The Best Neighborhoods in Austin - 2023 Guide (2024)

A nirvana for tech start-ups, a mecca for live music fans, and a bucket-list destination for anyone seeking some of the best barbecue in the world.

Austin has been adding quite a bit to its impressive resume.

Ranking as one of the best cities to live in the U.S. for three consecutive years, the capital of Texas is jam-packed with boundary-pushing tech innovation, exotic recreational activity, and a food scene that makes endless headlines.

Undoubtedly, Austin is one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S., making it a firm favorite for many aspiring homeowners choosing where to lay roots. Rest assured that you can’t go wrong with Austin, but how do you decide which is the best neighborhood to move to?

Whether you’re dreaming of visiting Austin or decided to pack your bags and buy a home in the "Live Music Capital of the World," the team at Prevu Real Estate has put together a guide to help you discover some of the best neighborhoods in Austin, Texas.

Best Neighborhoods in Austin

• Tarrytown
• Downtown Austin
• East Austin
• Travis Heights
• Mueller
• Barton Hills
• Bouldin Creek
• Zilker
• Rosedale
• South Lamar

Tarrytown

Austin has its fair share of skyscrapers and bustling streets. But homebuyers who look closely will find areas far enough from the action yet high on the list of coveted neighborhoods.

Ask any local where some of the most desirable real estate is located, and Tarrytown will surely come up. The cherished motto of Tarrytown, "where oak trees charm the eye," is as relevant today as it was in 1934 when the town adopted its name after an upstate village in New York.

Beneath the canopy of oak leaves and well-kept streets, buyers can find some of the most sought-after homes in Austin. The rustic beauty and tranquility, along with a 9-minute drive to Downtown Austin, is part of what justifies the expensive price tags.

And access to Lake Austin, Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve, and the Lions Municipal Golf Course caters to outdoor lovers.

There are plenty of homegrown mom-and-pop shops as well. Cookies Del Mundo offers custom-made cookies to order while the Tarrytown Pharmacy, which was established in 1941, still caters to residents.

Visitors will have to trek down to Exposition Avenue for Tarrytown’s select bars and restaurants.

For a more extensive selection, you’ll have to explore deeper into Austin.

Browse homes for sale in Tarrytown

Downtown Austin

The proud heartbeat of metropolitan Austin, Downtown Austin provides all the perks of city-living with a unique Texas flair.

Downtown Austin should be considered even by residents wary of the hustle and bustle. Quaint, tree-lined avenues are woven into the city’s action-packed streets, offering many specialty cafes to settle in and pop the laptop open.

The excitement of Austin’s growing start-up and tech scene permeates the buoyant atmosphere of the city and goes hand-in-hand with Austin’s rapid development. But even as towering cranes add to the Downtown’s skyline almost daily, the city offers plenty of ways to find rest and relaxation.

Like other Austin neighborhoods, Downtown Austin loves to showcase community vibes. The famed "Dirty 6th" street is an exposition of local legendary bars such as The Jackalope and Dirty Bill’s.

There is no shortage of things to do in Downtown Austin either. As the sprawling Congress Avenue unveils the iconic Texas State Capitol, so does the rest of Downtown unveil a jam-packed entertainment scene. From Paramount Theater to the 16,540-seat Erwin Events Center, live music and sporting events are a stone’s throw away.

Homebuyer’s eyeing a place to call home in the heart of Austin will likely visit a few condos, as much of Downtown Austin’s real estate features luxury high-rises, complete with balconies and amenities. Single-family homes are harder to find, but a determined buyer may find success.

Browse homes for sale in Downtown Austin

East Austin

Top-notch entertainment, a never-ending bar crawl, and a neighborhood rich in history are some things future East Austin residents can look forward to.

East Austin undoubtedly leads the way as one of the liveliest areas in the city. People from all over Texas trek to East Austin to visit the famous Franklin’s Barbecue on East 11th Street. And the East Cesar Chavez area to the south hosts trendy watering holes such as High Noon and Drinks Lounge & Records.

The 2.9-mile Tejano Walking Trail leads through East Cesar Chavez and showcases the rich Hispanic influence on the area and its culture.

To the Southwest is the Rainey Street Historic District, where the once-popularized 20th-century bungalow-style homes now host some of the most sought-after bars and restaurants in the area.

Residents who choose East Austin will have their weekends and weeknights full of activities, as there are countless bars and restaurants to choose from daily. And as new construction blooms and blends with historic housing styles, East Austin is quickly becoming one of the most coveted neighborhoods in Austin.

Browse homes for sale in East Austin

Mueller

A pioneer in sustainable urban living, Mueller opened up to residents in 2007.

Envisioned as a planned community, Mueller virtually has it all. Mueller meticulously planned living options for almost every taste, from modern condos with luxury amenities to simple cottages to two-story estates.

Though expansive in size, Mueller immediately stands out for its tight-knit community feel. Its green spaces, such as John Gaines Park and Ella Wooten Park, are gathering spots for neighbors looking to enjoy the community pool or a game of bocce. And the 30-acre Mueller Lake Park offers ample picnic space and leisurely trails to enjoy.

Almost everything in Mueller was designed to be accessible, so reliance on cars and public transportation is minimal. This also helps foster community, as many residents trek through the streets to reach the local farmer’s market, enjoy a cup of coffee at Halcyon, or check out a flick at the Alamo Drafthouse.

Though as polished as a high-end planned community might be, Mueller has a unique charm, and a long list of aspiring homebuyers are looking to snag something in the neighborhood.

Browse homes for sale in Mueller

Travis Heights

If you’re wondering where in Austin everyone wants to live, Travis Heights will usually take the spotlight.

Nudging the Colorado River to the north, Travis Heights carries the exclusive "78704" zipcode and has become one of Austin's most sought-after residential areas.

But residential is a misleading word. Though the neighborhood has plenty of greenery and a low-key vibe, there is no shortage of dining and shopping. Plus, Downtown Austin is just a 10-minute drive away.

While Austin’s nucleus of action is just across the river from Travis Heights, the lush streets exude calmness without sacrificing the quirks and local shops that give much of Austin its character.

South Congress Avenue runs along the entire western part of Travis Heights and is dotted with coffee shops, farm-to-table restaurants, and chic bars and eateries.

The Austin Boardwalk is the local recreational gem. Running along the coast of Lady Bird Lake, the boardwalk merges into the popular Hike-and-Bike trail, completing a 10-mile trail with scenic views of the water and nearby skylines of East Cesar Chavez and Downtown Austin.

The cherry on top is the selection of real estate. Some of Austin’s most charming housing stock is found in Travis Heights, with several Craftsman, Tudor Revival, and Mid-century Modern homes on display.

Browse homes for sale in Travis Heights

Barton Hills

Another part of the coveted "78704", Barton Hills blends nature into its fold unlike any other neighborhood in Austin.

For residents of most cities, plans involving natural pools and picturesque hikes usually mean heavy packing and multiple hours of driving. But, for residents of Barton Hills, Austin, you’ll have all of that in your backyard.

The stunning sprawl of natural beauty covers a vast swath of this coveted neighborhood in southern Austin. The centerpiece of that beauty is Zilker Metropolitan Park. The majestic 351-acre expanse features the famous Barton Springs, a swimming destination for thousands of visitors annually, and a 31-acre botanical garden with ponds, bridges, and walkways.

The southern half of Barton Hills features a portion of the massive Barton Creek Wilderness Park. Through it, Barton Hill residents enjoy access to the Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail, which offers over 12 miles of hiking, waterfalls, and unparalleled outdoor recreation.

This access to the great outdoors goes hand in hand with neighborhood essentials. Barton Hills has no shortage of vibrant eateries and bars. Many of Austin’s top taquerias are located here, including Tacodeli and Matt’s El Rancho.

Browse homes for sale in Barton Hills

Bouldin Creek

Yet another member of the "78704" club, Bouldin Creek uses its gleaming waterfront along the Colorado River to make it one of the best neighborhoods in Austin.

Bouldin Creek’s exclusive zip code means its residents have easy access to Zilker Metropolitan Park and the Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail like their neighbors in Barton Hill. But the exclusivity also gives way to Austin’s signature quirkiness, showcased best by the home-grown businesses strewn throughout.

The street to visit is South 1st Street, which runs down the middle of Bouldin Creek. Start the tour from the southernmost part of the neighborhood, and you’ll come across the famed "Greetings from Austin" mural as you head north.

Keep going, and you’ll pass by local favorites such as Manoli’s homemade ice cream shop, Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop, and Bouldin Creek Cafe, which features an extensive vegan menu. As you head further north, the waters of the Colorado River will become visible, and the famed Austin skyline will come into view.

If you make it far enough to see Butler Metro Park, you’ll probably have seen enough of what makes Bouldin Creek one of the most coveted neighborhoods in Austin.

Browse homes for sale in Bouldin Creek

Zilker

Rounding out the list of the most coveted neighborhoods of the "78704," Zilker is Austin’s entertainment and big-event mecca.

Though all surrounding neighborhoods can technically access the famed Zilker Park, Zilker claims not only the namesake but also the closest proximity to it. That means Zilker’s residents won’t have to travel far to enjoy the renowned South by Southwest music festival, the Austin City Limits festival, and the popular Holiday Lights Trail festival.

Life in Zilker is about enjoying its top-chef restaurants and trendy co*cktail bars. There is no shortage of activity in the bustling neighborhood-by-the-river. Yet, its tranquil pockets of greenery and outdoor recreation create the perfect blend of desirable city action and laid-back suburban chill.

Zilker also has plenty to offer for aspiring homebuyers. A grand selection of contemporary mansions and charming bungalows carry hefty price tags, but they are some of the most alluring real estate available in the Lone Star State.

Browse homes for sale in Zilker

Rosedale

In the northern reaches of Austin, Rosedale exemplifies some of the city’s most tranquil living opportunities.

One of the oldest neighborhoods in Austin, Rosedale keeps things down to earth while offering its residents everything they might need out of a top-ranked neighborhood.

The Ramsey Neighborhood Park is aptly named as it is the neighborhood's centerpiece and gives residents access to an outdoor swimming pool, sports fields, and leafy patches for summer picnics.

Though unassuming at first glance, Rosedale doesn’t mince prices regarding its real estate. Luxurious estates and tried Colonials and Craftsman homes all demand a pretty penny, but the tranquility and relaxed vibe of the neighborhood might justify the price for homeowners seeking peace and quiet with quick access to the city.

Rosedale doesn’t skimp out on solid food and drink options either. The highly-rated Draught House Pub & Brewery offers an extensive list of craft beers, some made in-house. And for those seeking fine dining, Uchiko delivers a first-class menu of Japanese classics.

Browse homes for sale in Rosedale

South Lamar

Also known as SoLa, South Lamar is where you’ll find the traditional cowboy boot and honky tonk flavors that so many around the country think of when they hear the word Texas.

As it treasures some of the best Tex-Mex spots and old-school bars in the city, South Lamar also enjoys a slightly more affordable housing stock than its northern neighbors, such as Zilker and Barton Hill, even though it shares the 78704 zip code.

Yet there are no shortages of million-dollar Craftsmans and Bungalow-style homes dotting the leafy cul-de-sacs of South Lamar.

The neighborhood is home to the famous Broken Spoke, which opened in 1964 and to this day delivers some of the area’s top local country performers and beer in a saloon-style setting. You’ll find it on South Lamar Boulevard, which is the neighborhood’s main thoroughfare. A quick drive up and down the boulevard will see plenty of shopping and dining options.

Browse homes for sale in South Lamar

Interested in buying a home in Austin? Browse listings and see how much you can save with Prevu's Smart Buyer Rebate.