Where are the Best Places to Live in Austin, Texas

For years, Austin has consistently been named one of the best places to live in Texas and one of the top cities in the United States for everyone from single professionals to young families. Reasons for this include the excellent quality of life, strong job market, great home values, the laid-back vibe, the abundance of beautiful green spaces, and the fact that there is always something fresh and fun to do for people of all ages. 

With so many excellent neighborhoods, it can be difficult to narrow down the best places to live in Austin. With that in mind, here are six communities that are super hot right now:   

1. Mueller 

Mueller is a neighborhood that is often called "the heart of Austin." One trip here and you'll easily see why. Located 10 minutes from Downtown, around 6,000 people call the neighborhood home, and most of the homes here were built after 2000. Because of its beautiful green spaces (about 20% of the area is made up of parks and green spaces) and small town within a town feel, it's often considered one of the best places to live in Austin for families. The community is known for its walkability — take a stroll to your favorite restaurant — as well as its access to public transportation. It's even home to some beautiful bike trails. Mueller is nationally-recognized for its sustainability, and it has great schools. 

2. Tarrytown 

Tarrytown is one of Austin's older neighborhoods, and it's easily one of the city's most charming communities. Beautiful homes built during the early and mid-20th century, as well as some modern estates, sit on quiet tree-lined streets with gorgeous, sizable lawns. You won't find a lot of shopping, restaurants, or businesses in the neighborhood, but you will find parks, ball fields, golf courses, and other ways to get outdoors and enjoy Austin's beautiful year-round weather. Tarrytown also sits on the Colorado River, so there are plenty of ways to enjoy the waterfront as well. 

3. Downtown Austin 

If it's the city life you seek, you can't go wrong with a home in Downtown Austin. It's easily one of the best places to live in Austin for singles and professionals, thanks to all of the new startups located here and the area's bustling nightlife. About 9,500 people call Downtown Austin home, and while it's a business-friendly area filled with gorgeous high-rises, it still manages to embrace the city's laid-back vibe. You'll live and play as much as you work here if not more, whether you're spending your evenings at a local watering hole, listening to live music, or spending your weekends paddleboarding and kayaking along the Colorado River. 

4. Hyde Park 

Hyde Park sits just north of the University of Texas, and it's usually considered Austin's first suburb. Built in the late 19th century, the neighborhood is home to an eclectic mix of students, artists, intellectuals, and freethinkers. Indie retailers and restaurants are scattered throughout the community, which is filled with historic Victorians, cozy bungalows, and charming Queen Anne-style homes. Hyde Park is also known for having great schools. 

5. Barton Hills  

Barton Hills dates back to the 1940s, and it's been one of the city's trendiest neighborhoods ever since. From Millennials to Baby Boomers and single professionals to young families, it attracts residents of all stripes, thanks to its recreational opportunities, cool shops and restaurants, and excellent schools. Amenities like Zilker Park, Barton Springs, and the Barton Creek Greenbelt make it ideal for anyone who prefers to spend their free time outdoors. Best of all, you'll find a range of mid-20th century and modern homes, as well as condos and apartments spread throughout the neighborhood. 

6. Westlake Hills

Westlake Hills became an Austin suburb during the 1950s, and it remains as tranquil and charming today as it was then. The family-friendly neighborhood boasts many homes that were built during the 1970s and 1980s, though you'll find more modern options too. Property taxes are low, and all homes are built on a one-acre minimum, which is a huge part of the area's appeal. Despite the fact that you can be in Austin in minutes, Westlake Hills feels like it's a world away from the city with its quiet streets. Among them you'll find restaurants and boutiques and access to trails and the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve. If you have children, the biggest appeal may be that Westlake Hills is part of the Eanes Independent School District, which is consistently known as the best school district in the Austin area, as well as one of the best in the whole state. 

If you're interested in viewing homes in these and any of Austin's fantastic neighborhoods, realtor Heather Burke can help. Give me a call today at (512) 434-9004 or email me at [email protected].