Location

Tarrytown is bordered by Lake Austin Boulevard on the south, Lake Austin on the west, West 35^th street on the north, and Mopac Expressway on the East. The ZIP code is 78703 and the major roads include Exposition Boulevard, Enfield Road, and Windsor Road. This neighborhood is located conveniently close to downtown and also has some of the best schools in A.I.S.D. such as Casis Elementary, O. Henry Middle School, and Austin High School.

Residents

With many historic developments, stylish houses, longstanding churches, and peaceful parks, Tarrytown has it all. The area is home to a variety of people such as young families, empty nesters, and small business owners. In fact, some residents you may know include Matthew McConnaughey and President George W. Bush! Tarrytown offers something for everyone with stunning lake views, smaller homes, and apartments as well. If that’s not enough, this neighborhood even has its own Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/tarrytownaustin)! This is where residents can connect as a community and get to know their local neighbors.

Activities

In addition to the thriving community of Tarrytown, there’s also a lot to do in this quiet area. Golfers frequent Lions Municipal Golf Course while other outdoors lovers enjoy the peacocks and tame deer at Mayfield Preserve. You can cool off during the hot Texas heat at Reed Park and Pool and then grab a bite to eat at Fabi and Rosi or Magnolia Cafe near Lake Austin Blvd. Finally, if you’re looking for a more quiet way to enjoy the day, you can take a stroll through the Laguna Gloria Art Museum or stop for a cup of coffee at Mozart’s.

1. Flourishing Job Market

Austin’s economy is growing and it doesn’t look like it’ll stop any time soon. The Austin Business Journal recently reported that the economic boost of 2012 is forecasted to continue throughout 2014, providing the city with increasing opportunity for new residents.  Business Facilities magazine also named Texas as king of the 50 states in economic growth of 2012. What better place to be than in the palace of the kingdom of economic prosperity? There’s always a job opening in Austin and a variety of workforces here as well.

2. Healthiest City

Austin is also known as one of the healthiest cities in the great state of Texas. Shape magazine recently reported that it’s known for the low rates of chronic diseases like asthma, heart disease, and diabetes as well as the young, highly active community here. Parks, lakes, and trails are also located throughout the city, offering a variety of places to exercise. Many enjoy kayaking on the lake, jogging through a beautiful nature trail, or biking around Lady Bird Lake in the middle of the city. In addition to exercise, Austin is also known to be friendly to healthy eating as well. With an 80,000 square-foot Whole Foods in downtown as well as multiple gluten-free and vegan restaurants in surrounding neighborhoods, Austin offers a menu for all dietary needs and healthy lifestyles.

3. Always Something Happening

Whether you’re interested in music, food, fitness, art, or involvement with the community, there’s always something to be a part of. Austin is home to the famous SXSW music and film festival, Zilker Kite Festival, various parades throughout the year, and much more. There are also many fitness clubs and groups to join as well as a variety of parks and lakes to enjoy outdoor activities. Austin has it all so you never have an excuse to be bored.

4. Beautiful Weather

Although Texas is known for the heat, it’s also known for fresh springs, cool autumns, and brief winters. Austin rarely receives rain or snow, making it the perfect location for someone who travels by foot or simply enjoys outdoor activities.

Texas Relays

Texas Relays is one of the most exciting events of the year. Thousands of people travel to Austin annually to enjoy these tradition-filled track and field events hosted by the University of Texas. Although the relays began on Wednesday, there’s still a lot left to enjoy Friday evening and all day Saturday. For more information on remaining events or where to buy tickets, check out http://www.texassports.com/sports/tex-relays/.

Kids’ Easter Events

Kids’ Easter Events are some of the greatest ways to get kids active and involved in the celebrations this weekend. Kids love to search for the candy and prizes as well as enjoy petting zoos and sometimes the Easter Bunny! A few of these local events include Spring Egg-stravaganza in The Triangle, the SFC Green Easter Egg Hunt, and the Easter Egg Hunt and Picnic held on Capitol Grounds by First United Methodist Church. More information about all of these events can be found here .

Jo’s Annual Pet Parade and Costume Contest

Jo’s Coffee has put together its 14th Annual Pet Parade and Costume Contest tomorrow, March 30th, in which all of the proceeds benefit Austin Pet’s Alive and pay tribute to animal lover Lyndon Lambert. Pets and people will march in celebration together down South Congress with a marching band. They will begin at the corner of South Congress and Annie Street at 12pm and wind their way down to Jo’s Coffee on 1300 South Congress. All pets are welcome and the crazier they are dressed, the better! Judges will determine winners of the costume contest who can receive a night at Hotel San Jose, Jo’s Coffee cards, trophies, and more! Registration continues through today, March 29 for $10 and registration will also be open at the event for $15. If you don’t have a pet, no problem! Spectators are welcome as well to celebrate family, friends, fun, and furry creatures.

Fan Fest and Orange-White Scrimmage

For those football fans dying without Texas football season, here’s an opportunity for to get your football fix this Spring. Get a glimpse of the Texas 2013 football team through a Stadium Stampede, Texas Football Fan Fest, and the Orange-White Scrimmage. At 4:15 p.m., Texas football players and coaches enter the stadium with fans along their side as well as Texas Cheer and Texas Pom cheering them onto the field. After their entrance, the Texas Football Fan Fest begins as fans can test their football skills, play their favorite tailgating games, and even the kids get to enjoy face-painting, inflatable’s and poster making. Photo ops with Texas Cheer, Texas Pom, Hook ‘Em and more will be available as well as concessions in the food court area. After the Fan Fest, the Orange-White Scrimmage begins and afterward, fans have the opportunity for 30 minutes of photos on the field-a rare experience! Check out more about this event here.

Location

Clarksville is surrounded by W. 6th Street on the south, Mopac Blvd on the west, Enfield Rd. on the north, and Lamar towards the east. This area is a short 5 minutes from Downtown and includes public schools such as Matthews Elementary School, O. Henry Middle School, and Austin High School.

History

Clarksville was founded in 1871 by freed African-American slaves and remains the oldest surviving freedomtown west of the Mississippi River. With such a great historic background, many locations in this area have been named historic sites of Austin. These spots give Clarksville an irreplaceable atmosphere that is dedicated to the history of the neighborhood. However, just because Clarksville has a historic touch doesn’t mean new homes aren’t springing up there. The area has a nice mix of historic and modern, which creates a unique environment unlike any other neighborhood.

Culture

Many different types of people are able to call Clarksville their home. The short distance from Downtown pulls in many including young families, students, and young professionals. Clarksville is also known to be a dynamic, urban spot for creatives and those who like to be in the mix of things. Its great location offers many possibilities for ways to spend free time and thrive in community involvement.

Activities

Unlike many other areas in Austin, Clarksville gives art galleries a place to call home. These outlets of expression give artists and creatives reason to enjoy this quaint neighborhood is a way that is much different from any other. Clarksville also offers a variety of cafes and coffee shops, especially along West Lynn. Some include Café Medici, Jeffrey’s, and Cipollina. Additionally, Clarksville is known for its hilly and areas and gorgeous natural landscape. It’s a great place for those who like to be outdoors with local parks such as Clarksville Park and West Austin Park located nearby. It’s always a good day to take a stroll in this beautiful neighborhood and just a short distance away from Zilker Park where you can enjoy biking and hiking trails as well.

Kite Making

The festival began with an opportunity to make your own kite. This activity relates back to the heart of the Kite Festival: to encourage creativity in children. The workshop is designed to allow anyone of any age to create their own special kite-all at no cost! After the workshop, participants can register for a kite contest which begins at noon.

Contests

The excitement peaks during the contests each year. The available tournaments include 50 Yard Dash, Highest Angle Kite, Steadiest Kite, Strongest Pulling Kite, Smallest Kite, Most Unusual Kite, Oldest and Youngest Kite Fliers, and Largest Kite. The age requirements vary between each contest, but there are multiple available for each age group. Each contest also has a unique set of criteria to judge the participants which can be found at the website of the Zilker Kite Festival.

Watching

For those who wanted to participate outside of kite creation or kite competition, many supported friends and the community by attending and enjoying the festivities together. Dogs and other friendly pets are welcome each year as well. The Kite Festival always brings out many people and creates a sense of unity and bonding throughout the community. If you couldn’t make it out yesterday, keep your eye out for the Kite Festival of 2014!