20 Popular Austin Neighborhoods: Where to Live in Austin in 2023

Posted October 5, 2023

Austin stands out as the vibrant and dynamic capitol of Texas. Known for its unique blend of creativity, live music scene, and a distinct laid-back atmosphere, Austin has plenty of neighborhoods that match these characteristics. Within its sprawling urban landscape, a colorful mosaic of neighborhoods awaits, each offering a one-of-a-kind Austin experience.

From the energetic feel of South Congress to the serene beauty of Barton Hills, this Redfin guide will highlight 20 popular Austin neighborhoods to consider moving to this year. Whether you’re looking to rent an apartment in Austin or buy a home in the city, discover the city’s eclectic and welcoming neighborhoods.

1. Allandale

Allandale is a charming neighborhood located in the north-central part of Austin. Known for its peaceful tree-lined streets and mid-century architecture, it offers a suburban feel while being close to the city’s amenities. Major attractions in Allandale include Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest Park, a popular green space featuring walking trails, a playground, and a pool, and the historic Anderson Lane, known for its local shops and eateries. The Allandale neighborhood is known for its mid-century and ranch-style single-family homes, characterized by their spacious layouts and large yards.

Median Sale Price: $799,000

Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,399 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,456

Homes for sale in Allandale | Apartments for rent in Allandale

2. Barton Hills

Barton Hills is a picturesque neighborhood located in the southwest part of Austin. With its proximity to the scenic Barton Creek Greenbelt and the Barton Springs Pool, this neighborhood has a blend of urban living and natural beauty. Major attractions in Barton Hills include the Zilker Botanical Garden, where you’ll find serene landscapes and themed gardens, and the Barton Creek Greenbelt, a vast urban wilderness with hiking and biking trails. Barton Hills has stunning hillside views, well-preserved mid-century homes, and access to outdoor recreational opportunities. Often set in the hilly landscape, the single-family homes in Barton Hills feature a mix of styles like mid-century modern designs, contemporary constructions, and traditional Texas ranch-style houses.

Median Sale Price: $1,050,000

Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,129 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,543

Homes for sale in Barton Hills | Apartments for rent in Barton Hills

3. Bouldin Creek

Bouldin Creek is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood located just south of downtown Austin. This neighborhood is recognized for its funky and artistic vibe, as well as its food scene. Major attractions in Bouldin Creek include the historic Long Center for the Performing Arts, which hosts events and performances. Another popular spot is Auditorium Shores at Town Lake Metropolitan Park, a scenic park along Lady Bird Lake with walking trails and beautiful skyline views. Bouldin Creek’s homes have a range of architectural styles, from historic bungalows and modern townhouses to contemporary single-family homes.

Median Sale Price: $1,197,340

Homes for sale in Bouldin Creek | Apartments for rent in Bouldin Creek

4. Brentwood-Highland

The Brentwood-Highland neighborhood encompasses both the Brentwood and Highland areas in the northern part of Austin. It’s characterized by its tree-lined streets, local restaurants, and shopping centers. There are a few parks in the area like Brentwood Neighborhood Park, a green space with playgrounds and sports courts. With traditional bungalows and mid-century homes alongside newer constructions, there are plenty of single-family homes in Brentwood-Highland.

Median Sale Price: $650,000

Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,810 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,523

Homes for sale in Brentwood-Highland | Apartments for rent in Brentwood-Highland

5. Crestview

Just north of Brentwood is Crestview. Primarily a residential neighborhood, you’ll find a few restaurants and shops in the area. Crestview is known for its mid-century and post-war era homes, like ranch-style houses and bungalows, creating a charming and vintage atmosphere.

Median Sale Price: $694,000

Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,600

Homes for sale in Crestview | Apartments for rent in Crestview

6. Downtown Austin

Downtown Austin is the central business and cultural district of the city, located in the heart of the city. There are a mix of office buildings, entertainment venues, and residential spaces. Popular attractions in Downtown Austin include visiting the Texas State Capitol, dating back to 1888, and exploring the iconic Sixth Street, known for its vibrant nightlife, live music, and diverse dining options. The Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail offers outdoor recreational opportunities with scenic views of the city skyline.

Downtown Austin remains the hub for cultural events, festivals, and South by Southwest (SXSW), providing events and activities year-round for anyone living in Austin. Downtown Austin has many modern high-rise condos and apartments, but there are few single-family homes in this bustling area.

Median Sale Price: $775,000

Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,833

Homes for sale in Downtown Austin | Apartments for rent in Downtown Austin

7. East Austin

A large neighborhood encompassing smaller areas such as East Cesar Chavez, Chestnut, Blackland, and Foster Heights, East Austin is known for its artistic spirit. It’s a vibrant and eclectic area, where you’ll find the arts district of East Cesar Chavez Street, known for its galleries, live music venues, and food trucks. The neighborhood is home to several parks, including the sprawling Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach, which hosts community events and easy access to Lady Bird Lake. East Austin showcases a wide range of architectural styles, including historic homes, renovated bungalows, and newer modern constructions.

Median Sale Price: $584,000

Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,590 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,976

Homes for sale in East Austin | Apartments for rent in East Austin

8. Hyde Park

Hyde Park is a historic and charming neighborhood located in central Austin, recognized by its cozy streets and well-preserved architecture. Fun things to do in Hyde Park include visiting Shipe Neighborhood Park, a popular community park with a swimming pool, playgrounds, and sports facilities, and checking out the Elisabet Ney Museum, the former home and studio of the renowned sculptor, which is now a museum showcasing her works. The neighborhood is also home to the historic Hyde Park Theatre, offering a range of theatrical performances. Known for its historic Victorian and Craftsman homes, Hyde Park has single-family homes, apartments, and duplexes.

Median Sale Price: $891,250

Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,199 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,650

Homes for sale in Hyde Park | Apartments for rent in Hyde Park

9. Mueller

The Mueller neighborhood is a planned urban development located in the northeast part of the city. In Mueller you can find Mueller Lake Park, a scenic green space with a lake, walking trails, and the Texas Farmers’ Market on Sundays. Additionally, the neighborhood also features The Thinkery, a hands-on children’s museum, and the Southwest Greenway filled with trails, a sculpture, and butterfly garden. As a planned community, Mueller has a variety of housing options, including contemporary single-family homes, townhouses, and modern apartments, combining sustainability and modernity.

Median Sale Price: $897,500

Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,735 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,395

Homes for sale in Mueller | Apartments for rent in Mueller

10. North Austin

North Austin is a sprawling area encompassing various neighborhoods like North Lamar, Mesa Park, and Georgian Acres. Major attractions in North Austin include The Domain, a popular shopping and dining destination, and Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park, a large park featuring lots of walking and biking trails. North Austin offers a mix of housing styles, including mid-century homes, apartments, and modern condos.

Median Sale Price: $423,500

Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,187 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,530

Homes for sale in North Austin | Apartments for rent in North Austin

11. North Loop

A lively and eclectic area located in north-central Austin, North Loop is known for its music scene and unique local shops. You can check out the historic North Loop shopping district, featuring vintage stores, boutiques, and locally-owned eateries. North Loop has a variety of single-family homes like bungalows, cottages, and mid-century homes, as well as apartments and duplexes.

Median Sale Price: $589,000

Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,650 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,400

Homes for sale in North Loop | Apartments for rent in North Loop

12. Old West Austin

Old West Austin is a historic neighborhood located just west of downtown. It’s known for its elegant and well-preserved homes and tree-lined streets. Major attractions in Old West Austin include the historic Clarksville neighborhood, the Pease Mansion, which is open for tours, and the picturesque Pease District Park. When it comes to housing options, you’ll find historic homes in architectural styles such as Victorian, Colonial Revival, and Craftsman in Old West Austin.

Median Sale Price: $1,094,500

Homes for sale in Old West Austin | Apartments for rent in Old West Austin

13. Rosedale

Rosedale is a charming neighborhood located in central Austin, just west of North Loop. There’s plenty to do in the area like visiting Ramsey Park, a local green space with a swimming pool, playgrounds, and sports facilities. From bungalows, ranch-style homes, and Tudor houses to apartments and duplexes, Rosedale has a large selection of properties for those looking to call this neighborhood home.

Median Sale Price: $1,034,000

Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,350 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $2,950

Homes for sale in Rosedale | Apartments for rent in Rosedale

14. South Austin

South Austin is a large neighborhood, encompassing many sub-neighborhoods like East Congress, Garrison Park, and Westgate. In South Austin, you’ll find plenty of outdoor spaces like Stephenson Nature Preserve, home to woodlands, meadows, and hiking trails, and the Dittmar Neighborhood Park with fields, playgrounds, and trails. South Austin primarily consists of single-family homes, apartments, and condos.

Median Sale Price: $534,000

Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,100 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,050

Homes for sale in South Austin | Apartments for rent in South Austin

15. South Congress

South Congress, better known as SoCo, is an energetic district located just south of downtown. It’s known for its lively atmosphere, eclectic boutiques, live music venues, and a diverse dining scene. SoCo’s unique culture and contributions to Austin’s music and arts scene make it a beloved and culturally rich part of the city. With a mix of historic and modern homes, bungalows and contemporary properties, to apartments and townhomes, South Congress has plenty of options for potential renters or homebuyers.

Median Sale Price: $770,000

Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,595

Homes for sale in South Congress | Apartments for rent in South Congress

16. South Lamar

South Lamar, SoLa, is recognized by its blend of residential, commercial, and entertainment spaces, offering a diverse range of activities and amenities. Things to do in South Lamar include visiting the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, a popular movie theater, and exploring the nearby Barton Creek Greenbelt, offering a beautiful natural escape with hiking and swimming spots. If you’re looking to live in South Lamar, the area has single-family homes, apartments, and condos in styles like mid-century modern and contemporary.

Median Sale Price: $887,500

Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,517 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,376

Homes for sale in South Lamar | Apartments for rent in South Lamar

17. Tarrytown

Tarrytown is a popular neighborhood in the western part of the city. With gorgeous homes and oak tree-lined streets, Tarrytown is a great area to call home. You can find Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve, known for its peacocks and historic gardens, and the Lions Municipal Golf Course, one of the city’s oldest golf courses. Single-family homes are most common in Tarrytown in styles like Mediterranean, Colonial Revival, and modern, alongside a few condos and apartments.

Median Sale Price: $960,000

Homes for sale in Tarrytown | Apartments for rent in Tarrytown

18. Travis Heights

The Travis Heights neighborhood is a picturesque area known for its historic properties, nightlife, and lake views. Popular things to do in Travis Heights include visiting the Big Stacy Pool, a natural spring-fed pool with lush surroundings, and the iconic South Congress Avenue, where you’ll find eclectic shops, food trucks, and live music venues. It’s one of Austin’s oldest neighborhoods, making it a beloved residential area with a unique character. Travis Heights features a variety of architectural styles, including bungalows, mid-century homes, and contemporary residences alongside some apartments and duplexes.

Median Sale Price: $1,020,000

Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,995

Homes for sale in Travis Heights | Apartments for rent in Travis Heights

19. Windsor Park-University Hills

Encompassing the Windsor Park and University Hills areas, the Windsor Park-University Hills neighborhood is located in northeast Austin. You’ll find lots of local restaurants and some shopping options in this area as well as Bartholomew District Park, which features a public pool, sports courts, and walking trails. From mid-century homes, townhouses, to newer developments and apartments Windsor Park-University Hills has a variety of housing options.

Median Sale Price: $585,000

Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $1,225 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $1,450

Homes for sale in Windsor Park-University Hills | Apartments for rent in Windsor Park-University Hills

20. Zilker

Zilker is a popular neighborhood located just south of Lady Bird Lake. It’s known for its outdoor and recreational amenities and proximity to downtown Austin. In Zilker, make sure to visit Zilker Park, one of Austin’s largest and most beloved green spaces, which hosts the annual Austin City Limits Music Festival. Additionally, the neighborhood is home to the Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed swimming pool, and the Zilker Botanical Garden. Zilker primarily has single-family homes in styles like mid-century, contemporary, and bungalow as well as some apartments and condos.

Median Sale Price: $1,150,000

Average Rent 1-Bedroom Apartment: $2,465 | Average Rent 2-Bedroom Apartment: $3,372

Homes for sale in Zilker | Apartments for rent in Zilker

Methodology: All neighborhoods must be listed as a “neighborhood” on Redfin.com. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during September 2023. Average rental data from Rent.com during September 2023.

admin