We’re often asked the question “What are the best Austin neighborhoods to live?” The true answer is for everyone its different. For someone who loves to be in an urban setting and doesn’t mind the noise, Downtown Austin may be the best choice while another person who only wants to play golf and doesn’t want to live on top of someone else, their ideal neighborhood may be Spanish Oaks or Steiner Ranch.
Best Austin Neighborhoods to Live
To help you find one of the best Austin neighborhoods to live, we’ve compiled a list of some of the Austin neighborhoods we feel are superior. We’ve also explained why and given you a link to get more info about each neighborhood. If you don’t think these neighborhoods suit your lifestyle, tell us what you’re looking for and how you live in our Austin Neighborhood Finder and we can suggest a few neighborhoods that may be a better fit for you and your family.
Best Austin Neighborhoods to Live Map
Here is a map overview of the neighborhoods we’ve named to our “Best Austin Neighborhoods to Live” list. Use the interactive map to explore the area or scroll down to read about these neighborhoods and why they made the list.
Steiner Ranch
Area of Town: Northwest Austin
Distance to Downtown Austin: 34 minutes, 19 miles
Zip Code: 78732
School District: Leander ISD
Average Price: $805,000
Median Price: $931,234
Steiner Ranch is one of the most well known Austin neighborhoods, and for good reason. Steiner Ranch has endless amenities – community centers, pools, lake access, martial arts and a full time activities director to plan events for residents – just to name a few. It’s also served by some of Austin’s best schools located within the neighborhood.
Because of all the neighborhood activities and because its a close knit community, Steiner Ranch is an especially great neighborhood for someone relocating to Austin. Steiner Ranch makes it very easy to get out and meet people, so it won’t be long before you find a group you’re comfortable socializing.
Steiner Ranch homes range from the mid-$400k’s all the way to the multi-millions for lakefront estates, so there is something for a buyer in every price range. For more info about Steiner Ranch and to search homes for sale, visit our Steiner Ranch Neighborhood Guide.
Steiner Ranch Neighborhood Map
Steiner Ranch Homes for Sale
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Downtown Austin
Area of Town: Central Austin
Distance to Downtown Austin: 0 minutes, 0 miles
Zip Code: 78701
School District: Austin ISD
Average Condo Price: $994,598
Median Condo Price: $652,500
Downtown Austin is attractive to people of all ages looking for a low maintenance, urban lifestyle. They want to be able to walk out their front door and be at their favorite restaurant or coffee shop in just a few minutes on foot. They don’t want to have to get in their car and drive 20 minutes every time they want to go out. And, they like spending time out exploring the city’s restaurants, night life and entertainment. Downtown Austin provides just that and more.
Most of what’s available in Downtown Austin are condominiums that range in size from a small, 600 sq ft studio to a large, multi-level penthouse.
For more info about Downtown Austin and to search condos for sale, visit our Downtown Austin Neighborhood Guide.
Downtown Austin Neighborhood Map
Downtown Condos for Sale
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Circle C
Area of Town: Southwest Austin
Distance to Downtown Austin: 18 minutes, 12 miles
Zip Code: 78739
School District: Austin ISD
Average Price: $837,500
Median Price: $894,040
Circle C is the biggest and closest master-planned community to Downtown Austin. First developed in the late 1980s, building continues today (September 2018). Circle C has two community centers (one is almost complete) with two community pools, a cafe, fitness center, playground and picnic area to serve its growing population. With shopping, restaurants and coffee at Escarpment Village and a new restaurant, shopping, dining and entertainment center at Parkside Village, Circle C residents won’t have to travel far to eat, see a movie or even go to the doctor. Combine all of these amenities with top rated schools and you have a recipe for one of the best neighborhoods in Austin.
Homes in Circle C were built from the late 1980’s to today, with brand new construction available. The tax rate is also pretty low compared to other neighborhoods with this many amenities, sitting between 2.3% – 2.4%.
For more info about Circle C and to search homes for sale, visit our Circle C Neighborhood Guide.
Circle C Neighborhood Map
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Rough Hollow
Area of Town: Lake Travis
Distance to Downtown Austin: 36 minutes, 24 miles
Zip Code: 78738 & 78734
School District: Lake Travis ISD
Average Price: $1,256,021
Median Price: $940,744
Rough Hollow is an 1,800 acre neighborhood located on the border of Austin and Lakeway. Chosen as the site for Austin’s Parade of Homes twice, it is consistently listed as one of Austin’s best neighborhoods. Rough Hollow is currently divided into 19 smaller pocket neighborhoods that contain everything from a $350,000 semi-custom home to multi-million dollar waterfront mansions.
When you live in Rough Hollow, everything is at your fingertips. Whether you enjoy hiking, working out, boating or just relaxing with friends at the club’s pool, you’ll find it all within the neighborhood. And, when you want to venture out, Downtown Lakeway is just a few minutes away while Downtown Austin is just about 35 minutes away. Combine all of these top notch amenities with top rated Lake Travis ISD schools and you have another great place to live.
For more info about Rough Hollow and to search homes for sale, visit our Rough Hollow Neighborhood Guide.
Rough Hollow Neighborhood Map
Rough Hollow Homes for Sale
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Spanish Oaks
Area of Town: Southwest Austin
Distance to Downtown Austin: 27 minutes, 17 miles
Zip Code: 78738
School District: Lake Travis ISD
Average Price: $3,858,529
Median Price: $3,300,000
Spanish Oaks is one of Austin’s premier country club neighborhoods. While most golf course neighborhoods fit the golf course around the homes, Spanish Oaks did the opposite. They built the golf course on the best land and fit homes around it. This makes for few “golf course” homes, but is one of the reasons Spanish Oaks Golf Club attracts expert and professional golfers. Luxury homes in Spanish Oaks were built over the last decade, with many new luxury homes available now. Most have swimming pools, outdoor living areas and have a Texas Hill Country modern feel. Others have a Spanish or Tuscan feel. If you’re looking for a luxury golf course community in a highly rated school district, you can’t do much better than Spanish Oaks.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Spanish Oaks Neighborhood Guide.
Spanish Oaks Neighborhood Map
Spanish Oaks Homes for Sale
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Belvedere
Area of Town: Southwest Austin
Distance to Downtown Austin: 32 minutes, 24 miles
Zip Code: 78738
School District: Lake Travis ISD
Average Price: $2,297,327
Median Price: $2,350,000
Belvedere is your choice for luxury if you’re looking for more of a Hill Country feel. Located off Hamilton Pool Road, this gated community is home to new homes on estate sized lots with amenities. Though most of the homes have their own pools, Belvedere has a community pool and lazy river, which is a great spot to meet your neighbors or plan a BBQ. If you love to spend time in nature, you’ll enjoy the 75 acre nature preserve, nature trails and fishing pond. Belvedere is nearing completion, so if you want a newer home in a highly rated school district, Belvedere is a great place to start your search.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Belvedere Neighborhood Guide.
Belvedere Neighborhood Map
Belvedere Homes for Sale
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Belterra
Area of Town: Southwest Austin
Distance to Downtown Austin: 24 minutes, 18 miles
Zip Code: 78737
School District: Dripping Springs ISD
Average Price: $725,000
Median Price: $728,311
Belterra was voted Best Overall Community in Austin by the Austin Home Builder’s Association. With nearly every amenity you can think of, highly rated schools and more affordable homes than in most other neighborhoods of this level, there isn’t much to complain about. Belterra is located off Highway 290 just west of Austin. With no street lights, you’ll feel more like you’re in the country than in a master planned community, especially at night. There are still opportunities to buy new construction in Belterra, or you can select from one of the already built homes.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Belterra Neighborhood Guide.
Belterra Neighborhood Map
Belterra Homes for Sale
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Zilker
Area of Town: South Austin
Distance to Downtown Austin: 10 minutes, 2.5 miles
Zip Code: 78704
School District: Austin ISD
Average Price: $1,365,000
Median Price: $1,555,963
Zilker is the place for you if you’re looking for a more urban leaning neighborhood in a highly rated school district. Located just west of South Lamar, north of Oltorf, many Zilker residents are able to walk to restaurants, shopping and bars. Those that don’t want to walk can take a quick Uber ride Downtown or bike. The neighborhood is established, with some spot luxury new construction. Whether you’re looking for a small bungalow or a large, modern home close to Downtown, Zilker is a great place to start your search.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Zilker Neighborhood Guide.
Zilker Neighborhood Map
Zilker Homes for Sale
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Avery Ranch
Area of Town: Northwest Austin
Distance to Downtown Austin: 25 minutes, 19 miles
Zip Code: 78717
School District: Leander ISD & Round Rock ISD
Average Price: $635,000
Median Price: $677,823
Avery Ranch is one of Austin’s most popular master planned communities. Spanning 1,800 acres in Northwest Austin, Avery Ranch home owners have access to five community centers and a public golf course. Active residents will never get bored with the miles of hike and bike trails, sand volleyball courts or basketball courts. Homes are also some of the most affordable in Northwest Austin when you compare other city of Austin neighborhoods with amenities and highly rated schools.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Avery Ranch Neighborhood Guide.
Avery Ranch Neighborhood Map
Avery Ranch Homes for Sale
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Great Hills
Area of Town: Northwest Austin
Distance to Downtown Austin: 20 minutes, 12 miles
Zip Code: 78759
School District: Austin ISD & Round Rock ISD
Average Price: $1,097,056
Median Price: $1,103,750
Great Hills is one of the closest and most unique neighborhoods to Downtown Austin. Located at 360 and 183, Great Hills is an ideal location for someone who needs to commute. Other big draws are the highly rated schools, mature landscaping and hilly topography. The majority of the homes were built in the 1970s-1990s, so you won’t get that track home, cookie cutter feel in Great Hills.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Great Hills Neighborhood Guide.
Great Hills Neighborhood Map
Great Hills Homes for Sale
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Average and median price from ACTRIS sales 1/31/2021-1/30/2022.
Criteria Used to Find Best Austin Neighborhoods to Live
When we set out to make this list, we considered the following criteria (in no particular order):
- Quality of Schools
- Neighborhood Amenities
- Proximity to Shopping
- Size of Homes and Lots
- Affordability
We looked at each community as a whole to see how many of these criteria each neighborhood had. Then, we looked at everything as a whole and choose the top six neighborhoods to live in Austin.
Best Neighborhoods for…
- Best Austin Luxury Neighborhoods
- Best Austin Neighborhoods
- Best Austin Neighborhoods to Retire
- Best Austin Neighborhoods for Dog
- Best 78704 Neighborhoods for First Time Home Buyers
- Best Austin Neighborhoods for First Time Buyers
- Best Austin Neighborhoods for Kids
- Best Austin Neighborhoods for Shopping
Not Quite Sure if These Neighborhoods Suit Your Lifestyle?
Most of these communities are large, master-planned communities and we realize that may not be appealing to every single person looking for their “best neighborhood” to live in Austin. If none of these sound appealing to you, try our Austin Neighborhood Finder. With info about what you’re looking for, we can suggest some neighborhoods that may be more suited to your lifestyle. Simply call us at (512) 827-8323 or email us at info@11OaksRealty.com with your list of criteria and we’ll send you some suggestions. Easy as that!
Looking for the Perfect Neighborhood to Buy a Home in Austin?
We are experienced buyer’s agents with 60+ years of combined experience representing home buyers. We know the market and know how to save you time and money, even in Austin’s strong sellers market. For more info about who we are and how we work, check out our Austin Buyer Representation Program. Then, call us at (512) 827-8323 or email us at info@11OaksRealty.com to schedule a no obligation consultation to see how we may be able to help you in your search.