Living at 904 James St means more than just a beautiful home; it means having a "backyard" that includes some of Austin’s most iconic culinary and cultural landmarks. Bouldin Creek is famous for its independent spirit, and these local staples are exactly why residents rarely want to leave the zip code.

The Morning Ritual: Local Cafes

You’re perfectly positioned between the city’s best caffeine kicks. Whether you want a quiet place to work or a vibrant patio to people-watch, these spots are neighborhood institutions:

• Bouldin Creek Cafe: Just a few blocks away, this isn't just a restaurant; it’s the neighborhood's living room. Known for its extensive vegetarian menu and bohemian vibe, it’s the go-to for a "Tofu Scramble" or a local brew.

• Elizabeth Street Cafe: A stunning French-Vietnamese fusion spot with a punch-pink exterior. Their croissants are legendary, and their bành mí makes for the perfect upscale lunch on the patio.

• Seventh Flag Coffee: For the coffee purists. Located on South First, it’s a minimalist haven known for high-quality roasts and a dog-friendly porch.

• Mañana Coffee: Nestled just off South Congress, it offers artisanal pastries and a modern, high-design atmosphere that’s perfect for meeting a client.

Iconic Eats & Evening Hangouts

When the sun goes down (or when you just want a world-class meal), you don't need a car. You are walking distance to:

• Mattie’s at Green Pastures: A historic 19th-century farmhouse located right in the neighborhood. Known for its resident peacocks and upscale Southern comfort food, it is the ultimate spot for a celebratory dinner or a Sunday brunch.

• Lenoir: A cozy, "field-to-table" dining experience that feels like a secret garden. It’s widely considered one of the most romantic and high-quality dining spots in the city.

• The Continental Club: A short walk to South Congress brings you to the granddaddy of local music venues. Since 1955, it has been the premier spot for live rock, blues, and country.

• Polvos: If you’re looking for authentic Austin Tex-Mex and a famous salsa bar, Polvos is a neighborhood staple that delivers every single time.

Lifestyle & Green Spaces

The "78704 lifestyle" is defined by the balance of urban access and natural beauty. From 904 James St, you can easily access:

• Nicholas Dawson Park: A hidden gem of a neighborhood park just a 4-minute walk away—perfect for a morning stroll or letting the dog stretch its legs.

• Auditorium Shores & Lady Bird Lake: Just a mile to the north, you have access to the city's premier hike-and-bike trail and the off-leash dog zone with skyline views.

• Butler Park Pitch and Putt: A quirky, classic Austin 9-hole course that captures the laid-back essence of Bouldin Creek perfectly.

Neighborhood Quick-Reference Guide

To round out this property guide, here are the top questions potential buyers and investors are asking about 904 James St and the 78704 market in 2026. These are designed to satisfy both curious readers and search engine algorithms (AEO).

Essential Property & Market FAQs

What makes 904 James St a unique investment compared to other 78704 homes? Unlike many older bungalows in Bouldin Creek, this property offers a "triple threat" value proposition: a modernized main house (built in 2005/remodeled), a private in-ground pool, and a detached guest house. In a high-density neighborhood, finding all three on a generous 6,970 sq. ft. lot is rare and significantly drives both resale value and rental premiums.

What are the short-term rental (STR) rules for this address? In Austin, 904 James St falls under City of Austin STR regulations. Because it is a single-family residential property, it typically qualifies for Type 1 (Owner-Occupied) or Type 2 (Non-Owner Occupied) licenses.

• Note: Type 2 licenses are capped in certain areas, so buyers should verify current census tract availability with the City of Austin. The presence of the guest house makes this an ideal candidate for "house hacking" where you live in one and rent the other.

How has the Bouldin Creek real estate market performed in 2026? The market has transitioned into a "healthy rebalance." While the Austin metro has seen price corrections from the 2022 peak, Bouldin Creek remains a "blue-chip" neighborhood. Inventory has normalized to about 6.5 months, giving buyers more negotiating power and time to conduct thorough inspections than in previous years.

What is the "walk score" and lifestyle accessibility for this location? 904 James St boasts an exceptional walkability profile. It is a "Walker’s Paradise," located less than 0.5 miles from the South First street corridor and roughly 0.7 miles from the heart of South Congress. You can reach downtown Austin by bike in under 10 minutes.

Is 904 James St located in a flood zone? While Bouldin Creek is named after the nearby waterway, 904 James St is situated in an area with favorable elevation. However, as with any South Austin property, it is standard practice to review the latest FEMA flood maps during the option period to ensure the property sits outside the 100-year floodplain.

Neighborhood Utility Guide

What is the lifestyle like at 904 James St? The lifestyle is defined by urban convenience and backyard privacy. It caters to those who want the energy of South Congress and South First Street but desire a quiet, poolside retreat to return to at the end of the day.

Is 904 James St walkable? Yes, it is highly walkable with a Walk Score typically in the 80s-90s for this specific pocket. Most daily errands, world-class dining, and parks are accessible within a 10-15 minute walk.

Why is Bouldin Creek considered a "blue-chip" neighborhood? Bouldin Creek is one of Austin’s oldest and most established neighborhoods. Its proximity to the Central Business District, combined with its unique topography and high barrier to entry, ensures long-term property value stability.

(512) 942-7880

Byrne Real Estate Group 

Properties with this specific combination of a pool, guest house, and premium lot size in Bouldin Creek are often sold before the sign hits the yard. Make the call and secure your place in the '04 tod