Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. Known for its live music, tech industry, and overall high quality of life, Austin is drawing people in from all over the country, and the world.
But before you pack your bags for the Lone Star State, it’s important to find the right neighborhood for you. You want to be sure that your lifestyle, commute, and budget align with where you choose to live.
That’s why we’ve put together this guide to some of Austin’s most popular neighborhoods. We’ll explore what makes each one unique, what it has to offer, and what you can expect from the housing market in each location. Consider this your Austin map to neighborhoods. Let’s find the perfect spot for you to call home!
Getting to know Austin’s neighborhoods
Austin is a city of distinct regions, each with its own character and charm. To get a feel for the city, it helps to understand its major geographic areas: North, South, East, West, and Central.
- North Austin is known for its family-friendly vibe and its growing tech industry.
- South Austin tends to be more laid-back and artistic.
- East Austin is known for its vibrant culture and how quickly it’s developing.
- West Austin has a more rural feel and tends to be more upscale.
- Central Austin is known for its historic buildings and its close proximity to downtown.
From historic and quiet to trendy and energetic, Austin’s neighborhoods offer something for everyone.
What to consider when choosing a neighborhood
When you’re trying to decide where to live, there’s a lot to think about. It’s important to consider your lifestyle, how long you’ll be commuting, your budget, and the quality of the local schools.
Your budget will definitely play a large part in which neighborhoods you can consider. And the length of your commute to work or school can have a big impact on your overall happiness.
It’s also worth thinking about the “vibe” of a neighborhood. Do you want to live somewhere quiet and family-friendly, or do you prefer a place that’s lively and artsy? There are a lot of different feels, and it’s worth finding the right one for you.
Exploring Central Austin Neighborhoods
If you want to be close to the action, Central Austin is the place to be. Here’s a peek at a few of the neighborhoods.
Downtown Austin
Downtown Austin is a vibrant, bustling area with a mix of high-rise apartments, condos, and historic buildings. You’ll find plenty of attractions and amenities, and you’re right next door to Zilker Park and the Texas State Capitol, as well as the city’s entertainment district.
The median housing price in Downtown Austin is around $734,300.
Hyde Park
Hyde Park is known for its historic homes and tree-lined streets, and it has a strong community feel. It’s conveniently located near the University of Texas, and there’s an eclectic mix of shops and restaurants nearby.
The median housing price in Hyde Park is approximately $799,900.
North University
North University is, as the name implies, situated close to the University of Texas. As you might expect, it has a student-focused vibe, and it’s one of the more affordable neighborhoods in Central Austin.
The median housing price in North University is about $854,000.
Discovering South Austin Neighborhoods
South Austin offers a diverse mix of neighborhoods, each with its own unique character and appeal. Here’s a peek into some of the most popular spots:
South Lamar (SoLa)
South Lamar is known for its trendy, eclectic vibe. You’ll find a mix of vintage shops, funky restaurants, and live music venues that capture the spirit of Austin. Its central location provides easy access to downtown and Zilker Park, making it a popular choice for those who want to be close to the action.
Median Housing Price: $699,700
Zilker
If outdoor recreation is your thing, Zilker is the place to be. Living here means you’re practically next door to Zilker Park, with its sprawling green spaces, Barton Springs Pool, and endless opportunities for outdoor fun. It’s a family-friendly area that still offers convenient access to downtown.
Median Housing Price: $997,000
Barton Hills
Like Zilker, Barton Hills is all about the outdoors, thanks to its prime location near Zilker Park. This neighborhood has a strong community feel and is known for its top-rated schools, making it a desirable spot for families.
Median Housing Price: $1,200,000
SoCo (South Congress)
South Congress, or SoCo, is famous for its eclectic vibe and its abundance of restaurants, shops, and art galleries. This area is a hub for unique finds and local flavor. Its proximity to downtown makes it a great choice for those who want to be in the heart of the action.
Median Housing Price: $562,500
Exploring East Austin Neighborhoods
East Austin has a vibrant, energetic culture and a mix of long-time residents and new arrivals. You’ll find art galleries, live music venues, and a dizzying array of cuisines to choose from. Development has been rapid in recent years, and, like much of Austin, housing prices have been rising.
The median housing price in East Austin is around $595,000.
Cherrywood
If you prefer quiet, tree-lined residential streets, you might like the Cherrywood neighborhood. It’s close to the University of Texas, which makes it popular with students and faculty. You’ll also find some great local restaurants and shops tucked away in this part of town.
The median housing price in Cherrywood is roughly $699,000.
Unveiling North Austin Neighborhoods
North Austin has a lot to offer in terms of vibe, affordability, and family-friendly amenities. Here are a few neighborhoods to consider:
Allandale
Allandale is a well-established residential area known for its family-friendly atmosphere. It’s popular among families because of its good schools and convenient location close to MoPac. The median housing price in Allandale is around $800,000.
North Loop
If you’re looking for something a little more quirky and eclectic, check out North Loop. It’s packed with vintage shops, restaurants, and bars, and it’s super close to downtown and the University of Texas. The median housing price here is a bit lower than Allandale, hovering around $597,000.
Wells Branch
For those seeking a more affordable option, Wells Branch is definitely worth a look. It’s a bit further out, but still close to major employers like Dell and Samsung. It’s also a family-friendly area with plenty of parks and green spaces. The median housing price in Wells Branch is significantly lower than the other two, around $417,000.
Delving into West Austin Neighborhoods
West Austin is home to some of the city’s most desirable neighborhoods, known for their beautiful homes and access to outdoor recreation. Here’s a closer look at a few:
Tarrytown
Tarrytown is an upscale residential area close to the shores of Lake Austin. The area is known for its top-rated schools and a quiet, family-friendly vibe. If you’re looking to live in Tarrytown, expect to pay around $1,900,000, which is the median housing price.
Westlake
If you’re looking for luxury homes with stunning views of Lake Austin and the Texas Hill Country, Westlake might be the neighborhood for you. Westlake is also known for its excellent schools and convenient access to downtown Austin. The median housing price in Westlake is approximately $2,450,000.
Old West Austin
Old West Austin is known for its historical significance and beautiful architecture. It’s also a great choice if you want to live close to the heart of downtown Austin. The median housing price in Old West Austin is around $1,400,000.
Exploring Austin’s Suburban Options
If you’re looking for a little more space, a slower pace, or maybe just a more affordable housing option, you might want to consider the suburbs surrounding Austin. Here’s a quick look at some of the popular choices:
Cedar Park
Cedar Park is a rapidly growing suburb known for its family-friendly vibe. With highly-rated schools and tons of parks and recreation options, it’s a popular choice for families. The median housing price in Cedar Park is around $499,000.
Round Rock
Round Rock offers a blend of affordability and family-friendliness. Like Cedar Park, it boasts good schools and plenty of parks and recreational activities. You can expect a median housing price of about $450,000 in Round Rock.
Leander
Leander is another suburb experiencing rapid growth, thanks to its relative affordability. It shares the same perks as Cedar Park and Round Rock – good schools and ample outdoor spaces. Leander was even recognized as the fastest-growing large city in the US. The median housing price here is approximately $465,000.
Georgetown
If you’re drawn to historical charm, Georgetown might be your spot. It’s known for its quaint town square, filled with local shops and restaurants, and its strong sense of community, hosting regular events throughout the year. The median housing price in Georgetown is around $450,000.
Buda and Kyle
For more affordable options south of Austin, consider Buda and Kyle. Both are family-friendly communities with convenient access to major employers in the area. In Buda, the median housing price is about $400,000, while in Kyle, you’ll find it closer to $349,000.
Other Austin Neighborhoods to Explore
While the neighborhoods listed above are some of the most popular, Austin has so much more to offer! Here are just a few other notable areas you might want to check out:
- Mueller: A newer, master-planned community that emphasizes sustainability and community. Expect lots of green spaces and local businesses.
- Dripping Springs: Technically outside of Austin, but worth a mention for its beautiful Hill Country views and numerous wineries and breweries.
- Circle C Ranch: A large, established master-planned community with tons of amenities for families, including pools, parks, and trails.
In Summary
Austin is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct personality. Whether you’re looking for a vibrant downtown condo, a family-friendly suburban home, or a quiet retreat in the Texas Hill Country, Austin has something to offer everyone.
Finding the right fit depends on your budget, lifestyle, commute, and school district preferences. Do you want to walk to restaurants and bars? Do you need a big backyard for the kids to play in? Or are you hoping to find a walkable neighborhood?
Use this guide as a jumping-off point to explore Austin’s many neighborhoods and discover the perfect place to call home. Happy house hunting!