Welcome to South Manchaca, a family-friendly neighborhood in Austin, Texas. Located south of South Central Austin, approximately five miles from Downtown, this densely-populated residential area is bordered by South First Street on the east, West Stassney Lane on the south, Menchaca Road on the west, and Ben White Boulevard on the north. South Manchaca, pronounced “man-shack,” is a laid-back, working-class neighborhood with South Austin charm and a diverse population. The origin of the name Manchaca is debatable. One of the most common arguments is that Manchaca comes from the Choctaw word “imashaka,” which loosely translated means “to the rear.” Some say the town was named after José Antonio Menchaca, an American soldier and politician, who fought in the Texas Revolution. Rumor has it, Menchaca frequented the springs outside the town of Manchaca while fighting with the Tejano army. In 2019, the City of Austin successfully changed the name of the once eponymously named road to Menchaca Road in honor of the Texas revolutionary. Whatever the truth may be, South Manchaca is a vibrant and diverse area where white and Latino working-class citizens live harmoniously.
One of South Austin’s fastest-growing residential neighborhoods, South Manchaca is a desirable area for the young and old. Quiet, pedestrian-friendly streets make this a popular place among families with kids. South Manchaca offers affordable housing that fits the lifestyles of both college students and professionals that don’t mind the short commute Downtown for work and school. Convenient access to major local arteries, such as Highway 71 and Interstate 35, as well as numerous bus stops along its borders make South Manchaca an easily accessible neighborhood. Property in this neighborhood primarily consists of modest, single-family homes with yards and multi-car garages, something that can be difficult to find in other parts of South Austin. You can also find large ranch-style homes with big driveways and yards featuring beautiful oak trees. Proximity to South Lamar Boulevard, one of the largest commercial thoroughfares south of the Colorado River, is an attractive aspect of this neighborhood. Residents of South Manchaca don’t have to travel far to find popular bars, trendy restaurants, and an assortment of boutique retail stores. You will find supermarkets and convenience stores at the intersection of South First Street and West Stassney Lane.
A great neighborhood for active individuals, take a walk down to Garrison Park, a tree-filled urban green space with a public swimming pool, playground, and walking trails. Spend an afternoon shopping along South Lamar Boulevard and end the day with a live show at the iconic country music hall, Broken Spoke. For a zany artistic experience, check out the Cathedral of Junk, a shelter made with over 60 tons of used furniture and other random home goods.