Upscale neighborhoods on the Southside? (Austin, Onion Creek: car rental, apartments, rentals)

[VismundCygnus]

I'm a student at St. Edwards University and I've recently started a mobile auto detailing business. I live on Stassney at the Austin City Lights apartments.

I'm not totally familiar with the neighborhoods in Austin around the area where I live. I AM a mobile service, meaning that I drive to the clients location, but I'd rather start out marketing to people closer to me.

I'm starting with Onion Creek because I'm familiar with it. Are there any other similarly "upscale" neighborhoods around me here on the southside?

Thanks.

[centralaustinite]

Just an FYI: many HOAs, particularly in upscale neighborhoods, prohibit exactly this type of business. That is often both home car repair and car washing, detailing and mobile mechanics and detailers are prohibited from working in the subdivision.

I would try closer to the city: Barton Hills, Zilker, Bouldin, Travis Heights, SoCo, and the downtown area itself. Try the downtown condos, such work could be done in the parking garages of the condo towers and is less likely to be prohibited.

[VismundCygnus]

Why do HOA's prohibit it?

[centralaustinite]

Originally Posted by VismundCygnus

Why do HOA's prohibit it?

Who knows? Unsightly, I guess. Some HOAs prohibit parking a car in your own driveway! (They want all vehicles in the garage).

The board is on an HOA break right now, so I won't say more. Just be aware of it and possibly shift your target market closer to downtown.

[sille777]

if you haven't already you may want to market yourself up and down the "motor-mile" right in your neighborhood. Car Rentals places also use Mobile Detailers from time to time.

[VismundCygnus]

Ah, used dealerships and car rental places. Good thought. I'll give them a visit.