7 Best Neighborhoods in Austin, Texas (updated)

Howdy, Y’all! Greetings from the Live Music Capital of the World and home to the Texas Longhorns! 

Austin is more than just a place; it’s a state of mind. The city’s “weird” spirit and vibrant culture are a big part of what makes it special. A local will tell you that Austin is a blend of valor and swagger. It’s the kind of place where a fella can feel a sense of freedom just by getting closer to it. This guide is for folks fixing to find a place to hang their hat, and it’s based on the real-deal experiences of a local. The city’s explosive growth has created a tapestry of distinct neighborhoods, each with a unique personality, and this guide will help you find the best neighborhoods in Austin, Texas.

I. Methodology: Data Sources and Key Metrics

1. Weighted Criteria (2025):
   • Housing Affordability: 30% — Median price, value trends, rental availability
   • Safety: 25% — Violent/property crime rates, local policing effectiveness
   • Employment: 20% — Unemployment, wage trends, major employers
   • Education: 15% — School district ratings, college readiness, local universities
   • Quality of Life: 10% — Healthcare, outdoor spaces, commute, lifestyle amenities
2. Key City Statistics (Presented Consistently):
   • Cost of Living Index (vs. U.S. average)
   • Median Monthly Rent
   • Income to Rent Ratio (%)
   • Home Price to Income Ratio
   • Overall Safety Ranking

Summary Table

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II. 7 Best Neighborhoods in Austin, Texas

1. Bouldin Creek

1. Housing: Bouldin Creek is a funky, artsy neighborhood that has, however, been gentrified into a high-end destination. The neighborhood features a mix of historic bungalows and modern homes, with a median home price of $1.195 million showing a 13.2% year-over-year appreciation. Average rent sits at $2,452, making it the priciest rental market among our picks.
2. Safety: Residents describe Bouldin Creek as a safe and comfortable neighborhood, with a strong sense of community. The neighborhood association, established back in 1980, runs regular safety workshops and digital alert systems that keep folks connected.
3. Employment: With a high percentage of white-collar workers, Bouldin Creek attracts a high-income demographic. Local businesses provide diverse employment opportunities, from the vegetarian Bouldin Creek Cafe to world-class restaurants like Swedish Hill’s new flagship bakery on South First Street—a popular, well-loved breakfast spot.
4. Education: Bouldin Creek is served by the Austin Independent School District. Travis Heights Elementary earned an “A” rating, though some middle and high school options have mixed ratings that families might want to research carefully. There are nearby private schools throughout Austin as well. 
5. Quality of Life: Bouldin Creek is known for its creative vibe and incredible food scene. It’s highly walkable, allowing residents to stroll to local restaurants, parks, and cafes without needing a car. Bikes are incredibly popular in Austin with many residents opting to bike where they can, if the heat allows it! New additions include House Wine Bar’s reopening and the upcoming Green Pastures Hotel, a 63-room boutique property opening Fall 2025.

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2. South Congress (SoCo), 

1. Housing: South Congress, or SoCo, is an iconic and eclectic neighborhood that has become a high-end destination. The average rent runs about $2,382, while the median home sale price sits at $840,000 with steady 3.1% appreciation, testament to the area’s desirability despite broader market cooling.
2. Safety: While the specific South Congress area has its own safety dynamics due to entertainment and tourist activity, overall violent crime remains 22% below national averages with response times under 5 minutes.
3. Employment: SoCo is a hotspot for renters, creatives, and young professionals who want to be at the center of Austin’s energy. The local job market is strong in retail and hospitality, with major development including Related Companies’ $65 million mixed-use project bringing 800 residential units and 200,000 square feet of office space.
4. Education: The public schools that serve SoCo have varying ratings within Austin ISD’s overall “C” grade, which may be a consideration for families with young’uns.
5. Quality of Life: SoCo embodies the “Keep Austin Weird” ethos with its vibrant mix of shops, live music venues, and dynamic dining. The neighborhood is highly walkable, making it easy to enjoy everything from boutique shopping at local landmarks like Allen’s Boots to the live music at The Continental Club. The famous “I love you so much” mural at Jo’s Coffee remains a beloved symbol of the area’s charm. It is worth noting that tourism can make these spots more expensive than other local hangouts. 

3. Mueller

1. Housing: Mueller is a modern, master-planned community built on the site of a former airport. It’s known for its thoughtful design and sustainability, with diverse housing options from single-family homes to apartments. The median home value corrected to $780,000, down 17.9% year-over-year, creating potential opportunities for buyers. Average rent holds steady at $2,271.
2. Safety: Mueller is consistently ranked as one of Austin’s safest neighborhoods, currently #6 citywide with a 90/100 safety score. Digital alert systems cover 98% of households, and the master-planned design contributes to security.
3. Employment: The community sits just three miles from downtown and is designed for convenience. It’s home to major employers like Dell Children’s Medical Center and benefits from proximity to the University of Texas at Austin, which provides over 21,000 jobs.
4. Education: Mueller is served by the Austin Independent School District, with varying school ratings based on specific addresses within the community. The neighborhood is home to The Thinkery, a children’s museum that offers hands-on, play-based learning.
5. Quality of Life: Mueller is a mixed-use urban village with over 140 acres of parkland and miles of hike-and-bike paths. The community fosters a strong sense of connection with events like food truck nights, live music, and a weekly farmers market. Mueller Lake Park features a 6.5-acre lake, an amphitheater, and an interactive playscape.

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4. Hyde Park

1. Housing: Hyde Park is a historic neighborhood with old-school charm and a laid-back feel. While 73% of residents rent, the median home value jumped to $850,000 with impressive 28.3% year-over-year appreciation, making it 2025’s strongest performer. Homes sell in just 38 days on average. Scattered throughout the neighborhood are lower priced “fixer-uppers” as well. You should note that they are still on the more expensive side, however!
2. Safety: Hyde Park ranks in Austin’s top 10 safest neighborhoods with an 83/100 safety score. Residents describe it as a very safe and comfortable community with strong neighborhood watch programs.
3. Employment: The neighborhood is a healthy mix of young professionals, students, and families. Its central location provides an easy commute to downtown, the University of Texas, and other parts of the city.
4. Education: Highland Park Elementary and other area schools maintain strong ratings, with likely feeder patterns to McCallum High School known for excellent arts programs. Private schools are also a short drive away as well. 
5. Quality of Life: Hyde Park is highly walkable with tree-lined streets and plenty of locally owned businesses, coffee shops, and restaurants. The new Wheatsville Food Co-op at 408 E. 43rd Street replaced Fresh Plus Grocery, while historic sites like the Elisabet Ney Museum and Shipe Neighborhood Park with its pool and playgrounds serve families well. Coffee shops, gyms, and small restaurants also dot the neighborhood as well. Hyde Park is walkable and bikeable which makes it perfect for those looking to use their car less. 

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5. Allandale

1. Housing: Allandale is the quintessential neighborhood for “old Austin” charm, offering a mix of mid-century and ranch-style homes on large, tree-shaded lots. It’s a place for families who want a quiet, stable environment, with median home values at $880,000 showing steady 3.5% appreciation.
2. Safety: This is one of the safest neighborhoods in Austin, ranking #5 citywide. The strong community spirit and active neighborhood watch programs contribute to its security with response times under 5 minutes.
3. Employment: Allandale provides a perfect blend of suburban tranquility and urban convenience, with a quick commute to downtown, the University of Texas, and tech corridors like The Domain. Local businesses continue thriving along Burnet Road.
4. Education: Allandale is known for its highly rated public schools within Austin ISD, though specific campus assignments vary by address within the neighborhood boundaries.
5. Quality of Life: Residents enjoy a variety of local shops and eateries along Burnet Road, with highlights including Upper Crust Bakery and Fonda San Miguel. The upcoming Tzintzuntzan restaurant from the Fonda San Miguel team opens March 2025. Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest District Park provides green space with an outdoor pool, tennis courts, and walking trails. While this area experiences more car traffic, it is considerably walkable and bikeable as well. 

6. Barton Hills

1. Housing: Barton Hills is a green oasis for nature lovers, with well-preserved mid-century homes and a median home value of $1.1 million showing 10% annual appreciation. The area’s value is directly tied to its stunning natural beauty and access to outdoor spaces, which commands a premium price.
2. Safety: This neighborhood ranks #3 safest in Austin with violent crime at just 270 per 100,000 residents and 4.2-minute police response times, making it a tranquil, family-oriented community.
3. Employment: Barton Hills’ appeal to a high-income demographic suggests a job market that supports a premium lifestyle, with many residents in tech roles earning Austin’s average $135,000-$151,000 tech salaries.
4. Education: The area is served by Austin Independent School District, with Barton Hills Elementary earning an “A” grade. The quality of local schools is a major draw for families.
5. Quality of Life: The lifestyle in Barton Hills is active and family-friendly, with a strong focus on outdoor recreation. Residents have direct access to the Barton Creek Greenbelt via the Barton Hills Drive trailhead and are minutes from Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool, that massive 3-acre pool fed by natural springs. The nearby Zilker neighborhood and access to downtown also provides nearby entertainment and necessities. 

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7. Zilker

1. Housing: Zilker is a vibrant, high-end neighborhood in the heart of Austin, known for its eclectic vibe and urban-suburban mix. It offers a variety of properties, from apartments to elegant estates, with a median home value of $1.02 million showing 7.5% appreciation and average rent at $2,225. The high median household income of $157,852 suggests dual-income families enabling premium pricing.
2. Safety: Zilker ranks in Austin’s top 10 safest neighborhoods with strong community vibe and plenty of fun activities. The community is highly rated for being a great place to raise a family, suggesting a secure environment for residents.
3. Employment: As a hub of energy and eclectic living, Zilker’s central location—just a five-minute hop from downtown—makes it ideal for young professionals and families. Austin’s thriving job market with 3.5% unemployment and major tech employers supports the neighborhood’s prosperity.
4. Education: Zilker Elementary School earned an “A” rating from Austin ISD. Students generally go on to O. Henry Middle School and Austin High School, both maintaining strong academic programs.
5. Quality of Life: Zilker’s appeal is tied to Austin’s natural crown jewels, including the 351-acre Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool, and the Barton Creek Greenbelt. The park hosts major events like ACL Music Festival and Trail of Lights, plus the new Zilker Eagle Mini Train replacing the old Zephyr. The neighborhood offers a lively dining scene with local favorites like Matt’s El Rancho and Ramen Tatsu-ya.

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FAQ: Most Common Questions about Best Places in Austin, Texas

1. How does the cost of living in Austin compare to other major cities?
   The cost of living in Austin sits at 129.1 on the index, about 29% higher than the national average, primarily due to housing costs. However, it’s significantly cheaper than San Francisco or Seattle, and Texas’s lack of state income tax provides substantial savings that offset some housing expenses.
2. What’s the job market like, and is the tech industry still growing?
   Austin ranks as the #5 fastest-growing job market in the U.S. with 3.5% unemployment. The tech sector, often called “Silicon Hills,” employs 16.3% of the workforce versus 9% nationally. Major employers including Apple, Tesla, Oracle, and Meta continue expanding, with tech salaries averaging $135,000-$151,000.
3. Is public transportation a viable option, or do I need a car in Austin?
   Y’all will likely need a car for the wider, sprawling city, but Austin’s improving. CapMetro expanded with new MetroRapid lines in 2025, and Project Connect’s $7.1 billion light rail breaks ground in 2027. Many neighborhoods, especially those in the urban core, are highly walkable or bikeable with the upgraded 800 all-electric bikeshare system.
4. What are some of the best outdoor activities that are unique to Austin?
   Austin’s outdoor lifestyle is legendary! You can hike and swim the 12+ miles of Barton Creek Greenbelt, paddleboard on Lady Bird Lake with downtown skyline views, or enjoy year-round 68-70°F swimming at Barton Springs Pool. The Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail offers 10+ paved miles around the lake. Many local museums also offer outdoor spaces. 
5. Is Austin a safe place to live overall?
   Safety in Austin is highly localized. While motor vehicle theft remains the primary concern citywide, violent crime runs 22% below national averages. The neighborhoods profiled here rank among Austin’s safest, with most achieving top-10 status and police response times under 5 minutes versus 45-47 minutes citywide.