The search for the top neighborhoods in Austin can feel like trying to pick a favorite flavor at an ice cream shop—there are so many good options, and each one brings something different to the table. This guide breaks down ten great family-friendly neighborhoods around Austin so you can compare schools, vibe, outdoor access, amenities, and typical home prices all in one place.
If your goal is to find a safe street, strong schools, and places where kids can bike, hike, and make neighborhood friends, this roundup highlights the top neighborhoods in Austin that consistently deliver in those areas. I’ll share what makes each neighborhood family friendly, who the local schools serve, and what you can expect to pay.
Think of this as a neighborhood map you can read with a cup of coffee: practical, honest, and straight to the point. Ready to explore the top neighborhoods in Austin that families love? Let’s go.
Table of Contents
- How to Use This List
- 1. Westlake Hills
- 2. Barton Creek
- 3. Tarrytown
- 4. Rough Hollow (Lakeway)
- 5. Circle C Ranch
- 6. Steiner Ranch
- 7. Belterra
- 8. Avery Ranch
- 9. Falcon Pointe (in Pflugerville)
- 10. Commons at Rowe Lane (near Pflugerville)
- Practical Tips for Choosing Among the Top Neighborhoods in Austin
- Quick Comparison Table
- FAQs About the Top Neighborhoods in Austin
How to Use This List
Each neighborhood section covers four quick things: location, schools, family-friendly features, and typical home prices. Included are short resident quotes and photos to give you a visual sense of each place. Use the price ranges and school district notes to narrow down your search quickly.
If you prefer lake life, look for communities near Lake Travis. Want top-rated academics? The Westlake, Lake Travis, and Leander areas are good bets. Want more affordability while keeping strong schools and amenities? The neighborhoods in the northern suburbs offer compelling value.
1. Westlake Hills
Location: Just west of downtown Austin, perched in the hills with sweeping city and hill country views.
Schools: Zoned to Eanes Independent School District (Eanes ISD), which regularly ranks among the top districts in Texas. Strong academics, athletics, and excellent college matriculation rates.
Family-friendly features:
- Large luxury homes on spacious lots
- Close proximity to Zilker Park, Barton Springs, and downtown amenities
- A strong neighborhood community and safe streets for kids
Typical home price: About $1.5 million on average. High-end properties can push well into several millions.
Living in Westlake Hills feels like the best of both worlds. Close to the energy of downtown Austin, but tucked away in a peaceful hill country setting. The schools here are amazing, and there's a strong sense of community among families.
2. Barton Creek
Location: A bit more off the beaten path west of Austin, famous for its rolling terrain and private country club lifestyle.
Schools: Zoned to Austin ISD. School ratings vary by campus, but many families report excellent school experiences depending on the exact zoning.
Family-friendly features:
- Barton Creek Greenbelt: swimming, hiking, and mountain biking right in your backyard
- Large lots and upscale homes with a focus on privacy and nature
- Aspirational country-club lifestyle for families who want resort amenities nearby
Typical home price: Around $1.25 million on average, with a wide range from about $1 million to several million.
We love the privacy and outdoor opportunities Barton Creek offers. You're surrounded by nature, yet just a short drive from downtown. It's a great place for kids who enjoy hiking and exploring.
3. Tarrytown
Location: Immediately west of downtown, often considered central Austin. Not far from the river and city hotspots.
Schools: Zoned to Austin ISD. Tarrytown has a highly rated elementary school (Casis Elementary) and feeds into strong middle and high schools depending on zoning.
Family-friendly features:
- Historic, tree shaded streets and rolling hills
- Walkability to parks and easy bike routes to downtown
- A neighborhood that feels like a quieter urban village—many families choose private school, others stay public
Typical home price: Around $1.1 million average. Price per square foot is high compared with Westlake because lots are smaller and highly desirable.
Tarrytown is charming and full of history. The streets are shaded with beautiful old trees and we can walk to parks or take a quick bike ride downtown. It's ideal for families who want a slower pace but still be in the city.
4. Rough Hollow (Lakeway)
Location: About 25 miles west of Austin on the shores of Lake Travis, inside the suburb of Lakeway.
Schools: Zoned to Lake Travis ISD, a district consistently ranked among the best in Central Texas.
Family-friendly features:
- Resort-style community amenities: multiple pools, lazy river, marina with a restaurant, yacht club
- Extensive new construction options and a safe, welcoming community
- Events and year-round activities geared toward families
Typical home price: About $875,000 on average. You can find sizable four- to six-bedroom homes around this price point.
It's kind of crazy. It's like living in a vacation resort year round. We love the lake access and all the community events. The neighbors are friendly and the schools are fantastic.
5. Circle C Ranch
Location: Southwest Austin, near Mopac and on the way toward Driftwood.
Schools: Zoned to Austin ISD. Schools and neighborhood programs are highly involved and supportive of students.
Family-friendly features:
- Classic master planned neighborhood with parks, pools, and trails
- Strong trail network and bike lanes that promote active family life
- Designed for families: playgrounds, community centers, and frequent neighborhood events
Typical home price: Around $725,000 average.
Circle C is perfect for raising a family. There are always kids playing outside and the neighborhood amenities are excellent. Plus, the schools here really care about the students.
6. Steiner Ranch
Location: Northwest Austin near Lake Travis with a distinct community identity and lots of outdoor access.
Schools: Zoned to Leander ISD, which is regularly ranked among the top five school districts in Central Texas.
Family-friendly features:
- Strong community emphasis with lake access, hiking trails, and family events
- Neighborhood feel similar to Rough Hollow with slightly different pricing and schools
- Excellent for families who prioritize outdoor weekend activities
Typical home price: About $580,000 average.
We moved here for the schools and stayed for the community. Everyone looks out for one another and the access to the lake and trails makes weekends really fun.
7. Belterra — one of the top neighborhoods in Austin for a small-town feel
Location: South-southwest of Austin off Highway 290, heading toward Dripping Springs.
Schools: Zoned to Dripping Springs ISD, another district frequently ranked at the top in Central Texas.
Family-friendly features:
- Multiple pools, parks, and trails with a real small-town community vibe
- Family-focused programming and lots of outdoor activities nearby
- Hilly landscapes and scenic views that make the community feel unique
Typical home price: Around $575,000 average.
Belterra feels like its own little town. There are tons of activities for families, and the community is super welcoming. The schools are fantastic, and the homes have plenty of space for growing families.
8. Avery Ranch
Location: North-northwest Austin, near Cedar Park—close to the action but tucked into a quieter suburban setting.
Schools: Depending on your section, Avery Ranch is served by Round Rock ISD or Leander ISD—both consistently ranked highly in Central Texas.
Family-friendly features:
- Golf courses, parks, and plentiful outdoor activity options
- Strong community events and bustling parks and pools in summer
- Great for families who want quick access to Cedar Park amenities
Typical home price: About $600,000 average.
It's a great place for families and there are so many community events and the parks and pools are always bustling with kids. We also love how safe it feels here.
9. Falcon Pointe (in Pflugerville)
Location: Pflugerville, northeast of Austin near I-35—the first major suburb heading north out of the city.
Schools: Pflugerville ISD schools can be a mixed bag, but there are standout campuses that perform very well. Smart zoning choices matter here.
Family-friendly features:
- Great value on homes with parks, pools, and trails similar to pricier neighborhoods
- A surprisingly vibrant community with local favorites like neighborhood coffee shops
- Strong neighborly feel and lots of kid-friendly programming
Typical home price: Around $425,000 average.
We were drawn to Falcon Pointe for the affordability, but we stayed for the sense of community. Neighbors really care about each other and there are so many activities for kids.
10. Commons at Rowe Lane (near Pflugerville)
Location: Northeast Austin, close to Pflugerville with convenient access to central Austin and northern suburbs.
Schools: Zoned to Pflugerville ISD. This neighborhood offers access to some of the better-rated campuses within that district.
Family-friendly features:
- Very affordable while still offering parks, trails, and a community pool
- Perfect mix for first-time home buyers with families who want strong value
- Peaceful streets while remaining close to necessary amenities
Typical home price: About $385,000 average.
It's peaceful, but still close to everything we need. The neighborhood feels safe, and the schools are great. It's a fantastic spot for first-time home buyers with families.
Practical Tips for Choosing Among the Top Neighborhoods in Austin
When comparing the top neighborhoods in Austin, keep these practical decision points in mind:
- School zoning matters: Look up exact school attendance boundaries. Two blocks can make a big difference.
- Commute vs lifestyle: Decide how important downtown proximity is versus yard space and quiet streets.
- Resale and neighborhood development: Master-planned communities often maintain strong resale value because of built-in amenities.
- Future needs: Think about where you’ll be in five to ten years—bigger backyard, closer schools, or shorter commute?
Quick Comparison Table (at a glance)
Here are the highlights for quick scanning. Use these as jumping off points for deeper research into districts and homes you like.
- Westlake Hills: Best schools (Eanes ISD), luxury homes, ~ $1.5M
- Barton Creek: Nature and country club lifestyle, Austin ISD, ~ $1.25M
- Tarrytown: Charming, central, Austin ISD, ~ $1.1M
- Rough Hollow: Resort amenities and lake access, Lake Travis ISD, ~ $875K
- Circle C Ranch: Master planned, parks and trails, Austin ISD, ~ $725K
- Steiner Ranch: Community and lake access, Leander ISD, ~ $580K
- Belterra: Small-town feel, Dripping Springs ISD, ~ $575K
- Avery Ranch: Golf and parks, Round Rock or Leander ISD, ~ $600K
- Falcon Pointe: Affordability and community, Pflugerville ISD, ~ $425K
- Commons at Rowe Lane: Best for first-time buyers, Pflugerville ISD, ~ $385K
VIEW HOMES FOR SALE IN AUSTIN, TX
FAQs About the Top Neighborhoods in Austin
What school districts are mentioned in this neighborhood roundup?
Eanes ISD, Austin ISD, Lake Travis ISD, Leander ISD, Dripping Springs ISD, Round Rock ISD, and Pflugerville ISD are all referenced. Each district has different strengths, so review specific campus ratings and attendance zones before deciding.
How much should I budget for a family home in these areas?
Typical price points range from about $385,000 in the most affordable pick to $1.5 million and up in premium neighborhoods. Expect luxury pockets to exceed those averages significantly.
Which neighborhoods offer lake access?
Rough Hollow and Steiner Ranch both provide strong Lake Travis access, with marina and lake amenities available. Belterra and parts of the western suburbs sit within easy driving distance of natural water and outdoor recreation.
Are there good master-planned options?
Yes. Circle C Ranch, Rough Hollow, Belterra, and parts of Avery Ranch are classic master-planned communities with pools, trails, and ongoing neighborhood events that are great for families.
Can I find highly rated schools at lower price points?
Yes. Leander ISD and Round Rock ISD include neighborhoods like Steiner Ranch and Avery Ranch, where the average home price is lower than the Westlake or Barton Creek areas while still offering strong academics.
What’s the best way to choose between similar neighborhoods?
Make a short list and spend time in each neighborhood during different times of day. Visit parks, check the drive to work and schools, and talk to neighbors. That firsthand experience often reveals which community matches your family’s lifestyle.
Picking a neighborhood is about tradeoffs. If top-tier schools and sweeping views are a must, Westlake or Barton Creek might be the right fit. If you want lake access and resort-style living without the extreme price tag, Rough Hollow or Steiner Ranch are excellent alternatives. For families on a budget who still want great schools and community amenities, Pflugerville and the Commons at Rowe Lane deserve a close look.
Use the comparison above to narrow your list to two or three neighborhoods, then spend a weekend driving around, visiting parks, and checking out routes to schools and grocery stores. Neighborhood feel and commute rhythm often tell you more than online scores.
