONAL MS SOCIETY

of nerves, can cause symptoms from fatigue and numbness to vision problems and mobility challenges, according to the National MS Society. Although early diagnosis is critical, it has histori- cally taken years for patients to receive a diagnosis. “We are now sitting in a space where it takes maybe a few months or up to a year to get diag- nosed,” Garcia said. “So the real goal is that people can receive a diagnosis in just a few days as we continue to do more research.”

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Health & wellness

BY DACIA GARCIA

Art, play therapy: 5 alternative therapy options in the metro While some individuals are interested in working on personal goals and mental health in a traditional talk therapy environment, there are additional options for those looking for a dier- ent way to work on intrapersonal goals. Commu- nity members can try a range of therapy options from equine-assisted therapy to art therapy and music therapy. Here are ve options for alterna- tive therapy in the Austin metro area.

Gsus Music Therapy Services & Center Description of therapy: The business oers music therapy for adults, elderly, couples, families and more. Therapy-based ensembles are conducted through the nonprot branch for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Accepts insurance: Services are reimbursable

Ensemble Therapy Description of therapy: The business oers relationship-based therapy in various forms, including play therapy. Accepts insurance: No; can provide superbills for clients who wish to seek out-of-network reimbursement from their insurance provider. • 4210 Spicewood Springs, Ste. 203, Austin;

Sound for Stress Description of therapy: The business features sound healing experiences that are meant to support an individual’s well-being through deep rest and nervous system regulation. The practice is used as a complementary therapy. Accepts insurance: No. • Classes vary in locations across Round Rock and Austin • www.soundforstress.com

Community Art Therapy Description of therapy: The therapy center oers sessions including art making, sensory engagement, movement and mind-body approaches which may include paint and clay. Accepts insurance: Yes; varies by clinician. • 11402 Joy St., Austin; 12741 Research Blvd., Ste. 402, Austin; 8700 Menchaca Road, Ste. 202, Austin • www.communityarttherapy.com

Open My World Therapeutic Riding Center

Description of therapy: The center oers equine- assisted learning and adaptive riding programs for individuals with physical, emotional and cognitive disabilities and mental health struggles. Accepts insurance: Personal insurance not accepted, some Medicaid insurance accepted • 5300 CR 279, Leander • https://openmyworld.org

This list is not comprehensive.

through some insurance companies. • Address shared when scheduling • https://gsusmusictherapy.com

5802 Berkman Drive, Austin • www.ensembletherapy.com

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Health & wellness

BY CHLOE YOUNG

Districts balance nutrition with student tastes

Weekly school lunch nutrition standards

Milk: 5 cups

Fruits: 2.5-5 cups

Grains: 8-12 ounces

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Each school year, Austin-area districts are tasked with meeting federal and state nutrition guidelines while serving meals that are appetizing to students. These regulations—ranging from limits on sodium, sugar and fat—are intended to help prevent disease in the United States, but can present challenges for districts who must attract students to generate funding, said Susan D’Amico, president of the Texas Association for School Nutrition. “We want Texas kids to be healthier. We want the next generation to be nourished. We want them to be ready to learn,” D’Amico said. “We don’t get money for a meal unless a child takes it ... so we have to make the food appealing.” Nationwide, Austin ISD has set a standard for school

Vegetables: 3.75-5 cups

Meat/meat alternates: 8-12 ounces

NOTE: SERVING SIZES VARY DEPENDING ON GRADE LEVEL. THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT RELEASED NEW DIETARY GUIDELINES IN JANUARY THAT COULD IMPACT FUTURE SCHOOL NUTRITION REQUIREMENTS. SOURCE: U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURECOMMUNITY IMPACT

nutrition through scratch cooking and sourcing from local farmers, said Stacie Sanchez Hare, director of No Kid Hungry Texas.

Explained

certain food additives, including red dyes, from free and reduced-price meals beginning in the 2026-27 school year. D’Amico said she believes the law will encourage industry food partners to stop producing products with these dyes and ingredients. AISD has fully eliminated the additives prohibited by SB 314 as it began prioritizing using ingredients with cleaner labels nearly a decade ago, an AISD spokesper- son said.

Texas school districts are required to adhere to an expansive list of nutrition requirements for milk, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and meat that has grown over the years based on U.S. dietary guidelines, D’Amico said. Students are often served milk or yogurt that is lower in sugar, cereals that are whole grain, and meats that are not deep fried and lower in sodium compared to similar products served outside of school walls, D’Amico said. This spring, Texas lawmakers passed SB 314 to ban

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AISD serves over 10 million school meals annually with a sta of more than 550 kitchen employees. The district’s executive chef develops recipes featuring scratch-prepared dishes, global avors and healthy versions of students favorite dishes, an AISD spokesperson said. The district’s modernized service lines allow students to select their own fruits, vegetables and condiments. AISD has used funding from its 2022 bond to install 31 new serving lines last school year and has 27 new serving lines planned for this school year.

“School meals are the most consistent, nutritious meal oered to children. .... There’s a real gap in what we are doing and what we have the potential to do in terms of feeding kids.” STACIE SANCHEZ HARE, DIRECTOR OF NO KID HUNGRY TEXAS

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From the cover

Austin faces diminished parks growth

BY BEN THOMPSON

Parks access Austin’s level of per-resident park service has slipped.

The context

The overview

City goal of parkland acres per 1K residents Actual parkland acres per 1K residents

Much of Austin lacks the parks access residents and city planners desire. Less than 18.5 acres of parkland were available per 1,000 residents as of late 2025, 77% of the city’s goal. That gap equates to a need of roughly 5,700 acres, or almost 9 square miles. The parks department estimated about 70% of residents are not in walking distance from public green spaces. City mapping shows many neigh- borhoods remain “parks decient” based on that metric, most notably in North and East Austin, and around the city’s fringes. Grantham said recent strides have been made. More than 1,100 park acres have been acquired since 2020, with a focus on decient areas, resulting in almost 200,000 people seeing their access increase.

City requirements on developers rose through the 2010s and early 2020s, when developers had to donate land or pay fees equivalent to 9.4 park acres per 1,000 residents. Limitations under House Bill 1526 went into eect in 2023. The bill targeted cities of 800,000 people or more, and lawmakers referenced Austin in their statement of intent, citing rising dedication fees and housing costs as a threat to economic growth. This forced local ocials to approve new rules at a fraction of pre-2023 levels based on location—most signicantly downtown, where dedication values are more than 100 times smaller than under past policy. At the time, former council member Alison Alter said HB 1526 “gutted” the city’s system. “We were originally appropriating in the neighborhood of $20 million in fees through parkland dedication [annually], and now it has been reduced to about $2 million,” Grantham said.

0 15 20 25 30

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

“We make our best eort, and we try to hit every council district,” he said. “We are actively trying to acquire land in areas that are not well-served by parks—areas where people currently, today, cannot walk to a park.”

Parks bond breakdowns Austin’s parks bonds have traditionally funded open space acquisitions.

The approach

$149M

The parks department is using available dollars to build out Austin’s network of open spaces. Most recently, that included $45 million of the nearly $150 million 2018 parks bond. The com- munity is now looking ahead to another bond, potentially for voter consideration this year, that could include a new green space funding. An initial $3.9 billion project list for a bond was released last year with $100 million for park acqui- sitions. On Jan. 21, a reduced proposal was released for a $700 million bond, with $40 million for acquisitions out of $140 million in total for parks. Approving more land acquisition dollars today is critical and cost-eective for growing Austin’s parkland, according to the parks department. It estimates $100 million of current investments would save $150 million over the coming decade due to property appreciation.

Not land acquisition Share for land acquisition

Annual parkland payments State law hampered Austin’s ability to maintain past levels of parkland dedication.

$104M

Total bond amount

Annual appropriations

Projected

$84.7M

$77.7M

$75.9M

FY 2022-23

$26.1M

$64.2M

$72.1M

FY 2023-24

$41.1M

$17.4M

FY 2024-25

$20M

$23.4M

$45M

FY 2025-26

$34.9M

$7.5M

$20.5M

$20M

$5.6M

FY 2026-27 $1.1M

2012

2018

1992*

1998 2006

SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

* 100% OF 1992 BOND WENT TO LAND ACQUISITION NOTE: 2026 BOND TO BE DETERMINED SOURCE: CITY OF AUSTINCOMMUNITY IMPACT

Going forward

connections. We are doing so with fewer tools, and we’re doing so with less funding,” he said. “I’m hopeful that we can get more tools and explore creative options and, let’s be honest, receive more funding.”

package should be delayed. For now, Grantham said he’d like to be optimistic about more support in the future. “We are still acquiring parkland, we are still building new parks, and we are still making

City sta and a resident commission are still working to develop a nal list of funding priorities for a 2026 bond. However, Austin’s tight nances also led some ocials to recently question whether the time is right for the city to take on more debt, or if a comprehensive bond

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Health & wellness

BY DACIA GARCIA

Local run club oers healing community Austin running club Good Grief has oered solace in staying active while handling grief. The inspiration The club was founded by Samantha Hendel, who received news in 2022 of her mother’s lung cancer diagnosis her father’s colon cancer. To cope, Hendel started running in addition to going to therapy. She recognized the gap in running clubs for runners who use the activity for mental health or to cope with grief, and hosted her rst meetup in May 2024. About 20 people showed up. Today, the group averages 100 people. “Good Grief gave me a community of people that just understood me on a deeper level and helped me cope with grief in a dierent way,” Hendel said.

The running club averages 100 attendees at its Austin group.

PHOTOS COURTESY GOOD GRIEF

S . L A K E S H O R E B L V D .

Every Monday, 7 a.m. Noble Joe Coee Co., South Shore Eatery, 1620 E. Riverside Drive, Austin www.goodgriefrunning.com

The group as founded by Austin local Samantha Hendel who hosted the rst meetup in May 2024.

COMMUNITYIMPACT.COM

Events

BY DACIA GARCIA

ATX Open The event will feature a singles draw of 32 players and a doubles draw of 16 teams. • Feb. 21-March 1 • $10 and up • Westwood Country Club, 3808 W. 35th St., Austin • www.atxopen.com 100 Year Black History Month Community Cookout Austin Public Library will celebrate its 100th anniversary with a cookout. • Feb. 22, noon-3 p.m. • Free • 1161 Angelina St., Austin • https://library.austintexas.gov

February

Marathon Finish Line Experience Austin Marathon runners can receive recovery tools and on-site wellness support. • Feb. 15, 6 a.m.-1 p.m. • $75-$400 • The Fox Den, 920 Congress Ave., Austin • www.swiftfitevents.com Spurs I-35 Series The basketball team will face off against the Phoenix Suns and Sacramento Kings as part of its I-35 series. • Feb. 19, 7:30 p.m.; Feb. 21, 7 p.m. • $84 and up • Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Drive, Austin • www.moodycenteratx.com

NASCAR at COTA The NASCAR Cup Series and O’Reilly Auto Parts Series will compete on the 17-turn, 2.4-mile National Course. The event will also feature a fan zone with entertainment acts, NASCAR driver appearances and activities. • Feb. 27-March 1 • $16 and up • Circuit of The Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Del Valle • www.circuitoftheamericas.com

March

Black History Month Concert Vocal artist Jazzie Renea Baker will perform. • Feb. 21, 2-2:45 p.m. • Free

Sips & Sounds Music Festival The festival will feature 16 artists including Christina Aguilera, Calvin Harris and Foster the People. • March 13-14 • $65 and up (general admission, GA+ and specific day passes vary) • Auditorium Shores, 900 W. Riverside Drive, Austin • www.sipssoundsfest.com

• 2500 Exposition Blvd., Austin • https://library.austintexas.gov

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

Real estate

More Central Austin homes sold in December 2025 compared to December 2024, according to Unlock MLS data. Residential market data

Homes sold

December 2024

December 2025

+38.46%

+80%

-17.39

-4.08%

-0.23%

+20%

78701

78702

78703

78704

78705

78722

78705 78751 78752 78756

+32.14%

-12.12%

-10%

+300%

+16.67%

-29.63%

78757

78731

290

360

78723

78703

78701

78722

78702

78704

290

183

MOPAC

78723

78731

78751

78752

78756

78757

Median home sales price

Central Austin

December

2024

2025

December

2024

2025

$665,000

$867,500 $710,000

78701 78702 78703 78704 78705 78722 78723 78731 78751 78752 78756 78757

$577,711

143 170

New listings

$990,000 $905,000 $321,750 $805,500 $535,000 $1,090,000 $568,000 $659,500 $1,198,000 $655,000

$1,500,000 $875,000 $398,000 $665,100

220 246

Closed sales

Homes under contract

134 161

$510,000

$1,090,000 $627,333 $352,250 $689,900 $715,000

MARKET DATA PROVIDED BY AUSTIN BOARD OF REALTORS AND UNLOCK MLS 5124547636 WWW.ABOR.COM

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3300 W. Anderson Ln. Austin, TX 78757 • (512) 420-2222 Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner daily. Closed Sundays and Mondays. @EldoradoCafeATX 3300 W. Anderson Ln. Austin, TX 78757 • (512) 420-2222 Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner daily. Closed Sundays and Mondays. @EldoradoCafeATX Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner daily. Closed Sundays and Mondays. @EldoradoCafeATX

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7522 N. IH 35 Frontage Rd Building C, Austin TX 78752 • (737) 222-5136

NORTH CENTRAL AUSTIN EDITION

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