Discover the Best Neighborhoods in Austin for Young Professionals in 2023

, Aug 10, 2023

Young professionals looking for the ideal neighborhood in Austin, Texas—the Live Music Capital of the World—can turn to this blog post as a resource. We provide all pertinent information about which neighborhoods are considered some of the best in town so you can make an educated decision and find your perfect city home among its diverse areas with vibrant culture and plenty of musical offerings.

Short Summary

Explore the best Austin neighborhoods for young professionals, from downtown living to outdoor adventures near the Colorado River.
Consider factors such as walkability, cost, and proximity to employers when selecting a neighborhood that meets your lifestyle needs.
Evaluate renting vs buying in Austin’s hot market based on job stability and financial goals.

1. Downtown Austin Living

Downtown Austin is a great neighborhood for young professionals in search of an urban lifestyle that provides easy access to public transportation and nearby recreational activities. With its proximity to Lady Bird Lake and Zilker Park, it’s no wonder why Downtown Austin has been named one of the best neighborhoods in all of Austin. Enjoy city living with plenty of restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues right at your doorstep while still taking advantage of green spaces when you need a break from bustling life! The median home price here will be slightly more expensive than the national average – currently estimated at around $550k, but for those who love their active lifestyles, downtown offers unbeatable convenience. If you’re searching for fun nights out mixed with some beautiful outdoor retreats, consider making this perfect destination within Austin yours today!

Best Neighborhoods in Downtown Austin

Trendy South Austin Neighborhoods

Austin, particularly South Austin, is renowned for its laid-back atmosphere and captivating neighborhoods, which make it attractive to young professionals looking for a more relaxing place. Two of the most recommended parts of this city are Barton Hills and Zilker due to their proximity to iconic attractions like Barton Springs Pool or Zilker Park with all its outdoor recreational opportunities as well as events held there.

South Lamar has gained fame lately too. Boasting plentiful bars, restaurants plus shops in addition to a lively food trucks scene and famous dance hall Broken Spoke makes it an exquisite melting pot of culture&entertainment packed together while remaining conveniently located & reasonably priced ($1,638 per month in Zilkerto $1,472per month south congress).

Whether you’re wanting monthly street events of South Congress or unique places to eat nearby Orangha Mall, South Austin presents many options for young people seeking action close by yet a calm environment when home.

Best Neighborhoods in South Austin

The Charm of East Austin

For those in search of an area with modern amenities and the nostalgic charm of historic homes, East Austin is a great choice. Cherrywood and Mueller are two neighborhoods that provide a mix of housing options such as bungalows, brick ranch-style houses, duplexes, or Victorian-style properties. These areas have easy access to downtown Austin – just 3 miles away – plus they boast a 5/5 walkability score! There’s plenty on offer here too: from movie theaters to food trucks, bars and restaurants for dining out, and family attractions like parks & museums. As well as grocery stores catering to diverse needs. All this paired with comfortable tree-lined streets makes both these Eastern parts ideal choices when looking to enjoy all that the city has got going on without compromising characterful aesthetics!

Best Neighborhoods in East Austin

West Austin’s Hidden Gems

For young professionals, living in West Austin’s West Campus and Clarksville neighborhoods offers a great balance between the city life of downtown Austin while also providing suburban amenities. Both areas are recognized for their historic homes – some listed on the National Register of Historic Places since the 1970s – which have moderate size yards (averaging 1,900 square feet), as well as easy access to all that this lively area has to offer by being within walking distance. A unique charm sets these two communities apart from other parts of town making them an attractive option for those looking to enjoy both metropolitan vibes with close proximity still available via pedestrian routes such as sections streets or sidewalks.

Best Neighborhoods in West Austin

North Austin’s Tech Corridor

Young professionals looking for affordable housing near Austin should look no further than Milwood and Balcones Woods in North Austin. Easily accessible with major highways close by, these neighborhoods provide a great place to call home while working at the tech corridor nearby. With an average rental rate of $1 355 in Milwood, there are plenty of convenient options for those within this sector who wish to live comfortably and affordably.

Milwood has long been appreciated as having community spirit while Balcones Woods offers larger lots complimented by mature trees plus 1970s floor plans that complete its existing atmosphere perfectly. Making it ideal for young tech industry workers seeking both affordability and convenience – something only available when residing here!

Best Neighborhoods in North Austin

GRACYWOODS | QUAIL HOLLOW | SCOFIELD FARMS | MILWOOD | QUAIL CREEK

Outdoor Adventures Near Colorado River

For young professionals who love the outdoors, neighborhoods near the Colorado River such as Barton Hills and Zilker are great options. These localities give easy access to parks, trails for hiking, and a wide range of water-based activities since this 1,450-mile-long river is one of the main sources for providing Southwestern US with fresh water.

Rafting or kayaking along Bouldin Creek is just some example of fun outdoor adventures you can do without needing to travel far from city life. Other popular tourist attractions nearby include Mayfield Park Wildlife Preserve boasting native wildlife species and Lions Municipal Golf Course offering golf fans an amazing experience in its 18-hole course.

If your dream home includes living close enough to nature while still being relatively centralized then check out these two neighborhoods located around The Colorado River – all that’s left now is up to you!

Walkable Neighborhoods for Active Lifestyles

Young professionals, young families, and students at the University of Texas often seek out Hyde Park, North Loop, and Crestview, three neighborhoods that boast easy access to a range of amenities within walking distance. These convenient locations offer an array of housing options from historic homes to modern apartments with rental rates ranging between $1,355 in Milwood up to $1,543 for North Loop residents. For anyone looking for a lively area free from car dependency, these areas are ideal due to their walkability enabling residents quick and effortless access to local services without needing transport.

Finding Your Perfect Austin Neighborhood

When looking for the perfect Austin neighborhood, young professionals should consider a range of factors such as walkability, proximity to work, and school quality. Cost can also be an important factor when picking out your new home in this city. With its variety of housing options and nearby nightlife entertainment opportunities, it is no wonder why Austin is often chosen by millennials seeking secure neighborhoods with good transportation systems. Boasting 3 000 bus stops throughout the region, they are sure to find what suits them best!

One of the major benefits that make living in this Texan capital even more attractive – especially among younger citizens – is a safety rating of 3.4 which guarantees peace of mind both during daily commutes or after-hours socializing activities within town limits. As researching different districts helps narrow down possible choices much easier, make sure you take into account all these aspects before making a decision about settling here permanently!

Renting vs. Buying in Austin’s Hot Market

Young professionals in the Austin area must make an important decision between renting and buying a property. While renting may seem like it is more economical at first, purchasing could provide long-term financial rewards over time. Renting offers increased flexibility while owning provides more stability and security for the future.

When considering which option would work best, individuals should think about their job status or if they plan to move shortly thereafter since these factors can be influential when making a choice between buying or renting. If one’s position appears to remain steady with no plans of relocation soon then investing by acquiring ownership might prove valuable down the road financially speaking.

For those unsure what action is most beneficial, Landing has been created. This network contains fully furnished apartments located in Austin that come along with 24/7 concierge service as well as flexible leasing terms set up within its app platform too!

Navigating Austin City Limits

Exploring Austin City Limits, Texas can be a challenge for newcomers. To ease the transition, it is important to familiarize oneself with the city layout and transportation options including public buses, light rail, and ride-sharing services such as Uber or Lyft. Austin has many distinct neighborhoods – Downtown. South, East & West areas of town plus North Austin near the Colorado River – each unique in its attractions. Major highways include Interstate 35 (I35), US Highway 183 (US183), and State Highway 71, which connects other parts of Texas into Central City’s boundaries. With knowledge of all these factors, you will be well prepared to navigate through this diverse metropolis known as ‘Austin’!

Summary

Young professionals seeking the perfect neighborhood in Austin have a wide selection of neighborhoods to choose from, ranging from downtown’s energy and hustle to South Austin’s relaxed feel. When searching for your ideal area, consider factors like walkability, affordability, and proximity to employers. You can easily find somewhere that suits all your needs while enjoying life in this bustling city.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Austin a good place for young professionals?

Austin, the “Live Music Capital of the World,” is an ideal city for young professionals. It offers a host of job growth opportunities, lively nightlife spots, and easily accessible public transportation routes along with numerous housing choices. The vibrant culture boasts iconic cuisine offerings as well as stunning lakes and mountains perfect to explore at leisure, all coming together to make Austin an attractive destination!

What is the cool neighborhood in Austin?

East Austin and South Congress (SoCo) in the Texas capital, Austin, are two incredible places to check out. In East 11th Street’s Franklin Barbecue or High Noon and Drinks Lounge & Records, you can find lots of vibrancy while SoCo is home to indie stores as well as cafes and bars that have been founded locally. Visiting both these neighborhoods will surely provide a great experience for tourists.

How can I decide whether to rent or buy in Austin’s hot market?

Considering your employment security, goals for the future, and financial objectives when trying to determine whether it is best to rent or purchase in Austin’s demanding property market will enable you to make a judicious choice that corresponds with what would be most beneficial for yourself.

What public transportation options are available in Austin City Limits?

Austin has a vast array of public transportation methods, such as buses, rail, and ride-sharing options like Uber and Lyft. These amenities make it easy to travel in the city without having to use your own vehicle.

Which neighborhoods in Austin are walkable and cater to active lifestyles?

The great neighborhoods of Hyde Park, North Loop, and Crestview in Austin are ideal places to live for those who enjoy an active lifestyle. Everything you need is right here – shopping spots, restaurants, and entertainment hubs, all just a short walk away!

If you’re after delicious food or want to explore the latest trends in fashion and music, then these neighborhoods have it covered. There are also plenty of parks around so that residents can make use of trails and other outdoor activities.

Categories City Guides Relocation Guides

About the Author

Last updated: 08/18/2023

2300+ Client reviews!

Sarah Byers

My realtor was Tammy and we had a great experience. It felt that she wanted us in the home that is the best fit for us and felt that she was authentic and honest with us. We benefited from her experience and advice in avoiding places that wouldn’t have worked for my family and finding the place that checked off all our boxes. Thank you Tammy!

Caasi Lamb

I cannot speak highly enough about the outstanding service we received from Kasey Gilliam and Kim Jowers with Bramlett Residential Real Estate during the recent sale of our home. They are a fantastic team! From our initial consultation to the successful closing, Kasey proved to be an invaluable asset, guiding us through every step of the process with expertise and professionalism. Kasey demonstrated an in-depth understanding of the local market dynamics and economic headwinds. Throughout the entire process, Kasey was proactive, communicative, and always available to address any questions or concerns we had. She provided regular updates and feedback that kept us informed and reassured, making the selling experience remarkably smooth. I wholeheartedly recommend Kasey to anyone looking for a top-notch real estate agent who truly prioritizes her clients’ needs!

Elli Overton

Tara McGuire recently sold our house in Circle C and did an amazing job. She is so easy to work with, knowledgable, and responsive. I believe she got us top $$. Highly recommend working with Tara and her team at Bramlett! Their service was all inclusive with staging, marketing, etc. No nickel and diming. Just great service.

Anwesha Dhillon

It was pleasure working with Tammy Costello from Bramlett Residential Real Estate in finding our home. We could not have imagined the process to be as seamless and easy as it was! As first-time home buyers, Tammy walked us through the process and guided us through each step. She is meticulous, has great communication and negotiation skills. With her help and years of experience, we were able to find our dream home. Thanks for making it so easy, Tammy!

Ryan Goodbary

I had the pleasure of working with Vicki Duran and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. From the very beginning, Vicki demonstrated deep knowledge of the market and a genuine commitment to understanding my needs. Her communication was exceptional – always prompt, clear, and informative. Throughout the process, Vicki went above and beyond, negotiating on my behalf, explaining the process/each step along the way, and ensuring every detail was taken care of. Her professionalism, dedication, and personalized approach was exceptional. She truly cared and I felt like I was working with a close family friend (having never met her before the process began). I can’t emphasis enough how seamless she made the process for me. People have the perception that buying a house is an extremely stressful process. My experience could not have been farther from the truth. I joked with her at times how smooth/easy buying a house was, all because of Vicki!

I could not have asked for a better agent. I’ve already referred a few friends to Vicki and will continue to do so in the future. Thanks again, Vicki!

Brad Henry

Blessed to have connected with Kristen! I can’t say enough great things about Kristen. Her professionalism, market knowledge, and communication were beyond compare. She was incredibly patient throughout our home search. We looked at a countless amount of homes (we are very picky), and never once felt she was trying to push us in to something that wasn’t the right fit for the sake of a sale. We always felt she had our best interest in mind. Couldn’t recommend her more!!!

Taylor Constantine

Sally was referred to me via a business network when I first moved to Austin in 2022. She helped me understand the area, evaluate my options, and find the perfect spot in a tough market. Sally has been a joy to work with because she creates partnerships + friendships with her clients!

Scott

I was impressed by Sally’s expertise in selling both my investment property and my primary residence, and in helping us buy our dream home. At our initial meeting, we found Sally knew the real estate market, but found even more impressive her emotional quotient in understanding and navigating the differences between my partner’s and my very different personalities. For my investment property, she timed the showings and sale perfectly and created a helpful Excel spreadsheet comparing the many offers. She was also savvy enough to suggest we pay the tenants a fair amount of money to make the property available for viewing from 9am – 5pm on the first weekend to make it as easy as possible for potential buyers to get through, and we let her deal directly with the tenants because we could tell her people skills would serve us well

We got multiple offers by the deadline on Monday afternoon with one outlier that was $150K higher than what we had unsuccessfully listed the property for (with a different realtor) a year earlier!

When it came to selling my primary home, Sally’s expertise in the luxury market, and in historic homes in particular, truly shone. She understood that selling a high-end property, with various restrictions, required a different approach. Sally crafted a listing for the home that perfectly captured its unique character and premier location. Her marketing strategy was well timed and appropriate for the more limited market, attracting the right buyer pool and creating a sense of exclusivity around the property. She suggested listing it on the private market for a week or two before sending a message that it would be listed on the MLS. She organized private showings that allowed buyers to experience the warmth and charm of the home and the neighborhood, which I believe was instrumental in securing a sale.

The pricing and marketing strategy Sally recommended was spot-on, and we sold the home at a price that far exceeded our expectations. Sally helped thread the needle perfectly.

Sally is also accessible. We found more well-known realtors would respond to our email days later, whereas she was always available right away to answer my questions, and provided us with regular updates, making sure every detail was handled with care. Selling a high-end property can be a stressful experience with fewer potential buyers and some downtime inherent in waiting for the right buyer, but Sally made it a smooth and surprisingly easy process encouraging us to be patient while giving us enough information on what was happening to satisfy both me and my partner. In the end, we were thrilled with the results

Sally’s rep of us as sellers could not have been more professional, but her work repping us as buyers is the most memorable. We were trying to be our dream home in an overheated market, and Sally gave us advice that at each turn proved invaluable. She recommended offering just the right amount above the offer price for us to make it to the next round of offers. She handled a very difficult appraisal process by advising us on financing sources, even offering to help us put down a higher amount by loaning us money herself! We were able to finance the home without taking her up on that offer, but how many realtors make that kind of offer to their clients? In the end, we closed on the house ontime and ended up with the home of our dreams, thanks to Sally’s world-class advice and service.

We cannot say enough good things about Sally’s technical knowledge, people skills, and responsiveness. You won’t find a better realtor in Austin.

lucille wood

I have lived here in Austin for more twenty-five years, and have bought and sold several homes and rented others during those years. I have worked with five realtors during that time. SALLY IS BY FAR THE BEST OF ANY IN TOWN. Her work ethic is simply unmatched. She hides her competitive streak underneath a layer of Austin hip and friendly, but she will absolutely get you the best home, the best deal, and stop at NOTHING to get your home sold as well!

Sally loves real estate. She has a genuine passion for Austin, too, and for her client’s well-being. She took time to understand my needs and was always available to answer any questions and provide me with honest and insightful advice.

We toured many homes in Barton Hills and settled on a great home that was hotly contested by builders and homeowners. Sally understood how we could be the preferred buyer without getting into a bidding war. She knew the motivations of the Seller and we maneuvered and negotiated the contract and secured my dream home.

Furthermore, at the 11th hour, the day before we were set to close, our lender said we needed to put a fence around the pool before they would release the funds. The seller was not inclined to extend the closing again. We were out of town. Sally saved the day by racing to Home Depot and getting the largest tarpaulin available and then securing it over the pool at the house. Sent pics to the lender and we were set to close.

In short, Sally will work harder and smarter than anyone. She’s simply the best.

Daniel Carroll

Sally is incredible! She spent nearly 2 years with us – understanding our very specific preferences and needs – to help us find our dream home. She was the first agent to reach out when the home was listed and negotiated the contract astutely so that we secured the home. The home was only in the framed stage, still had a few months until completion. Once it was completed, however, our plans had changed and we needed to get out of the contract. We were expecting to have to relinquish our very considerable deposit. But Sally spent the entire weekend working on a way to get us out of the contract AND get our deposit back. Everyone we have spoken to about this extraordinary outcome has been surprised that Sally managed to get our deposit back for us. Thank you Sally, we can’t recommend her highly enough.

Amit Melwani

Sally is reliable, diligent in her research, prompt on exchanges, creative in deal making, and has a tremendous work ethic. She is the sole reason we were able to close on our primary residence, which has been our dream home and a fantastic investment. From there, we’ve gone on to close on multiple rental property purchases in Austin together. Thanks to her astute analysis, we’ve passed on many deals as well, which has proven just as valuable. I cannot recommend her highly enough.

Dom Chapman

I highly recommend Kiel if you’re looking to rent a place in Austin. We originally met him to look around a particular unit, and when it was not to our satisfaction, he was able to quickly take us around many more units that day. He also set up a whole day of viewings for the very next day! Within 48 hours we had done enough viewings to be confident in choosing a new home. The landlord accepted our offer and Kiel handled all of the paperwork, even stopping by our hotel to pick up the needed checks. We couldn’t be happier.

Kiel is highly organized and unlike some realtors in the Austin area, he is responsive and ready to move quickly. We were always able to contact him and never left waiting.

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