7 of the Best Neighborhoods & Communities in Austin

Austin is a pretty great place to call home. You don’t just have to take our word for it: Texas’s capital city has been consistently ranked as one of the top ten cities in the US to live in. With its laid-back vibe, massive parks, lively music scene and mild and sunny weather, Austin is an easy choice to make if you are considering relocating. It also boasts excellent educational institutions, making it ideal for families with children.   

If you are looking to make the move, here’s a look at some of the nicest neighborhoods in and around Austin, TX. 

1. Lake Travis 

Located northwest of downtown Austin, Lake Travis boasts a stellar location. Here, you find the perfect balance between nature, outdoor recreation, and community. With the scenic lake as your backyard, you can go sailing, fishing, and more. There are also nearby parks where you can enjoy hiking and biking. The area is also known for its upscale homes, whether it is a lakefront retreat or a modern suburban home. This is a great neighborhood for those looking to live away from the hustle and bustle of city life while enjoying easy access to central Austin. If you ask us, it’s the top community in the Austin area!  

2. Hyde Park  

Hyde Park neighborhood is a culturally significant area with interesting bungalows, heritage buildings, and museums such as the Elisabet Ney Museum. Lying just north of the University of Texas, this quaint locale boasts two historical districts. The family-friendly community is also close to Shipe Park, a golf course, and highly-ranked schools. With its Tudor Revival and Victorian architecture, this is the place to look for a home if you would like to live among the history and culture of Texas. However, it’s not the best option if you are looking for larger homes with modern construction.  

3. East Austin  

Diverse and buzzing with restaurants and bars, East Austin is a fun place to live. The neighborhood is a ten-minute drive from the international airport and downtown Austin, adding to its popularity. This is an area where you can get the best of both worlds– city life but also have access to nearby parks and trails. East Austin is also considered to be more affordable compared to other parts of town, making it a hit with young people. If you’re looking for a quieter community, it might not be the best choice for you.  

4. Tarrytown  

Tarrytown, with its historic charm, convenient location, and access to scenic outdoor locations, is a lovely neighborhood. Its oak-lined streets contain beautiful, restored homes from the 1930s and 40s as well as contemporary townhouses and condos. The area is close to downtown Austin while being right next to Lake Austin and the Colorado River. Tarrytown is also a smaller suburb when compared to the other neighborhoods mentioned, making the local community tight knit as well as welcoming. 

5. Mueller Neighborhood 

Mueller is located east of Austin, about three miles from downtown. This neighborhood is a sustainable, master-planned community on what was once a municipal airport. The thoughtfully designed area is walkable, has plenty of green spaces, and is known for its eco-friendly homes. It also offers access to highly-ranked schools and local stores. As a bonus, it is affordable and has a very active local community that aims to strengthen ties between the people living in the neighborhood. 

6. Barton Hills 

If spending time in the great outdoors is your thing, then you cannot go wrong with Barton Hills. It boasts amazing outdoor spaces, including Zilker Park and the Barton Creek Greenbelt, where you can hike, bike, swim, and more. This primarily residential area has a variety of homes, from the mid-century modern houses of the 1940s to contemporary designs. The area also has cute coffee shops and stores and you can also easily access downtown Austin in under 15 minutes. 

7. West Oak Hill 

West Oak Hill is part of the suburban neighborhood of Oak Hill in southwestern Austin. The sprawling area of Oak Hill is split into East and West Oak Hill and offers parks, malls, and recreational centers. West Oak Hill is larger and allows easy access to the Barton Creek Habitat Preserve. The houses and condos here are spacious, and the area is particularly popular with families with children due to the well-rated schools in the vicinity. 

Depending on your budget, lifestyle, and interests, you may have a different perspective on which of these are the nicest neighborhoods in and around Austin, TX. If waterfront views, a well-designed home, and a great balance of nature and city comforts are what you’re looking for, then Lake Travis should be your first choice. If you want to explore building your dream home at Lake Travis, get in touch today!