Deep in the heart of Texas sits the creative, dynamic city of Austin. A thriving music and art scene and an ample population of young people help the city live out its unofficial slogan, “Keep Austin Weird.”
While the growing popularity of the South by Southwest festival has elevated the city’s reputation, it’s just one of the many reasons for moving to Austin. An abundance of mouthwatering food is another attraction—from breakfast tacos to fine restaurants, you’ll find something for every taste. The city also offers a robust economy, thanks to a growing tech sector, as well as plenty of outdoor adventures.
Whatever brings you to Austin, you’re sure to find what you’re looking for in our list of the best Austin neighborhoods below.
Austin Neighborhoods: Quick Facts
Before we jump into describing the best neighborhoods in Austin, let’s briefly explore Austin’s housing market. On average, homes in Austin sell for about $500,730, while one-bedroom apartments rent for around $1,431 per month.
Other things to know about Austin:
- Population: 993,588
- Average Salary: $69,017/year
- Growth: Between 2024 and 2025, the Austin–Round Rock metro area added around 39,000 new residents—a growth rate of about 1.72%, one of the highest among large U.S. metros.
The 7 Best Neighborhoods in Austin
Whether you’re an active single person looking for a neighborhood full of energy and nightlife or you’re looking for a quiet place to settle down with your family, there’s a neighborhood in Austin to meet your needs.
Each part of Austin offers its own personality — from walkable, music-filled districts near downtown to quieter, family-friendly pockets with parks and trails. Here’s what you should know about the best neighborhoods in Austin.
1. North Loop: Best Neighborhood for Night Life
- Median Home Value: $547,000
- Average Monthly Rent: $1,513
- Commute to Downtown: 8 minutes
- Vibe: Eclectic vibe, exciting nightlife
If you ever can’t figure out what to do in Austin, head to North Loop — you’ll be sure to find something exciting. In this neighborhood, you won’t find chain restaurants, big box stores, or the tourist crawl that many Austinites report has taken over the city. What you will find are quirky stores and character-filled restaurants and bars — ”the last gasp of Old Austin.”
North Loop is close to downtown and highly walkable. With its proximity to the University of Texas and its abundance of local hangouts, including student-filled coffee shops, North Loop is one of the best neighborhoods in Austin for young professionals and students.
During the day, entertain yourself by shopping at vintage stores like Blue Velvet and Room Service Vintage. At night, stop by Coldtowne Theater or the Workhorse Bar for a sample of this neighborhood’s lively and eclectic music scene and nightlife.
2. Tarrytown: Best Neighborhood for Families
- Median Home Value: $1.23 million
- Average Monthly Rent: $2,743
- Commute to Downtown: 9 minutes
- Vibe: Quiet, family-friendly, safe
Nestled in Austin’s western part, Tarrytown is one of the city’s more expensive neighborhoods. But the ample green spaces and picturesque views in this nearly 100-year-old neighborhood make the prices worth it.
Tarrytown also scores high in schools, making it one of the best neighborhoods in Austin for families. This peaceful neighborhood is part of Eanes ISD, one of Texas’s top-rated school districts. There’s also no shortage of nature activities for the kids, including Mayfield Park and Natural Preserve, which offers 21 acres of natural habitat to explore. However, if you do find yourself craving the nightlife after the kids are in bed, Downtown Austin is a short drive away.
3. Zilker: Best Neighborhood for Young Professionals
- Median Home Value: $1.1 million
- Average Monthly Rent: $2,141
- Commute to Downtown: 10 minutes
- Vibe: Active, bikeable, event-filled
Zilker is one of the best neighborhoods in Austin for adventure lovers, offering both nature and nightlife. It also plays a role in Austin’s reputation as one of the best U.S. cities for musicians, thanks to Zilker Park—home to major festivals like Austin City Limits, South by Southwest, and Blues on the Green.
There are pros and cons to living so close to Austin’s famous festivals. Residents have to deal with heavy traffic and crowds, but you’re also right in the middle of all the action. People travel from all over the country to attend these events, but when you live in Zilker, they’re right in your backyard.
Zilker is also one of the most bikeable and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods in Austin. It’s the kind of place where you can pull your gear out of Austin self-storage on weekends to enjoy nearby nature spots like Barton Creek, Zilker Botanical Garden, and Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed swimming pool.
Zilker might be known for its festival scene and nature, but it’s also well-regarded for its highly rated elementary school. This makes it ideal for hip parents who want to live in one of the coolest neighborhoods in Austin without sacrificing access to quality education.
4. West Lake Hills: Nicest Neighborhood in Austin
- Median Home Value: $1.6 million
- Average Monthly Rent: $2,287
- Commute to Downtown: 13 minutes
- Vibe: Beautiful, laid-back, prosperous
What is the nicest neighborhood in Austin? West Lake Hills tops the list. Incorporated as a suburb of Austin in 1953, the area is known for its hillside mansions perched atop lush hills with gorgeous views.
Even as Austin has grown around it, West Lake Hills has managed to maintain its quiet enclave vibe. This makes it one of the best neighborhoods in Austin for retirees or families who are looking for a more laid-back lifestyle.
Living in West Lake Hills means easy access to beautiful boutiques and a mix of relaxed, health-conscious restaurants such as The Well. And whenever you want to head into the city, it’s only a 10-minute drive to the heart of the action.
5. Franklin Park: Best for Environmental Friendliness
- Median Home Value: $300,000
- Average Monthly Rent: $1,228
- Commute to Downtown: 14 minutes
- Vibe: Residential, green, eco-friendly
If you’re looking for a green neighborhood, Franklin Park delivers with both abundant parks and a strong eco-friendly spirit. The neighborhood’s environmental focus—combined with its affordability—has drawn many young residents to the area.
Appropriately, Franklin Park residents enjoy easy access to one of Austin’s most stunning green spaces: McKinney Falls State Park. This spot is great for hiking and biking, as well as fishing along Onion Creek and Williamson Creek, where anglers catch sunfish, largemouth bass, and catfish.
Looking for some extra space for your rods and reels? Mini-storage is a great solution, especially in Austin neighborhoods where many houses don’t include basements.
While Franklin Park has some fun hangouts like The Little Darlin’ and Haymaker, the neighborhood is primarily a close-knit residential community.
6. Hyde Park: Best Neighborhood for Artists
- Median Home Value: $713,000
- Average Monthly Rent: $1,335
- Commute to Downtown: 9 minutes
- Vibe: Artistic, student-friendly, historic
Hyde Park holds the distinction of being Austin’s first true suburb and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Here you’ll find well-preserved, late 19th-century architecture, craftsman homes, and Queen Anne-style architecture along its lush, tree-lined streets.
Even with its historic roots, the neighborhood has an up-and-coming vibe driven in part by its arts scene. Hyde Park is home to the historic Hyde Park Theatre and the Elisabet Ney Museum. Formerly a home and studio for the famous sculptor, the Elisabet Ney Museum now showcases her works.
Its proximity to the University of Texas and downtown Austin also gives this charming neighborhood a youthful feel. Its study-friendly coffee shops like Flightpath Coffee House and Epoch Coffee, along with affordable housing options, make it one of the best neighborhoods in Austin for students.
7. Clarksville: Richest Neighborhood in Austin
- Median Home Value: $1.1 million
- Average Monthly Rent: $2,371
- Commute to Downtown: 6 minutes
- Vibe: Lively, urban, upscale
Clarksville pairs an urban feel with historic charm. Founded by freedman Charles Clark, this neighborhood happens to be the oldest surviving freedman’s town west of the Mississippi. Bordering downtown, the area is highly walkable and features beautiful historic homes and some of the best restaurants in Austin.
Where do rich people live in Austin? Today, Clarksville has become one of the wealthiest neighborhoods in Austin, making it ideal for affluent couples or singles who want quick access to downtown’s great restaurants and nightlife. Restaurants like Clark’s Oyster Bar and Wink make up Clarksville’s food scene, and Waterloo Records is a great place to shop for vintage vinyl. If you can afford to call Clarksville home, it’s worth it to live in one of the nicest Austin neighborhoods.
Make Your Move to Austin Easier
From mouthwatering food and year-round live music to quiet neighborhoods with strong schools and outdoor recreation, the best neighborhoods in Austin have something for everyone.
Once you choose the best Austin neighborhood for you, it’s time to start planning your move. Keep in mind that most homes in Austin neighborhoods don’t have basements, so you might need extra storage when you get here.
Austin is also prone to Texas’s famous summer humidity. This makes climate-controlled storage* for temperature-sensitive items, like family photographs, a must. For boat owners planning to take advantage of Austin’s many lakes, proper boat storage can help reduce the cost of maintenance and repair.
CubeSmart offers storage units in a range of sizes at convenient locations across Austin. Find a CubeSmart storage facility near you.
* Storage unit sizes are approximate and subject to availability. Temperature and humidity levels within any storage space, including climate-controlled spaces, may vary.
