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The Best Places to Live in Austin
Updated Mar. 2021
Moving to a new city is always challenging. And a large part of that challenge is looking for a place to live. There are so many things to consider when weighing your options-house styles, neighborhood safety, quality of schools, the convenience of location-it all can be quite overwhelming.
That’s why we’ve done the research for you, so you don’t have to. You’ve no doubt seen our guide on moving to Austin, which includes a short section on a few of Austin’s most popular neighborhoods.
This list is a more in-depth neighborhood guide meant to examine what it’s like living in each of these highlighted areas, with links to popular destinations, as well as available houses for sale and apartments for rent (and by the way of introduction, we’re Bellhop —Austin movers and movers throughout the country).
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A Little About Austin and its Neighborhoods
Tucked into the greater Texas Hill Country, Austin was first given the charming title ‘Waterloo.’ Soon after, this Texan capital was renamed to honor the ‘Father of Texas’ and first secretary of state, Stephen F. Austin.
But a lot has happened since 1839. At this point, Austin is now the fastest growing large city in the country. People are moving here to get a taste of the year-round warm weather, nature oases, incredible food, live music, and laid-back culture.
The city’s 100+ neighborhoods are divided up into general regions (ex: Southeast Austin, Central Austin, West Austin, etc.). And these regions are separated by boundaries like Hwy. 1, Interstate 35, and Lady Bird Lake. Surrounding Austin’s perimeters are neighborhoods and mini-cities like Kyle, Wimberley, and Round Rock. And many people living in the area lump these neighboring areas in with the city.
So now that you’ve got a lay of the land look a little further for our list of the five best places to live in Austin.
Mueller
This urban village was built for getting outside. With over 20% of the neighborhood dedicated to parks and open spaces, and with walking paths and bike lanes built within the neighborhood and along every road that runs through it, Mueller is an extremely pedestrian-friendly spot. And many young adults and young families have made Mueller their home.
Once an old Austin airport until 1999, this area was transformed into a master planned community with an emphasis on sustainability. In fact, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC) recognized Mueller as one of the most sustainable communities in the nation. And with all its parks, green spaces, and porches on every house, it’s easy to meet fellow-locals in Mueller.
What’s Happening in Mueller
At about three miles from downtown and two miles from The University of Texas, Mueller is perfectly located with a vibrant community and plenty of things to do. Most residents can walk to the grocery store in less than 10 minutes. And the Mueller Farmers Market, a highly-visited and favorited market throughout the entire city which hosts local vendors and live music, is just around the corner of the residential area.
Lots of local shops, restaurants, and bars seem to be popping up every time we check along Aldrich Street. One of these new and popular hubs is the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, which always hosts fun activities for patrons of all ages. For some tasty Texas fare, cocktails, and beer check out Contigo. Or visit the newer L’Oca d’Oro Italian restaurant and sample their wines, and house-made pasta and cheese.
Schools in Mueller
Austin Schools near Mueller include Austin Classic Academy, Primrose School of Austin, and The Rise School of Austin Preschool among others.
Homes in Mueller
Mueller is made up of mainly apartments, single-family homes, and condominiums, with 25% of the housing being in the Meuller affordable housing program.
Avery Ranch
This family-friendly neighborhood is roughly 20 miles north of downtown Austin, giving it that peaceful neighborhood feels just outside of the city business. The area is part of a large master-planned community that holds over 4,000 homes and three public elementary schools.
What’s Happening in Avery Ranch
Avery Ranch offers a beautiful portion of the hill country with tennis courts, pools, and hiking and bike trails. The 226-acre golf course sits directly against the neighborhood’s lake, and a large, nearby community parks, like the Brushy Creek Lake Park, Brushy Creek Sports Park, and Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex provides locals with recreational opportunities.
Check out The Rotten Bunch, The League Kitchen & Tavern, and Smokey Mo’s BBQ for some of the areas local-favorite food stops.
Schools in Avery Ranch
Schools near Avery Ranch include Challenger School and Abacus School of Austin among others.
Homes in Avery Ranch
Avery Ranch holds beautiful single family homes and contemporary condos, amidst other housing options. Here are the current houses for sale and homes for rent in the area.
Round Rock
This gorgeous suburb-city is just 20 miles north of downtown. Round Rock is known for its incredible outdoor opportunities and 19th-century history. The area is gaining attention and growing rapidly, with affordable living, good schools, and a thriving downtown.
What’s Happening in Round Rock
Round Rock is home to a number of great, unique restaurants, cafes, bakeries, and bars. Check out Wine Sensation, The Cakesmith Bakery, Fuego Latino Gastropub, and Round Rock Donuts.
Join locals during Round Rock’s regular community events. Pop into Something Marvelous or The Dowdy House for some local shopping. Play and exercise in one of Round Rock’s 30+ parks. Or visit the Round Rock, where cattle drivers and wagons crossed the river in the 19th century.
Schools in Round Rock
Schools near Round Rock include Forest Creek Elementary School, Cactus Ranch Elementary, and Success High School among others.
Homes in Round Rock
What’s most notable about the housing in Round Rock is its beautiful historic architecture. But Round Rock also features contemporary homes with unique shapes and textures to mix up the feel.
Tarrytown
Located just a few minutes west of downtown, Tarrytown sits up against the beautiful Lake Austin. The neighborhood’s great location also puts it just a few minutes from the University of Texas, and less than 30 minutes from the airport. Residents often take an easy and quick bike ride to Lady Bird Lake and enjoy the many water activities there. The area is known for its exemplary schools, gorgeous water-front homes, and ancient oak trees.
What’s Happening in Tarrytown
Tarrytown has two small shopping centers, with coffee shops (check out Texenza Coffee), a few local restaurants, and town necessities like a post office, pharmacy, and grocery store. Venture to Oyster Landing Marina for more great bites and drinks at Hoola Hut, Mozart’s Coffee, or Abel’s on the Lake.
Along Lake Austin Boulevard, Mangia Pizza serves deep-dish pies. The local hot-spot, Maudie’s, serves tasty Tex-Mex. And Magnolia Cafe serves drinks along with an awesome and lengthy food menu featuring pancakes, omelets, and tacos.
The Laguna Gloria art museum is also in Terrytown, as well as several neighborhood parks. Reed Park has a pool, Tarrytown Park has a playground. The Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve features two-acres of gardens and beautiful trails and is home to a few peacocks.
Red Bud Isle Park, stuck right in the Colorado River, is the top pick for dog owners, as it has a large off-leash area. And locals love to launch their kayaks and go fishing or hike along the Redbud Trail. For year-round swimming, check out Deep Eddy, a spring-fed pool on the edge of Lake Austin.
Schools in Tarrytown
Schools near Tarrytown include Casis Elementary School, O Henry Middle School, and Good Shepherd Episcopal School among others.
Homes in Tarrytown
Tarrytown features a number of Mediterranean-inspired homes, and the majority of houses sell between 500k and $1.5 million, with higher priced houses along the lakeside.
There you have it: the best places to live in Austin
We hope this was helpful, and if you decide to take the plunge, don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends here at Bellhop. As we said, we coordinate local and long distance moving services in Austin, and we would love to help.
Check out some of our awesome reviews in Austin: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=6501118438216742323
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