Popular Neighborhoods Around Austin

Austin’s diverse population and thriving economy makes it a great city for living. The city has so much to offer in entertainment, restaurants, and nightlife. There are plenty of places to live, and here are some neighborhoods that stand out as a few of the best.

Allandale

Allandale is a neighborhood located in the city of Austin, Texas. It is situated in the north-central part of the city, just north of the University of Texas at Austin campus. The boundaries of the neighborhood are generally considered to be Burnet Road to the east, Mopac Expressway to the west, North Shoal Creek to the north, and 45th Street to the south.

One of the things that make Allandale so unique is its beautiful parks, such as Northwest (NW) Park and Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest District Park. These green spaces offer a great place to relax and enjoy some time outdoors. You can jog, have a picnic, or take a leisurely stroll while enjoying the fresh air.

Barton Hills

Barton Hills is a neighborhood located in Austin, Texas, known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities. It is situated in the southwest part of the city, just south of the Barton Creek Greenbelt and west of Zilker Park. The neighborhood is primarily residential, with a mix of single-family homes and apartments.

One of the highlights of Barton Hills is its proximity to the Barton Creek Greenbelt, which offers miles of hiking and biking trails, swimming holes, and rock climbing opportunities. The neighborhood is also located just minutes from Zilker Park, which is home to popular Austin events such as the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the Zilker Kite Festival.

Barton Hills is a highly sought-after neighborhood due to its natural beauty, convenient location, and excellent schools. It is served by several public transportation options, including bus routes and the Capital MetroRail system.

Buda

Buda is a growing community known for its small-town charm and proximity to Austin. The city has a population of around 15,000 people and offers a mix of residential and commercial areas.

Buda’s historic downtown area features a number of locally owned shops and restaurants, as well as the famous antique mall, which draws visitors from across the region. The city also hosts a number of community events throughout the year, including the BudaFest and the Wiener Dog Races.

Buda is a popular choice for families and professionals looking for a more affordable cost of living than Austin while still being within easy commuting distance. The city is served by major highways which provide quick access to downtown Austin and other nearby cities.

Cedar Park

Cedar Park is a suburban neighborhood located in the northwest part of the greater Austin metropolitan area. The neighborhood is primarily residential, with a mix of single-family homes, apartments, and townhomes.

Cedar Park is known for its excellent schools, family-friendly atmosphere, and abundance of parks and outdoor recreational opportunities. The neighborhood is home to several parks, including Veterans Memorial Park, Brushy Creek Lake Park, and Elizabeth Milburn Park, which features a popular splash pad and pool complex.

Cherrywood

Cherrywood is a charming and eclectic neighborhood located in the heart of Austin, Texas, just east of the University of Texas at Austin. The neighborhood is known for its tree-lined streets, vintage homes, and community-oriented atmosphere.

Cherrywood is home to a mix of families, young professionals, and artists, and features a diverse array of locally owned shops, restaurants, and coffee houses. The neighborhood is also within walking distance of several parks, including Patterson Park and Cherrywood Green, which offer green space and playgrounds.

Downtown Austin

Downtown Austin is the central business and entertainment district of Austin, Texas, and is located just south of the University of Texas at Austin. The neighborhood is known for its lively atmosphere, abundance of restaurants and bars, and cultural landmarks.

Downtown Austin is home to the Texas State Capitol, the Paramount Theatre, and the Austin Convention Center, as well as several popular music venues, including the Moody Theater and Stubb’s Bar-B-Q. The neighborhood is also home to Lady Bird Lake, which offers kayaking, paddle boarding, and scenic walking and biking trails.

The neighborhood is well-connected to other parts of Austin, with easy access to major highways and public transportation options, including the MetroRail system and the Capital Metro bus service. Downtown Austin is also within short distance of several other popular neighborhoods, including South Congress and East Austin.

Dripping Springs

Dripping Springs is a neighborhood located in the scenic Texas Hill Country, about 25 miles west of Austin, Texas. The neighborhood is known for its natural beauty, outdoor recreational opportunities, and small-town charm.

Dripping Springs is primarily a residential area, with a mix of single-family homes and ranch properties. The neighborhood is surrounded by picturesque rolling hills, creeks, and streams, and is home to several parks, including Hamilton Pool Preserve and Pedernales Falls State Park, which offer swimming, hiking, and camping opportunities.

The neighborhood also features a historic downtown area, which offers a variety of locally owned shops, restaurants, and breweries, as well as a popular farmers market.

East Austin

East Austin is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood located just east of downtown Austin, Texas. The neighborhood is known for its unique culture, artistic community, and eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and music venues.

East Austin is home to several historic landmarks, including the Texas State Cemetery and the Huston-Tillotson University, a historically black university. The neighborhood is also known for its street art and murals, which can be found throughout the area.

The neighborhood features a mix of residential and commercial areas, with a variety of housing options, including renovated historic homes and modern apartment complexes. East Austin is also home to several popular food and drink establishments, including Franklin Barbecue, Veracruz All Natural, and East Side King.

The neighborhood is also home to several community events throughout the year, including the East Austin Studio Tour and the HONK! TX Festival.

Hyde Park

Hyde Park is a charming and historic neighborhood located just north of the University of Texas at Austin, in the heart of the city. The neighborhood is known for its classic architecture and sense of community.

Hyde Park is primarily a residential area, with a mix of historic homes, apartments, and townhomes. The neighborhood is also home to several local shops, restaurants, and coffee houses, as well as several parks, including Shipe Park and Hancock Golf Course.

The neighborhood’s central location makes it easily accessible to other parts of Austin, with major highways and public transportation options nearby. Hyde Park is also home to several community events throughout the year, including the Hyde Park Home Tour and the Hyde Park Jazz Festival.

Georgetown

Georgetown is a charming and historic neighborhood located just north of Austin, Texas. The neighborhood is known for its small-town feel, historic architecture, and abundant natural beauty.

Georgetown is a residential area with a blend of charming historic homes, modern developments, and peaceful retirement communities. There are plenty of outdoor activities to enjoy too, like hiking and biking in San Gabriel Park or water recreation at Blue Hole Park.

The neighborhood’s downtown area features several historic landmarks, including the Williamson County Courthouse, as well as locally owned shops, restaurants, and galleries. Georgetown is also known for its annual events, including the Red Poppy Festival and the Christmas Stroll.

Kyle

Kyle is a fast-growing neighborhood located in Hays County, just south of Austin, Texas. The neighborhood is known for its small-town charm, natural beauty, and affordable housing options.

Kyle is a residential area, featuring contemporary developments and historical homes. This idyllic neighborhood is graced by the with numerous parks, including Lake Kyle Park and Steeplechase Park, that present ample opportunities for outdoor recreation. Whether you’re interested in a morning jog or a serene stroll, Kyle’s parks offer something for everyone.

The neighborhood’s downtown area features several locally owned shops and restaurants, as well as several annual events, including the Kyle Pie in the Sky Hot Air Balloon Festival and the Kyle Founders Parade.

Mueller

Mueller is a modern and sustainable neighborhood located in east Austin, Texas. The neighborhood is known for its green spaces, innovative architecture, and community-centered design.

Mueller is primarily a residential area, with a mix of apartments, townhomes, and single-family homes. The neighborhood is designed with sustainability in mind, featuring green building practices, renewable energy sources, and a focus on walkability and public transportation.

The neighborhood’s town center features several locally owned shops and restaurants, as well as several community spaces, including a weekly farmers market and a children’s museum. There are numerous parks in the area, such as Mueller Lake Park and the Southwest Greenway.

North Loop

Located in the north-central area of Austin, Texas, North Loop is a neighborhood that is both trendy and eclectic. It is renowned for its variety of shops, restaurants, and music venues, as well as its welcoming community atmosphere and historic houses.

The neighborhood’s main commercial area is centered around North Loop Boulevard, which features several locally owned shops and restaurants, as well as several music venues, including the historic Hole in the Wall.

The neighborhood is home to several parks, including the beloved Brentwood Park, which features a tennis courts and playground.

Old Enfield

Old Enfield is a historic and upscale neighborhood located just west of downtown Austin, Texas. The neighborhood is known for its beautiful homes, tree-lined streets, and prime location.

Old Enfield is primarily a residential area, with a mix of historic mansions and newer developments. The neighborhood is designed with a focus on walkability and a strong sense of community, with several parks and green spaces, including Pease Park and West Austin Park.

The neighborhood’s central location offers convenient access to some of Austin’s most popular attractions, including the Texas State Capitol, the University of Texas at Austin, and Lady Bird Lake.

Old West Austin

Just west of downtown Austin, Texas, Old West Austin is a charming and historic neighborhood. Its tree-lined streets, vibrant culture, and stunning homes are well-known. Old West Austin is predominantly residential, featuring modern developments and historic residences. The neighborhood is designed to encourage walkability and foster a strong sense of community, with numerous green spaces and parks, such as the renowned Pease Park and Shoal Creek Greenbelt.

The neighborhood’s central location offers convenient access to some of Austin’s most popular attractions, including the Texas State Capitol, the University of Texas at Austin, and the Austin Museum of Art.

South Austin

South Austin is a diverse and eclectic neighborhood located south of the Colorado River in Austin, Texas. The neighborhood is known for its vibrant culture, unique shopping and dining experiences, and laid-back atmosphere.

South Austin consists mainly of residential areas that encompass a combination of older homes and contemporary developments. The primary commercial district of the neighborhood centers on South Congress Avenue, known for its various locally owned shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, such as the distinguished Continental Club, which features music and theater performances.

The neighborhood is also home to several parks and green spaces, including the popular Zilker Park, which features a natural spring-fed pool, botanical garden, and hiking trails.

Tarrytown

Tarrytown is a prestigious and historic neighborhood located just west of downtown Austin, Texas. The neighborhood is known for its upscale homes and prime location. The residential area of Tarrytown features historic homes and newer developments.

The neighborhood’s central location offers convenient access to some of Austin’s most known attractions, including the Texas State Capitol, the University of Texas at Austin, and Lady Bird Lake. The area also has several parks and green spaces, including the popular Tarrytown Park and Reed Park.

Wells Branch

Located in the north of Austin, Texas, Wells Branch is a family-friendly neighborhood with a reputation for its convenient location. It comprises of single-family homes and apartment complexes, thoughtfully designed to foster a sense of community and prioritize families. Several parks and green spaces, such as the Katherine Fleischer Park, which includes a community pool, sports fields, and a playground, make the neighborhood an ideal location for families.

The neighborhood is also home to several community amenities, including a community center, fitness center, and neighborhood events throughout the year, such as outdoor movies and holiday celebrations.

Westlake

Westlake is a prestigious and affluent neighborhood located just west of downtown Austin, Texas. The neighborhood is known for its luxurious homes, top-rated schools, and beautiful natural surroundings.

Westlake is primarily a residential area, with a mix of large estates, custom homes, and luxury apartments. The neighborhood is designed with a focus on privacy and exclusivity, with several gated communities and expansive properties surrounded by greenery and hills.

The neighborhood is also home to several top-rated schools, including Westlake High School, which is consistently ranked as one of the best high schools in the state of Texas. In addition, the neighborhood is surrounded by several parks and natural areas, including Barton Creek Greenbelt and Zilker Park.

Austin’s neighborhoods vary greatly from one to another. Some bear the marks of Austin being a young city, while others serve as reminders of its rich past. They’re all unique in their own ways, and there are plenty of spots to check out no matter where you might be staying. We hope that crossing one or two off your list will help make your Austin trip an unforgettable one.