Best Austin Neighborhoods to Retire

Now that you have more time to spend doing the things you love, it’s time to find a home that meets your lifestyle so you can enjoy every last minute of this new found freedom. Austin is not only a great city for young people, but also a great city for those of you looking to retire. With so much to do – golf, boating, tennis, museums, flying and traveling – you can design the lifestyle you’ve always wanted. Step one of that process is finding a neighborhood that suits you. To help, we’ve come up with a list of the Best Austin Neighborhoods to Retire. First, we’ve drawn a map to help you see where each of these neighborhoods are. We’ve split them into area of town in case you have a preference for where you want to be. Then, we’ve given you some information about each neighborhood and why they made the list.

Best Austin Neighborhoods to Retire Map

Here is a map overview of the neighborhoods we’ve named to our “Best Austin Neighborhoods to Retire” list. Use the interactive map to explore the area or scroll down to read about these neighborhoods and why they made the list.

Best Austin Neighborhoods to Retire – Central Austin

Why Choose a Central Austin Neighborhood?

If you’re looking for a more urban setting, or you want to be near the festivals, music, restaurants, entertainment and outdoor activities Austin has to offer, you might select a neighborhood closer to Downtown. If you’re looking for the ultimate in convenience, why not try a Downtown Austin condo? You’ll find everything from full service buildings to a loft. And, all are within walking distance to coffee, shopping, bars, restaurants and nightlife. If you like the idea of driving to Austin in 15 minutes or less but want a single family home in a neighborhood setting, try Barton Creek. If you’re looking for a walkable, more urban neighborhood with an established vibe, try Bouldin Creek.

Downtown Austin

City, Zip Code: Austin, 78701
Lifestyle: Urban, Condo Living, Very Walkable
Distance to Austin Airport: 12 minutes, 7 miles
Price Range: $200k – $5.7MM
Median Price: $652,500
Average Price: $994,598
Average Beds/Baths: 2/2
Average SqFt: 1,331
Year Built: 1925-2021

Downtown Austin is not just a neighborhood for young professionals and there is much more to the area than the rowdy crowd on 6th Street. More and more residents looking to downsize are selling their large houses in the suburbs and buying a luxury, full service condo Downtown. With restaurants, shopping, coffee, museums, entertainment and parks steps from your door, you won’t have to get in your car every time you want to get a cup of coffee or see a movie. Plus, many of these luxury condos provide full service amenities like valet parking and on-site concierges without any exterior maintenance hassles so you can spend your time doing the things you love for once.

Downtown Austin condos come in all sizes and price ranges. Anything from the high $200k’s to the millions is typical. If you want to stay away from the louder side of Downtown, try the Warehouse District near 4th Street where you’ll find the upscale restaurants and bars. A few of our favorite luxury buildings are The Austonian, The W Residences and Avenue Lofts.

For more info about the Downtown area and to search condos for sale, visit our Downtown Austin Neighborhood Guide.

Downtown Austin Neighborhood Map

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Barton Creek

City, Zip Code: Austin, 78735
Lifestyle: Partially Gated, Country Club, Private Golf Course, Acreage Lots
Distance to Downtown Austin: 18 minutes, 10.4 miles
Distance to Austin Airport: 18 minutes, 16.6 miles
Price Range: $1.3MM – $10.5MM
Median Price: $2,250,000
Average Price: $2,947,625
Average Beds/Baths: 4/5
Average SqFt: 5,852
Year Built: 1983-2020

Barton Creek is located in West Austin in a beautiful part of the Texas Hill Country. A newer West Austin neighborhood, Barton Creek was first developed in the 1990’s with building continuing today. Homes range from 2,500 sq ft – 15,000 sq ft and prices start in the $700,000’s to the multi millions. Many Barton Creek homes come with a membership to Barton Creek Country Club, which includes access to not one, but four expertly designed golf courses, so you’ll never have to miss a day due to course maintenance. Named the best golf resort in Central Texas, you can spend everyday of your retirement on vacation just 5 minutes from your home. And, when you want to go Downtown to see a show, that’s only 20 minutes away.

For more info about Barton Creek and to search homes for sale, visit our Barton Creek Neighborhood Guide.

Barton Creek Neighborhood Map

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Bouldin Creek

City, Zip Code: Austin, 78704
Lifestyle: Urban, Walkable Living
Distance to Downtown Austin: 7 minutes, 1.7 miles
Distance to Austin Airport: 12 minutes, 9 miles
Price Range: $500k – $2.5MM
Median Price: $1,115,000
Average Price: $1,184,768
Average Beds/Baths: 3/3
Average SqFt: 2,046
Year Built: 1911-2022

Bouldin Creek is an ideal place for you if you like to be near Downtown Austin, but don’t want to hear live music at midnight. Some of Bouldin Creek is walkable to Downtown, 1st Street or Congress. Other parts will require a bike or a car. You’ll find established neighborhoods with homes that are 40-50 years old, so they are generally smaller. Many of them have been remodeled, while a few are still in original condition. Bottom line if you’re looking for a walkable neighborhood with character, but don’t want to give up your own four walls and a yard, Bouldin Creek is the ideal place to start your search.

For more information and to search homes for sale, visit our Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Guide.

Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Map

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Best Austin Neighborhoods to Retire – West Austin

Why Choose a West Austin Suburb?

West Austin is where you’ll find lake living. If you like boating or being on the lake, a west Austin suburb is the ideal choice for you. Belvedere is the only neighborhood not on or near the lake. Belvedere would be your choice if you’re looking for a newer, luxury home on an acreage lot in a gated community. Barton Creek Lakeside is a country club community with 24/7 guard gate access. Spicewood (the town where you’ll find Barton Creek Lakeside) is a rural, lakeside community. It has a similar feel to Georgetown, but add the lake. Lakeway, where you’ll find Rough Hollow and Tuscan Village, is a very unique suburban setting. If you’re looking for something suburban, but very quintessentially Austin, a west Austin suburb is a great place to start your search.

Barton Creek Lakeside

City, Zip Code: Spicewood, 78669
Lifestyle: 24/7 Guard Gated, Country Club, Private Golf Course, Waterfront
Distance to Downtown Austin: 50 minutes, 35 miles
Distance to Austin Airport: 45 minutes, 39 miles
Price Range: $300k-$2.5MM
Median Price: $712,134
Average Price: $824,513
Average Beds/Baths: 4/4
Average SqFt: 3,119
Year Built: 1990-2009

Barton Creek Lakeside is a 24/7 guard gated community with homes that range from an affordable, modest home to a luxury, waterfront or golf course estate. Being a bit remote, it is ideal for someone who doesn’t have to make a daily commute. The on-site country club is an Omni club, so you have plenty of activities to keep you occupied minutes from your front door. Plus, it is the only neighborhood in Austin that offers waterfront and golf, so it is perfect for someone who loves both and doesn’t want to choose.

For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Barton Creek Lakeside Neighborhood Guide.

Barton Creek Lakeside Neighborhood Map

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Belvedere

City, Zip Code: Lake Travis, 78738
Lifestyle: Gated, Acreage
Distance to Downtown Austin: 35 minutes, 24 miles
Distance to Austin Airport: 36 minutes, 28 miles
Price Range: $1MM-$4MM
Median Price: $2,350,000
Average Price: $2,297,327
Average Beds/Baths: 4/5
Average SqFt: 4,777
Year Built: 2006-2020

Named the Best Overall Community at the 2010 Max Awards and 2010 Star Awards, Belvedere is synonymous with resort style living. Only 35 minutes from Downtown Austin, 10 minutes from Bee Cave and 15 minutes from Lakeway, Belvedere is centrally located near all of Austin’s prime spots. If you don’t feel like getting in the car, try the neighborhood fishing ponds, nature trails, sport courts and clubhouse all located within the gates of the community.

Homes range in size from 3,000 sq ft – 6,500 sq ft with well over an acre of land, giving residents the privacy they desire. Inside, you’ll find gourmet kitchens, state of the art appliances and energy efficient features. Outside, many of the homes have pools, beautiful outdoor living areas and mature trees. But, there are still lots available, so you can create your custom dream home.

For more info about Belvedere and to search homes for sale, visit our Belvedere Neighborhood Guide.

Belvedere Neighborhood Map

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Rough Hollow

City, Zip Code: Lakeway, 78738
Lifestyle: Partially Gated, Some Waterfront, Yacht Club, Marina, Condo
Distance to Downtown Austin: 35 minutes, 23 miles
Distance to Austin Airport: 35 minutes, 27 miles
Price Range: $525k-$5MM
Median Price: $940,744
Average Price: $1,256,021
Average Beds/Baths: 4/4
Average SqFt: 3,607
Year Built: 2009-Today (2022)

Rough Hollow is an 1,800 acre waterfront community in Lakeway, TX. Named the site of Austin’s Parade of Homes, it’s clear the developers know how to build a quality community. Just a few miles from The Hills Country Club, Rough Hollow residents have access to 4 championship golf courses. With all the time you’ll have to play golf, why limit yourself to a club where you have to play the same course day in and day out? For those of you who love to play tennis, Lakeway’s World of Tennis has indoor and outdoor courts and is located just outside the entrance to Rough Hollow. For those of you with a plane, or who have friends and family with one, Lakeway’s Airpark, Lakeway’s public use airport is only about a mile away, so you’re never far from your family and friends. If its boating and sailing you enjoy, you’ll love the Rough Hollow Yacht Club and Marina.

Rough Hollow is split into 8 different neighborhoods and have homes ranging from the low $400ks for semi-custom homes to the multi-million dollar lakefront estates. When you buy in Rough Hollow, you are buying a lifestyle. With the range of prices offered, this lifestyle can be a reality for almost everyone.

For more info about Rough Hollow and to search homes for sale, visit our Rough Hollow Neighborhood Guide.

Rough Hollow Neighborhood Map

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Tuscan Village

City, Zip Code: Lakeway, 78734
Lifestyle: 55+ Adult Community, Condo Living
Distance to Downtown Austin: 28 minutes, 20 miles
Distance to Austin Airport: 28 minutes, 24 miles
Price Range: $300k-$925k
Median Price: $572,500
Average Price: $557,767
Average Beds/Baths: 2/2
Average SqFt: 1,690
Year Built: 2013-2019

Tuscan Village is resort condo living for adults 55 and over making it perfect for someone looking for a lock and leave lifestyle. Tuscan Village residents enjoy fitness, social and educational activities planned by a full-time Good Life Director who is in charge of planning fun activities for residents. You’ll find activities like water aerobics, pickle ball and bocce ball tournaments, yoga, Bible study, games, movie nights, restaurant and shopping outings, field trips and themed parties. Plus, you’re only 30 minutes from Downtown Austin and the airport, so you have easy access to anywhere you want to go. Tuscan Village is a great choice for someone looking to live more like they’re on vacation near Lake Travis.

For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Tuscan Village Neighborhood Guide.

Tuscan Village Neighborhood Map

Tuscan Village Homes for Sale

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Best Austin Neighborhoods to Retire – South Austin Suburbs

Why Choose a South Austin Suburb?

South Austin suburbs are a bit less developed than the northern suburbs. When Austin first grew, it grew north, so you’ll find more established areas north. That being said, development is quickly moving south. For our list of best Austin neighborhoods to retire, we picked one in Buda and one in Driftwood. Buda is growing and does have some suburban neighborhoods, but it is pushing to maintain a small town feel. You’ll find a quaint downtown area with an ice cream shop, coffee shop, old time pharmacy, restaurants and shopping. Driftwood is an even smaller town, but you will find a few wineries and an Italian restaurant. If you’re looking for a more Texas feel, but don’t want to be too far outside of Austin, the south Austin suburbs are a great choice.

Elliott Ranch

City, Zip Code: Buda, 78610
Lifestyle: Gated, Acreage Lots
Distance to Downtown Austin: 24 minutes, 19 miles
Distance to Austin Airport: 22 minutes, 19 miles
Price Range: $700k – $1.2MM
Median Price: $950,000
Average Price: $1,017,600
Average Beds/Baths: 4/4
Average SqFt: 3,671
Year Built: 2002-2011

Elliott Ranch is a gated, acreage neighborhood in south Austin’s Buda suburb. The neighborhood is surrounded by a ranch and a few neighborhoods that allow horses and cows, so if you’re looking for a true Texas experience, but aren’t quite ready to commit to having your own farm, Elliott Ranch is a great way to have both. Homes were built in the last 10-15 years, so you’ll find updated, open floor plans and a more current finish out. Plus, you’re only about 20 minutes from South Austin, Kyle and only about 10 minutes from Downtown Buda.

For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Elliott Ranch Neighborhood Guide.

Elliott Ranch Neighborhood Map

Elliott Ranch Homes for Sale

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La Ventana

City, Zip Code: Driftwood, 78619
Lifestyle: Gated, Acreage Lots, Some Equestrian
Distance to Downtown Austin: 35 minutes, 26 miles
Distance to Austin Airport: 35 minutes, 30 miles
Price Range: $725k-$2.2MM
Median Price: $1,167,500
Average Price: $1,221,279
Average Beds/Baths: 4/4
Average SqFt: 3,891
Year Built: 2003-2019

Also a gated, acreage community, La Ventana is unique in that it is the only neighborhood on our list where some of the lots allow horses. Located in the heart of Driftwood, you will get that “far out” of town feeling, but you’re only about 40 minutes from Downtown Austin and even closer to San Marcos or Kyle. If nature and a true Texas experience is what you’re looking for, La Ventana is the best place to start your search.

For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our La Ventana Neighborhood Guide.

La Ventana Neighborhood Map

La Ventana Homes for Sale

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Best Austin Neighborhoods to Retire – North Austin Suburbs

Why Choose a North Austin Suburb?

The North Austin suburbs range from your typical suburban town in Round Rock to more of a rural/ranch feel in Georgetown. Both towns are convenient to Downtown Austin, especially during off peak times. But, truth be told, all of the services you would need – shopping, dining, hospitals, doctors, activities – are all found in Round Rock or Georgetown. Georgetown does have a cute town square surrounding the courthouse that reminds you of a quaint little town. There you’ll find shopping, dining and even a few wine bars. Round Rock is more spread out and has all of the big box retailers you can imagine. If you’re looking for suburban living close to Austin, the North Austin suburbs are a great place to start your search.

Sun City

City, Zip Code: Georgetown, 78633
Lifestyle: 55+ Community, Single Family Homes
Distance to Downtown Austin: 35 minutes, 38 miles
Distance to Austin Airport: 40 minutes, 46.6 miles
Price Range: $200k – $925k
Median Price: $395,000
Average Price: $420,340
Average Beds/Baths: 2/2
Average SqFt: 1,905
Year Built: 1995-2022

Sun City is a Del Webb community in Georgetown. Given Del Webb’s huge popularity for over 55 living around the country, we would be remiss not to include it on our list of best Austin neighborhoods to retire. Sun City covers 4,100 acres, so it really is almost its own city, giving tons of affordable housing options. The neighborhood has options for new construction and existing construction. Residents enjoy three golf courses, two state of the art fitness centers, outdoor sports fields, lakeside amphitheater, resort style pool and a whole slew of activities for residents to mix and mingle. No matter where you live, if you’re looking for a true retirement community with affordable single family home living, here are great options to check out.

For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Sun City Neighborhood Guide.

Sun City Neighborhood Map

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Cimarron Hills

City, Zip Code: Georgetown, 78628
Lifestyle: 24/7 Guard Gated, Country Club, Golf Course
Distance to Downtown Austin: 35 minutes, 33 miles
Distance to Austin Airport: 40 minutes, 42 miles
Price Range: $400k – $2.7MM
Median Price: $1,206,000
Average Price: $1,251,860
Average Beds/Baths: 4/4
Average SqFt: 3,654
Year Built: 2002-2020

Cimarron Hills is a 24/7 guard gated, country club community in western Georgetown. If you’re looking for golf course living in north Austin, there is no better neighborhood to check out. Even if golf is not your game, the club has plenty of social and dining activities for someone looking to get involved. The neighborhood is a bit remote, so grocery shopping and amenities aren’t super convenient. But, with the club and the luxury finish out inside the homes, many retirees don’t find themselves needing to venture outside the neighborhood too often. If you’re looking for gated, country club luxury living, Cimarron Hills is a great place to start your search.

For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Cimarron Hills Neighborhood Guide.

Cimarron Hills Neighborhood Map

Cimarron Hills Homes for Sale

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Heritage at Vizcaya

City, Zip Code: Round Rock, 78665
Lifestyle: 55+ Community, Single Family Homes
Distance to Downtown Austin: 28 minutes, 26 miles
Distance to Austin Airport: 30 minutes, 35 miles
Price Range: $350k – $650k
Median Price: $490,691
Average Price: $499,266
Average Beds/Baths: 2/2
Average SqFt: 1,959
Year Built: 2015-Today (2022)

Heritage at Vizcaya is a section of Round Rock’s newest communities, Vizcaya that restricts purchases to buyers 55 and over. Amenities include an onsite lifestyle director that plans activities for residents to get to know one another, resort style pool, sports courts, clubhouse, fitness center and walking trails. Homes are built by Taylor Morrison, one of the area’s most desirable builders, and include gourmet kitchens, state of the art tech centers, energy efficient features, open floor plans and master bedroom suites. If you like the idea of a 55 and over community, but don’t need something as big as Sun City, Heritage at Vizcaya is a great place to start your search.

For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Heritage at Vizcaya Neighborhood Guide.

Heritage at Vizcaya Neighborhood Map

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Average size and price data are from ACTRIS closed sales 1/31/2021-1/30/2022.

Criteria Used to Find the Best Austin Neighborhoods to Retire

When we set out to make this list, we considered the following criteria (in no particular order):

Neighborhood Activities
Proximity to Amenities
Things to Do
Home Sizes and Value
Quality of Schools

The quality of schools may not be important to you since you are past the age of needing to put kids through school, however, buying a home in a good school district is one of the best ways to ensure value in the future.

Do These Neighborhoods Not Quite Meet Your Lifestyle?

The good news is just because these neighborhoods don’t fit your lifestyle doesn’t mean you won’t find one. There are several unique neighborhoods in and around Austin and we can help you find it. Fill out our Austin Neighborhood Finder with what you’re looking for and we’ll recommend some other neighborhoods for you to live. Easy as that!

Looking for an Austin Neighborhood to Retire?

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.