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The 16 Best Neighborhoods in Austin (and Who They’re Perfect For)

Cityscape of downtown Austin from the west, taken from Zilker Park, one of the best neighborhoods in Austin
April 3, 2025

If Austin were a mixtape, it would have a little bit of everything: laid-back country twang, pulsing live recordings, a dash of high-tech innovation, and a deep bassline of barbecue smoke. 

It’s a city that’s drawn in new residents by the thousands by offering a blend of culture, career opportunities, and a lifestyle equal parts cosmopolitan and quirky. One of the great things about moving to Austin is you can find anything you want — high-rise condos, historic bungalows, or family-friendly cul-de-sacs with backyards built for weekend cookouts. It’s the Texan dream.

Of course, all this appeal has a price tag. Austin still might be keeping it weird, but keeping it weird has come at a price. Austin’s housing market has been climbing steadily in recent years. As of early 2025, the median home price citywide sits around $517,589, with median prices in some neighborhoods pushing well past the million-dollar mark. Renters will find that average rents hover around $1,696, though prices vary widely depending on location.

How We Chose the Best Neighborhoods in Austin

To choose the best neighborhoods in Austin, we didn’t just blindly crunch numbers. Our goal was to find the places where people actually want to live. 

Sure, we looked at home prices, rent averages, and commute times, but we also considered the things that make a neighborhood feel like home: the energy of the streets, the quality of the tacos, the presence (or absence) of rogue peacocks wandering the sidewalks.

We also dug into data from real estate sites like Redfin and RentCafe and scrolled through forums where locals spill the real details. Ideally, this is a list that speaks to different lifestyles. Whether you want the best schools for your kids, a short Uber ride to Sixth Street, or a quiet spot to work on the next great American screenplay, this list will help you narrow your search before you start packing up.

Each neighborhood comes with a quick breakdown of the median home price, average rent, and how long it takes to get downtown. We also highlight what makes each neighborhood special, whether that’s a killer food scene, a tight-knit community, or an unusually high number of resident goats (which is, yes, a thing in some parts of Austin). 

A tree-lined street leading to the Texas State Capitol in downtown Austin on a bright, sunny day

16 Best Neighborhoods in Austin

Keep Austin Weird has been the city’s unofficial slogan for a quarter century, and to this day, Austin retains its weirdness. It’s a city that refuses to fit into just one mold. It’s tech-forward yet deeply rooted in tradition, bustling but laid-back, a place where cowboy boots and electric scooters share the same sidewalks. 

The variety is just as wild when it comes to neighborhoods. Whether you’re looking for quiet tree-lined streets, a vibrant nightlife scene, or a home near the best breakfast tacos in town, Austin’s got a spot with your name on it.

  1. Clarksville: Best for History Lovers & Walkability
  2. Rosedale & Allandale: Best for Families
  3. Hyde Park & North Loop: Best for Young Professionals & Students
  4. Mueller: Best for Sustainable Living & Community Vibes
  5. "78704" (Zilker, Barton Hills, South Lamar, Bouldin Creek): Best for Culture & Outdoor Enthusiasts
  6. East Austin: Best for Foodies & Artists
  7. South Lamar: Best for Nightlife & Entertainment
  8. Riverside: Best for Affordable Housing & Easy Downtown Access
  9. South Manchaca: Best for First-Time Homebuyers
  10. Franklin Park: Best for Quiet Living & Green Spaces
  11. Tarrytown: Best for Luxury Living & Privacy
  12. Bouldin Creek: Best for Eclectic & Artsy Vibes
  13. Brentwood-Highland: Best for Suburban Comfort with City Perks
  14. Crestview: Best for Mid-Century Charm & Community Feel
  15. Windsor Park: Best for Affordability & Up-and-Coming Growth
  16. Downtown Austin: Best for Urban Living & Walkability

1. Clarksville: Best for History Lovers & Walkability

Clarksville is old Austin. Not in a “stuck in the past” way, but in a “we’ve been here longer than the high-rises” way. Founded by freed slaves in the 1870s, this historic district has held onto its soul while the city around it has exploded. It’s a neighborhood of bungalows, Victorian-era homes, and newer builds that try to fit in without standing out too much. The streets are shaded by live oaks, sidewalks actually exist (not a given in Austin), and it’s the kind of place where people walk to dinner because they can.

Living in Clarksville means having one of the shortest commutes in the city — Downtown is a five-minute drive, but you might as well walk or bike. Grab coffee at Medici or dinner at Jeffrey’s, or just have a lazy weekend at Pease Park. The whole area runs at a slower pace than the rest of Austin, but not in a sleepy way. You’ll find a mix of young professionals, longtime locals, and well-heeled Austinites who appreciate a quiet street within arm’s reach of the action. 

2. Allandale: Best for Families

Allandale feels like the Austin your parents grew up in. It’s a quiet, leafy neighborhood where kids still ride bikes, neighbors actually know each other, and front yards fill up with Halloween decorations by mid-September. The homes are mostly mid-century ranches, some lovingly restored, others waiting for a new family to move in and make it their own.

It’s just far enough from Downtown to avoid the chaos but close enough that a 15-minute drive gets you into the thick of it. The schools are strong, the parks are plentiful, and there’s a mix of old Austin charm with just enough modern updates — you get both hip modern coffee shops and classic joints like Top Notch, a burger spot that’s been around since the Dazed and Confused era. 

3. Hyde Park: Best for Young Professionals & Students

Hyde Park is where Austin’s past and present meet. As one of the city’s oldest neighborhoods, it’s full of Victorian homes, bungalows, and tree-filled streets that feel miles away from the downtown skyscrapers. But don’t let that historic vibe fool you. This place is packed with students, young professionals, and longtime locals who love a neighborhood that actually feels like a neighborhood.

Living here means walkability, coffee shops on every corner, and a strong community feel. You’re minutes from UT Austin, so you’ll see plenty of bikes, study groups, and people posted at Quack’s with a latte and a laptop. It’s quiet, but never boring. 

4. Mueller: Best for Sustainable Living & Community Vibes

Mueller is a blueprint for modern urban living. Built on the site of Austin’s old airport, it was designed from scratch to be walkable, eco-friendly, and packed with green spaces. Think colorful row homes, sleek modern builds, and energy-efficient apartments woven together with parks, bike trails, and community gathering spots.

Weekends here mean strolling the farmers market, catching an outdoor concert, or letting your dog run free at one of the many pocket parks. The vibe is equal parts family-friendly and social, with new restaurants, coffee shops, and bars popping up constantly. It’s the kind of place where neighbors actually hang out, kids play outside, and a short bike ride gets you anywhere you need to go. 

5. "78704" (Zilker, Barton Hills, South Lamar, Bouldin Creek): Best for Culture & Outdoor Enthusiasts

If Austin had a greatest hits album, 78704 would be the cover art. This is the soul of the city, where live music spills onto the streets, tacos are a food group, and the best way to beat the heat is a dive into Barton Springs. It's a mix of old-school Austin and new money, with historic bungalows, high-end modern builds, and some of the best people-watching in Texas.

Living here means walking to coffee shops, biking to Zilker, and never being more than five minutes from a good meal. South Lamar is packed with bars and boutiques, while Bouldin Creek keeps things artsy and eclectic. Barton Hills offers a little more peace and quiet but still sits next to Austin’s best outdoor spaces. 

6. East Austin: Best for Foodies & Artists

East Austin is where creativity and culture collide. Once a historically overlooked part of town, it’s now the city’s most vibrant mix of old and new, where you’ll find classic taco joints next to sleek cocktail bars, and murals splashed across nearly every available surface. The streets are alive with music, art, and some of the best food in Texas.

The housing is as eclectic as the neighborhood itself. Restored bungalows, brand-new modern homes, and old-school apartments sit side by side. Walkability is strong, and bike lanes actually get used; in East Austin, you can get that fixie and really lean into your inner Austinite. On any given night, you can grab a bite at a food truck, catch live music at Hotel Vegas, or sip a mezcal margarita at Whisler’s. 

7. South Lamar: Best for Nightlife & Entertainment

  • Median home sale price: $835,000
  • Average rent: $1,872
  • Commute to Downtown: Provide a non-rush hour drive time (e.g., 15 minutes or 10–15 minutes).
  • Don’t miss: Broken Spoke (classic honky-tonk dance hall), The Highball (karaoke and craft cocktails), Ramen Tatsu-Ya (legendary noodle spot)

South Lamar stays loud. The bars, the music, the crowds — it’s the kind of place where you grab a drink on a Tuesday and suddenly it’s midnight. Live music spills out of every other building, food trucks keep the party fed, and there’s always a new dive or cocktail bar opening up down the block. Whether you’re grabbing tacos at Maria’s, catching a show at The Saxon Pub, or sipping a mezcal old fashioned at Odelay, you’ll find energy here.

The housing is a mix of old and new — mid-century ranches tucked between modern condos and fresh apartment complexes. It’s walkable in a way that most of Austin isn’t, and there’s a constant hum that keeps the neighborhood feeling alive.

 8. Riverside: Best for Affordable Housing & Easy Downtown Access

Riverside is one of the last places in Austin where you can still find a deal on housing without living an hour outside the city. It’s packed with apartments, townhomes, and older houses that haven’t yet hit the price tags of the west side. Students, young professionals, and longtime Austinites live here for one reason — it’s close to Downtown without the Downtown rent.

The neighborhood sits along the Colorado River, giving locals easy access to trails, parks, and some of the best waterfront views in town. You can bike to work, kayak after happy hour, and hit a concert at Emo’s all in the same day. It’s a little scrappy, a little underrated, and full of people who like living close to the action without paying top dollar for it.

9. South Manchaca: Best for First-Time Homebuyers

South Manchaca is the kind of neighborhood people move to when they want a backyard without moving to the suburbs. It’s close enough to downtown for an easy commute but far enough that prices haven’t skyrocketed — yet. The streets are lined with modest mid-century homes, fixer-uppers, and new townhomes, making it a go-to spot for first-time buyers looking to plant roots in Austin.

The vibe is laid-back and local. No high-rises, no fancy brunch spots taking over every block — just solid neighborhood bars, coffee shops, and green spaces where kids and dogs run around. Garrison Park is a community hub, and you’re never far from a great taco truck.

10. Franklin Park: Best for Quiet Living & Green Spaces

Franklin Park is where Austin slows down — and you can too. Tucked into Southeast Austin, it’s a quiet, tree-filled neighborhood where streets stay calm, and yards are big enough for backyard barbecues (a skill you must hone if you live in Texas, by the way). The homes are a mix of classic ranch-style houses and newer builds. Here, you’ll find families, retirees, and anyone looking for space without a long commute.

The area’s best feature might be that nature is everywhere. McKinney Falls State Park is minutes away, offering hiking trails, swimming holes, and the kind of scenery that makes you forget you’re still in the city. The local rec center keeps the community tight, and local taquerias outnumber chain restaurants.

A walking trail winding through the lush forestry of Mayfield-Gutsch Estate in Austin, TX

11. Tarrytown: Best for Luxury Living & Privacy

Tarrytown is old-money Austin. It’s quiet, tree-canopied, and just removed enough from Downtown to feel exclusive without being inconvenient. The streets are lined with grand estates, historic mansions, and high-end modern builds, all tucked between Lake Austin and some of the city's best parks. If privacy is a priority, this is where you find it.

Despite its luxury feel, Tarrytown isn’t flashy. Locals prefer lake views over nightlife, long jogs along Scenic Drive, and coffee at Mozart’s over a rowdy brunch downtown. Mayfield Park’s peacocks wander like they own the place, and the local grocery store still feels like a small-town market. 

12. Bouldin Creek: Best for Eclectic & Artsy Vibes

Bouldin Creek feels like Austin before the tech boom — artsy, laid-back, and full of personality. It’s the kind of neighborhood where historic bungalows sit next to sleek modern homes, and both are covered in wild vines and twinkling string lights. You’ll find coffee shops doubling as art galleries, old-school taco stands next to fusion food trucks, and a mix of creatives, long-time locals, and newcomers who came for a weekend and never left.

Walkability is as good as it gets in Austin. South First Street is packed with coffee shops, thrift stores, and local bars that don’t take themselves too seriously. Music spills out of living rooms–turned venues, and murals add color to nearly every block.

13. Brentwood-Highland: Best for Suburban Comfort with City Perks

Some neighborhoods try too hard to be cool. Brentwood-Highland doesn’t have to. It’s effortlessly comfortable — a mix of old-school Austin charm and just enough modern updates to keep things interesting. The streets are lined with mid-century ranch homes, newer townhouses, and the occasional quirky front-yard art installation. People plant roots here because it feels like home.

Weekends revolve around neighborhood parks, local bars, and spots that have been around long before Austin became a boomtown. The Little Longhorn Saloon still hosts its legendary Chicken Sh!t Bingo, while the taco joints and coffee shops along North Lamar keep things buzzing.

14. Crestview: Best for Mid-Century Charm & Community Feel

Crestview is the kind of place where people settle in and stay for decades. The streets are lined with mid-century ranch homes, towering pecan trees, and neighbors who actually know each other’s names. It’s peaceful without being boring, with just enough coffee shops, diners, and local haunts to make it feel like its own little world.

This neighborhood runs on community spirit. The sidewalks are filled with dog walkers, kids on bikes, and longtime locals catching up on their front porches. Little Deli is the go-to for a casual slice, while Brentwood Park is where everyone gathers for weekend picnics.

Scenic view of Mueller Lake Park in the Austin neighborhood of Windsor Park

15. Windsor Park: Best for Affordability & Up-and-Coming Growth

  • Median home sale price: $475,000
  • Average rent: $1,455
  • Commute to Downtown: 15 minutes
  • Don’t miss: Lake Park (walking trails and skyline views), Hank’s (neighborhood favorite for brunch and coffee), Patterson Park (community pool and playgrounds)

Windsor Park is what happens when a neighborhood starts getting discovered but hasn’t lost its soul yet. It’s still one of the most affordable spots in Central Austin, filled with 1950s ranch homes, newer remodels, and an influx of young families and creatives looking for a little space without the sky-high prices.

The vibe is laid-back and neighborly. Weekends mean strolling through Mueller Lake Park, grabbing coffee at Hank’s, or hitting up a yard sale a few blocks over. The schools are improving, the green spaces are plentiful, and there’s a real sense of community.

16. Downtown Austin: Best for Urban Living & Walkability

Living downtown means having Austin at your doorstep, with food, music, nightlife, and enough high-rise amenities to make you forget you even own a car. The skyline keeps growing, and so do the sleek new apartment towers, but there’s still plenty of old Austin charm tucked between the glass and steel. Historic buildings, rooftop bars, and live music venues keep the energy high, day and night.

This is Austin’s most walkable neighborhood. Grab breakfast at a café, walk to work, catch a happy hour on Rainey Street, and see a show on Sixth — all without calling an Uber. 

Your Austin Address Awaits

Austin’s got a neighborhood for everyone. The hardest part isn’t falling in love with a neighborhood — it’s deciding which one.

When you’re ready to make the move, let Colonial Van Lines handle the heavy lifting. Whether you’re unpacking in the quiet streets of Allandale or setting up a high-rise view downtown, we’ll get your belongings there safely. To prepare, utilize this handy moving checklist.

With over 50 years of experience, we know how to reduce the stress of moving so you can start enjoying your new home. Get a free quote today.

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