Austin Neighborhoods: Newcomer Guide

Looking to move to Austin? Here’s what you need to know:

• Austin is booming, with 158 people moving here daily
• The city offers diverse neighborhoods for every lifestyle and budget
• Rent ranges from $1,300 in South Austin to $2,300 Downtown

Key areas to consider:

1. Downtown: Urban living, nightlife, higher prices
2. South Austin: Eclectic vibe, more affordable
3. East Austin: Up-and-coming, trendy
4. North Austin: Family-friendly, tech hub
5. West Austin: Natural beauty, luxury homes

When choosing your neighborhood, think about:

• Proximity to work
• Local amenities
• Lifestyle fit
• Budget

Need help finding the perfect spot? Taco Street Locating offers free apartment hunting services to help you navigate Austin’s neighborhoods.

Ready to find your new home in the Lone Star State’s capital? Let’s dive into the details of Austin’s diverse neighborhoods.

How Austin is Laid Out

Austin’s layout can be tricky for newcomers. But don’t worry – we’ll break it down for you. Let’s dive into the main areas, key landmarks, roads, and popular spots that make Austin unique.

Main Areas of Austin

Austin is split into five main regions:

1. Central Austin

This is the heart of the city. It runs from Lady Bird Lake up to Highway 183. You’ll find downtown Austin and the University of Texas campus here. It’s buzzing with energy, packed with cool restaurants, and – you guessed it – comes with higher price tags.

2. South Austin

Everything south of Lady Bird Lake, sandwiched between Mopac and I-35. It’s got two parts: the hip 78704 area and the more wallet-friendly neighborhoods south of Highway 290.

3. East Austin

East of I-35, this area is booming. It’s giving South Austin a run for its money in the coolness department, but still offers some more affordable options.

4. North Austin

Starts at Highway 183 and stretches into nearby cities like Pflugerville and Round Rock. If you’re looking for older homes and better deals, this is your spot.

5. West Austin

Everything west of Mopac, all the way to Lake Travis. Think natural beauty, bigger properties, and fancier real estate.

Key Landmarks

Need help finding your way? Look for these:

• Lady Bird Lake: The city’s heart, splitting downtown from South Austin
• University of Texas campus: A big landmark in Central Austin
• State Capitol: Right in downtown, perfect for getting your bearings
• Zilker Park: A massive 350-acre park in South Austin, home to tons of events

Main Roads

Austin’s roads can be a headache. Here are the big ones to know:

• I-35: The main north-south highway on the east side
• Mopac (Loop 1): Another key north-south route on the west side
• Highway 183: A crucial east-west connector in North Austin
• Highway 290: Comes in from the west, then turns north along I-35

Popular Spots

Here’s a quick tour of some Austin hotspots:

• South Congress (SoCo): Quirky shops, great food, and that famous “I Love You So Much” mural
• Zilker: Home to Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool – perfect if you love the outdoors
• Hyde Park: A historic area with cute bungalows and a tight community vibe
• Mueller: A planned community where the old airport used to be, known for modern design and eco-friendly focus
• The Domain: A mixed-use development up north, often called Austin’s “second downtown”

Getting to know Austin’s layout is key for newcomers. It might seem overwhelming at first, but you’ll soon see that each area has its own flavor. That’s what makes Austin so diverse and vibrant. Whether you’re into the hustle and bustle of downtown or the chill vibes of South Austin, you’ll find your perfect spot in this dynamic city.

Main Neighborhoods

Austin’s got a neighborhood for everyone. Let’s dive into the main areas you should know about:

Downtown Austin

This is where the city’s heart beats. It’s perfect if you love the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Picture this: You’re living in a high-rise with views of Lady Bird Lake and the Texas State Capitol. Sounds nice, right?

But it comes at a price. Most folks here earn between $80,000 and $100,000 a year. And rent? Expect to shell out $2,000 to $3,000 a month for a one-bedroom apartment.

What’s cool about downtown?

• Sixth Street: It’s party central. Live music, bars, the works.
• 2nd Street District: Fancy shops and restaurants galore.
• Rainey Street: Old houses turned into hip bars. It’s unique.

“Downtown’s the face of Austin. It’s where Texas politics happens and where the music never stops. Just look at the clubs on Red River and Sixth Street.”

South Austin

South Austin is where Austin keeps it weird. It’s a mix of everything – perfect for families, young pros, and artsy types.

Some spots to check out:

• South Congress (SoCo): Quirky shops and iconic food spots.
• Zilker: Home to the famous Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool.
• Bouldin Creek: Think charming old houses on tree-lined streets.

It’s cheaper than downtown. You can snag a one-bedroom for $1,088 to $1,500 a month.

“SoCo is prime real estate. It’s hip, it’s eccentric, and those colorful bungalows on the side streets? To die for. But they’re not cheap.”

East Austin

East Austin used to be off the radar. Now? It’s the place to be. It’s where old Austin charm meets new Austin cool.

What’s hot in East Austin?

• East Cesar Chavez: Food trucks, art galleries, community gardens.
• Holly: Great for families.
• East 6th Street: Craft beer heaven.

Rent’s not too bad. A one-bedroom will set you back about $1,645 a month.

North Austin

North Austin is family central. It’s also where the tech crowd hangs out. Good schools, big employers nearby – what’s not to like?

Check out:

• The Domain: They call it Austin’s “second downtown.”
• Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park: 293 acres of outdoor fun.
• Tech corridor: Big names like Dell and IBM call it home.

Rent’s pretty reasonable. You can find a one-bedroom for around $1,172 a month.

“Young pros with kids or looking to start a family? THIS is your spot.” – A happy Crestview resident

Picking your Austin neighborhood? Think about what matters to you. Your lifestyle, your budget, your commute. Each area’s got its own Austin flavor.

Need help finding the perfect spot? Taco Street Locating offers free apartment hunting services. They know Austin inside out and can help you find your dream pad.

Finding Your Best Fit

Let’s explore how to find your perfect Austin neighborhood based on your lifestyle and needs.

For Working Professionals

If you’re career-focused, consider these options:

Downtown Austin: The heart of the action. Great for urban energy lovers with easy access to major employers and nightlife. But it’s pricey – most residents earn $80,000-$100,000 annually, and one-bedroom apartments cost $2,000-$3,000 monthly.

North Austin: Tech hub central. The Domain, Austin’s “second downtown”, houses major tech companies. It’s more wallet-friendly, with one-bedroom apartments averaging $1,172 monthly.

“North Austin is perfect for young pros with kids or those planning a family.” – Crestview resident

Brentwood: Want a short downtown commute without breaking the bank? Check out trendy, well-connected Brentwood. It’s got good schools like Brentwood Elementary and McCallum High.

For Families

Austin’s family-friendly neighborhoods include:

Crestview: Population 6,729, A+ rated schools. Young families love its friendly vibe and great amenities.

Allandale: Home to 8,815 residents, A+ rated schools. Known for safety and strong community spirit.

“Allandale is safe, has a good community, great schools, and is perfect for raising kids.” – Allandale resident

Zilker: 9,544 residents, A+ rated schools. Vibrant atmosphere near central Austin’s buzz. Popular with young families who want to stay connected.

Olympic Heights: New subdivision south of Austin. First-time homebuyer heaven. Served by well-regarded schools like Baranoff Elementary, Bailey Middle, and Bowie High.

For Students

With 92% of UT Austin students living off-campus, finding the right spot is key. Top picks:

West Campus: Underclassmen and Greek life central. Closest to campus, buzzing with student life. Many apartments cater to students with high-end amenities.

North Campus: Quieter vibe for upperclassmen and grad students. Lots of rental houses – can be cheaper when shared with roommates.

Riverside: Budget-friendly but longer commute. Popular among students, young pros, and small families due to affordability.

What to Think About

Choosing your Austin neighborhood? Here’s what you need to know:

Costs and Prices

Austin isn’t cheap. It’s 29.1% pricier than the U.S. average. Let’s break it down:

• Houses cost a lot. The median price? $544,638. That’s 76.7% more than the national average.
• Renting? A one-bedroom will set you back $1,390 to $1,470.
• To live comfortably, you’ll need to earn $58,800 a year. Families? Think $110,520.

But remember, prices swing wildly depending on where you live:

Neighborhood	Average Rent
Downtown Austin	$2,557
South Austin	$1,628
East Austin	$1,590

Getting Around

Austin traffic can be a nightmare. But don’t panic. Here’s how to handle it:

• Avoid roads from 7-8 a.m. and 3-5 p.m. Your sanity will thank you.
• Use public transport. Capital Metro‘s got light rail and buses, including MetroRapid routes.
• Try ride-sharing or scooters for short trips.

Want a pro tip? Use MetroRail to commute from downtown to northern suburbs. It’s a game-changer during rush hour.

Nearby Services

When picking a neighborhood, think about what’s close by:

• Groceries: Austin scores 5.1 out of 10 for access.
• Food and drink: 5.3 for restaurants, 3.7 for cafes.
• Green spaces: A solid 6.7 out of 10.
• Nightlife: 3.0 out of 10.

But here’s the thing: these scores can vary HUGELY between neighborhoods. Downtown? More stuff, but you’ll pay for it.

“Austin’s traffic… is among the worst cities in America.” – Bramlett Residential

Feeling overwhelmed? Use Location Scores to find spots that fit your needs. Or try Taco Street Locating for free apartment hunting help. They know Austin’s neighborhoods inside out.

Taco Street Locating: Help Finding Your Place

Moving to a new city? It’s tough. Finding the perfect home? Even tougher. But don’t sweat it. Taco Street Locating is here to make your Austin apartment hunt a walk in the park.

Alexander Concepcion, the brains behind Taco Street Locating, created a free apartment locating service that’s a cut above the rest. His team? They’re Austin experts. They know every nook and cranny of this city. They’ll help you find that perfect spot that screams “you” – and fits your wallet too.

So, what’s the deal with Taco Street Locating?

They start with a chat. What do you want? What do you need? Looking for a cool pad in East Austin? Or maybe a family-friendly spot up north? They’ve got you.

Then, they do the heavy lifting. No more endless scrolling through listings for you. They’ll hand you a detailed spreadsheet with options that tick all your boxes.

Want to check out some places? They’ll come along. They’ll give you the inside scoop on properties and neighborhoods – stuff you might miss on your own.

Rental applications giving you a headache? They’ll help smooth things out, boosting your chances of snagging that dream home.

But it’s not just about finding a place to live. These folks know Austin like the back of their hand. They’ll tell you where to get the best coffee, where the locals hang out – all that good stuff.

And the cherry on top? It won’t cost you a dime. Apartment communities pay Taco Street Locating when you sign a lease. So you get all this expertise, for free.

Using Taco Street Locating means less time stressing, more time getting excited about your move. Whether you’re after the buzz of Downtown or the chill vibes of South Austin, they’ve got your back. They’ll help you weigh your options and make a smart choice.

So, ready to find your perfect Austin spot? Taco Street Locating is ready to help. Let’s taco ’bout your new home!

Final Tips

As you search for your ideal Austin neighborhood, keep these points in mind:

Know What You Want: Austin’s neighborhoods fit different lifestyles. Downtown? It’s urban with easy access to big employers. Allandale? Family-friendly with big yards and old trees.

Watch Your Wallet: Austin’s housing isn’t cheap. The median home price? $544,638 – way above the national average. Rent varies too. Downtown, you might pay $3,157 for a one-bedroom. In Georgian Acres? Maybe $1,390. To live comfortably here, you need to earn about $58,800 a year if you’re single, or $110,520 for a family.

Think About Traffic: Austin’s traffic can be a pain. Try to live near work or public transit if you can. The MetroRail can be a lifesaver for getting from downtown to the north suburbs during rush hour.

Check Out Schools: Got kids? School quality might be top of your list. The Austin Independent School District has over 130 schools. Many have graduation rates over 90%. Areas like Rosedale and Allandale are known for good schools and family-friendly vibes.

Look Around First: Each Austin neighborhood has its own flavor. Spend time in different areas. As local expert Ryan Rodenbeck says, “Austin is a patchwork quilt of vibes and visuals.” Take your time – find the spot that feels right.

Think Long-Term: Look at what’s planned for the area you’re considering. It can affect property values and local services. East Austin, for example, has grown fast. Average home prices there are now around $637,000.

Get Local Help: Don’t be shy about asking local real estate experts or services like Taco Street Locating for help. They know the ins and outs of neighborhoods, including hidden gems and potential problems.

FAQs

Is Austin, TX expensive to live?

Yep, Austin’s pricier than a lot of U.S. cities. It’s about 29.1% above the national average on the cost of living index. The big wallet-drainer? Housing.

Let’s break it down:

• Houses typically go for $577,400 (that’s the median price)
• Renting a 2-bedroom? Think $1,500 a month
• Utilities will set you back around $170 monthly

But here’s the thing: many folks think Austin’s worth every penny. Why? Great jobs, cool culture, and tons to do.

To live comfortably, you’re looking at:

• $58,800 a year if you’re flying solo
• $110,520 for families

Now, before you get sticker shock, remember: Austin’s still cheaper than places like San Francisco or New York.

Thinking of making the move? Check out Taco Street Locating. They can help you find a spot that fits your budget and lifestyle.