My stay at Caitlin's place was really great. She has a sweet sweet house, in a really calm neighbourhood. Also, the house is near the Colorado River/Lady Bird Lake (5 mins walk)- so it's perfect if you want to do some kayak/paddleboard- and 20 mins walk from downtown. Also, there is a bus, the 17, that runs really often and take you straight in front of the Texas State Capitole, the Congress St. and the Museum of Fine Arts. If you have a car, you'll easily find a place to park on the street.
Also, the East Austin is amazing: it's not touristic at all, you have plenty different bars around the house, especially on 5th,6th and 7th St . Also, the restaurants in this area are soooo good! It's the hispanic part of Austin, so if you like tacos & tamales, you'll be more than happy!
I haven't met Caitlin since she was in Europe, but we constantly kept in touch and she was really available. Also, she was comprehensive, sweet, kind, helpful and open-minded.