The Best Neighborhoods in Austin
When you are looking for a home environment that accommodates all major provisions, then you should put into consideration Austin neighborhoods. Basic needs (good schools, hospitals), recreational facilities, you name it…can be found in Austin. In addition, there are numerous business opportunities to grab. Austin covers a vast area and it is divided so as to easily identify your position. These different sections have outstanding features that are unique and attractive to suit different preferences.
Are you considering relocating to Austin and its neighborhoods?
Austin has something to offer right about everyone. It is important to look at your preferences against your budget so you can settle down in the right neighborhood and prevent adding on the strain and hassle of adjusting to the new environment. It was challenging and making the right decision took some time but it was worthwhile. The following neighborhoods are of great consideration.
Avana-Esquel
If you have a lifestyle that essentially demands a new environment in which urban meets the outdoors, yet it does so in a more refined and convenient manner, then the neighborhood of Avana-Esquel may be exactly what you’re looking for! Located right near downtown Austin, this neighborhood has many of the same amenities that you would find if you were to live in the city; however, at the same time, you will also find all of the charm and warm feeling of living in a smaller town. Avana-Esquel is located right next to great activities such as picnic areas, natural hiking trails, and the Grey Rock Golf Course, just to name a few. It’s also close to the Barton Creek Square Mall, which shows that this neighborhood has wonderful convenience in terms of retail and dining options, whether you’re looking for something relaxed, casual, elegant, etc. Avana-Esquel is most definitely considered by many to be one of the top neighborhoods to live in all of Central Texas, especially with all of the many types of entertainment that Austin has to offer, whether it’s indoor or outdoor.
In a neighborhood such as Avana-Esquel, you will begin with a literally perfect location before moving on into experiencing a planned community that contains all of the amenities that you could ever want, such as a meeting place, swimming pool, picnic area, and more. On top of that, if you have children, you will be able to give them the best education thanks to both the Austin Independent School District, as well as the Ann Richards School for Young Women Leaders and the ACC Pinnacle Campus. Additionally, downtown Austin is only a few short minutes away thanks to easy access to I-35, Mopac, 290, and the 45 Toll being right nearby.
As opposed to other communities that have choices which are more limited in nature, Avana-Esquel is a neighborhood that has a total of eleven floor plans to choose from, all of which are rather distinctive and elegant. These plans include six new designs that can be used in single-family homes that have either one or two stories. They also include multiple room options that you can completely personalize to fit your own unique style. Additionally, each home is also Energy Star-certified, meaning that they include insulated low-E windows, standard radiant barrier roof decking, and high efficiency air conditioners. You will also find tile flooring in the kitchen, bathrooms, and entryway, countertops made out of Silestone or granite in the kitchen, and a separate shower and fancy marble garden tub in the bathroom.
Each home contains three to six bedrooms each, as well as two to five-and-a-half bathrooms, and garages that can hold two or three cars.
Barton Creek
Even though this neighborhood is located close to downtown Austin, at the same time, it feels as though it’s a lot farther away. This is thanks to the many panoramic views of not just downtown Austin, but also Barton Creek and the Texas Hill County. This neighborhood also has a total of 20 residential communities to choose from, all of which contain a large amount of amenities. Therefore, those who find themselves lucky enough to live here will feel almost as if they are living in a proverbial paradise.
Barton Creek is located approximately 10 miles southwest of downtown Austin and it covers a lot of the territory found between Bee Cave and Westlake Hills. In terms of home size, these are found to be more private and large, with the most common being 5,000 square feet. The average price start at around $400,000 and can reach upwards of $6,000,000. When it comes to schools, children can find themselves attending ones located in the Austin Independent School District, Lake Travis Independent School District, or Eanes Independent School District; however, the school that they attend depend solely on the actual location of the home in the neighborhood.
Residents of Barton Creek can also take advantage of the features offered by the Barton Creek Resort and Spa. This property, which measures 4,000 acres, contains a country club, restaurants, and one of the most exclusive spas in all of Austin. On the golf course, visitors can play on one of three championship courses, and the Barton Creek Golf Academy has since been ranked as one of the best schools in the United States for those seeking to learn all of the finer points of golf.
Belterra
Located just minutes away from downtown Austin, Belterra is known as the master planned community of Central Texas. This neighborhood is a true oasis that has specifically been designed to be convenient, and it also offers amenities that you would normally find in a resort and showcases Texas’ beautiful countryside – all you have to do is look right outside your back door!
Over 400 acres of land have been reserved for parks, trails, and green spaces that are designed to remain undisturbed. This is so careful measures will always be taken to ensure that Belterra remains an environment that is as safe, friendly, and relaxing as possible.
Many parks in this neighborhood have been placed within clustered homesites in order to create an atmosphere that is more inviting and warm. They feature amenities such as swings, picnic areas, fitness stops, and more along a network of trails.
Belterra also has a recreation center that contains a state-of-the-art gym, meeting area, weight room, and more for its visitors to take advantage of. Additionally, the gym also contains a pool complex that features a Junior Olympic lap pool, toddler pool, and family activity pool.
Belterra is also the home of the Exemplary-rated Rooster Springs Elementary, which serves students in kindergarten through fifth grade and is a part of the Dripping Springs Independent School District.
Canyon Crossing at Highpointe
This neighborhood, which is located near Dripping Springs in southwest Austin, contains very easy access to both Mopac and Highway 290. It is also a master-planned community that measures 740 acres and combines both affordable refinement and peaceful country living. The large homes in the neighborhood are surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful woodlands, which has given this neighborhood the moniker “Harmony Meets the Hill Country.”
Canyon Crossing at Highpointe is a location that is convenient for both working and playing in the city thanks to the many on-site amenities, such as a fire pit, barbecue grills, two-story gym, and so much more. Some of the nearby attractions that residents can enjoy include the Hill Country Galleria, Austin Zoo, and Pedernales Falls State Park.
There are a total of 12 floor plans that are associated with this community, with each one carefully designed to blend features like welcoming rooms and timeless architecture. Each home is also Energy Star-certified, with factors that include insulated windows, high efficiency air conditioners, and radiant barrier roof decking. The homes also each have 3-6 bedrooms, 2-4 car garages, and 2-5 bathrooms.
Central Austin
This area is home to downtown Austin, as well as some of the most diverse neighborhoods that surround it. There are plenty of attractions that residents can enjoy, such as nightclubs, restaurants, historical architecture, outdoor concerts, and so much more. Situated right in the center of Central Austin is the State Capitol building. Additionally, residents can also take in plenty of events at The University of Texas, such as art exhibits, concerts, lectures, and, of course, Texas Longhorn football games.
If you’re more of a fan of the outdoors, you can take in a festival such as the yearly South by Southwest and Austin City Limits multi-day events. If these aren’t what you’re into, consider taking in some running, walking, biking, rowing, golfing, or something similar instead. Visit the Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail, which extends from East Austin to West Austin. There are even multiple bridges that cross the lake itself. There’s also the Caswell Tennis Center, as well as three different city-owned golf courses: Morris Williams, Lions, and Hancock.
The neighborhoods of Central Austin are also as diverse as they can be. For instance, Hyde Park, which is located just north of The University of Texas, is full of Victorian homes that are over 100 years old, as well as Craftsman cottages and student condos. West Austin, meanwhile, contains a mixture of more dignified mansions, newly-constructed retro-modern homes, and classic-style bungalows.
Throughout this area, you will also find a mix of low-rise, high-rise, old/new condos, and apartments as well. Some of these buildings actually exceed 30 stories in height, which allow for some wonderful views as a result.
Circle C Ranch
This community, which is located in South Austin, contains a large variety of green space, as well as amenities such as a golf course, heated Olympic-size swimming pool, soccer fields, country club, and so much more for residents to enjoy. This area also extends to just past Highway 45, and it also offers very easy access to Mopac.
Circle C Ranch is known to be extremely popular among not just families, but also singles as well due to its overall location, the scenery it contains, and how close it is to downtown Austin. This community also holds the distinction of being the very first master-planned one to be constructed in Austin, with homes ranging in price from the $180,000 range to over $600,000. There is also an active homeowner’s association as well.
Downtown Austin
There really is a lot to love about downtown Austin, which means it’s not much of a surprise that in terms of real estate in this area, there certainly is a lot of activity. These areas are the main centers of all sorts of cultures, creativity, happiness, and possibilities.
Downtown Austin is absolutely no exception, as this area offers a very vibrant lifestyle. It’s also a wonderful alternative to single-family homes that are located in more traditional neighborhoods. And, of course, living in this area means that residents have easy access to everything that the city has to offer, including the entertainment district, restaurants, and fun outdoor activities. Thanks to perks such as these, it’s no secret that living downtown can be absolutely amazing.
Unfortunately, this isn’t the way it’s always been. In years past, downtown Austin was full of nothing but businesses, with the exception of a small handful of high-rise condos and some apartment buildings. Individuals who lived in this area were also forced to either drive or take a bus to get to basic services, such as the grocery store.
Nowadays, however, thanks to the rise in residential units, there is a huge influence on the types of businesses that are showing up in this area, which is changing the entire infrastructure.
East Austin
This area is truly unlike any other city that you’ve ever encountered. In fact, East Austin was recently named the 7th hippest hipster neighborhood in the United States by Forbes Magazine. This neighborhood is one that showcases modern life thanks to amenities such as family friendly events and amazing dining experiences. There really are all sorts of ways that you can enjoy your free time, especially since East Austin is located so close to The University of Texas, which itself is close to some great bars. You also wouldn’t be too far away from downtown Austin and Lady Bird Lake as well.
Homes in this area range from $100,000 to $700,000 and children can expect to attend a school in quite a large public school system, as it is currently undergoing a rather big expansion at the moment.
This neighborhood has always attracted students, yet it also equally attracts young professionals, newcomers, and even families.
Meridian
Located just southwest of Austin and only minutes away from the downtown area, Meridian truly represents the finest in Hill Country living. All of the large-sized homes are reminiscent of staying in a resort while, at the same time, enjoying peace and quiet. However, residents also have the privilege of having easy access to great Austin Independent School District schools and many major employers, which provides for great city and country living!
This neighborhood is situated against the borders of the Circle C Tennis Club and the Grey Rock Golf Club, which, right away, translates into being able to enjoy all sorts of luxury. At the same time, you will also be able to take advantage of more metropolitan living conveniences as well thanks to the multiple nearby entertainment and shopping venues. The entire community is also surrounded by natural areas and a large green space, which helps provide a ton of peace and quiet for residents.
Nine functional floor plans were created, and each home in the community, which starts in the $390,000 price range, is Energy Star-certified. They contain features such as ceramic tiles, crown molding, Colonist six-panel doors, and more. The uniqueness of each home is completed with the inclusion of a consultation from a professional designer.
The homes in Meridian contain 4-6 bedrooms, 3 1/2-4 1/2 bathrooms, and 3-car garages.
North Central Austin
Those who prefer to not live in larger-sized suburbs can instead consider living in the smaller North Central Austin. Each neighborhood here (Allandale, Crestview, Hyde Park) contains pools, parks, shopping areas, and more for everyone to enjoy. On top of all of that, it’s always extremely easy to get around, no matter where it is that you may be going.
Regardless of whether a home buyer may be a young professional, a family, or someone who’s recently retired, they all want something that’s eclectic, yet has a little bit of history and character, and that’s exactly what you’ll find in a neighborhood such as North Central Austin.
Homes in the neighborhoods here can range from $200,000 to over $1 million.
Northeast Austin
This is one area that is certainly ethnically and culturally diverse, as well as home to a strong homeowner’s association. It’s also home to three different neighborhoods (Delwood IV, Windsor Park, Delwood), with many of their homes having been constructed in the early 1960s and ranging in price from $150,000 to $350,000.
Another popular, yet older, neighborhood is French Place, which contains two-bedroom, one-bathroom homes ranging in price from $190,000 to $350,000. Mueller, which is a master-planned development community, contains more diverse price points, ranging from $150,000 with grants all the way to over $1 million. There are also townhomes and single-family homes that range in price from $250,000 to $350,000.
Onion Creek
Another master-planned community in Austin, Onion Creek features amenities such as a country club and golf course for residents to enjoy. It’s also a gated community that employs 24-hour security in order to help keep all of its residents as safe as possible.
The Onion Creek Golf Course is home to 27 holes and had 9 additional holes added to it back in 1996. This course also played host to The Legends of Golf Tournament, which later turned into the Senior PGA Tour.
The clubhouse at Onion Creek also contains many exciting amenities for residents, such as a 24-hour fitness center and an Olympic-sized swimming pool. Prices for homes here range from $150,000 (condo) to $600,000 (home located on the golf course).
Rancho Sienna
Located on the edge of Texas Hill Country, yet ensures access to convenient commuting routes, Rancho Sienna is one of Austin’s newest communities that features ten new model homes. These homes range in price from the mid-$200,000’s to the $700,000’s.
The designs of the homes themselves are rather responsive to the overall environment of the area itself, as you’ll find all sorts of architecture that is influenced by the history of the area itself. This includes Spanish, Tudor, Craftsman, etc. All of the neighborhoods have a diverse character about them as well.
Recently, The Sienna House opened for the first time, which enabled residents to begin enjoying amenities such as a fitness center, swimming pool, and outdoor gathering spaces that overlook an amazingly beautiful scenery. The community is also connected by a system of trails.
River Place
Located in Northwest Austin along the shores of Lake Austin, this community has the distinction of being both a country club and waterfront neighborhood that also offers amenities such as hiking trails, parks, country club, tennis courts, and much more.
River Place is located within the Leander Independent School District, and all of the residents have stated that they love the fact that the community is so established and that it truly offers something for everyone to enjoy. This is obvious on the looks on everyone’s faces whenever you see them enjoying people walking, running, or partaking in various community-related activities throughout the year.
It’s also very easy to gain access to many major roads, as well as shopping. On top of that the sheer beauty of the entire area is extremely hard to ignore as well.
This community is also home to the River Place Country Club, which is a private club located in the very heart of Hill Country. By becoming a member here, you will be able to enjoy such amenities as swimming, dining, tennis, golf, and more. There is also a signature championship golf course that features 18 holes.
There are more than 1,100 residences in this community that range from garden homes to lakefront property. Prices range from $300,000 to over $5 million.
South Central Austin
Living here truly is a lifestyle in and of itself! South Central Austin has always had the reputation of being one of the coolest places to live in the entire city, especially since you can virtually walk to wherever it is that you want to go.
In terms of homes, you will be able to always catch glimpses of homes that date as far back as the 1920s, a lot of which have received updates and renovations. There are also some cottages and condos, some of which have been renovated, others of which have been newly constructed.
Spanish Oaks
Those who live here love the fact that it’s located 1,200 acres of Texas Hill Country, as well as the fact that they have access to an amazing 18-hole golf course, which has been officially recognized by Golf Digest as one of Texas’ top private golf clubs. However, there are others who like the fact that Spanish Oaks is more exclusive, as the gated community contains only 462 properties and homesites ranging from half an acre to over four acres. There are also luxury villas that come complete with a dedicated concierge staff.
Spanish Oaks is located just 20 minutes form Highway 71 and rests within the Lake Travis Independent School District. Custom homes within this community begin at $1.4 million, while undeveloped lots range from $300,000 to $1 million. You also have the option to purchase a pre-designed villa or garden home in one of four different neighborhoods situated within Spanish Oaks.
Perhaps the most unique factor is that the club and real estate are tied into one another, meaning that if you want to join the club, you must first purchase real estate in Spanish Oaks. There is also a separate Resident’s Lodge that contains amenities such as hiking trails, grills, swimming pool, and more.
Concierge services include party planning, personal chefs, and so much more, all tailored to your personal tastes and preferences.
Spicewood Springs/ Balcones, Great Hills, Anderson Mill
Those looking for a more metropolitan home that’s located in a wonderful setting, has great schools, employers, recreational areas, and shopping can look no further than these areas. The price range for homes here are about the same, ranging from $225,000 to over $600,000. You’ll also find a mixture of newer and older homes, which can offer plenty of opportunities for those looking to purchase.
Even better is that there are three different school districts that serve these areas: Austin Independent School District, Leander Independent School District, and Round Rock Independent School District. Minutes away from each neighborhood are wonderful parks, recreation areas, entertainment, restaurants, and so much more.
Those who enjoy golf can take in a round at the Great Hills Country Club, which not only contains a golf course, but also a swimming pool and tennis courts as well. There is also Balcones County Club and its sister club, Spicewood at Balcones, both of which feature 18 holes.
Steiner Ranch
This community, located within Texas Hill Country and known as the “Land Between the Lakes,” is one that’s rather distinctive in terms of Austin’s luxury home communities due to its overall beauty. There are a wide variety of amenities that are sure to keep all of its residents occupied.
Measuring a total of 4,600 acres, this master-planned community has dedicated a total of more than 1,500 acres to parks, greenbelts, and wildlife habitats. This led the Austin Business Journal to recognize the community as the best master-planned one back in 2004.
Steiner Ranch is also home to the 819-acre Steiner Ranch Preserve, which is only a small part of the Balcones Canyonland Preserve, which measures an astonishing 27,000 acres. There are also more than 20 miles of trails to enjoy for both hiking and biking, as well as ten different parks and 14 miles of greenbelt around the entire community.
One of the most popular amenities includes Lake Club on Lake Austin, which is a private membership-only facility. This contains lighted tennis courts, multiple basketball courts, four swimming pools, and so much more for residents to enjoy. There is also an 18-hole golf course, which also serves as the official home for The University of Texas Golf Teams.
Located in the jurisdiction of the Leander Independent School District, children living here will be able to attend Steiner Ranch Elementary, Laura Welch Bush Elementary, and River Ridge Elementary, as well as Canyon Ridge Middle School. Additionally, Vandegrift High School has recently opened its doors to students and is located only minutes away from Steiner Ranch.
Homes in this community range in price from $250,000 to more than $4 million.
Sunset Valley
This community is a rather small-sized oasis that also has its own mayor, police force, city council, and even its own city services! They contract with Austin for both EMS services and fire protection, as well as electricity.
Amenities that residents can enjoy include the Sunset Valley Farmers Market every Saturday, new restaurants, new shops, schools that are within walking distance, and more.
In terms of homes in Sunset Valley, these range in price due to the overall variety. For instance, luxury homes begin at $450,000, garden homes at $350,000, and older homes at $300,000. Each home is designed to suit virtually any housing preference.
Sweetwater
This community is one that will truly provide the best for both you and your family. In fact, Sweetwater once earned the distinction of being one of Austin’s best master-planned communities at the city’s Max Awards!
Measuring a total of 1,400 acres, Sweetwater is located right where Austin meets the Hill Country. It offers a very peaceful escape from the city while, at the same time, providing an extremely easy commute to the downtown area and other top suburban employment centers.
One of the top amenities includes the 10-acre Sweetwater Club, which contains a resort-style swimming pool, playground, clubhouse, athletic fields, and so much more for residents to partake in.
This community is also located within the Lake Travis Independent School District, which is considered to be among the very best in all of Texas, meaning that your children are sure to get an extremely fine education.
Prices for homes in Sweetwater range from the upper $200,000’s to the $800,000’s, and each home is specifically designed to exceed all national green building standards, which, in the long-term, makes them extremely cost-efficient. Furthermore, Sweetwater also offers low-cost natural gas for heating and cooking instead of propane.,/p>
Travis Country/Oak Hill
Both of these communities offer all sorts of affordable and desirable housing options for buyers. For instance, you can purchase a home that was built in the 1980s for approximately $180,000, while homes that are more luxurious will range at around $600,000.
When it comes to Oak Hill, this is a community that was never originally incorporated. In fact, it’s actually a series of neighborhoods that have active homeowner’s associations. It’s also located within the jurisdiction of the Austin Independent School District, with residents being able to take advantage of City of Austin utilities and services.
Travis Country initially started in the 1970s as a more sleepy neighborhood, yet was rejuvenated when it was rediscovered in the late 1990s. Homes both old and new can be found in this area, and you will also find plenty of protected natural greenbelt areas around the neighborhood due to it being built over the Edwards Aquifer, which led the designers planning to leave larger green spaces so that they could meet various environmental concerns. As a result, there are plenty of parks for children to play in, as well as a community center, tennis courts, and swimming pool. This neighborhood is also located within the Austin Independent School District, and the average home price is approximately $250,000.
West Austin
This area is made up of multiple neighborhoods, with home prices in each one being in the upper to very high range.
This area of town is extremely popular for those who work in the tech business, as well as other various business executives. There are also wonderful restaurants that provide all sorts of delicious local flavor, as well as take the time to offer venues for many talented local artists. Additionally, residents can also take in some recreation at one of the many nearby county parks. Other fun activities include the popular Hill Country Galleria, which has obtained a lot of attention as a form of outside walking mall that contains all sorts of interesting shops and restaurants.
West Austin is also home to three different school districts: Eanes, Lake Travis, and Dripping Springs.
Westlake
Located close to downtown Austin – as well as west of Austin – Westlake is perhaps best known for its schools, expensive real estate, high school sports titles, and amazing views of the city. Another interesting fact about this neighborhood is that it’s also known for having more than one name: Westlake is also known as Eanes, as in the Eanes Independent School District, as well as Westbank due to being located on the west bank of Lake Austin.
Close to many of the homes here, you will find exercise facilities, shopping, dining, and coffee shops all within walking distance. In terms of homes, condos and larger-sized residences co-mingle with one another for those who are seeking to purchase a smaller space.
Living in Westlake also offers individuals the opportunity to live on the waterfront of Lake Austin, which is a body of water that is constantly created by the damming of the Colorado River.
In terms of schools, it should be evident that Westlake is in the jurisdiction of the Eanes Independent School District. One good thing to consider is that every school in this district has won awards of some kind, whether it has to do with sports or academics. In fact, while some choose to still live here even after their kids have moved on, there are some kids who choose to return and make their own homes here!
Thanks for stopping by and reading about the many, the wonderful, the best neighborhoods in Austin. Chances are if you’re looking into neighborhoods you’re on your way to start an Austin home search. When the time comes please keep us in mind and let us personally show you around.