Austin Neighborhood Guides
North Austin
North Austin is the place to be. If you are looking to be in the center of action with more affordable prices.
Along with plentiful shopping centers, restaurants and The Domain, everything you could desire is located within close proximity. The majority of existing homes were built in the 60’s and 70’s, with new growth attracting owners to renovate with more modern finishes.
Architectural styles vary from traditional homes, ranches and mid-century modern stunners. This area also affords many first-time home buyers to purchase fixer uppers.
Another benefit of living in North Austin is the plethora of outdoor activities. The area offers some of the best parks such as Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park, Katherine Fleischer Park, Mills Pond Recreation area and Balcones District Park. These outdoor spaces feature ponds, picnic areas, playgrounds and hike and bike trails.
Neighborhoods to Search For: North Burnet, Wooten, Mesa Park, Scofield Ridge, McNeil, Jollyville, Wells Branch
Zip Codes to Search For: 78727, 78728, 78753, 78758, 78759
Central Austin
Charming and quiet, these neighborhoods offer established landscaping and homes built with character.
Allandale/Crestview/Brentwood:
While many of first homes in Allandale were built in the 1940’s, the median age of homes is around 1960. Allandale also showcases some of the best mid-century homes in the city.
Crestview was built on an old dairy farm and features homes originally built in the same era as Allandale. Modest ranch homes with porches are the prevalent architecture style you’ll see.
As the need for larger square footage has increased, there has also been a steady increase of new, contemporary homes. With its laid-back feel and community centered vibe, both neighborhoods are consistently rated as top neighborhoods in Austin.
Brentwood is an established neighborhood featuring many bungalow style homes, some of which were purchased by soldiers returning after World War II. Many residents have been here for decades, as have many of the local businesses, which is showcased in this close-knit community. The Brentwood Park and annual festivals present opportunities for residents to get together.
Zip Codes to Search For: 78756, 78757
South Austin
South Austin embodies much of what makes Austin great. This area offers any style of architecture you can imagine ranging from traditional ranch style homes, duplexes, condos and new modern estates. It’s also the part of Austin where the phrase, Keep Austin Weird originated.
You’ll find that congruity isn’t the norm in this area, there are homes that have been around since the 1940’s and, it’s common to see these types of bungalows next door to a large contemporary structure.
Those living in South Austin enjoy a vibrant shopping, dining and music scene. South Congress, South 1st Street and South Lamar offer local boutiques, new and unique restaurants and interesting coffee shops. Some of Austin’s most historic music venues are also located in this part of the city. South Austin is just south of downtown allowing for quick commutes into the heart of the city for work or entertainment.
Farther South, you will find a mix of new development and established neighborhoods. This area is one that is also experiencing immense growth with buyers flooding to the area because of its affordability and proximity to downtown. The area has varied amenities available with large shopping centers and a resurgence of local restaurants and shops that are moving farther south as property taxes increase closer to downtown.
Neighborhoods to Search For: Zilker, Bouldin Creek, Travis Heights, Sweetbriar, Cherry Creek, Western Trails, Garrison Park, Westgate, Maple Run, Western Oaks.
Zip Codes to Search For: 78704, 78745, 78748, 78749
Downtown Austin
The downtown area showcases a fast growing and continually expanding marketplace. Downtown Austin homes for sale include 844 condominiums under construction in addition to over 2,500 units built since 2000.
Established in mid-1830s, Edwin Waller designed Downtown Austin in a grid pattern on over 640 acres. Several districts divide Downtown Austin. Congress Avenue is the main boulevard with government buildings, hotels, and retail businesses lining the wide roadway.
Downtown Austin’s Sixth Street District is well-known for its history and is the main entertainment district. With almost 23 million visitors a year, Downtown Austin’s Second Street District offers visitors dining and shopping. Rainey Street’s bars and eateries, hosted in tiny bungalows, offers a charming way to enjoy the cities’ nightlife. The Red River Cultural District, running between the 600 to 900-block of Red River Street is home to some of Austin’s finest galleries, art shops, and music venues.
Downtown’s housing options are diverse, with neighborhoods of well-maintained 19th-century properties and sleek high-rise condominium buildings alike. Many of these condominiums offer state of the art amenities such as, infinity pools, door men, valet, concierge, dog washing stations and outdoor amenity floors.
On the far west part of downtown, you will find Clarksville. With charming bungalows and walkable bars and restaurants, this continues to be one of Austin’s most desirable areas.
Neighborhoods to Search For: Downtown, Rainey street, Clarksville.
Zip Codes to Search For: 78701, 78703
North Central
Located just north of the University of Texas, Hyde Park is one of Austin’s most unique neighborhoods. While touring this area, you will find charming tree-lined streets and a variety of different architectural styles. Queen Annes and Tudor Revivals, mix with Craftsman bungalows are all on display, with many designated as historic landmarks.
The area offers many amenities such as Shipe Park, which is a popular hangout for residents to bring their dogs and enjoy the small swimming pool, playground, basketball court, and grassy areas. Hancock Golf Course, built in 1899 is a public nine-hole golf course adding additional outdoor space that residents can enjoy. There are also a variety of restaurants and cafes within walking distance.
North Loop is just north of Hyde park and similarly lends itself to easy commutes to downtown and UT. North Loop’s vintage charm is loved by many with unique retailers and funky coffee shops as part of its hub. You will find older homes; mostly smaller bungalows being most prevalent in this neighborhood.
Zip Codes to Search for: 78751
Rosedale
Established in 1930, trends have evolved over the years in Rosedale. Stone facades and mature trees add to the charm of this established neighborhood. Many homes feature storybook cottage exteriors with hand crafted doors, trim and brick.
There are a variety of amenities readily available such as the Triangle Park, which offers coffee shops, gyms and local restaurants. Ramsey Park, tennis courts, a swimming pool, and children’s playscapes are all within walking distance of most Rosedale homes.
Zip Codes to Search for: 78756
East Austin
East Austin, located just east of downtown, has seen a resurgence in the past decade as Downtown Austin’s ever-growing skyline continues to fill in. East Austin has come to represent itself as unique identity among the various regions and neighborhoods that make Austin special.
Each pocket of this area offers historical and unique amenities and architecture. There is a mix of turn of the century Victorians and stunning modern architecture that has become more prevalent in the last 10 years. East Austin is desirable as it is close to downtown and has seen an explosion of local bars, restaurants, art galleries and shops.
East Austin features many refurbished single-family homes, as well as new condominiums. For those needing quick access to Downtown Austin and popular hotspots, such as East 6th Street and Lady Bird Lake, East Austin is perfectly positioned. East Austin has seen some of the highest appreciation rates in the country, making it a popular place for investors along with buyers looking for their forever home.
Neighborhoods to Search For: Springdale, Forest Heights, Rosewood, MLK, Holly, Govalle, Windsor Park
Zip Codes to Search For: 78723, 78721, 78702
West Austin
West Austin homes vary in style, size, and price with much depending on their proximity to Downtown Austin or Lake Austin.
Those close to both the city and Lake Austin are usually the most exclusive and priced accordingly. West Austin Neighborhoods, Barton Creek, Rob Roy, Davenport Ranch, and Seven Oaks showcase luxury residences with luxurious amenities such as boathouses, wine cellars, private theaters, guest homes and stunning views.
Areas like Rollingwood and Westlake Hills offer traditional and older homes along with modern masterpieces with views of downtown. These neighborhoods are highly prized as they are zoned for the nationally acclaimed, Eanes Independent School District, along with convenient access into the city.
Many neighborhoods in the area offer water access, parks and upscale shopping centers within close proximity.
Neighborhoods to Search For: West Lake Hills, Barton Creek, Lost Creek, Rollingwood, Seven Oaks
Zip Codes to Search For: 78733, 78735, 78736, 78738 and 78746
Old West Austin
Old West Austin is a residential community composed of three neighborhoods developed between 1886 and 1953.
Located on a plateau just west of downtown Austin: Old Enfield, Pemberton Heights, and Brykerwoods are some of the most desirable neighborhoods in all of Austin. Real estate in the area offers larger square footage (more than 2,500) and sizable lots, just 2 miles north of downtown Austin.
The oldest and southernmost neighborhood in this district is Old Enfield. It was originally part of the Pease family's plantation just west of Austin. Conveniently located 2 miles from Downtown this area commands some of the highest prices in Austin. Originally planned to mimic the English countryside, many of the homes have gabled roofs, winding driveways and impeccable landscaping. Old Enfield is also home to some of the oldest colonial style homes in Austin.
Located just north of Old Enfield is the suburb of Pemberton Heights. Pemberton Heights is primarily one to two-story single-family residences with grand facades. This area is also home to the most spacious lots in the Old West Austin Historic District. There are also classic Craftsman’s, Tudor-inspired and small ranches that line the streets offering a variety of homes to choose from.
Brykerwoods is the northernmost suburb of the Old West Austin Historic District. This neighborhood, west of Downtown Austin, has homes built from the 1930s with many meticulously maintained, highlighting the delightful craftsmanship of another time.
Zip Codes to Search For: 78703
Dripping Springs
Dripping Springs, also known as the gateway to Texas Hill Country, feature breathtaking views, active wildlife, and small-town living located Southwest of Austin.
Those looking for larger lots, true Texas aesthetic and a highly rated good district will feel right at home in Dripping Springs. The city is growing rapidly and more and more amenities are becoming available.
Dripping Springs has everything from master planned communities with a more suburban vibe to large ranches ranches and elegant estates.
Neighborhoods to Search For: Highpointe, Headwaters, Belterra, Caliterra, The Preserve at Dripping Springs
Zip Codes to Search For: 78620, 78737
