Austin, Texas

Downtown is ground zero for young professionals working in the area who want to both walk to work and to a huge volume of bars, restaurants and outdoor play. The entire area is filled with apartment and condo options mixed in with the downtown office buildings. Old West Austin is another good option if you want a bit of distance from downtown. Closer to UT but with a cozier neighborhood vibe. The area is filled with boutique restaurants, bar, and shopping options, and as a bonus, has some beautiful recreation options for a moment of zen or play within the city.

Zoned Schools:
Elementary: Mathews Elementary
Middle: O. Henry Middle School
High: Austin High School

Median Home Price: Approximately $640,000

Similar Neighborhoods:
-Old West Austin
-Bouldin Creek

West Campus is the epicenter of student life in Austin, situated directly adjacent to the University of Texas. This neighborhood is characterized by a dense concentration of student housing, including apartments, co-ops, and Greek life houses. The area buzzes with social vibe, offering a ton of good and inexpensive eats, coffee shops, and convenience stores tailored to student needs. Its proximity to campus makes it an ideal location for those seeking to immerse themselves fully in university life (student or otherwise).

Zoned Schools:
Elementary: Bryker Woods Elementary
Middle: O. Henry Middle School
High: Austin High School

Median Home Price: $327,000

Similar Neighborhoods
-North Campus (Austin): Slightly quieter while still close to UT
-University Hills (Austin): Provides more affordable housing options with reasonable access to campus.
-Downtown San Marcos: Home to Texas State, offering similar student-centric environment.

North Campus, also known as North University, is a charming neighborhood featuring historic homes, tree-lined streets, and a quieter ambiance compared to its southern counterpart. It's favored by graduate students and faculty members who desire proximity to UT without the hustle and racket of undergrad-focused areas. The neighborhood has beautiful housing and the great benefit of being within walking distance to plenty of cafes and shops.

Zoned Schools:
Elementary: Lee Elementary School
Middle: Kealing Middle School
High: McCallum High School

Median Home Price: $325,000

Similar Neighborhoods:
-Hyde Park (Austin): Similar historic charm with a mix of students and professionals.
-Cherrywood (Austin): Known for eclectic vibe and close-knit community.
-Downtown Denton: Home to the University of North Texas, provides a comparable atmosphere.

Holy cow, lots of options in Austin for neighborhoods popular with the LGBTQ+ community. East Austin has spiked to the top of the list in recent years as it transformed into a cultural hotspot, with the opening of new restaurants and bars owned by and supportive of the community. Clarksville is another good option for those looking to be in the city but get a more intimate neighborhood experience. Close to the 6th Street entertainment hub the area has eclectic restaurants, cafes, and boutique shops.

Zoned Schools:
Elementary: Zavala Elementary
Middle: Martin Middle School
High: Eastside Early College High School

Median Home Price: Approximately $585,000

Similar Neighborhoods
-Clarksville
-Downtown Austin

Clarksville is an interesting choice if you want to be in the city but get a bit of distance from downtown. The tree-lined streets have a mix of home and apt/condo options amidst great locally owned restaurants, cafes, and shops. It's a walkable neighborhood with its own vibe but close enough to downtown to feel a part of the city.

Zoned Schools:
Elementary: Mathews Elementary
Middle: O. Henry Middle School
High: Austin High School

Median Home Price: Approximately $1,700,000

Similar Neighborhoods
-Zilker
-Bouldin Creek

Cherrywood is a good place to start if you want to be just a few miles from downtown but also want a quieter vibe with all the requisite homes, parks, and trees. Bonus, it has its own local restaurants, bars, and cafes so you don’t have to make the short trip downtown if you need a snack or libation.

Zoned Schools:
Elementary: Maplewood Elementary
Middle: Kealing Middle School
High: McCallum High School (including fine arts magnet)

Median Home Price: Approximately $1,700,000

Similar Neighborhoods
-Windsor Park
-Brentwood

Hyde Park is one of Austin's most historic neighborhoods, known for well-preserved bungalows, mature trees, and walkable streets. The area vibe is quaint charm, with local cafes, boutiques, and parks contributing to its appeal. It's a favorite among young professionals and families seeking a community-oriented environment with easy access to downtown.

Zoned Schools:
Elementary: Lee Elementary School
Middle: Kealing Middle School
High: McCallum High School

Median Home Price: Approximately $899,000

Similar Neighborhoods:
-Rosedale (Austin): Shares a similar historic feel with a family-friendly atmosphere.
-Clarksville (Austin): Offers a mix of historic homes and modern amenities.
-Downtown Georgetown: Features a charming square and historic homes, appealing to those seeking a small-town feel

Rosedale is a beautiful neighborhood, notable for vintage homes, tree-lined streets, and proximity to parks and medical facilities. It's a tranquil area that offers a suburban feel while still close to the city's core. Locals enjoy easy access to local shops, restaurants, and the Shoal Creek Greenbelt.

Zoned Schools:
Elementary: Bryker Woods Elementary School
Middle: O. Henry Middle School
High: Austin High School

Median Home Price: Approximately $1,164,000

Similar Neighborhoods:
-Hyde Park (Austin): Similar in charm and community feel.
-Tarrytown (Austin): Offers upscale homes with a serene environment.
-Old West Austin: Features historic homes and a close-knit community.

Zilker is the kind of neighborhood that makes people fall in love with Austin. Centered around the iconic Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool, it’s where urban living meets green space—and it’s absolutely buzzing with activity. Think yoga in the park, impromptu drum circles, kayak rentals on Lady Bird Lake, and local food trucks just a stroll away.

The housing stock includes everything from charming 1930s bungalows to sleek modern builds tucked into walkable residential streets. It's popular with young professionals and couples who want proximity to downtown without the chaos of living in downtown. Living here means you can walk to South Lamar’s bars, catch a concert at ACL Live, and bike to work downtown.

Zilker does get busy during festivals and weekends, but for many, that’s part of the draw—not a drawback.

Zoned Schools:
Elementary: Zilker Elementary
Middle: O. Henry Middle School
High: Austin High School

Median Home Price: ~$1,020,000

Similar Neighborhoods:
-Bouldin Creek (Austin): Just south of Zilker, with a funkier, more eclectic vibe.
-Clarksville (Austin): Upscale, close-in, historic homes, and walkable.
-Downtown San Antonio – King William District: Historic but energetic, with nearby green space and riverwalk access.

Cherrywood is a cozy, creative neighborhood in East Central Austin, full of quirky homes, bike lanes, and community gardens. It feels like the kind of place where neighbors actually know each other. Filled with mid-century homes, renovated bungalows, and a few modern infill builds tucked onto leafy streets.

What sets Cherrywood apart is its personality—it’s down-to-earth but fun, with independent coffee shops, food trucks, and dive bars like the Cherrywood Coffeehouse that double as community gathering spaces. It’s close to UT and downtown, but far enough to feel relaxed.

There’s also a real sense of pride in the neighborhood, from the Mueller Farmers Market nearby to local school involvement.

Zoned Schools:
Elementary: Maplewood Elementary
Middle: Kealing Middle School
High: McCallum High School

Median Home Price: ~$555,000

Similar Neighborhoods:
-Windsor Park (Austin): Also family-friendly with a strong neighborhood identity.
-Hyde Park (Austin): More polished, but still community-focused and charming.
-Travis Heights (Austin): Leafy, eclectic, and full of older homes near downtown.

Windsor Park is a solid family neighborhood in Northeast Austin that’s seen steady growth without losing its original character. Known for mid-century homes and quiet residential streets, it’s a favorite for first-time buyers and young families looking for space without the steep price tag of central Austin.

There’s a strong community vibe here. Neighbors organize block parties and park cleanups, and the Windsor Park Neighborhood Association is very active. It's also close to the growing Mueller district, which gives residents access to parks, splash pads, and tons of dining options without the congestion.

It's a "best of both worlds" kind of neighborhood—affordable (by Austin standards), green, and well-connected to the rest of the city.

Zoned Schools:
Elementary: Blanton Elementary
Middle: Bertha Sadler Means YWLA
High: Northeast Early College High School

Median Home Price: ~$535,000

Similar Neighborhoods:
-Cherrywood (Austin): More central, but similar family-friendly, bikeable vibe.
-Crestview (Austin): Mid-century charm with great schools and tree cover.
-South Austin’s Western Trails area: Affordable with a similar suburban layout and community feel.

Brentwood is one of those neighborhoods that immediately feels good when you walk around. It has wide sidewalks, mature oak trees, and a mix of well-kept 1950s ranch-style homes and tasteful new builds. People walk their dogs, kids ride bikes, and there’s almost always a stroller rolling around.

It also has one of the strongest neighborhood identities in North Central Austin. Brentwood Park is the weekend hangout spot, and Little Deli & Pizzeria is a community institution. The local schools are a huge draw, and McCallum High is known for its fine arts program.

It’s a perfect fit for families who want space, great schools, and a neighborhood that’s both settled and evolving.

Zoned Schools:
Elementary: Brentwood Elementary
Middle: Lamar Middle School
High: McCallum High School

Median Home Price: ~$675,000

Similar Neighborhoods:
-Allandale (Austin): Nearby, similar layout, slightly more upscale.
-Crestview (Austin): Feels like a sibling neighborhood—just as livable.
-Clarksville (Austin): For families looking for a more central version with walkability.