Austin is known as a quirky enclave of artistic expression, a nature lover’s dream city, and one of the hottest tech job markets in the country, and neighborhoods in Austin are as eclectic as its reputation.
Finding the right community to call home is the secret to successful acclimation in the capital city. Whether you are looking for a cute bungalow in an eclectic neighborhood, a metropolitan high rise, a sprawling country home, or something in between, there is a neighborhood for you.
We’ve broken down Austin’s hottest neighborhoods to help you find the perfect place for you.
The beating heart of the Capital City, Central Austin offers easy access to Austin’s top attractions and vibrant culture. Consisting mainly of quaint established neighborhoods, the area still has something for every taste, from modest condos to expansive historic homes.
1. Barton Hills
Barton Hills offers the best of both worlds with beautiful green spaces and quiet streets right in the heart of the city. Outdoor enthusiasts will love hiking, biking, and more in the many city parks and water access points that surround this community, while still being just minutes from the excitement of downtown attractions.
Must See: Barton Springs Pool
Median Housing Price: $1,200,000
Vibe: Friendly and outdoorsy
2. Cherrywood
Eclectic and artistic, Cherrywood is also known as French Place thanks to all the French place names found here. Residents in this charming community of bungalow homes enjoy walking distance to great local hangouts, a relaxed artistic vibe, and a short drive to other great Austin amenities.
Must See: Cherrywood Coffeehouse
Median Housing Price: $699,000
Vibe: Quirky blend of new and old
3. Downtown
The metropolitan heart of this booming city, Downtown Austin offers the classic city experience many recent transplants from the east and west coasts are looking for. High-rise lofts and condos with views of the Colorado River dominate the real estate offerings here, and the thriving business district and walkability to Austin’s premier attractions lend it a sophisticated urban feel.
Must See: Texas Capitol Building
Median Housing Price: $734,300
Vibe: Sophisticated and urban
4. Hyde Park
Hyde Park is one of the oldest planned communities in Austin, and it’s quiet, tree lined streets are dotted with Victorian and Craftsman-style bungalows that harken back to older times. Residents here love walking to their local neighborhood market and business district, plus close proximity to more than 500 acres of parks and recreation areas.
Must See: Elisabet Ney Museum
Median Housing Price: $799,900
Vibe: Historic and eclectic
5. North Loop
A classically “Austin” neighborhood, North Loop features plenty of local color and an impressive array of vintage stores, neighborhood haunts, and performance spaces to nurture its creative vibe. Those living near North Loop enjoy a level of walkability that is rare in Austin, making it the perfect spot for those hoping to avoid the chaos of Austin rush hour traffic.
Must See: Home Slice Pizza
Median Housing Price: $597,000
Vibe: Laid back and eclectic
6. North University
As the name implies, North University is just north of the University of Texas at Austin, and it is home to a blend of long-time Austinites, college students, and tenured professors thanks to its great location close to the action of downtown. Many of Austin’s top trending eateries and hangouts can be found here, making it a great spot for those wanting to stay close to all the Austin action.
Must See: Crown and Anchor Pub
Median Housing Price: $854,000
Vibe: Quintessential Austin feel
7. Old West Austin
Quintessential Historic Austin, Old West Austin is on the National Register of Historic Places and offers a look into the city’s architectural past. Homes here range from sprawling nineteenth-century plantation homes to retro 1970s ranch styles. Residents love the quiet picturesque streets with close proximity to Austin attractions and a range of great parks.
Must See: Woodlawn Mansion
Median Housing Price: $1,400,000
Vibe: Historical and peaceful
8. South Lamar
South Lamar, referred to by Austinites simply as SoLa, is a classic Austin neighborhood that is experiencing the meteoric growth Austin has become known for. A former blue-collar community of artists and musicians, South Lamar retains its artistic roots with venues like the Austin Art Garage and a wide selection of dive bars, coffee shops, and thrift stores for residents to enjoy.
Must See: Broken Spoke
Median Housing Price: $699,700
Vibe: Trendy spot with artistic roots
9. Tarrytown
Known for its strong community spirit and highly rated schools, Tarrytown provides a small town atmosphere in the middle of Austin. Residents love taking part in the many community events and patronizing neighborhood businesses while still enjoying Austin’s abundant green spaces and many cultural amenities.
Must See: Lions Municipal Golf Course
Median Housing Price: $1,900,000
Vibe: large homes and lush green spaces
10. Zilker
Located just outside the heart of downtown in south-central Austin, Zilker is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts and music lovers alike. It is named for nearby Zilker Park, home of the Austin City Limits Music Festival and boasts walking distance to some of the best parks Austin has to offer. With exciting nightlife venues just minutes away, it’s no wonder this is one of the hottest neighborhoods in the city.
Must See: Zilker Park
Median Housing Price: $997,000
Vibe: Outdoorsy and unique
North Austin is popular with families, professionals, and tech-sector employees due to its close proximity to major employers such as IBM, Dell, and AT&T. The area is known for its suburban feel and, despite being so close to downtown, North Austin has so many dining, shopping, and entertainment options that many residents don’t feel the need to travel south.
11. Allandale
Allandale is an enclave of quiet suburban living with easy access to downtown and the rest of Austin. Locals enjoy a great selection of neighborhood businesses and parks, highly rated public schools, and a strong sense of community.
Must See: Epicerie Cafe and Grocery
Median Housing Price: $800,000
Vibe: Close-knit and quiet
12. Cedar Park
The town of Cedar Park is conveniently situated near some of Austin’s top tech employers, including Apple, Dell, and Texas Instruments. It boasts convenient access to both the city and the Hill Country, with a wide range of local shopping and dining options. It’s not hard to see why Cedar Park has been gaining national attention.
Must See: Austin Steam Train Association Museum
Median Housing Price: $499,000
Vibe: Suburban living
13. Georgetown
Another Austin bedroom community garnering national attention, Georgetown offers the charm of a small Texas town - complete with a historic square, close to the excitement of Austin. Its rapidly growing population of residents enjoy close proximity to the Hill Country, the convenience of local amenities, and an easy commute to Austin.
Must See: Inner Space Cavern
Median Housing Price: $450,000
Vibe: Idyllic and growing
14. Leander
Leander was named the fastest-growing large city in the US, and it’s not hard to see why people are flocking there. Situated just north of Cedar Park and 25 miles from downtown Austin, it is a convenient commute to some of the city’s biggest tech employers. It also boasts great amenities and access to outdoor spaces, plus a median housing price far lower than any you will find inside Austin city limits.
Must See: Crystal Falls Golf Club
Median Housing Price: $465,000
Vibe: Suburban living
15. Round Rock
Chosen as one of Apartment Therapy’s coolest suburbs in America, Round Rock offers a host of excellent local venues to enjoy with a small-town vibe. The self-styled “Sports Capital of Texas” has plenty to appeal to sports players and spectators alike. With its own live music offerings and more than 2000 acres of trails and outdoor spaces, Round Rock has plenty of appeal.
Must See: Old Settlers Park
Median Housing Price: $450,000
Vibe: Sporty and hospitable
16. Wells Branch
The small community of Wells Branch is known for its friendly atmosphere, contemporary brick homes, and a median housing price that is nearly 28% lower than that of Austin. Residents love its walkability to shopping and dining options, plentiful green spaces, and highly rated schools.
Must See: Mills Pond
Median Housing Price: $417,000
Vibe: Approachable and relaxed
The region of South Austin is an eclectic mix of old and new homes in an abundance of styles to suit any taste. Houses in this area are typically larger in size and feature sought-after amenities including large lots, open floorplans, and beautiful views.
17. Buda
The town of Buda is another of Austin’s many bedroom communities that surround the buzzing city. Its downtown historic district and many community events lend it small-town charm, while an easy 21-minute commute to Austin makes it appeal to those looking to take advantage of all the Capital city has to offer.
Must See: Buda Mercantile Company
Median Housing Price: $400,000
Vibe: Small town with big-city excitement
18. Circle C Ranch
Circle C Ranch is an established neighborhood with easy access to downtown Austin, plenty of shopping and dining options, and a taste of the beauty and charm of Hill Country living. Known for beautiful mature oak trees and green spaces, it is a rural enclave inside city limits.
Must See: Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center
Median Housing Price: $750,000
Vibe: Rural living
19. Kyle
Situated halfway between Austin and San Marcos, Kyle boasts a great selection of local shopping, dining, and recreational options, as well as an easy 35-minute commute to Austin along I-35. Kyle’s median housing price is an impressive 40% lower than the median for the city of Austin, making it an attractive choice for many looking to move to the area.
Must See: Texas Pie Company
Median Housing Price: $349,000
Vibe: Bedroom Community
20. SOCO
If any neighborhood truly embodies Austin’s famed mantra, “Keep Austin Weird,” it’s South Congress. This bohemian neighborhood is crammed full of unique shopping and dining experiences, offers walkability to some of the trendiest spots in Austin, and presents a delightful mix of older and newer home options.
Must See: Cathedral of Junk
Median Housing Price: $562,500
Vibe: Keep Austin Weird
East Austin is a vibrant area full of amenities, attractions, and conveniences, including most of the iconic Austin venues located outside of Central Austin. From live music festivals to historic haunts and miles of park trails, East Austin has its own flavor and flair to entertain residents.
21. East Austin
The neighborhood of East Austin is crammed full of iconic attractions and local conveniences, making it a perfect alternative for living in the downtown area. From Festival Beach to Ladybird Lake to Victory Grill, there is something to interest everyone in this energetic community.
Must See: Franklin Barbecue
Median Housing Price: $595,000
Vibe: Energetic and diverse
22. Mueller
Built on the site of the former Austin Mueller Airport, the community of Mueller still bears the hallmark architecture of its previous life, including hangars that have been repurposed as studios and performance spaces. The self-styled “sustainable, transit-oriented community” offers residents a weekly farmer’s market, plentiful green spaces, and easy access to the current Austin-Bergstrom International Airport and downtown Austin.
Must See: Mueller Lake Park
Median Housing Price: $850,000
Vibe: Quirky and green
Houses in West Austin are as unique and diverse as the city itself. Greek Revival, Colonial, French Provincial, Mediterranean and the locally inspired Hill Country contemporary are popular styles here. People drawn to West Austin are attracted to its more rural feel, with hillside and waterfront properties available close to the excitement of downtown.
23. Dripping Springs
The town of Dripping Springs is known as the “gateway to the Texas Hill Country” and it offers a country feel just 25 minutes outside of Austin. A host of great local amenities means residents have no reason to drive to the city for daily needs, and the beautiful views and abundant nearby parks and natural areas offer a respite from the bustle of the city.
Must See: Dr. Pound Historical Farmstead
Median Housing Price: $762,500
Vibe: Unpretentious with stunning views
24. Westlake
Westlake is a luxury suburb located along the shores of Lake Austin, with beautiful Hill Country views and large, custom-built homes. It has lighter traffic thanks to being off the major thoroughfares, but still boasts easy access to Austin’s top attractions and hot spots.
Must See: Lake Austin
Median Housing Price: $2,450,000
Vibe: Grand tranquility
Whether you know where you want to start your new home search, or you are still uncertain, we would love to help you find the perfect Austin community for you. Start your search today at homecity.com/austin.
For more information about living in Austin, be sure to check out “The Cost of Living in Austin: A Real Breakdown for 2021” and “The Austin Texas Job Market: What You Can Expect Moving Here.”
