Austin, Texas is just plain weird. Indeed, the localized campaign to “Keep Austin Weird” represents a general call to preserve green space, small businesses, smart development, and a unique flair for all things cutting edge. The enclave is identified with the Texas State Capitol, University of Texas, live music, high technology, and explosive growth. In terms of National weirdness, Austin, 2006 U.S. Census estimated population 709,893, represents the largest American city that is without any professional sports franchise and at least two Interstate highways. In terms of regional weirdness, Austin features tropical and desert ecosystem characteristics, liberal politics amidst Texas conservatism, and a quirky skyline intended to preserve panoramic views of the State Capitol.
Most importantly, in terms of buying fuel, Austin is the lone Texas Big City that is not directly associated with the oil and gas industry. In fact, Dell Computer, Whole Foods Market, State of Texas, and Freescale Semiconductor highlight the largest employers of the region – a far cry from the standard petroleum fare at The Lone Star State.
The “weirdness” translates into gas prices that dominate all Texas readings in terms of expense.
As of August 31, 2009, Austin average gas prices calculate out at $2.501. Although the mark undercuts the U.S. Department of Energy’s nationwide $2.613 listing, Austin motorists are a far cry from the $2.418 statistic down the road in Houston.
Despite the statewide discrepancy, this guide will prove that cheap gas is actually available for smart consumers that reside, wheel and deal, and attend classes at Texas’ capital city. The article will proceed to expose the most egregiously priced locations to purchase gasoline, and close with viable solutions for those Texans that are looking to save gas money.
We do recognize the fact that day-to-day commodity prices will fluctuate wildly. However, the very same demographics that promulgate today’s cheap gas will remain stable over time, and translate into readings that are “less expensive than the next guy” well into the future.
The term “cheap” is very much a relative idea.
Where NOT to Buy Gas in Austin, Texas
Expensive gas is the order of the day at Central Austin. Central Austin covers the box-like area between I.H. 35, U.S. 183, and the Colorado River, which is bisected by Loop 1 – Mopac Expressway. Austin’s most critical demarcation includes downtown, The University of Texas, and State Capitol, alongside rolling hills, palatial estates, and tidy McMansions. Obviously, gas and the cost of all things will remain relatively expensive within Central Austin.
The cost of one gallon of regular grade gasoline often approaches $2.60 in Central Austin.
Conoco and 7-11 line Lamar Boulevard on the fringes of downtown to hawk expensive gasoline for $2.59 and $2.55, respectively. The high-priced gas beat goes on west of The Mopac, where Lake Austin and Exposition Boulevard represent focal points for local traffic and Hill Country commuters via Loop 1 and the Redbud Trail.
Chevron greets Central Austin drivers with a $2.59 retail offering at 2402 Lake Austin Boulevard. Central Austin motorists will find little relief across the Colorado River, where Shell ups the ante with $2.62 gas at 2800 Bee Caves Road within the leafy Rollingwood, Texas.
Diligent Austin consumers will frequent a pocket of cheap gas that is tucked away north of the UT campus along Duval Street. Off brand fuel is for sale at 43rd and Duval, and 45th and Duval. Major Brand and Pronto Food patrol these corners to undersell the competition for $2.35 and $2.39, respectively.
Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Austin, Texas
Buy cheap gas at East Central Austin.
This area lay east of I.H. 35 and is loosely defined by the communities bordered by U.S. 183 and the Colorado River. The trendy thoroughfares and posh addresses of Central and West Austin give way to the working class industrialism of the capital city immediately to the east of 35.
The price of gas breaks the $2.40 price floor at several points within East Central Austin.
Wholesaler Major Brand operates at the intersection of 7th and Pedernales streets to hawk $2.39 regular grade fuel. Austin’s top purveyor of cheap gas also fronts 1135 Airport Boulevard to undersell the competition at $2.35.
The $2.35 price target still holds further to the east at Martin Luther King, Jr. Boulevard (E. 19th Street), where Shell and Double R Grocery operate across from the Morris Williams Golf Course to serve this lightly populated section of Austin.
Of course, Travis County residents may balk at the proposition of navigating across I.H. 35 to buy cheap gas at East Central. The aforementioned Major Brand at 4429 Duval Street in Central Austin marks the most convenient location from all points of town.
Happy Trails.
Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Austin, Texas, Sources:
Austin Gas Prices, http://www.austingasprices.com/
The Official Portal of Texas, http://www.texasonline.com/portal/tol
Austin, Texas, http://www.austintexas.org/
Kofi Bofah, Where to Buy Cheap Gas in Houston,Texas, http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/1902382/where_to_buy_cheap_gas_in_houston_texas.html?cat=27
