Looking for the best neighborhoods in Austin? Whether you’re planning to go to school or settle down there, today we’re going to recommend you some of the best places to stay in Austin TX. Pick up a cup of tea or coffee, and let’s explore the best neighborhoods in Austin TX.
Define Best Neighborhoods in Austin TX
Austin is the capital of Texas located in Central Texas on the Colorado River. It is known for its music, culture, tech industry, and cuisine. Austin is growing fast nowadays, attracting more and more outsiders to move in and settle down here. But before we make the decision, it is essential to understand Austin neighborhoods first.
To help you choose the best places to stay in Austin TX for you and your family, we should first look at the following aspects that define the best neighborhoods in Austin.
- Community: culture, atmosphere, and environment
- Safety: crime rate
- Amenity: schools, transportation, restaurants, and shopping
- Life Quality: income and house rent
10 Best Neighborhoods in Austin
1. Downtown Austin
- Average income: $80,000 to $100,000 per year
- Average house rent (one bedroom): $2,000 to $3,000 per month
- Crime rate: lower than average national level, but property crimes (such as burglary and car theft) are more common
- Perfect for: young people who enjoy live music and nightlife
Located in Central Austin, Downtown Austin is one of the best places to stay in Austin TX for its diverse culture and vibrant lifestyle. It is a busy commercial district with many historic sites and modern attractions that deserve a visit, such as The State Capitol, Paramount Theatre, and Gethsemane Lutheran Church. There are also various cultural venues such as the Bullock Texas State History Museum and the Blanton Museum of Art, making it one of the best Austin Texas neighborhoods for culture lovers.
This district is the center of music and entertainment in Austin. You might have heard the famous Sixth Street, which is known for its vibrant nightlife and live music. Also, it is always easy for you to find numerous restaurants, cafes, bars, and clubs here, designed to cater the taste of different people. Besides, the convenient public transportation system and numerous wakable streets make it easy for visitors and residents to explore. No matter from its commercial prosperity, cultural attractions, or entertainments, Downtown Austin is always one of the best places to live in Austin.
2. Hyde Park
- Average income: $70,000 to $90,000 per year
- Average house rent (one bedroom): $1,500 to $2,000 per month
- Crime rate: lower than some other neighborhoods in central Austin
- Perfect for: outdoor lovers, sports fans, and young students
Though also located in Central Austin, Hyde Park is very different from Downtown Austin. This area is mostly rural in the 19th century, and it is actually Austin’s first suburb. Nowadays, there are mostly gabled-roof Victorian architecture, Tudor Revival homes, and colorful bungalows in this neighborhood. It is a perfect place for horse racing due to the flat topography, and it is also one of the nicest neighborhoods in Austin for its leafy and woody nature.
Close to The University of Texas on the south, Hyde Park is one of the best places to live in Austin Texas for students. Among student apartments in Austin, living in Hyde Park is relatively more affordable and also close to the campus. Also, students can have a colorful off-campus life in this district by visit the Elisabet Ney Museum and Shipe Park, and join various sports clubs and community events.
3. Old West Austin
- Average income: $90,000 to $120,000 per year
- Average house rent (one bedroom): $2,000 to $3,000 per month
- Crime rate: relatively low, one of the safest neighborhoods in Austin
- Perfect for: students and families enjoy quite and old city life
The Old West Austin Historic District is composed by three historic neighborhoods: Old Enfield, Pemberton Heights, and Bryker Woods. As a well-preserved collection of early-to-mid-20th century residences, the Old West Austin Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2003. It is easy to see the history of this district from the brick facades and grand Colonial-style columns, which makes it relaxing to have a walk among the old oak trees and beautiful gardens.
You can also go to the Pease District Park to have a picnic with friends or family, explore some local restaurants, or shopping for unique antique in this neighborhood. There are also many high-quality schools in this district and it is close to the University of Texas at Austin, making it one of the best areas in Austin to live for students and families.
4. Clarksville Historic District
- Average income: $80,000 to $100,000 per year
- Average house rent (one bedroom): $2,000 to $2,800 per month
- Crime rate: relatively low, one of the safest areas in Austin
- Perfect for: families and students who have enough budget and prefer safety, quietness, and beautiful reviews
Clarksville Historic District is the oldest surviving freeman’s town and was inducted into the National Register of Historic Places in 1976 for its unique and valuable. The rich history and colorful stories make it one of the most important Austin neighborhoods. Besides, it is so close to the Downtown that you can only take several minutes to enjoy the noisy and vibrant nightlife. At the same time, the shady sidewalk, adorable bungalows, and old-style landmarks add much tranquillity and comfort to this district.
Clarksville is now considered a contemporary and upscale neighborhood. You can check out the modern art and ancient masterpieces art at Wally Workman Gallery, West Chelsea Contemporary, and Davis Gallery, grab a cup of drink at Better Half Coffee & Cocktails or Clark’s Oyster Bar, visit the largest independent bookstore BookPeople in Texas, and try out some new food at Lin Asian Bar and Whole Foods. The eclectic blend of modern and old, bustling and quiet makes Clarksville one of the best areas to live in Texas.
5. Crestview
- Average income: $60,000 to $80,000 per year
- Average house rent (one bedroom): $1,500 to $2,000 per month
- Crime rate: relatively safe, occasional property crimes such as burglaries
- Perfect for: commuters, young families, professionals, and students
Located in North Austin, Crestview was built on the site of an old dairy farm in the 1950s and early 1960s. Crestview offers a great mix of urban and suburban feel, leading to one of the best places to stay in Austin Texas. It is about 8 miles north of Downtown Austin, and there is Crestview Light Rail Station on the east of the community, making it one of the few Austin neighborhoods with convenient rail service to downtown.
This neighborhood is almost residential with single-family bungalows, mid-century ranch homes, and apartments. It is known for tree-lined streets, spacious lots, and creative community, attracting more and more young families and professionals in recent years. There are tons of restaurants, coffee shops, bars, and parks to explore for visitors and residences. Crestview is also one of the good places to live in Austin for students with easy commute to the University of Texas and relatively low house rent.
6. Brentwood
- Average income: $70,000 to $90,000 per year
- Average house rent (one bedroom): $1,800 to $2,400 per month
- Crime rate: one of the safest neighborhoods in Austin TX
- Perfect for: young families and professionals looking for a young community
Also in North Austin Texas, Brentwood is located on the south of Crestview. It is originally a cotton farm until Austin purchased it to build the Brentwood Elementary School in the late 1940s. The most popular open space there is Brentwood Park with tennis courts, soccer fields, baseball diamonds, and a playscape. Residences can also find the best shops in Austin here and some native old-fashioned bars and hamburger joints. Brentwood is the best area to stay in Austin TX for young families and professionals who enjoy the neighborhood feel of Austin suburbs and also vibrant and energetic city life.
In Brentwood, only 17% of the population is over 65 years old, and 57% of the people over 25 years old hold a bachelor’s degree or higher. This neighborhood is well-equipped with several private and public schools for families with different needs to choose from. Popular homes like condos and bungalows with sizable and wee-kept yards are common here, but there are also many new custom-builds and apartment complexes to meet the needs of young residents. With 4 miles from the University of Texas campus, this district is one of best neighborhoods in Austin for students to have a off-campus housing.
7. Mueller
- Average income: $80,000 to $100,000 per year
- Average house rent (one bedroom): $1,800 to $2,600 per month
- Crime rate: one of the safe and vibrant Austin neighborhoods
- Perfect for: family looking for high quality of life
Mueller Austin, located on the former Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, is one of the east Austin neighborhoods. With 20% of its area is parks and open spaces, Mueller is one of the best neighborhoods to stay in Austin TX for people enjoy green spaces and nature beauty. There are also designed walking paths and bike trails to make sure the whole area is walkable.
The main difference between Mueller and other Austin neighborhoods is that it is a much more newly built community with the vision of sustainability, walkability, and greenery everywhere. Mueller is designed to be a mixed pedestrian-oriented community of residential, commercial, and retail developments, along with green spaces and beautiful parks. It is the best area to stay in Austin with your family since there are great parks like Mueller Lake Park and Branch Park, Alamo Drafthouse on Aldrich Street with various entertainment, and a farmer’s market every Sunday. This district is also adjacent to the Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas and the University of Texas Health Research Campus.
8. Tarrytown
- Average income: $120,000 to $150,000 per year
- Average house rent (one bedroom): $2,000 to $3,500 per month
- Crime rate: occasionally some property crime may occur
- Perfect for: people who love nature and waterside view
Tarrytown is one of the best neighborhoods in Austin but also one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Austin. Tarrytown was named after a summer retreat in New York, and its motto is “Where oak trees charm the eye”. Beneath the canopy of oak leaves, you can find both well-kept traditional estates and brand-new houses. With a 9-minute drive to Downtown Austin and the beautiful nature and tranquillity, Tarrytown is extremely attractive for people with enough budget and gradually become a high-income area in Austin.
Located west of Downtown Austin, Tarrytown is bordered by Lake Austin on the west, making it one of the best areas to live in Austin with family and friends. It will be very relaxing to spend the afternoon at the public boat dock or have a cup of drinks on the patios at one of numerous waterside restaurants like Hula Hut and Mozart’s. Of course, strolling at the Mayfield Park and National Perserve, swimming at the oldest pool in Texas at Deep Eddy, or playing around at the city’s oldest public golf course at Muny, there is always a variety of things to do at Tarrytown.
9. West Lake Hills
- Average income: $150,000 to $200,000 per year
- Average house rent (one bedroom): $1,700 to $3,000 per month
- Crime rate: one of the safest neighborhoods in Austin
- Perfect for: young families and young people aiming to raise a family in the city
West Lake Hills is one of the suburbs in Austin, located on the south side of the Colorado River. Just like the name of this neighborhood, West Lake Hills is famous for its beautiful lake review as well as the hilly landscape. There is also a 227-acre habitat for native flora and fauna, the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, which is a wonderful destination for hiking.
While attracting more and more young generation who loves nature and tranquility, West Lake Hills is also one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Austin. Apart from the nature beauty, it is also not far away from the downtown with under 15 minutes. What’s more, West Lake Hills is the only city completely within the Eanes Independent School District with a complete school system, which ranks on “best schools” lists for the state. Among the households in this neighborhood, 40% have children under the age of 18 living with them, and 69% are married couples living together, leading it to one best places to stay in Austin TX for young families and people aiming to raise a family.
10. Riverside/East Riverside-Oltorf
- Average income: $50,000 to $70,000 per year
- Average house rent (one bedroom): $1,400 to $2,200 per month
- Crime rate: relatively high, especially property crimes and violent crimes
- Perfect for: young families and students looking for a reasonable cost of living
Riverside is one of the south Austin neighborhoods and it is also one of the best places to live in the south. Residents live there can enjoy the beautiful view of Lady Bird Lake and the colorful wildflower fields of Mabel Davis District Park. It is also a growing community with constant developments and renovations, bringing more business as well as young professionals.
Riverside is located near Downtown Austin and The University of Texas. With several off-campus housing projects for students and reasonable housing rents, it gradually becomes one of the best neighborhoods in Austin TX for students. There is also a popular music venue Emo’s, where you can catch a band or some quality live comedy, and numerous bars, cafes, restaurants, and stores to spend the time. However, always watch out for yourself in this district since it might be one of the most dangerous Austin neighbourhoods.
Find the Best Neighborhoods in Austin for You
After learning the 10 best neighborhoods in Austin, you may start wondering which one is the best places to stay in Austin TX for yourself. To make up a better decision, there are a few things that you should consider.
Budget: Budget always comes first when considering a good area to move to the USA. There are many best places to stay in Austin, but house prices and home values may vary significantly. Determining your budget according to your financial status and future income is the first and most important thing to do.
Community: Every community features a different atmosphere and lifestyle due to its history, population, natural environment, and business. Make a thorough investigation and take some time to experience the local life to determine which Austin neighborhoods fit you best.
Safety: Although Austin is an overall safe place to live in, a few Austin neighborhoods still have relatively high crime rates. Remember that when choosing the best neighborhoods in Austin, you must ensure a better environment for your family.
Conclusion on Best Neighborhoods in Austin
Austin is a good area to move in USA with its warm weather, thriving economy, and vibrant lifestyle. There are so many best neighborhoods in Austin to choose from. Remember always first figure out your priorities and take some time to experience the local life, and you will find the best places to stay in Austin TX.
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FAQs about Best Neighborhoods in Austin
What is the nicest neighborhood in Austin?
There are several nicest neighborhoods in Austin that excel in different aspects, making them stand out for various reasons:
Downtown Austin: This area is known for its live music activities, vibrant nightlife, historic attractions, and prosper economy.
Westlake Hills: Located just west of downtown, Westlake Hills is known for its upscale homes, excellent schools, and scenic views. It’s a great choice for families looking for a suburban feel close to the city.
Tarrytown: This neighborhood offers a mix of historic and modern homes with tree-lined streets and a strong sense of community. It’s conveniently located near downtown and has good schools and parks.
What is the richest part of Austin Texas?
The wealthiest areas in Austin typically include neighborhoods like Westlake Hills, Tarrytown, and Lake Austin. These neighborhoods are known for their upscale homes, high property values, and affluent residents. Westlake Hills, in particular, stands out for its luxurious estates and scenic views.
What is the safest area to live in Austin?
Safest Neighborhoods in Austin include Westlake Hills, Tarrytown, and Cedar Park. They are known for their safety and low crime rates. These areas offer a strong sense of community and often have active neighborhood watch programs.
What is the best suburb of Austin?
Round Rock is often considered one of the best Austin suburbs. It offers a family-friendly environment, good schools, and a range of amenities, including shopping and parks. Its proximity to Austin also makes it a convenient choice for commuters.
Is Austin Texas a good place to live?
Yes, Austin is often considered a great place to live due to its vibrant culture, strong job market, diverse communities, and abundant outdoor activities. It also boasts a relatively high quality of life and a lively music and arts scene.
Is Austin Texas safe?
Yes, Austin is generally considered safe, but like any city, safety can vary by neighborhood. It has a lower crime rate compared to many other major cities, but it’s always a good idea to stay informed about specific areas and take common-sense precautions.
How many people live in Austin Texas?
As of 2024, Austin, Texas has a population of approximately 1 million people. This number can fluctuate with new data and estimates, so checking the latest census or city statistics for the most current figure is always a good idea.
What are the best towns near Austin TX?
Some of the best towns near Austin include:
- Round Rock – Known for its family-friendly atmosphere and good schools.
- Cedar Park – Offers a suburban feel with ample amenities and parks.
- Dripping Springs – Renowned for its scenic beauty and proximity to outdoor activities.
What are the best cities near Austin TX?
Some of the best cities near Austin, TX, known for their quality of life, amenities, and proximity to Austin, include:
- Round Rock – Offers great schools, a family-friendly atmosphere, and a strong local economy.
- Cedar Park – Known for its parks, shopping, and community events.
- Georgetown – Features a charming historic downtown and a welcoming community.
