Austin’s vibrant and magnetic energy attracts a wide range of visitors with its growing tech sector, live music scene, and energetic outdoor environment. Whether you’re drawn to the vibrant tech culture, the breathtaking scenery of the Hill Country, or the live music scene, Austin neighborhoods can suit any lifestyle.
Austin is becoming a permanent home for tech titans like Apple, Google, Facebook, and Tesla. The city is not only well-remembered for its breathtaking sunsets, giant natural swimming pool, and love for musical entertainment but also now has one of the best employment markets and vibrant cultural scenes.
This guide highlights some of the nicest neighborhoods in Austin for living, where each neighborhood embodies the city’s essence.
What You Need to Know Before Moving to Austin
If you’re concerned whether your lifestyle will fit and you’re googling the best neighborhoods in Austin then here is what you should consider before shifting to this city.
Living Expenses In Austin Are Rising
Living in Austin is more expensive than ever. The city’s rising popularity has further raised the value of real estate and rent. People from pricier cities are buying houses with cash and paying more than the asking price, making it hard for locals and driving up rent.
Payscale reports that living expenses in Austin are 1% more than the US average, with housing expenditures 16% higher than the national average. Other areas of spending, such as groceries, transportation, and utilities, are 6% less in Austin than they are nationwide.
Austin Is Scorching
Before relocating, you should know that Austin often experiences higher temperatures than other southern states. Due to its humid, subtropical climate, Austin endures scorching summers and moderate winters. You should anticipate high humidity levels and temperatures between the upper 80s and low 100s over the summer.
You Will Need A Car
With its increasing traffic to prove it, Austin is a highly car-centric metropolis, much like neighboring Texas towns like San Antonio, Houston, and Dallas. Austin’s neighborhoods are more walkable than in some other cities. However, more than public transportation is needed for a city this big. Austin has a bus system and a small light rail. If you rely on public transport, consider choosing an apartment near these routes, especially for work commutes.
Austin Has The Hottest Job Market
A recent report that places Austin in the top 20 job markets in the country for 2024 indicates that the job market in this city is doing quite well. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that Austin’s unemployment rate is 3%, which is less than the 4% nationwide average for May 2024. In the past year, Austin saw the most job growth in its leisure and hospitality with 6.6%, and professional and business services with 6.5% industries. Austin added 56,300 jobs, which grew by 4.4% over the 12 months ending in June. This performance ranked it fifth among the top 50 cities.
The City Vibe: Austin is Greener Than Expected and Live Music Rules
Although Texas is typically identified with deserts, Central Texas, where Austin is located, is unexpectedly verdant and teeming with greenery. This area, referred to as the Hill Country, showcases softly undulating hills and is well-liked for its wineries, breweries, and distilleries. Austin has a variety of small and large music venues that host live shows every evening. Since the city has great weather, music events happen year-round.
If you’re sensitive to noise, think twice about moving near a live music venue. Austin has strict noise rules, so no area can play loud music from 10:30 pm to 7am.
Factors We Considered When Ranking Neighborhoods
Neighborhood Safety Is A Critical Considerations
When choosing a neighborhood, safety, and crime rates are important factors to take into account. For your mental and physical health, it is essential that you feel safe in your neighborhood. Therefore, before making a choice, it is crucial to look up the safety statistics of different Austin neighborhoods and communities.
Proximity to Essentials
Basic necessities consist of food, medication, and hygiene items. If you prioritize ease, consider selecting a home near the locations where you will be running most of your errands.
Verify the proximity of the closest pharmacy, grocery store, and department store to your area. Are they nearby, or will you need to travel farther? Also, consider if these stores are on your route to work, school, or daycare, as this could influence your decision.
Resources for Education and the Quality of Schools
Families with kids often place top priority on a neighborhood’s educational system. In addition to giving their kids a top-notch education, good schools raise the neighborhood’s general worth.
See the district’s rankings and test results by going to their website. The popularity of a school is also greatly influenced by its extracurricular activities. Also, look for programs in music, art, and athletics.
6 Nicest Neighborhoods In Austin To Consider
South Congress SoCo
South Congress is well-known for its unique and funky variety of restaurants, retail shops, galleries, and live music places. It’s the ideal place to discover unique jewelry, trendy cocktail bars, handcrafted cowboy boots, and mouthwatering taco eateries.
A wide range of cuisine is available in South Congress, including tasty vegetarian options, unique food truck treats, and traditional Mexican cuisine.
The neighborhood has many transportation options. Most buses in the SoCo area go to or pass through downtown Austin. South Congress is also near family-friendly parks, including Gillis Park, which covers seven acres and is great for both people and dogs.
Despite all these amenities, South Congress is surprisingly affordable compared to other Austin neighborhoods. The average rent for an apartment is $910, but more upscale options with amenities like a pool, gym, and on-site childcare can cost around $1,500 or more.
Allandale
The amenities in the area will determine if a community is a decent location to live. A high walk score indicates many local businesses, including eateries, retail stores, coffee shops, and educational institutions. There are several different places to eat in Allandale, Austin. Monkey Nest Coffee, Summer Moon Coffee Bar, or Epoch Coffee are your options for morning coffee.
In Allandale, renters make up around 42% of the households. It’s crucial for families with children to have parks, playgrounds, childcare facilities, and quality preschools close by. There are several parks and playgrounds in Allandale, such as Perry Playground, Loewy Family Playground, and Pillow Playground.
On the other hand, the cost of living in Allendale, New Jersey, is 63% higher than the national average. Compared to the national average, housing expenditures are 233% larger, utilities are 10% more expensive, and transportation costs are 10% higher.
Rosedale
Rosedale is considered one of the nicest neighborhoods in Austin for senior citizens or those seeking a quieter lifestyle. Despite being one of Austin’s oldest neighborhoods, Rosedale is still a worthy consideration as it was ranked as the second-best place to live in for 2022.
Rosedale is a common residential area with numerous restaurants, malls, outdoor areas, and leisure activities nearby. The peaceful environment and top-notch safety score of 5/5 make it a great option for seniors and families. The area had scores of 41 for transportation, 77 for bikes, and 57 for walks. Rosedale has three level-2 charging stations spread over two locations, making it a viable option if you drive an electric car.
Triangle State
Triangle State is one of the most modern and best neighborhoods in Austin with several luxurious amenities located near north central Austin. The Triangle is located a few miles north of UT Austin and directly east of Rosedale. It is home to several expensive residences, restaurants, grocery stores, and healthcare centers.
Compared to the rest of Austin, Triangle State has around 21% higher cost of living. The average rent in the Triangle as of July 2024 is $1,902 for a one-bedroom apartment, $2,661 for a two-bedroom apartment, and $3,323 for a three-bedroom apartment. The last year has seen a 1.3% drop in rent.
Triangle State has excellent access to public transit in Austin, including several convenient bus and train routes. Additionally, you may just get a Lyft, Uber, or taxi around the clock.
West Lake Hills
The luxurious homes, stunning landscape, and picturesque lake views will allure you to reside in this fantastic community. West Lake Hills, Texas has a cost of living that is 3% below the national average. The tranquil setting and abundance of green spaces combined with scenic views of the Hill Country make West Lake highly sought after. The residents also benefit from a variety of amenities. The Wild Basin Wilderness and Mayfield Park are close to the neighborhood, just a short distance from Zilker Park and Barton Creek Greenbelt!
Tarrytown Austin
Tarrytown in Central Austin offers a timeless allure and charm for those searching for a wealthier and well-established community. Located on the banks of Lake Austin, Tarrytown provides a blend of historical mansions, high-end estates, and deluxe condominiums. The leafy streets and easy access to downtown enhance living in this peaceful and upscale residential area.
Residents of Tarrytown benefit from top-ranked schools, beautiful parks, and the exclusive Tarrytown Shopping Center. Tarrytown is an excellent choice for passionate golfers. Lions Municipal Golf Course is located here, offering an 18-hole public course that will keep you entertained playing with the locals.
Final Thoughts
Austin is considered to be a comparatively secure location in which to reside. Despite not being a major US city, Austin’s public transportation is respectable and shows potential for the city to continue growing in that aspect. Austin is featured on multiple top ten lists for its public transportation and has a total of 3,000 bus stops. The quality of life, job opportunities, culture, and overall lifestyle are some of the key reasons Austin neighborhoods are attractive destinations for families, students, and professionals.
