Best Neighborhoods in Austin, Texas to Live In - Local Guide

Table of Contents

• Introduction: Best Neighborhoods in Austin TX
• 1. Downtown Neighborhood in Austin TX
• 2. Tarrytown Neighborhood in Austin TX
• 3. Zilker + Bouldin Creek Neighborhood in Austin TX
• 4. Westlake Neighborhood in Austin TX
• 5. Hyde Park Neighborhood in Austin TX
• How to Choose the Best Neighborhood in Austin TX for Your Lifestyle
• Austin TX Neighborhood Comparison
• Final Thoughts
• FAQs About Living in Austin TX Most Popular Neighborhoods

Introduction: Best Neighborhoods in Austin TX

If you are hunting for the best neighborhoods in Austin Texas, this guide walks you through five neighborhoods locals keep recommending. Each area has its own personality, price point, and reasons people pack up and move here. Whether you want high-rise energy, lakefront calm, artsy pockets, or old-school charm, the best neighborhoods in Austin Texas offer wildly different lifestyles within easy reach of downtown.

Below I break down what makes each neighborhood popular, what to expect from housing and schools, and the must-know parks, restaurants, and quirks that only a local would point out. If you want specifics like average sale price, typical housing stock, and top nearby amenities, you’ll find those here too.

1. Downtown Neighborhood in Austin TX

Downtown is one of the clear contenders for the title of the best neighborhoods in Austin Texas if you prioritize walkability, skyline views, and nonstop things to do. Average sale prices for the downtown footprint described here hover a little over $1,000,000, and the tradeoff is convenience: almost everything is within walking distance.

Geographically, think of downtown as roughly bounded by North Lamar to the west, Red River to the east, 11th Street (near the State Capitol) to the north, and Cesar Chavez to the south. This is essentially the Town Lake or Lady Bird Lake core — the urban heart of Austin.

Highlights: the Texas State Capitol sits right in the neighborhood and the skyline views are iconic. You can picnic on the Capitol lawn, take a guided tour, then loop over to the Town Lake Trail for a run or bike ride. Downtown also packs in comedy clubs, restaurants, and entertainment that keep the neighborhood lively on weekends.

Housing here is dominated by high-rise condos and apartments. Single-family homes are essentially non-existent inside the core boundaries, so if urban living and condo amenities appeal to you, downtown is a front-runner among the best neighborhoods in Austin Texas for city life.

FIND YOUR PERFECT HOME IN DOWNTOWN AUSTIN

2. Tarrytown Neighborhood in Austin TX

Tarrytown (average price point around $2.2 million) is a frequent pick among folks searching for the best neighborhoods in Austin Texas who want proximity to downtown without being in the center of the hustle. Picture leafy, hilly streets and a mix of charming bungalows and substantial mansions.

Boundaries: Lake Austin Boulevard to the south, 35th Street to the north, Mopac (Loop 1) to the east, and Lake Austin to the west. That lake adjacency defines the vibe: tranquil mornings, beautiful sunset drives, and easy access to waterfront parks.

Local perks include Mozart’s Coffee Roasters right on the lake, Laguna Gloria — a sprawling art property with peacocks and sculpture gardens — and the Westwood Tennis Club. Schools in the area are widely regarded as excellent; one neighborhood elementary has a reputation that makes Tarrytown aspirational for many families.

Terrain matters here. Tarrytown is hillier and tree-covered in a way that can feel more like Seattle or Portland than central Texas. If that Pacific Northwest aesthetic paired with lake life is part of your mental checklist for the best neighborhoods in Austin Texas, Tarrytown should be high on it.

FIND YOUR PERFECT HOME IN TARRYTOWN TX

3. Zilker + Bouldin Creek Neighborhood in Austin TX

Zilker and nearby Bouldin Creek make the shortlist for the best neighborhoods in Austin Texas because they combine big public spaces, eclectic local businesses, and a true South Austin feel. The typical home price here is roughly $1.7 million, but you’ll find a huge range: small 1940s bungalows to modern, multi-thousand-square-foot rebuilds.

Boundaries for this region roughly include Barton Springs Road to the south and the trails along Lady Bird Lake to the north and east. This area sits a stone’s throw from downtown, which means bike-commutes, walkable restaurants, and festival access are all part of life.

The anchor is Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed swimming hole that locals adore. Zilker Park is another major draw — think ACL Festival in fall, and neighborhood picnics and soccer games the rest of the year. The Town Lake Trail runs right by, offering easy hiking and biking loops.

Food and coffee options are plentiful: restaurants like Thai Fresh and Elizabeth Street Café live nearby, and small cafes create a neighborhood rhythm you won’t get in a purely residential suburb. For active people and anyone after laid-back South Austin character, Zilker and Bouldin Creek are consistent picks among the best neighborhoods in Austin Texas.

4. Westlake Neighborhood in Austin TX

If a high average sale price makes you think “exclusive,” Westlake fits that expectation. The average home price in Westlake sits around $3.7 million, making it one of the most expensive and sought-after neighborhoods. But Westlake’s appeal goes beyond price: excellent schools, sweeping hill country and lake views, and proximity to private clubs create a distinct lifestyle.

Location-wise, Westlake lives in the pocket west of Mopac and around Loop 360. The area is known for country-club access, with Austin Country Club and other private clubs nearby. Families who prioritize top-rated schools and outdoor vistas tend to place Westlake among the best neighborhoods in Austin Texas.

There’s a practical side too: the Villages of Westlake shopping center provides grocery, dining, and retail conveniences, and easy access to major arterials (Mopac, Loop 360) makes commutes straightforward. Despite the luxury homes, you’ll also find more modest houses in the $900k–$1.2M range if you search carefully.

A fun local tip: Westlake residents are fiercely protective of their breakfast tacos. Neighborhood staples like the Texas Honey Ham Company are beloved for a reason. For many buyers, Westlake’s combination of views, schools, and lifestyle earns it a spot on lists of the best neighborhoods in Austin Texas.

FIND YOUR PERFECT HOME IN WESTLAKE

5. Hyde Park Neighborhood in Austin TX

Hyde Park is an old Austin neighborhood with a creative, artsy vibe that puts it on many lists of the best neighborhoods in Austin Texas, especially for buyers who want character over cookie-cutter. Average home prices here are about $922,000, and the inventory tends to include older bungalows and small historic homes.

Rough boundaries: about 38th Street on the south up to 51st on the north, between Red River and Guadalupe. Hyde Park sits north of the University of Texas and attracts a mix of grad students, artists, musicians, longtime Austinites, and young families.

Local anchors include Shipe Park with its great seasonal pool, Julio’s for regular date nights, Quack Bakery, and small neighborhood staples like First Light Bookstore for browsing after dinner. There’s even a small 9-hole walking course at Hancock if you want quick golf without leaving town.

Hyde Park’s walkability, coffee shops, and small independent stores give it a community feel that’s hard to replicate. For buyers seeking an authentic Austin neighborhood with a creative streak, Hyde Park is one of the best neighborhoods in Austin Texas.

FIND YOUR PERFECT HOME IN HYDE PARK

How to Choose the Best Neighborhood in Austin TX for Your Lifestyle

Narrow your search by answering three quick questions:

• Do you want urban energy or quiet streets? Downtown and Zilker/Bouldin lean urban; Tarrytown, Westlake, and Hyde Park skew quieter.
• Is proximity to water important? Tarrytown and Westlake offer the strongest lake access, with Zilker/Bouldin right on Lady Bird Lake.
• Are schools a priority? Westlake and Tarrytown are top choices for families focused on schools.

Practical tips for house hunting in these neighborhoods:

1. Drive the neighborhood at different times of day to feel the rhythm—weekday mornings, weekend afternoons, and weeknight evenings.
2. Check school boundaries and take a tour if schools are a deciding factor.
3. For downtown or Zilker living, be prepared to look at condos and vertical living rather than single-family homes.
4. Expect price swings and bidding competition—these are among the most popular neighborhoods in Austin for a reason.

Austin TX Neighborhood Comparison

• Downtown: urban, condos, ~$1M, high walkability
• Tarrytown: lakefront, leafy, ~$2.2M, top schools
• Zilker & Bouldin Creek: parks and culture, ~$1.7M, diverse housing
• Westlake: luxury + schools + views, ~$3.7M, country club access
• Hyde Park: historic and eclectic, ~$922k, creative community

Final Thoughts

The search for the best neighborhoods in Austin Texas is deeply personal. If you want skyline views and nightlife, downtown delivers. If you want trees, lake access, and top schools, Tarrytown or Westlake are compelling. For parks, festivals, and that authentic South Austin flavor, Zilker and Bouldin Creek shine. And if historical character and neighborhood coffee shops matter, Hyde Park might be the right fit.

Whichever neighborhood you lean toward, spending time there—walking streets, trying local coffee shops, and talking to residents—will tell you more than any market report. These five areas consistently top local lists because they combine convenience, culture, and community in ways that feel distinctly Austin.

Ready to tour homes in these Austin neighborhoods? Call or text us at (512) 855-2713  to get started — we’ll answer questions, share listings, and schedule showings. Prefer to book online? Use our contact form: Schedule a consultation

FAQs About Living in Austin TX Most Popular Neighborhoods

Are these really the best neighborhoods in Austin Texas for families?

Many families choose Tarrytown and Westlake for their strong schools and family-oriented amenities. Hyde Park also appeals to families who want walkability and community. Zilker and downtown may be better for families who prioritize parks and urban access, respectively.

Which of these best neighborhoods in Austin Texas is the most affordable?

Hyde Park generally has the lowest average price among the five, but affordability varies widely depending on condition and lot. Downtown can offer more affordable condo options compared with single-family homes in Westlake or Tarrytown.

Is downtown a good fit for long-term residents?

Yes, downtown works well for people who want an urban lifestyle with restaurants, nightlife, and close-in parks. Most residents live in condos or apartments; if you prefer a yard or single-family home, one of the other neighborhoods may suit you better.

Which neighborhoods have the best outdoor access among the best neighborhoods in Austin Texas?

Zilker/Bouldin Creek and Tarrytown have immediate access to parks and Lady Bird Lake. Westlake has hill country views and private club amenities. Downtown is close to the Town Lake Trail and Barton Springs as well.

How competitive is the market in these neighborhoods?

Very competitive. These are popular neighborhoods with limited inventory. Be prepared for multiple-offer scenarios, and work with a local agent who knows the market rhythm and can advise on inspection and contingency strategies.

Can I find a fixer-upper in any of the best neighborhoods in Austin Texas?

Yes. Hyde Park and Zilker/Bouldin Creek are more likely to have older bungalows and remodel opportunities. Tarrytown occasionally has tear-downs on larger lots. Westlake and downtown typically offer fewer fixer-uppers because inventory skews toward renovated homes and luxury construction.

READ MORE: Pros and Cons of Living in Austin TX: What to Know Before You Move