The capital city of Texas, Austin, is the 11th most populous city in the United States with around 961,000 residents. Add the surrounding areas, and you've got an area of over 2 million people. With this amount of people comes possibilities with homes, neighborhoods, entertainment, schools, and more. Austin has so many beautiful neighborhoods to choose from, and the right one for you is quite personal. If you ask 20 people what the best neighborhood in Austin is, you'll get 20 answers.
In no particular order, here is a list of neighborhoods in which to start your search:
Downtown
If you like to live in an urban environment in the center of entertainment and business, check out high-rise lofts, luxury condos, and garden-style condos in Downtown Austin. Many of these have great views of the Colorado River. While it may be more expensive to buy real estate here, it's worth it for easy access to shopping, dining, nightlife, coffee shops, and parks. One can walk or bike almost anywhere. Check out the Red River Cultural District for pizza and live music, Sixth Street for dancing and Tex-Mex, or the Warehouse District for diversity.
While young urban professionals tend to gravitate to the Downtown area, those that have children can rest easy with highly ranked schools in the Austin Independent School District. Plus, The University of Texas Austin is right next door. Join 12,772 folks that call Downtown home.
Barton Hills
For a mix of city and nature, check out Barton Hills. There are quiet residential areas mixed in with natural attractions, such as Zilker Park and Barton Creek Greenbelt, with 12 miles of trails. Barton Springs Pool is a natural spring where the water is a constant 70 degrees attracting tons of visitors and residents. Barton Hills is close enough to Downtown and a great place to raise a family. There are newer homes and some dating back to the 1930s. There is easy access to the highway and a suburban feel close to the city.
Cedar Park
On the northwest edge of Austin, you will find a suburb that is popular with industry professionals and commuters. Major companies like Dell, Apple, and National Instruments are located here and other tech and manufacturing companies. With homes ranging from $200,000 to $2 million, there are options for every budget. It has been voted one of the Ten Best Towns for Families with children attending the Leander and Round Rock Independent School Districts. There are many local dining and shopping options, plus it's close to Austin and Hill Country.
East Austin
Dubbed as a great alternative to Downtown, East Austin has 1930s bungalows, condos, and new home construction that is much more affordable than Downtown. This unique neighborhood has a diverse culture, fine dining, and tons of attractions. Check out Festival Beach during Celtic Fest or the Texas Craft Brewers Festival. Go to the Victory Grill for live music. Take a walking tour of the Black Cultural District. Join young professional hipsters and families who make East Austin home. Children choose from Austin, Del Valle, and Manor Independent School districts or charter schools. Best of all, locals say the best tacos and Mexican food are found in East Austin.
Old West Austin
When you think of Texas, you might think of cowboys. While you won't find cowboys in the streets of Old West Austin, you will find architecture dating back 150 years. It's on the National Register of Historic Places, and the oldest home was built in 1853. You'll also find 1970s ranch-style homes and plantation houses. Get outside and explore Pease District Park and Lake Austin. Those with kids will find six schools in the neighborhood. Old West Austin is conveniently located 2 miles from Downtown, making it a popular area.
Hyde Park
Keeping with the historical theme, Hyde Park has Queen Anne, Craftsman, and Victorian-style homes. About 20 minutes from Downtown, this area has a small town appeal with manicured lawns and tree-lined streets. This was one of the first planned suburbs in the area and dates back to 1891. Residents can walk to a small business district and neighborhood market. A visit to the Elisabete Ney Museum hosts exhibits and activities related to this famous sculptor. Those that like sports can partake of many at Wright-Whitaker Sports Complex. Kids attend schools in the Austin Independent School District.
Mueller
This neighborhood has aviation roots as it used to be the home of the Austin Mueller Airport. The master planners kept pieces of the old airport and repurposed them into art studios and shops. Since 2007, residents have enjoyed their single-family homes and a weekly farmer's market. This neighborhood also has many eco-friendly features such as resource-efficient homes, solar panels, and community gardens. Lake Park has 30 acres of nature with jogging trails and picnic tables.
Windsor Park
We had to stick this one on the list for affordability. Just north of Downtown, this up-and-coming neighborhood became more popular when the old airport was shut down in 1999. There are smaller homes on winding streets with a diverse mix of residents from all walks of life. You'll find hilly and semi-rural areas mixed with small businesses.
North Loop
Another neighborhood on the rise is called North Loop, where you'll find students, professionals, artists, and blue-collar workers living in harmony. There is a mix of 1940s bungalows and newer contemporary-style homes. Enjoy walking to vintage shops, bars, or coffee spots. It's also close to the University of Texas and Downtown happenings.
South Austin
South Austin offers a bohemian style, a mix of old and new construction. There are old and new homes in various styles with reasonable prices. There are trendy restaurants and bars with live music and excellent foods. Alternatively, you can kayak and paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake or the Colorado River. There you can enjoy the outdoors while keeping an eye on the Downtown skyline.
Georgetown
The neighborhood of Georgetown has two distinct areas – farming land and Hill Country. You'll find small-town charm close to big city amenities. Shoppers will delight in Historic Georgetown Square. Outdoor enthusiasts flock to Lake Georgetown, Inner Space Cavern, and Blue Hole Park. They send their kids to Georgetown Independent School District schools. This town is growing in popularity, and it's easy to see why.
Allandale
This suburb seems to be on many top neighborhood lists. It's close to Downtown but has a quiet suburban feel. This makes it popular with young professional families whose kids attend excellent public schools. The whole family can walk to restaurants, shopping, and local parks. The Northwest Recreation Center is also a popular destination.
Tarrytown
Close to Downtown, one of the more expensive neighborhoods in Austin is Tarrytown. There are tree-lined streets with historic homes, a sense of community, and excellent schools. Austin High School and the Girl's School of Austin are popular choices for children's education. Residents enjoy Austin's oldest golf course, green spaces, and Lake Austin. They visit the Contemporary Austin-Laguna Gloria's art museum and sculpture garden, then dine at The Beer Plant or Hula Hut. With a small-town feel, this area is home to several generations of Austin families.
Westlake
On Lake Austin, Westlake is another popular neighborhood known for its quiet neighborhoods, proximity to Downtown, and nationally recognized schools. Children attend Westlake High School, Westlake Academy, and Carrol Middle School. Homes are of various styles, and many have views of the city, lake, or hill country. The Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve is also in Westlake and includes 227 acres of habitat with three miles of hiking trails. People come from all over to see musicians at One World Theatre. While it may be a pricier area than some other neighborhoods, it sure is worth it.
Cherrywood
With an abundance of French names for places, it's often nicknamed "French Place." In a diverse neighborhood of bungalows and craftsman-style homes, you'll find a mix of residents, including artists, professionals, students, and retirees.
It's close to the University of Texas, making it popular with college students looking for quiet study areas. Cherrywood Coffeehouse is a local favorite for breakfast, beers, and live music. On the east edge of Central Austin, this area is mainly residential but close enough to Downtown to enjoy all it offers.
North University
Aptly named for its location close to the University of Texas campus, this is your neighborhood if you enjoy the academic atmosphere. Many students and processors make their home here. You can find 1920s homes in the Aldridge Place Historic District, bungalows, wood-frame houses, and larger million-dollar historic homes. Families send their kids to Austin Independent District Schools or Kirby Hall School. Local favorites are Torchy's Tacos, Wheatsville Food Co-op, and Hemphill Park, all within walking distance of many homes. Downtown is not far if you need to commute or enjoy lively city life.
Leander
If you desire to be farther away from the city but still have a convenient commute, Leander may be just the place for you. About 25 miles from Downtown, the Capital MetroRail Red Line will whisk you to your office quickly. There are technology companies located in the area, so that commute may not even be necessary.
Homes range from historic to single-family to luxury estates. School-aged children have plenty of options, including the Leander Independent School District, Founders Classical Academy charter school, and Harbor Christian School. Then you can take them to Devine Lake Park or Sarita Valley Greenbelt to burn off their extra energy.
Dripping Springs
The Texas Hill Country is a favorite out-of-town getaway, and Dripping Springs is often called the "Gateway to Hill Country." Here you'll find oak trees, rolling hills, and rocky creeks. Located 25 minutes southwest of Austin, Dripping Springs has shopping, restaurants, and parks. Enjoy Dripping Springs Sports and Recreation Park and Charro Ranch Park. For a neighborhood with extra space between you and your neighbors, check out Dripping Springs.
South Congress
Known to locals as Soco, South Congress is a tight-knit community that is growing rapidly. It's got unique shops, including Monkey See, Monkey Do, and tons of restaurants, including the new St. Elmo Public Market. Homes tend to be ranch-style or condominiums and are pretty affordable. You can walk to dining, go shopping, or go hiking at Lady Bird Lake. There is a lively nightlife and plenty of events and peaceful outdoor spaces like Big Stacy or Little Stacy Parks. Residents are varied, and your neighbors might be artists, musicians, doctors, or lawyers. One of the mottos of the area is "Keep Austin Weird."
Kyle
A quiet community 15 miles south of Downtown, Kyle is filled with newer homes with classic designs. Children attend Hays Consolidated Independent School District. Residents enjoy Lake Kyle, Plum Creek Trail, and Plum Creek Golf Club. If you are looking for a more rural setting with an easy commute to the office or the 24 colleges and universities within 50 miles, check out Kyle.
Moving to Austin
Austin has a neighborhood for everyone. Whether you are trendy and want a bohemian lifestyle, a college student supporting the Texas Longhorns, a young professional looking to make their way in the big city, or a family wanting a neighborhood with southern hospitality, Austin has a neighborhood for you. We've only touched on the unique features of some of the more popular areas, but there are so many hidden gems to choose from. Look around, and you are sure to find the perfect home.
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