Austin is a city of many neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm. The laid-back vibe of South Austin and hipster haven of North Central are just two common stereotypes of where to find the best homes in Austin. But there’s so much more to this buzzing metropolis than the popular clichés. Read on for our list of the best places to live in Austin, Texas!
North Central
North Central is the essence of Austin, Texas. Here you’ll find the city’s hippie roots, quirky shops, live music venues, and cutting-edge restaurants. The central district is where the original settlers called home, and this part of the city has kept much of its historic charm. North Central is also the center of Austin’s nightlife scene. Distinct neighborhoods make up this part of the city, from trendy Sixth Street to funky Wooster to the hipster-influenced Drag. Downtown Austin, just north of Sixth Street, is also a popular place for dining and entertainment. The University of Texas is a major part of North Central’s identity. Downtown is only a short drive away, and the area’s many bars and restaurants cater to students and alums alike.
Oak Hill
Oak Hill is Austin’s very own small version of the Hamptons. From the golden hillsides to the sparkling blue waters, this neighborhood has it all. In fact, Oak Hill is one of the few areas in Austin that is actually on the coast. Coastal living means endless activities, endless hours of sunshine, and endless fun. Oak Hill draws in people from all walks of life. From young professionals to families, this community has something for everyone. The city’s most historic neighborhoods are located here, including the picturesque Hyde Park and the charming Elwood Park. All these neighborhoods help make Oak Hill a great place to call home.
South Austin
South Austin is Austin’s hipster mecca. If you’ve ever seen a movie about Austin’s music scene, this is the area you’ve probably seen featured. But beyond the famous music venues, this is also one of the city’s best places to live. South Austin’s historic neighborhoods are easily worth a visit while you’re in town. The original settlers called these neighborhoods home, and they have a distinct vibe all their own. Historic public buildings, beautiful gardens, and laid-back culture make this part of the city a true gem. South Austin’s charming neighborhoods are also popular with families. The lakeside Cliffside Park, hipster-favorite South Congress, and posh Hyde Park are a few of the popular options. Austin’s many recreational activities also make this part of the city a great place to live.
Westlake Hills
This is the largest of Austin’s neighborhoods. But it’s also one of the city’s best places to live. Like all of Austin’s neighborhoods, Westlake Hills is a melting pot of people and lifestyles. But that’s what makes it such a great place to live. From family-friendly Westlake to the diverse North Lamar, this part of town has something for everyone. The city’s many parks, lakes, and trails are also popular options. Like the rest of Austin, Westlake Hills has a thriving arts scene. The city is also home to many Fortune 500 companies, making it one of the best places to work in Texas.
North Lamar
North Lamar is one of Austin’s most ethnically diverse areas. You’ll also find a lot of diversity in the city’s residents here. From young professionals to families with small children, North Lamar has something for everyone. The Austin Independent School District (AISD) makes up a huge part of North Lamar’s identity. The district is one of the best in Texas and has many great schools in this part of town. North Lamar is also known for its great cultural offerings. The city is home to some of the state’s best museums, art galleries, and performing arts centers.
Round Rock
Round Rock is often referred to as the “gray area” of Austin. Sure, it’s technically in the city limits, but it’s also not one of the neighborhoods that sit on the city’s beautiful golden hills. This area is a lot closer to Austin’s golden hills. This means Round Rock has a much more relaxed vibe than the city’s most popular neighborhoods. Round Rock is also a great place to call home if you want a low-key lifestyle. The city has many great parks and lakes, making outdoor activities an easy fit for any lifestyle.
Pflugerville
Pflugerville is a little bit of everything. It’s got the historic feel of Austin’s oldest neighborhoods, like Travis and Hill country, but it’s also got the charm of the newer parts of town. The highly rated schools in Pflugerville make this one of the best places to raise a family in Austin. The city is also rich with cultural offerings. And there’s no shortage of recreational activities in this part of the city. Austin may be a growing city, but Pflugerville is far from growing too fast. This is a great place to call home while Austin continues to thrive.
Buda
Buda is in the heart of Austin’s hippie roots. This area is where the original settlers called home, and Buda has maintained much of its historic charm. The city’s many eclectic businesses contribute to Buda’s vibrant culture. The city’s many parks and lakes also make it a great place to live. Many people move to Buda because they love the laid-back lifestyle, the artsy vibe, and the low cost of living. Buda is also close to many popular Austin neighborhoods, making it a great place to explore.
New Braunfels
New Braunfels is known for its stunning rivers and mountains. It’s also known for its great schools, low cost of living, and vibrant arts scene. New Braunfels is full of great places to live. Located close to many of Austin’s major attractions, New Braunfels is a great place to explore the city. The area’s many parks and rivers are also a popular option for outdoor activities. New Braunfels is great for those looking for a low-key lifestyle. This is one of the best places to live in Texas with a low cost of living.
Conclusion
Austin is one of the best places to live in Texas, and it’s easy to see why. There’s so much to do, so many places to explore, and so many different types of people to meet. The only problem you’ll have is deciding which neighborhood to choose as your new home!
The Best Things to Do in Austin, TX
Austin is known for its live music and outdoor activities, but it’s also a place that gives back. If you visit the city, make sure to check out some of the best things to do in Austin: in addition to all the amazing activities listed below! From free events to paid experiences, we’ve got something for everyone. With so many great things to do in Austin, we’re sure you’ll find your new favorite thing! Explore our top-recommended things to do in Austin:
Pick up a new workout
If you’re visiting Austin with a friend or loved one, you both might be looking for ways to get in some fitness while you’re there. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to get fit in Austin. If you’re looking for classes, try a fitness studio like Equinox or SoulCycle. Austin’s own fitness centers like 24 Hour Fitness, The Cave, or the new Austin Fitness and Wellness Center are options too. If you want to get in a longer workout, try hiking or running trails in the Hill Country. If you’re more of a homebody, try a yoga class or spin class. Austin also has a great running community with organized races like the Austin Marathon and 5k, or meetups like Run on Austin.
Visit the beach
If you’re visiting Austin in the summer, you might want to plan a trip to the beach. Not only is a trip to the beach the perfect way to escape the heat, but it’s also a great way to relax and recharge. Austin’s beaches are ideal for relaxation and swimming, but if you’re into surfing or fishing, you can also find those activities there too. If you’re looking for a quick trip, try out a public beach like San Antonio Beach or Travis Beach. If you’re interested in private beaches, try renting a house on one of the East Side’s coastal communities like Indian Rocks or San Luis. The private beaches offer great views and plenty of room for everyone in your group to spread out and relax.
Take a hike
Austin is known for its live music; if you’re visiting during the summer months, you might want to consider taking a hike. Austin’s mountains are full of hiking trails, from easy strolls to challenging climbs. If you’re looking for a moderate hike, try the Cedar Balcony Trail, which follows the tree line along Lady Bird Lake. If you’re looking for something a little more challenging, try the Mount Bonnell Trail, which takes hikers through a dense forest and up to the summit. If you’re looking for an even more challenging hike, try the Bluebonnet Scenic Loop, which takes you through some of the valley’s most scenic areas.
Catch some live music
Austin is one of the best cities for live music, and you can find great shows all over town. If you’re into country music, try out the White Swan Saloon in South Austin, which hosts shows by big names like Willie Nelson and Travis Tritt. If you’re into more rock and pop, try out one of the many bars, clubs, and amphitheaters around town that host shows all the time. Some of the most popular shows in Austin include the ACL Festival, SXSW, and Austin City Limits Music Festival. If you’re looking for something a little more local, try out a show by a local artist, like a comedian, spoken word artist, or a band.
Go to a baseball game
Austin is also home to the minor league baseball team the Austin Spurs, who play in the Pacific Coast League. Austin’s minor league team is one of the best things to do in Austin—you can take in a game or travel to see them play. Tickets start at $8 and can be purchased at the stadium or online. Most games are played at a 7 p.m. start, so they’re best for casual fans or those who want to catch a nap before a night out. If you want to travel to see the Spurs play, you can take a day trip from the city for just the game or you can fly to one of their home games in San Antonio or Laredo and stay the night.
Take in the scenery
If you’re into photography, you’ll love Austin’s scenery. The city is built on hills and lakes, which gives it a great view. If you’re a photographer, you can visit places like Lake Austin and Lake Travis or go hiking in the hills to get some great shots. You can also go to the Dripping Springs Visitors Center and Preserve to get great views of the city. Alternatively, on a clear day, you can see as far as the San Juan Mountains, the Colorado River, and the Gulf of Mexico.
Discover local markets
If you love food, Austin is full of great local markets. Try out the Austin Food and Wine Fete, where you can sample some of Austin’s best bites and drinks in one place. You can also find hip art galleries and live music in the thriving Sixth Street art district. If you want to go out for the night, try the new, fun bar scene on Rainey Street, where many of Austin’s top bars are.
Enjoy the outdoors
Austin is a great city for outdoor activities. If you want to escape the city and explore the outdoors, try hiking or biking around Lake Travis or the surrounding Hill Country. Austin is also a great place to go swimming. If you’re looking for a family-friendly activity, try swimming at either Lake Austin or Lake Travis Swimming Pool. If you’re into competitive swimming, try Aquatic Center Austin, which has a diving well, a three-lane 50-meter pool, and a six-lane 25-meter pool.
Make your visit special
If you’re visiting Austin with your family, you can make your trip even better by visiting one of the city’s museums. The Austin Museum of Art and the Texas State History Museum are great places to explore. If you’re visiting with a loved one, consider visiting with someone who might be living with a disability. There are plenty of programs that offer free admission to people with disabilities, so you can make your visit even more special.
Get involved
If you’re visiting Austin, you should make sure to get involved in the city. Austin is an exciting city full of young people, and you can make yourself a part of the scene by joining an organization like the Austin Young Democrats or attending a protest or march. If you’re visiting with a friend, you can also organize a group trip to Austin’s top attractions like the Lady Bird Lake Trail or the Austin Zoo.
Make the most of your time
Austin is one of the best cities in the country for many reasons, and if you’re visiting with friends or family, you can make the most of your time there by visiting the city’s top attractions and activities. If you have a couple of days, you can see a lot of the city, including some of the best things to do in Austin. If you have a week or more, you can spend more time exploring the Hill Country or outdoors, and you can also spend more time relaxing and enjoying the city’s food and culture.