Looking for the best neighborhoods in Austin, Texas? Look no further! This blog post will take you on a tour of some of the best areas to live in the city. From trendy districts with great nightlife and dining options, to family-friendly neighborhoods with plenty of parks and schools, we have got you covered.
SEE ALSO: 45 Top Things To Do In Austin, Texas, Updated 2022
So whether you are a recent college graduate looking for your first apartment, or you are downsizing from a large home into something more manageable, these ten neighborhoods should be at the top of your list!
Table of Contents
North Austin
Domain – 78758
The Domain is a popular neighborhood in north Austin that is home to many businesses, including restaurants, shops, and service providers. This area is also close to several parks, making it a great place to take a stroll or go for a run. The Domain is also close to downtown Austin, making it a convenient place to live.
Hot spots:
- Nordstrom
- Neiman Marcus
- Whole Foods
SEE ALSO: 17 Best Restaurants At The Domain Austin
Arboretum – 78759
Near The Domain is The Arboretum is another popular neighborhood in north Austin. This area is home to many businesses, including restaurants, shops, and service providers. The Arboretum is also close to several parks, making it a great place to take a stroll or go for a run.
Hot spots:
- Trader Joe’s
- H-E-B grocery store
Pflugerville – 78071
Pflugerville is a suburb of Austin that is located about 20 miles north of the city. This area is known for its affordable housing and family-friendly atmosphere. Pflugerville is also home to several parks and recreation areas, making it a great place to enjoy the outdoors.
Cedar Park – 78641
Cedar Park is another suburb of Austin that is located about 30 minutes northwest of the city. This area is close to several schools and parks, making it a great place to raise a family.
SEE ALSO: 11 Best Suburbs In Austin Texas
Central Austin
Hyde Park/North Loop – 78751
Hyde Park is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Austin, and it has a distinctly small-town feel. This area is known for its Victorian-style homes, tree-lined streets, quaint bungalows, and the residents are very friendly. Hyde Park is also home to some great shops and restaurants, as well as the University of Texas at Austin campus.
Hot spots:
- nine-hole Hancock Golf Course
- H-E-B grocery store
- Commodore Perry Estate
- Quack’s 43rd Street Bakery
- Hyde Park Bar & Grill
- Antonelli’s Cheese
Clarksville – 78703
Clarksville is a charming neighborhood in Central Austin close to downtown Austin. Walking distance to several restaurants, shops, and coffee shops. This neighborhood is also home to some of Austin’s best art galleries. If you are looking for a creative and vibrant community, Clarksville is the perfect place for you!
Hot spots:
- Clark’s Oyster Bar
- Josephine House
- Bar Peached
- West Chelsea Contemporary
Why: Clarksville is the perfect blend of historic, walkability, charm and community. People who live here live here for a long time because of its character, access to great restaurants within walking distance and minutes to both Town Lake and downtown. The houses & neighborhood have Austin soul. In my opinion, it is truly the center of Austin living and around some of the best locally grown hot spots.
Hot spots: Clark’s, Swedish Hill, Josephine House, Medici, Bar Peached, Jeffrey’s
Average cost of home: $1,500,000
Average rental cost: $3500
Mueller – 78723
Mueller is the hot new neighborhood in Austin for young families and couples because of its close vicinity to downtown Austin and the beautiful Mueller Lake Park. This was the original location of the first airport in Austin! This new development in Austin that includes a variety of housing options, retail space, and parks. This neighborhood is perfect for families or individuals who are looking for a safe and welcoming community.
Hot spots:
- Mueller Lake ParkTexas Farmer’s Market
- The Thinkery
- H-E-B
- Alamo Drafthouse
Why: Modern Living with the friendliest neighbors, walkability to restaurants, pools, and Farmers Market!
Hot spots: Halcyon, Lick Ice Cream, Alamo Drafthouse
Average cost of home: $925,000
Average rental cost: $4,200
Allandale – 78756
Allandale is a neighborhood in north Austin that is known for its affordable housing and family-friendly atmosphere. This area is close to several schools and parks, making it a great place to raise a family. Allandale is also home to many businesses, including restaurants, shops, and service providers.
Hot spots:
- Northcross Mall
- Anderson Lane Shopping Center
- Braker Lane Shopping Center
East Austin
East Austin – 78702
East Austin is one of the most vibrant and diverse neighborhoods in the city and a popular option for young working individuals. This is one of my favorite neighborhoods because there are so many local restaurants (some the best bbq, taco, and Mexican spots are here), shops, art galleries, and music venues. The area has seen a lot of gentrification in recent years, but there are still many affordable housing options available. East Austin is a popular spot for those who want that close proximity to downtown Austin.
Hot spots:
- Franklin Barbecue
- La Barbecue
- Cisco’s
- Cenote Coffe
- Flat Track Coffee
Why: East Austin provides a diverse selection of lifestyle offerings. Whether it’s running or cycling long distances on the Walnut Creek Trail, or swimming in some of the most untouched sections of the Colorado River, this part of our city remains a gem for folks looking to get outside for a healthy variety of fun.
When it comes to hospitality you can readily satisfy your palette here! From the natural wines at Lolo or Cork & Screw to the authentic Mexico City-style tacos and cuisines from Cuantos or Nixta Taqueria, to the exquisite culinary happenings at the Caribbean hotspot Canje, you’re in for a treat when dining or sipping on the East Side.Hot spots:
- F&B: Canje, Lolo, Cuantos Tacos, Sammataro, Paperboy, Birdies, Hillside Farmacy, Sam’s BBQ, Justine’s, Central Machine Works, De Nada Cantina, Laundertte, Cork & Screw, Nixta Taqueria
- Art, Design, & Fashion Retail: Apartment F, Take Heart, Miranda Bennett Studio, Soul Matter Studio, Canopy
Average cost of home: $841,970
Average rental cost: $3,156 as of June 2022
Cherrywood – 78722
Cherrywood is a beautiful neighborhood located just east of downtown Austin. This area is known for its large trees and quaint bungalows. Cherrywood is also home to many great restaurants, cafes, and bars. If you are looking for a laid-back and friendly community, this is the perfect place for you!
Hot spots:
- Cherrywood Coffeehouse
- Bird Bird Biscuit
SEE ALSO: 31 Best East Austin Restaurants (2022 Guide)
Downtown Austin
Downtown Austin – 78704
Downtown Austin is the popular spot for young professionals who work at companies like Facebook, Indeed, Dropbox, Accenture, and Google. This area is packed with high-rise apartments, condos, office buildings, and businesses, and there is always something to do. From catching a show at one of the many live music venues, to exploring the nightlife on Sixth Street, downtown Austin has something for everyone.
Hot spots:
- Texas State Capitol
- Trader Joe’s
- Whole Foods
- ACL Live at Moody Theater
- The Contemporary Austin – Jones Center
- Rainey Street District
- Sixth Street
- Lady Bird Lake
Why: Downtown Austin is the heart of the city. It’s defined by Lady Bird Lake and the green spaces of Zilker Park with a constantly changing skyline ensuring there’s a little something for everyone! The area is an ideal balance of work and play…run the Lake in the morning then in a downtown office all within minutes. There are handful of single-family homes downtown, but the ballooning population is largely defined by luxury high-rise buildings that have gone up in the last decade. I particularly love 5th and West and the Residences at the Proper. It’s common to see hotels and residential condo units in the same building offering high-end amenities like owner’s lounges, fitness centers, roof top terraces and the trendiest new restaurants.
Hot spots: 2nd Street District, Rainey Street, Seaholm District, Sixth Street and the Capital
Average cost of condo: $1,500,000
Starting rental cost: $3000
SEE ALSO: Ultimate Guide to the Best Downtown Austin Restaurants
South Austin
Why: Being native Austinites, we’ve seen the city change but there’s a little bit of old Austin and new Austin all intertwined here. South Lamar and South Congress (and everything in between) offer a variety of things to do from getting coffee and a breakfast taco at Radio, grabbing a Mexican Martini at Matt’s, heading in for a line dancing lesson at the Broken Spoke, and there’s always an opportunity for live music which is still a large part of Austin culture. It’s a great spot for all ages and no matter the day of the week, there’s always something to do.
Hot spots: Continental Club, Home Slice, Guero’s, Matt’s El Rancho, Broken Spoke, Saxon Pub, Bouldin Acres, Radio Coffee & Beer, Cosmic Coffee & Beer Garden, ABGB
Average cost of home: $925,000
Average rental cost: Upper 2000s – Low 3000s depending on specs
Barton Hills/Zilker/Bouldin Creek/Travis Heights – 78704
Barton Hills is one of my favorite neighborhoods in Austin because it has a small town feel while still being close to downtown Austin. This neighborhood is home to many local shops and restaurants as well as the world-famous Zilker Park. Barton Hills is also a great place to take a walk or go for a run thanks to its scenic streets and lovely views of the city.
Hot spots:
- Zilker Park – home of Austin City Limits Music Festival
- Barton Springs Pool
- Uchi
- Biking trails
South Congress (SoCo) – 78704
South Congress is one of the most popular areas in Austin, thanks to its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and cafes. Everything is walkable! This neighborhood is also home to some of Austin’s best live music venues, including the Continental Club and C-Boy’s Heart & Soul. If you are looking for a fun and vibrant community, South Congress is the perfect place for you!
Hot spots:
- Continental Club
- C-Boy’s Heart & Soul
- Guero’s
- Homeslice
- Jo’s Coffee House
- Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds
- Allens Boots
SEE ALSO: Ultimate Neighborhood Guide To South Congress, Austin
Riverside – 78704
This neighborhood is popular for college students due to its affordability – University of Texas at Austin and Austin Community College (ACC). The real estate has gone up since Oracle opened its headquarters here.
Hot spots:
- Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail
- Mabel Davis District Park
South Lamar – 78704
South Lamar is a great option for those looking for an affordable place to live in Austin. This neighborhood is home to many local businesses, including some of the best restaurants in the city. If you are looking for a laid-back community with plenty of things to do, South Lamar is the perfect place for you!
Hot spots:
- Uchi
- Loro
- Gourdough’s Public House
- Matt’s El Rancho
West Austin
Why: Top reason IMO: LAKE AUSTIN!!! I was raised in Westlake, but it isn’t bias that made me select it. Westlake is hands-down our most talked about and desired area of town for newcomers. Waterfront homes, exemplary schools, close access to Zilker park, Barton creek greenbelt, downtown, and ALL the nightlife and action Austin has to offer is right at your fingertips when you live in Westlake. (Also secret insider tip- you’re probably talking to a local when they spell it as one word, not two 😉)
Hot spots:
- Entertainment: The quintessential Austin summer-lifestyle! Lake Austin! Wakesurfing, wakeboarding, water skiing, paddle boarding, kayaking, hiking the greenbelt, redbud trail dog park, Westlake Beach public lake access for swimming and picnicking & Austin Duck Adventures off-roads a big floating bus into the lake as a tourist excursion.
- Nightlife: One World Theatre. An easy Uber to all of downtown’s live music, bars and more.
- Restaurants: Maudies, the Grove, Sway, Rudy’s Country Store & BBQ
- Other: Barton creek farmers market, Woof Gang’s Dog Bakery, SummerMoon coffee, Pennybacker Bridge, Austin Country Club, Barton Creek Country Club, Lost Creek Country Club, Barton Springs Nursery, Wildheart yoga
Average cost of home: April average according to ABOR stats (Austin Board of Realtor) was approx $2.5M. Many properties sell off-market in this area though, so if you’re moving to Westlake you’ll need an expert in the area to help you gauge the price-point of the exact pocket you like.
Average rental cost: quaint homes in Westlake begin around $4k/mo but can actually go up to even six figures/mo for some of the most elite waterfront rentals. Average non-waterfront home in April was roughly $9k/mo in 78746.
Tarrytown – 78703
Tarrytown is a lovely neighborhood located west of downtown Austin. This area is known for its large homes and beautiful views of the city. Tarrytown is also home to many great restaurants, cafes, and shops. If you are looking for a community with a small town feel, Tarrytown is the perfect place for you!
Hot spots:
- Mozart’s Coffee Roasters
- Hula Hut
- Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve
- The Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria
- Deep Eddy Swimming Pool
- Lake Austin
Barton Hills – 78704
Barton Hills is a neighborhood in South Austin that is known for its eclectic mix of residents. This neighborhood is home to a variety of businesses, including restaurants, bars, and shops. Barton Hills is also close to several parks, making it a great place to get some fresh air.
Hot spots:
- Barton Creek Greenbelt
- Zilker Park
- Barton Springs Pool
West Lake Hills – 78703
West Lake Hills is an affluent neighborhood in Austin that is home to some of the city’s best schools. This area is also known for its beautiful parks and green spaces. The housing options in West Lake Hills are diverse, from luxury apartments to large single-family homes. If you are looking for a safe and welcoming community, this is the perfect place for you!
Hot spots:
- Lake Travis
- The Oasis
- Westlake High School
- Eanes Elementary School
- Westwood Country Club
- Rollingwood Park
