Neighborhoods in Austin: A Complete Guide -

Austin, Texas, USA Drone Skyline Aerial Panorama

Austin, Texas, is a city with a wide range of diverse communities and a robust economy, rich cultural landscape, and strong regional affiliations.

As one of the largest population centers in the country, the city is a place of vested interest for professionals, families, and retirees who place a high value on their quality of life. With historic neighborhoods reflecting old-world charm and master-planned communities that offer modern convenience, Austin’s real estate options can accommodate different priorities and lifestyles.

This guide provides an examination of the city’s most popular residential areas, exploring real estate options, local attractions, and atmosphere. Whether you’re looking to move or simply discover the best place to call home, this resource is your consultant to help you make the most informed choice.

Central Austin: Where History Meets Modern Living

Central Austin comprises the heart of the city and its countless historic attributes surrounded by modern-day amenities. With short commutes to the city’s largest employers, entertainment venues, and renowned cultural institutions, Central Austin serves as one of the most sought-after regions for both professional and established residents.

Downtown Austin: The Urban Epicenter

Texas Capitol’s neighbor to the north, Downtown Austin, is known for being a powerhouse of business, entertainment, and culture. With iconic buildings such as luxury high-rise condo towers, apartments, and mixed-use buildings, residents not only have an abundance of walkability but also directly reside by some of the best restaurants, live music venues, modern shopping, and Lady Bird Lake.

Clarksville: A Historic Residential Enclave

Directly west of Downtown, Clarksville stands as one of (if not the most) well-preserved communities within the city of Austin. Tree-lined streets, historic homes, and shops unique to the area offer an experience of their own. A great transition from the lively Downtown atmosphere, residents also love being able to live close to the heart of it all.

With its combination of neighborhood cafes, independent retailers, and areas for greenery, Clarksville provides a solution for anyone searching for urban life mixed with its residential counterpart.

Hyde Park: A Classic Austin Neighborhood

Hyde Park is among the oldest residential communities in Austin, and you can feel the sense of history in the homes, the trees, the architecture, and the parks. This tucked-away neighborhood just north of downtown gives residents the opportunity to live in a historic residential area with mature trees and the convenience of nearby access to the University of Texas and the central business district.

Best Neighborhoods for Young Professionals

Austin’s growth as an employment hub for tech and other industries has drawn talent from younger professionals seeking modern housing options, walkable neighborhoods, easy access to entertainment, and new networking opportunities.

East Austin: A Center for Creativity and Innovation

East Austin, in recent years, has been transformed into a hub for the city’s creative class, tech companies and mom-and-pop shops after modernization and redevelopment efforts. The neighborhood boasts a creative backdrop, well-suited for the hipster professional.

Residents benefit from a thriving arts scene, a wide range of food choices, and the convenience of an area located minutes from the city center. Redevelopment projects have brought forth new apartment buildings as well as modernized older abodes, which ensure that modern housing seekers will find their niche in the East Austin special.

South Congress (SoCo): A Distinctive Cultural District

One of the most iconic neighborhoods in Austin, South Congress, or SoCo, is a bustling district that boasts a unique cityscape filled with locally owned boutique stores, live music venues, and upscale restaurants. This neighborhood is ideal for residents looking to live in a walkable area with a distinct cultural feel.

The Domain: A Contemporary Live-Work Environment

Located in North Austin, The Domain is a master-planned district comprising high-rise residential properties, office campuses and retail centers. As home to various tech companies, such as Amazon and IBM, The Domain has attracted many professionals in the tech industry.

The Domain serves as its own urban hub with modern infrastructure true to its pedestrian-friendly design and high-end shopping, dining, and business buildings. While The Domain may not have the historic charm of other Austin neighborhoods, it is a clean, safe neighborhood that offers function in its operation and is perfect for residents seeking a convenient location to live.

Family-Friendly Neighborhoods

When families decide to move to Austin, some of the top priorities include easy access to top-rated schools, outdoor facilities, and well-connected community hubs. Among the city’s many extraordinary districts, a few reign supreme in the education, outdoor, and livability categories.

Westlake Hills: A Prestigious Residential Area

Westlake Hills is quite possibly the most coveted family neighborhood in Austin. Families in Westlake benefit from the Eanes Independent School District, one of the highest-ranked districts in the state of Texas.

Aside from top-tier schools, Westlake Hills also features spacious homes, inspiring views, and Lake Austin in its backyard. Although housing can be one of the most expensive in the Austin area, the combination of quality education and ease of outdoor living are what bring families to invest in their long-term forever home.

Circle C Ranch: A Well-Planned Suburban Community

Located in Southwest Austin, Circle C Ranch is one of the largest master-planned communities in the city. It has a large amount of parkland, an exemplary school district, and housing that can support a family that will extend in size.

The neighborhood is set off one of the major highways in the city, giving an easy commute to Austin. Circle C offers a suburban feel that has access to amusement for the entire family — swimming pools, parks, sports fields, hikes, and bike trails.

Mueller: A Modern, Sustainable Development

Mueller is an urban planned village with environmentally friendly amenities and access to walkability. The neighborhood incorporates residential, commercial, and entertainment, making it a space known for innovation.

The village offers plenty of green space, streets made for cycling, and a popular farmers’ market. Mueller is close to major employers and healthcare options. Many families move property into self-storage units near Austin during the transition between homes; it is a great option to keep belongings and moving property safe during the transition.

Affordable Neighborhoods in Austin

Austin’s booming population growth has resulted in rising housing costs citywide. Still, several neighborhoods make it possible to access the amenities of the city without breaking the bank. These communities will appeal to young professionals, prospective buyers, and families seeking affordability without sacrificing convenience.

North Loop: Affordable Living with an Independent Spirit

North Loop has become one of the last great, affordable, and character-filled neighborhoods in Austin. Folks who enjoy a slightly nonconformist and active vibe will call North Loop home. Moreover, the area affords locals access to downtown Austin at a price comparable to that of Hyde Park and Rosedale. The neighborhood’s eateries, throwback shops, and cafes continue to attract college students and creatives looking for an affordable oasis.

While property values have increased, North Loop continues to be a great buy for individuals seeking affordably priced homes in an area with a strong neighborhood identity.

Windsor Park: A Neighborhood on the Rise

Windsor Park lies to the northeast of Austin in Northeast Austin. This once-sleepy suburb is rapidly becoming an up-and-coming area that should appeal to first-time homebuyers and investors alike. Home to a number of mid-century ranch-style homes, the neighborhood has also become home to many young professionals and families looking for more space at an affordable price.

Riverside: Budget-Friendly Housing Near Downtown

Riverside has long maintained its reputation as a student- and budget-friendly residential destination. However, calling Riverside a bargain price is an understatement. Recent years have seen a great deal of development in the area, evidenced in the traditional garden departments being replaced by shiny new apartment homes and mixed-use development.

Scenic Neighborhoods for Outdoor Enthusiasts

As for people who love the great outdoors, like open space and natural beauty, there are neighborhoods in Austin that offer the best of both worlds — nature and a city environment.

Barton Hills: A Gateway to Outdoor Recreation

One of Austin’s standout outdoor-oriented neighborhoods is Barton Hills. With the Barton Creek Greenbelt at its doorstep, Barton Hills provides a community where outdoor enthusiasts can easily access trails, lush terrain, and opportunities to hike, bike, or spend daylight hours beneath the open sky.

A housing mix of old and new — often individual, detached designs with extra space between neighbors and well-established trees — is poised against the nearby Zilker Park, creating more opportunities for picnics, sports, and outdoor festivals.

Tarrytown: A Quiet, Picturesque Retreat

Often counted as one of Austin’s most serene neighborhoods, Tarrytown offers a nature-inspired setting with plenty of wide, tree-lined streets. For homeowners looking for a lifestyle removed from the day-to-day hustle and bustle, Tarrytown’s appeal doesn’t stop there. Charming older homes can be found throughout, and Lake Austin is only a short distance away.

Zilker: Live Near the Heart of Austin’s Outdoor Culture

For those willing to head just a bit south of Town Lake, Zilker holds the solution for outdoor junkies who like to be right in the middle of all of the action. Emerging as Austin’s premier large park, Zilker Park is the place to be if relaxing by water, hiking, playing outside, or just listening to the sweet sounds of nature things you enjoy.

Luxury Neighborhoods in Austin

West Austin: Expansive Estates with Panoramic Views

West Austin is home to some of Austin’s most prestigious neighborhoods. Communities in West Austin, such as Barton Creek, Westlake Hills, or Davenport Ranch, are known for their large homes, sweeping properties, and stunning views of the Hill Country.

In particular, Westlake Hills — a community with a mix of luxury homes and traditional estate homes — is popular with buyers who want to live close to downtown. Known for A-rated schools, Westlake Hills is part of the nationally recognized Eanes Independent School District.

Rob Roy: A Private Gated Community

Rob Roy is a highly sought-after gated neighborhood. Many of Rob Roy’s luxury houses boast custom designs, resort-style yards, and abundant high-end interiors to suit the needs of the high-net-worth home buyers who reside in this area. The exclusive gated neighborhood is known in Central Texas for its high-security features and, as such, is highly favored by many Austin area executives, professionals, and public figures who call it home.

Pemberton Heights: Historic Luxury Close to Downtown

Homes for sale in Pemberton Heights are always in demand by luxury buyers. This established neighborhood offers homeowners a beautiful setting with mature trees and architectural masterpieces. The wonderful location is close to all necessities, making this neighborhood a top choice in Austin. Pemberton Heights has it all — history, exclusivity, and charm all within the city limits.

Emerging Neighborhoods to Watch

Unlike other parts of Austin, where the prices have already sharply increased, many of these up-and-coming neighborhoods provide a more appealing gateway with plenty of room for future growth.

St. Elmo: A Growing Arts and Entertainment District

St. Elmo is a blossoming South Austin art and entertainment district. The industrial area has been converted into an arts district with a collection of new businesses, creative studios, and entertainment venues, now housed in defunct industrial buildings.

With the St. Elmo Public Market as the bustling community center, the neighborhood has attracted both residents and businesses and become one of Austin’s most dynamic live-work neighborhoods. St. Elmo is watched most closely for its growing creative arts and tech-scene prospects.

Govalle: A Trendy Area with New Developments and Creative Energy

This booming East Austin neighborhood is experiencing a newfound love as a place of both old charm and new growth. Originally an industrial region of town, Govalle is now a hotspot for residential and lifestyle development in everything from hip new apartments to creative studios — attracting everyone from young professionals, artists, and even growing families.

East Riverside: A Rapidly Developing Corridor

East Riverside is currently one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in the city, largely thanks to major developments in the area. Historically known as a hub for student housing and a budget-friendly area, East Riverside is now attracting young professionals and family residents wanting to live closer to the charming Colorado River. With new construction projects adding everything from sleek new apartment buildings to hot spots for local food, art, and entertainment, there’s been a recent explosion of modern additions to the area.

Austin’s Cost of Living and Housing Market Trends

Over the past several years, the allure of Austin for professionals, creatives, and remote workers has resulted in a steady climb in housing costs. While the city is still more affordable than the country’s traditional tech centers, its real estate climate is certainly changing.

Housing Costs and Market Trends

Home Prices: With the average house value being around $600k, Austin’s median home price has steadily increased over the past 10 years. A low housing supply and high demand have fueled an increase in pricing — especially in the city’s core and higher-end neighborhoods.

Rentals: Renting in Austin can also be a potentially frustrating experience since the highest rental rates (around $1500) are commanded by areas within downtown and other luxury properties. Fortunately, renters can still live close to Austin’s action without breaking the bank in emerging neighborhoods like East Riverside and North Loop.

New Builds: Expect new constructions throughout Austin — from mixed-used developments to sprawling suburban neighborhoods. Due to historic low housing inventory popularity, Mueller and The Domain have surged in popularity due to their residential, retail, and commercial availability.

Future Housing Market Predictions

Demand: With major corporations such as Tesla, Apple and Oracle continuing to plant roots in the city, the demand to live in Austin will likely rise.

Affordability: While developers and the city are doing what they can to build more housing to meet demand, home prices aren’t likely to necessarily stabilize. For this reason, the best value is likely found in purchasing in an upcoming neighborhood.

Investment: Outskirts and up-and-coming neighborhoods will likely continue to see home appreciation, ideal for house-flipping, rental income, or first-time buyers seeking long-term home investments.

Choosing the Right Neighborhood for You

Choosing the right area to live in is a matter of so many considerations.

Key Factors to Consider

Work and Commute: Employer location, commuting options and typical drive times for work should be top of mind.

Lifestyle and Community: Depending on your desires, you can find areas and communities that promote the look and feel that you want to live in.

Schools and Education: Among potential buyers, spots with neighborhood schools and desirable educational institutions are often priorities. Westlake Hills and Circle C Ranch are popular options with buyers with school-age children for this reason.

Relocation Planning

Moving to a new city takes work, and it’s not always the easiest process to get your timing right between unloading your current home and moving to a new apartment. That’s why a storage unit can be the perfect solution for anyone looking for a safe location to store their goods during their housing transition. Between packing up and rearranging, a self-storage can help declutter your things so you can categorize what to keep or dispose of.

Conclusion

Austin neighborhoods offer something for everyone, whether you crave the hustle and bustle of downtown life in the heart of the city or a quiet, family-oriented community such as Westlake Hills. Enjoy the outdoors? Explore Barton Hills and Tarrytown. Young professional? East Austin or The Domain. With so many unique neighborhoods, you’ll want to explore each in person to find the one that fits your lifestyle best. Space out visits and truly experience each area before choosing one for your next home.

GET IN TOUCH