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Updated August, 2023
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 on the best neighborhoods in Austin, so you don’t have to.
You’ve no doubt seen our Austin City Guide, 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 insider’s advice on popular destinations, as well as housing options and top schools (and by the way of introduction, we’re Bellhops—movers in Austin and beyond).
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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” in the early 1830s. Before long, though, this Texan capital was renamed to honor the “Father of Texas” and the first secretary of state, Stephen F. Austin.
A lot has happened since the nineteenth century. Today, if you don’t hop on Austin quick, it’ll ride away without you. Austin is no longer the fastest-growing large city in the country but it hasn’t slowed down much. The continued population explosion has generated a reshaping of Central Texas’ economy, from real estate to finance.
People are moving to Austin in herds to get a feel for the year-round warm weather, nature oasis, incredible food, vibrant music scene, and laid-back culture.
We don’t expect the newcomers to slow down anytime soon. At the beginning of 2020, the many city rankings put Austin as the best place to live and work in the country, explaining that Austin had the hottest U.S. job market. Everyone got the message and flooded in, no doubt turbo-charged by covid and the historically low interest rates on mortgages. Yes, it is no longer as affordable, but it still is a great place to live, particularly if you are young, agile, and hip.
This city’s hot job market is supporting a huge population. Texans can now brag that Austin is the 10th most populous city in the country in 2023. To help you navigate, know that Austin is divided into over 100 neighborhoods.
Here’s the lay of this huge land before we zoom in closer: Austin is divided up into regions like Southeast Austin, Central Austin, West Austin, etc. These regions are separated by boundaries like Hwy. 1, Interstate 35, and Lady Bird Lake. Surrounding Austin’s perimeters are suburbs and mini-cities like Kyle, Wimberley, and Round Rock. Many people living in the area think of these neighboring regions as ‘Austin.’
Now that you’ve seen Austin from a mockingbird’s eye view (the state bird), let’s look a little closer. Come along as we explore the 5 best neighborhoods to live in big and booming Austin, Texas.
Mueller
This urban village was designed for the outdoorsy. With over 20% of the neighborhood dedicated to parks and open spaces, and with walking paths and bike lanes built into its grid, Mueller is one of Austin’s most foot-friendly hood. Many young adults and families have loved meandering through Mueller so much, they’ve made it their home.
The area we now call Mueller was once an airport in 1999. It was later re-formed into a master-planned community, intentionally designed for sustainability. In fact, the U.S. Green Building Council (USGCB) recognized Mueller as one of the most sustainable communities in the nation. Mueller’s many local parks, green spaces, and front porches contribute to the area’s close-knit community feel, making it first on our list of best neighborhoods to live in Austin.
What’s Happening in Mueller
At about three miles from downtown and two miles from The University of Texas, Mueller is perfectly located. Most residents can walk to the grocery store in less than 10 minutes. The Mueller Farmers Market sits just around the corner from the residential area. This well-liked market gets visits from people throughout the entire city, maybe because it frequently hosts vendors and live music.
Local shops, restaurants, and bars keep popping up in Mueller along Aldrich Street. Some great spots include the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, where you can dine while watching a movie! How cool is that? For some tasty eats check out KG Barbecue, slow cooked with an Egyptian twist. Or visit the newer L’Oca d’Oro Italian restaurant and sample their wines, and house-made pasta and cheese.
Schools in Mueller
Mueller is served by the Texas College Preparatory Academies School District. It’s local elementary school, Austin-Mueller has a great student to teacher ratio. Mueller residents also have access to the highly rated Rise School of Austin Preschool, as well as the Austin Classical Academy, and Austin Achieve Public Schools.
Homes in Mueller
Mueller’s broad range of home styles offers a variety of options that can serve different families and resident’s housing needs. You’ll find detached single-family homes, rowhouses, apartments, and condominiums. The area also offers 25% of its housing as part of the affordable housing program. Average home prices as of mid-2023 were $842,000 according to Zillow. RentCafe shows $1,700 as the average monthly apartment rental.
Avery Ranch
This family-friendly neighborhood is about 20 miles north of downtown Austin. Sitting outside of the city bustle, Avery Ranch emits a peaceful and natural vibe. The area is part of a 1,800-acre master-planned community that holds over 4000 homes and three public elementary schools.
Life in the Avery Ranch neighborhood combines residential living with easy access to resort-style amenities, major routes, schools, shopping, dining, and healthcare facilities. The community enjoys numerous local perks, including miles of hiking and biking trails, swimming pools, sports courts, and an outdoor amphitheater.
What’s Happening in Avery Ranch
In Avery Ranch, Austin’s beautiful hill country is on full display. Tennis courts, pools, and hiking and biking trails allow its residents to take in all the natural beauty around them. The 2260-acre golf course sits directly against the local lake. Nearby, you’ll find several community parks, like the Brushy Creek Lake Park and Sports Park, and the Kelly Reeves Athletic Complex.
Locals don’t need to venture into downtown for a delicious bite to eat. Hot spots like The League Kitchen & Tavern and Smokey Mo’s BBQ pumps out delicious Texan dishes. The active community also hosts annual events like summer fireworks and a holiday sleigh ride.
Schools in Avery Ranch
Avery Ranch is served by two school districts: Round Rock ISD and Leander ISD. Residents enjoy easy access to several local schools as well as early education learning centers. Nearby schools include the McNeil and Vista Ridge high schools, the Pearson Ranch Middle School, England Elementary, and The Challenger Private School.
Homes in Avery Ranch
Avery Ranch features beautiful single-family homes and contemporary condos in a 1,500-acre planned community. You’ll find a selection of new construction styles, square footage, and price points. Homes in Avery Ranch have between 2 and 6 bedrooms, 1-4 car garages, and 1,200-6,000 square feet of living space.
Newcomers can find both single-story and multi-level homes on lots as large as one-half acre. Many of these designs also include big, beautiful kitchens, an open floor plan, and landscaped yards.
To join the community, expect to pay an average home price of $643,000. Condo average out at $446,000.
Round Rock
This gorgeous next-door city is just 20 miles north of downtown Austin. Round Rock is known for its incredible outdoor opportunities and 19th-century history. The area has gained a lot of attention in the past few years because of its affordable living, highly rated schools and thriving downtown.
Its combined property tax and utility rates are among the lowest in the region. Round Rock is home to award-winning parks and is one of the safest cities its size in the nation. Because of all its perks, Round Rock is one the U.S.’s fastest-growing cities. The city was also the winner of the prestigious Comprehensive Planning Award from the American Planning Association.
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 from-scratch Cakesmith Bakery, Fuego Latino Gastropub, and Round Rock Donuts for a warm served, world famous, chocolate glaze.
Join locals during Round Rock’s regular community events. Pop into Mays Street Boutique or The Dowdy House for some truly local shopping. Play and exercise in one of Round Rock’s 30+ parks. Or visit the physical Round Rock that inspired the city’s name, where cattle drivers and wagons crossed the river in the 19th century. Don’t miss the great art at the annual Round Rock Arts Fest and Chalk Walk that draws 60,000+ visitors each October.
Schools in Round Rock
Round Rock’s students, teachers, and leadership has been recognized throughout the state and nation for their excellence. Its district, Round Rock ISD, educates its 51,008 students with 55 schools. Additionally, Round Rock ISD offers 14 special facilities, including the Raymond E. Hartfield Performing Arts Center and the Agriculture Science Classrooms at McNeil and Stony Point high schools.
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. Round Rock’s housing market is very competitive, with homes selling quickly. The relative bargains are why: the typical home value in Round Rock in 2023 is $467,000, condos: $372,000.
Tarrytown
Located just a few minutes west of downtown, Tarrytown residents have snagged an ideal location. This charming neighborhood also sits snug against the beautiful Lake Austin. Residents of Tarrytown are just a few minutes from the University of Texas and less than 20 minutes from the airport.
Besides its great location, the area is known for its exemplary schools, gorgeous water-front homes, and ancient oak trees. Restaurants are plentiful in Tarrytown. Residents also have access to a lengthy list of outdoorsy activities and often enjoy an easy bike ride to Lady Bird Lake with its many water activities.
What’s Happening in Tarrytown
Tarrytown has charming, small shopping centers, with coffee shops (check out Texenza Coffee), a few local restaurants, and town necessities: 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 bakes deep-dish pies. The local hot-spot, Maudie’s, serves tasty Tex-Mex. And Magnolia Cafe whips up drinks along with an awesome and lengthy food menu featuring pancakes, omelets, and tacos.
The Laguna Gloria Art Museum enriches Tarrytown, 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 are home to a few peacocks.
Red Bud Isle Park, stuck right in the Colorado River, is the top pick for dog owners with its 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
Tarrytown residents are zoned for the Austin Independent School District, and the area is also home to a number of private schools. Casis Elementary School, O. Henry Middle School, and Stephen F. Austin High school are the main Austin ISD schools. Tarrytown is also home to Austin’s all-girls school, the Girls’ School of Austin.
Homes in Tarrytown
Tarrytown features a number of elegant Mediterranean-inspired homes. This neighborhood’s homes don’t come cheap. Zillow shows Tarrytown’s average houses priced at $1,700,000, with higher-priced luxury houses along the lakeside at $7 million. Condos price out at $757,000.
There you have it: the best places to live in Austin
We hope this was helpful, and if you decide to take the plunge soon, don’t forget we provide last minute moving services in Austin! So don’t hesitate to reach out to your friends here at Bellhop. Whether it’s a local move in Austin, or a long-distance move to or from Austin, we can help
Check out some of our awesome reviews in Austin: https://www.google.com/maps?cid=6501118438216742323
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