Introduction
Austin’s neighborhoods? They’re like music genres – wildly different, fiercely loved, constantly evolving. From Westlake’s manicured lawns to East Austin’s street art explosions, every pocket of this city tells its own story. Considering moving to Austin? This Best Neighborhoods in Austin, TX guide is for you.
You’ve got 300+ neighborhoods spread across 326 square miles. Some hug downtown’s energy. Others sprawl into Hill Country silence. Tech campuses up north created entirely new communities. Historic districts down south fight to preserve their soul. The variety staggers newcomers who assume Austin’s all food trucks and live music.
This guide breaks down Austin’s best neighborhoods by what actually matters to you. Not just price tags and commute times – though we’ve got those numbers. We’re talking Friday night vibes, Saturday morning coffee spots, and where your kids will actually want to play. Whether you’re chasing career growth, raising tiny humans, or planning retirement adventures, Austin’s got your spot. You just need to find it.
Neighborhood Selection Criteria
- Safety and Crime Rates: We pulled 2025 APD data, focusing on property and violent crime per 1,000 residents. West Austin averages 18 incidents yearly. East Austin hits 32. Context matters – bike theft differs from break-ins.
- School Quality and Ratings: TEA rankings, GreatSchools.org scores, and parent reviews shaped our analysis. Eanes ISD dominates with 10/10 ratings. Austin ISD varies wildly – some 9s, some 3s. School choice changes everything.
- Commute Times to Downtown: Morning reality, not Google Maps fantasies. We tracked actual drive times at 8 AM. Living in Pflugerville? That’s 45 minutes. Hyde Park? Fifteen by bike.
- Housing Costs and Availability: September 2025 MLS data shows median prices, inventory levels, and days on market. Spoiler: Everything costs more than last year.
- Amenities and Lifestyle Fit: Walkability scores, restaurant density, park access, entertainment options. The Domain has everything but character. North Loop has character but no parking.
- Future Development Plans: City planning documents reveal upcoming changes. Project Connect light rail transforms some neighborhoods by 2028. Others face massive mixed-use developments. Know what’s coming.
Top Neighborhoods by Category
For Families
Mueller
Housing: $725,000 (median home) | Schools: 9/10 | Safety: 8/10 | Commute: 15 minutes
Mueller engineered family perfection. Three pools keep kids busy summers. Thurgood Marshall Elementary scores 9/10 consistently. The farmers market Saturdays creates instant community – kids run free while parents sip coffee from Quack’s.
Parks everywhere. Seriously – five playgrounds within walking distance of any house. The lake path loops 1.3 miles for bikes and strollers. Basketball courts, soccer fields, even a teaching garden where kids grow vegetables.
Housing runs expensive but includes everything new – energy-efficient builds, solar panels standard, fiber internet ready. HOA fees hit $250 monthly but cover pool maintenance and common areas. Townhomes start at $550K, single-families push $900K+.
Families from California love Mueller’s walkability. Texas natives sometimes find it sterile. Your tolerance for planned communities determines happiness here.
Circle C Ranch
Housing: $625,000 (median home) | Schools: 9/10 | Safety: 9/10 | Commute: 25 minutes
Southwest Austin’s Circle C delivers suburban dreams. Massive homes – we’re talking 3,500 square feet for $625K. Compare that to central Austin’s 1,500 square feet at the same price. The math works for growing families.
Schools excel here. Kiker Elementary, Gorzycki Middle, Bowie High – all score 8+ ratings. Parents actively engage. PTA fundraisers feel like community festivals. Kids walk to school safely.
Four pools, golf course, tennis courts, trails connecting to the Veloway. The amenity center hosts movie nights, summer camps, swim teams. It’s Pleasantville with better weather.
The commute hurts. Downtown Austin sits 25 minutes away without traffic, 45 with. Most residents work tech jobs out west or remotely. If you’re downtown-bound daily, think twice.
Westlake Hills
Housing: $1,950,000 (median home) | Schools: 10/10 | Safety: 10/10 | Commute: 20 minutes
Westlake doesn’t just lead – it dominates. The schools send 25% of graduates to top-tier universities. Elementary kids learn Mandarin. Middle schoolers build robots. High schoolers intern at tech companies.
Houses perch on hillsides with lake views. Lots measure acres, not square feet. Privacy comes standard. Celebrities and CEOs chose Westlake for a reason – space, security, and schools.
The country club isn’t optional culture – it’s the culture. Golf, tennis, swimming, dining. Business deals happen poolside. Kids’ birthday parties cost more than some weddings.
Reality check: A $2M home means $36,000 yearly property taxes. The “Westlake bubble” is real. Diversity exists but wealth dominates conversations.
For Young Professionals
East Austin
Housing: $650,000 (median home), $1,400 (1BR rent) | Schools: 6/10 | Safety: 6/10 | Commute: 10 minutes
East Austin pulses differently. Coffee shops overflow with laptops by 7 AM. Breweries fill by 5 PM. Food trucks cluster on every corner. The energy feels contagious.
Young professionals transformed old warehouses into offices. Artists kept their galleries despite rising rents. The mix creates Austin’s most dynamic neighborhood. One block feels Brooklyn. The next, Mexico City.
Rentals range wildly. New “luxury” apartments ask $2,200 for one-bedrooms. Find older complexes at $1,400. Room shares in houses run $800. The variety beats anywhere else in Austin.
Bikes rule here. Protected lanes connect to downtown. Scooters scatter everywhere. Many residents skip cars entirely. Weekend nights get rowdy – embrace it or pick elsewhere.
The Domain
Housing: $650,000 (condos), $2,100 (1BR rent) | Schools: 7/10 | Safety: 8/10 | Commute: 0 minutes (for tech workers)
The Domain built its own city. Live, work, play – all within walking distance. Tech offices dominate. Apple, Amazon, Facebook, Indeed – take your pick. The elevator commute beats any highway.
Luxury apartments stack high. Pools, gyms, and co-working spaces come standard. Concierge services, package rooms, dog parks – amenities multiply yearly. It’s convenient to absurdity.
Nightlife surprises. Rock Rose Avenue erupts weekends. Restaurants range from chains to chef-driven concepts. Shopping beats any mall. Everything’s walkable, even after drinks.
Critics call it “soulless” and “manufactured.” They’re not wrong. But convenience wins for many. Why drive to experiences when experiences surround you?
South Congress (SoCo)
Housing: $875,000 (median home), $1,800 (1BR rent) | Schools: 7/10 | Safety: 7/10 | Commute: 5 minutes
SoCo embodies Instagram Austin. Murals, food trucks, vintage shops, rooftop bars – every corner shoots perfectly. Young professionals pay premiums for the lifestyle.
Walk everywhere worth going. Home Slice Pizza. Perla’s seafood. Amy’s Ice Cream. The Continental Club for music. Work remotely from Jo’s Coffee. Bike downtown in five minutes.
Housing challenges everyone. Those cute bungalows? They’re $900K and need work. Apartments hide behind commercial strips. New builds squeeze onto tiny lots.
Tourists swarm weekends. Parking nightmares daily. Your favorite spot gets discovered, crowded, ruined. But Monday mornings, when fog lifts off Town Lake? Magic.
For Retirees
Lakeway
Housing: $750,000 (median home) | Schools: 8/10 | Safety: 10/10 | Commute: 35 minutes
Lakeway spreads along Lake Travis’s northern shore. Retirees discovered paradise here – golf courses, marina access, Hill Country views, medical facilities nearby.
The pace slows deliberately. Restaurant patios overlook water. The golf courses stay pristine. Neighbors wave from driveways. It’s retirement as advertised.
Housing options vary. Condos with lake views start at $400K. Golf course estates hit $2M. Active adult communities provide instant social connections. Property taxes sting less without mortgages.
Healthcare access matters. Lakeway Regional Medical Center opened 2012. Specialists concentrate nearby. Austin’s medical district sits 30 minutes away for complex care.
Barton Creek
Housing: $925,000 (median home) | Schools: 9/10 | Safety: 9/10 | Commute: 15 minutes
Barton Creek combines convenience with tranquility. Four golf courses. Multiple country clubs. Nature preserves. All 15 minutes from downtown.
Retirees appreciate the balance. Quiet neighborhoods for daily life. Easy access to Austin’s culture. Grandkids visit happily – pools and parks everywhere.
The community skews older, wealthier, conservative. Social life revolves around clubs. Golf tournaments, tennis leagues, charity galas fill calendars.
Medical access excels. St. David’s Medical Center sits five minutes away. Specialists cluster along MoPac. The location beats true suburbs for healthcare.
For First-Time Buyers
Pflugerville
Housing: $425,000 (median home) | Schools: 8/10 | Safety: 8/10 | Commute: 30 minutes
Pflugerville makes homeownership possible. New construction under $400K exists here. That’s a unicorn in Austin proper. First-time buyer programs actually work with these prices.
Builders compete fiercely. Lennar, DR Horton, KB Homes – pick your favorite. Standard features include granite counters, smart home tech, covered patios. Your dollar stretches.
The community surprises skeptics. Stone Hill Town Center brought shopping and dining. The recreation center rivals private clubs. Lake Pflugerville offers unexpected beauty.
The trade-off? Distance. Downtown Austin feels far during rush hour. But remote work changed that calculation for thousands.
Del Valle
Housing: $385,000 (median home) | Schools: 6/10 | Safety: 7/10 | Commute: 20 minutes
Del Valle hides in southeast Austin. Developers discovered it recently. New subdivisions pop up monthly. Prices remain Austin’s most reasonable.
First-time buyers find hope here. FHA loans work. You’ll get 2,000+ square feet under $400K. The airport proximity drops prices – planes fly over, but you tune them out.
The area lacks charm currently. Strip malls and car lots dominate. But Circuit of Americas brought attention. Tesla Gigafactory employs thousands nearby. Growth seems inevitable.
Schools need work. Del Valle ISD struggles with ratings. Research specific campuses carefully. Many families choice into other districts or go private.
Detailed Neighborhood Profiles
Hyde Park
Overview: Austin’s first suburb now sits centrally, mixing historic homes with university energy.
Housing Market:
- Median home price: $795,000
- Median rent (1BR/2BR): $1,400/$1,950
- Price trends: Up 18% over two years despite softening market
- Housing types: 1920s bungalows, some condos, rare new builds
Demographics: Professors (35%), young professionals (30%), long-time residents (20%), students (15%). Median age 34. Household income $78,000.
Schools: Lee Elementary (7/10), Kealing Middle (8/10), McCallum High (7/10)
Transportation: UT shuttle access. Bike lanes to campus/downtown. Limited parking. Walk score 74/100.
Amenities: Quack’s Bakery, Fresh Plus Grocery, Shipe Park, Elisabet Ney Museum, multiple coffee shops
Safety: Property crime 22 per 1,000 residents. Violent crime 3 per 1,000. Active neighborhood watch.
Pros:
- Historic architecture maintains charm
- Walking distance to UT and medical district
- Tree coverage provides actual shade
- Neighbors know each other’s names
Cons:
- Flooding issues in certain blocks
- Old homes need expensive maintenance
- Parking challenges everywhere
- Student rentals bring party noise
Best For: Professors, medical professionals, architecture lovers, anyone valuing walkability over space
Zilker
Overview: Austin’s backyard playground where ACL happens and Barton Springs flows year-round.
Housing Market:
- Median home price: $925,000
- Median rent (1BR/2BR): $1,600/$2,600
- Price trends: Up 22% in two years
- Housing types: Mix of preserved bungalows and modern rebuilds
Demographics: Young families (40%), professionals without kids (35%), empty nesters (25%). Median age 36. Household income $95,000.
Schools: Zilker Elementary (10/10), O’Henry Middle (6/10), Austin High (7/10)
Transportation: Bike trails everywhere. Downtown 5 minutes. Parking difficult during events. Walk score 62/100.
Amenities: Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool, Umlauf Sculpture Garden, South Lamar dining corridor
Safety: Property crime 19 per 1,000. Violent crime 2 per 1,000. Very safe overall.
Pros:
- Barton Springs becomes your pool
- ACL and other festivals at your doorstep
- Bike to everything important
- Investment value holds strong
Cons:
- Festival chaos twice yearly
- Tourist overflow weekends
- Minimal yard space
- Expensive everything
Best For: Outdoor enthusiasts, festival lovers, anyone prioritizing location over square footage
Bouldin Creek
Overview: SoCo’s edgier sibling maintaining Austin weirdness despite development pressure.
Housing Market:
- Median home price: $850,000
- Median rent (1BR/2BR): $1,500/$2,400
- Price trends: Up 25% in two years
- Housing types: Original bungalows, new modern builds, some apartments
Demographics: Artists and creatives (30%), tech workers (35%), service industry (20%), retirees (15%). Median age 33. Household income $82,000.
Schools: Becker Elementary (8/10), O’Henry Middle (6/10), Austin High (7/10)
Transportation: Walk to South Lamar. Bike downtown easily. Street parking only. Walk score 73/100.
Amenities: South Lamar restaurants, Alamo Drafthouse, Radio Coffee, neighborhood bars
Safety: Property crime 24 per 1,000. Violent crime 4 per 1,000. Improving steadily.
Pros:
- Authentic Austin character remains
- Amazing food scene access
- Creative community thrives
- Still finding occasional deals
Cons:
- Flood zones require research
- Gentrification tensions real
- Construction everywhere
- Parking increasingly difficult
Best For: Creatives, food lovers, anyone seeking “old Austin” with modern amenities
North Loop
Overview: Vintage shops and dive bars create Austin’s last affordable central neighborhood.
Housing Market:
- Median home price: $625,000
- Median rent (1BR/2BR): $1,200/$1,800
- Price trends: Up 40% in two years – catching up fast
- Housing types: Small post-war homes, some new duplexes
Demographics: Service workers (30%), young professionals (35%), students (20%), artists (15%). Median age 31. Household income $65,000.
Schools: Reilly Elementary (7/10), Lanier High (5/10)
Transportation: Good bike infrastructure. Bus lines frequent. Airport Boulevard corridor. Walk score 70/100.
Amenities: Epoch Coffee, MonkeyNest Coffee, vintage shops, dive bars, food trucks
Safety: Property crime 26 per 1,000. Violent crime 5 per 1,000. Block by block variation.
Pros:
- Still somewhat affordable
- Authentic local businesses
- Great coffee shop density
- Central location
Cons:
- Gentrifying rapidly
- Some sketchy blocks
- Airplane noise
- Limited parking
Best For: First-time buyers, service industry workers, anyone priced out elsewhere
Rosedale
Overview: Old money Austin where judges and professors built limestone houses under ancient oaks.
Housing Market:
- Median home price: $1,200,000
- Median rent (1BR/2BR): $1,600/$2,500
- Price trends: Stable appreciation, 12% over two years
- Housing types: Historic homes, few teardown rebuilds
Demographics: Established families (45%), retirees (30%), professionals (25%). Median age 42. Household income $125,000.
Schools: Bryker Woods Elementary (10/10), O’Henry Middle (6/10), Austin High (7/10)
Transportation: Central location. Easy downtown access. Quiet streets. Walk score 55/100.
Amenities: Ramsey Park, Shoal Creek trail, Central Market proximity
Safety: Property crime 15 per 1,000. Violent crime 2 per 1,000. Very safe.
Pros:
- Established trees provide real shade
- Architecture worth preserving
- Excellent elementary school
- Quiet despite central location
Cons:
- Expensive everything
- Conservative for central Austin
- Limited dining/entertainment
- Teardown pressure mounting
Best For: Established families, architecture enthusiasts, anyone seeking central quiet
Crestview
Overview: 1950s ranch homes meet new development in this transitioning pocket neighborhood.
Housing Market:
- Median home price: $750,000
- Median rent (1BR/2BR): $1,300/$1,900
- Price trends: Up 30% in two years
- Housing types: Original ranches, new modern builds
Demographics: Young families (45%), first-time buyers (30%), investors (25%). Median age 35. Household income $85,000.
Schools: Brentwood Elementary (9/10), Lanier High (5/10)
Transportation: Near future light rail station. Burnet Road bus lines. Walk score 58/100.
Amenities: Little Deli (legendary sandwiches), Black Star Co-op, neighborhood parks
Safety: Property crime 20 per 1,000. Violent crime 3 per 1,000.
Pros:
- Future rail station adds value
- Still finding original homes under $600K
- Great elementary school
- Strong neighborhood community
Cons:
- Construction disruption constant
- Original homes need work
- Limited walkable amenities
- Investor competition fierce
Best For: Families wanting central location, investors, renovation enthusiasts
Cherrywood
Overview: East Austin’s family-friendly pocket where neighbors still know everyone.
Housing Market:
- Median home price: $675,000
- Median rent (1BR/2BR): $1,300/$1,950
- Price trends: Up 35% in two years
- Housing types: Bungalows, new builds increasing
Demographics: Families (40%), young professionals (35%), artists (25%). Median age 34. Household income $75,000.
Schools: Maplewood Elementary (7/10), Kealing Middle (8/10)
Transportation: Bike boulevards connect everywhere. Future rail nearby. Walk score 65/100.
Amenities: Patterson Park, Cherrywood Coffeehouse, neighborhood gardens
Safety: Property crime 23 per 1,000. Violent crime 4 per 1,000.
Pros:
- Strong community feel
- Excellent biking infrastructure
- Parks and green spaces
- More affordable than west side
Cons:
- Gentrification tensions
- Some property crime
- Far from highways
- Limited shopping
Best For: Families wanting community, bikers, East Austin lovers with budgets
Allandale
Overview: Mid-century modern homes and established trees create suburban feel minutes from downtown.
Housing Market:
- Median home price: $825,000
- Median rent (1BR/2BR): $1,400/$2,100
- Price trends: Up 20% in two years
- Housing types: Ranch homes, mid-century moderns
Demographics: Established families (50%), empty nesters (30%), young families (20%). Median age 39. Household income $95,000.
Schools: Gullett Elementary (9/10), Lanier High (5/10)
Transportation: Burnet Road corridor. MoPac access. Walk score 48/100.
Amenities: Northwest Recreation Center, Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest District Park
Safety: Property crime 18 per 1,000. Violent crime 2 per 1,000.
Pros:
- Large lots with mature trees
- Great elementary school
- Central but quiet
- Mid-century architecture gems
Cons:
- Need car for everything
- Teardown pressure increasing
- Limited nightlife/dining
- High school challenges
Best For: Families wanting yards, mid-century modern fans, suburban feel seekers
Neighborhoods to Consider Carefully
Riverside struggles with dated apartments and higher crime (35 incidents per 1,000 residents) but offers Austin’s cheapest rent near downtown. Students and service workers make it work. The Oracle campus and Project Connect rail will transform it by 2028. Buy now for investment, rent now for savings, but research specific complexes carefully.
Rundberg carries Austin’s worst reputation. Yes, crime rates hit 40 per 1,000. But immigrant communities create authentic food scenes here. Families find affordable housing. The stigma keeps prices low while the reality improves yearly. Not for everyone, but dismissing it entirely means missing opportunities.
Montopolis sits forgotten in southeast Austin. Industrial zones mix with residential streets. Some blocks thrive, others deteriorate. The airport proximity and Tesla Gigafactory suggest future growth. Artists and musicians grab cheap warehouse spaces. It’s Austin’s last frontier – wild but full of potential.
Housing Market Trends
Austin’s market cooled from its 2021-2022 insanity but remains historically expensive. Median prices rose 65% over five years – from $365,000 in 2020 to $595,000 today.
Inventory improved. September 2025 shows 2.8 months supply versus 0.5 months in 2021. Buyers negotiate again. Inspection contingencies returned. Bidding wars happen selectively, not universally.
Seasonal patterns emerged post-pandemic. Spring (March-May) sees maximum competition. Summer slows with heat. Fall brings serious buyers. Winter holidays pause everything.
Predictions vary wildly. Optimists expect 5% annual appreciation through 2028. Pessimists predict 10% correction. Reality? Austin’s job growth and in-migration suggest steady, sustainable gains. The days of 30% yearly jumps ended. Thank goodness.
School District Guide
Austin ISD spans most of central Austin with wild quality variations. Excellent schools (Bryker Woods, Casis, Zilker Elementary) mix with struggling campuses. The district offers extensive choice programs – magnets, charters, transfers. Research specific schools, not just districts.
Eanes ISD (Westlake area) dominates state rankings. Every campus scores 9/10 or 10/10. The pressure matches the performance. Kids compete fiercely. Parents invest heavily. The results speak through college admissions.
Lake Travis ISD grows rapidly with Lakeway development. Strong academics, exceptional sports programs. The wealth shows in facilities. New high school opened 2023. Technology integration leads the region.
Round Rock ISD covers Pflugerville and Round Rock. Solid, consistent performance. Career academies provide alternatives to pure academics. The diversity surpasses most Austin-area districts.
Private options multiply. St. Stephen’s Episcopal ($32,000/year) sends kids to Ivies. Khabele School ($18,000) emphasizes creativity. Religious schools offer affordable alternatives. Montessori schools scatter everywhere.
Commuter’s Guide
Rush hour reality: 7-9:30 AM southbound, 3:30-7 PM northbound. I-35 always struggles. MoPac backs up predictably. 183 varies wildly. Plan accordingly.
Public transportation exists but disappoints. CapMetro buses cover basics. The MetroRail Red Line connects northwest suburbs to downtown – limited but useful. Project Connect promises light rail by 2028. We’ll see.
Park-and-ride lots help suburban commuters. Leander Station, Tech Ridge, and Lakeline stations offer free parking. Express buses run rush hours. The train beats driving some days.
Bikes work centrally. Protected lanes downtown help. The Butler Trail circles Lady Bird Lake beautifully. East Austin leads infrastructure development. Suburbs require road riding courage.
FAQs
Which Austin neighborhoods have the best schools?
Westlake (Eanes ISD), Circle C, and Mueller consistently top school rankings. Individual schools matter more than districts – Bryker Woods Elementary in Austin ISD matches any Westlake school.
Where can first-time buyers still afford homes?
Pflugerville, Del Valle, and far Southeast Austin offer homes under $450K. The commute hurts but equity building beats renting. FHA loans and first-time buyer programs help.
What neighborhoods should single women consider for safety?
Mueller, Westlake, Circle C, and Allandale show lowest crime rates. The Domain offers security in numbers. Hyde Park balances safety with social life. Trust your instincts touring properties.
How bad is gentrification in East Austin?
It’s real and painful. Long-time residents got priced out. Culture shifts dramatically. But pockets of authenticity survive. Support local businesses. Respect the history. Acknowledge your role.
Do any affordable, walkable neighborhoods exist?
North Loop barely qualifies. Cherrywood works with roommates. Otherwise, pick two: affordable, walkable, or safe. Austin rarely delivers all three anymore.
Which neighborhoods work for remote workers?
Mueller for families. East Austin for culture. The Domain for convenience. Lakeway for space and quiet. Fiber internet reaches most areas now. Coffee shop density matters more than location.
Are Austin suburbs worth considering?
Absolutely. Pflugerville, Round Rock, Cedar Park offer space, schools, and value. The culture differs from central Austin but communities thrive. Remote work killed the commute argument for many.
What about neighborhoods near the airport?
Del Valle and Montopolis offer deals. Planes become background noise. The growth potential seems obvious. But amenities lag and schools need work. Better for investors than families currently.