Austin Neighborhoods

Know the Neighborhoods of Austin

Moving to Austin can be extremely difficult if you don't know anything about the neighborhoods of Austin, especially if you don't have much time to spend researching areas and getting a feel for neighborhoods. Things you'll want to take into consideration when choosing a place to live in Austin are: Where your job is, whether you have children, your budget and how close you'd like to be to downtown. If you have children, you'll undoubtedly want them to get an education in a school district that has a good reputation. Fortune magazine has named Austin as one of the country's top five intellectual capitals. Another option for education is to enroll your kids in one of the many highly rated private schools in Austin, which in most cases means you do not have to live in a certain area for your child to be eligible for enrollment at a particular private school.

Downtown Austin Neighborhoods

If you prefer to live in an urban setting, downtown Austin is the way to go. Especially in the last few years, downtown Austin has been growing tremendously so that more people can live in the area. Brand new multiple-story buildings are currently under construction, and many housing buildings have been recently finished. A wonderful part of living in downtown Austin is having a front-row seat for all the action: Theater, music, shopping, bars and restaurants are all right outside your door. Downtown Austin living offers an urban lifestyle with all of the emminities with spacious apartments, duplexes or a condos.

Central Austin Neighborhoods

Technically, Downtown Austin is considered a part of Central Austin, but since the area is growing so quickly, it seems to be on its way to becoming its own separate category. So, Central Austin is made up of the Austin neighborhoods that are close to downtown and the University of Texas at Austin campus — basically everything from Town Lake to 183. Though the areas close to the university are heavily populated by college students, these Austin homes are also home to families and professionals. West Campus, the neighborhood west of the university to Lamar, is home to fraternity and sorority houses, large apartment complexes, older homes and a few small restaurants and bars. Since this neighborhood is made up of so many students, it tends to be loud on the weekends. But if you're a student, this area might be right for you because it's within walking distance of the university. Neighborhoods just north of the University of Texas, called North Campus and Hyde Park, are slightly quieter than West Campus and are home to both students and families. The area between Hyde Park and 183 is another great option. Central Austin neighborhoods include Allandale, Bryker Woods, Cat Mountain, Clarksville, Enfield, Hyde Park, Meadow Mountain, Northwest Hills, Pemberton Heights, Rosedale, and Tarrytown.

Central Austin Homes

You'll find apartments and charming older homes in Hyde Park, West Campus and North Campus, with homes in West Campus geared more towards student living. Home prices and rents north of Hyde Park to 183 are cheaper than the Central Austin neighborhoods closer to the university and downtown.

North Austin Neighborhoods

North Austin is an ideal location to be if your job is with one of the major tech companies located north of the city. Besides having a close proximity to work, you'll enjoy affordable housing and a suburban feel. Even further north is Round Rock, Pflugerville and Georgetown, three growing towns that also offer affordable housing and aren't too far from Austin. With the recent addition of a new outlet mall in Round Rock, living in North Austin will also offer you some great shopping. North Austin neighborhoods include Arboretum, Brentwood, Cedar Park, Coronado Hills, Crestview, Georgian Acres, Highland, North Lamar, St. Johns, Windsor Hills, and Wooten.

North Austin Homes

North Austin homes are more affordable than areas of Austin that are closer to downtown. Types of housing available in North Austin ranges from large houses in master-planned communities to apartment complexes with house-like features like garages. Living in this area definitely has a suburban feel.

West Austin Neighborhoods

The area west of downtown all the way to Lake Travis is known as West Austin. The hills and windy roads that make up this Austin area are beautiful, serene and the reason why it's considered to be part of the Texas Hill Country. West Austin also features great schools and a low crime rate. You'll be close to the lake and Zilker Park, so if outdoor activities like wakeboarding, swimming and boating appeal to you, this might be the perfect area of Austin for you. West Austin neighborhoods include Barton Creek, Barton Creek West, Bella Lago, Bee Caves, Circle C, Covered Bridge, Cuernavaca, Lakeway, Lake Pointe, Lost Creek, The Preserve at Barton Creek, The Ridge at Lantana, Rob Roy, Rollingwood, Senna Hills, Seven Oaks, Travis Country, Travis Country West, Triple Creek Ranch, The Uplands, and West Lake.

West Austin Homes

Large, custom-built houses are located in this area, as well as some apartments, duplexes and condos.

East Austin Neighborhoods

East Austin, thought of as the area east of I-35, includes diverse neighborhoods, hip new developments and older homes. This area is currently undergoing a lot of change. Places like coffee shops and locally-owned restaurants and stores are popping up all over East Austin, making it a very appealing Austin neighborhood in which to live. East Austin neighborhoods include Delwood, French Place, Riverside, University Hills, and Windsor Park.

East Austin Homes

Older, Victorian style homes in east Austin side are being renovated and updated both inside and out, and some homeowners are even adding on to the homes for more space. East Austin is a great neighborhoods for real estate investment. The price of homes in this area has been growing exponentially in the past few years, since many have caught onto this new, hot area of Austin.

South Austin Neighborhoods

South Austin is home to the very hot South Congress shopping district, a street lined with small boutiques, restaurants and salons. South Austin consists of Barton Hills, Bouldin Creek, Travis Heights, Barton Hills, and Zilker. The fun, eccentric elements of South Austin make it a popular place to live and hang out. Beyond South Austin, things get a little more country and a little quieter without being too far from the action of the city in Austi neighborhood such as Onion Creek. Buda, Kyle and Manchaca are communities that feature homes with a bit more square feet for your money. Further south is San Marcos, a small town known for its friendly atmosphere, Texas State University and a peaceful river.

South Austin Homes

Like North Austin, South Austin also has affordable housing in the form of small and large houses in planned communities and apartment complexes, duplexes and condos. Rent and prices typically go down the further south you travel from downtown Austin, and it may be easier to purchase a larger home for less money in South Austin neighborhoods like Kyle, Buda and Manchaca.