11 Most Underrated Austin Neighborhoods

Like any city, Austin has some neighborhoods with big PR machines that keep them top of mind. But, that doesn’t necessarily mean those are the ONLY great neighborhoods in Austin. It just means they are the most well known. Scroll Down to Read Our List of the 11 Most Underrated Austin Neighborhoods.

When we moved to Austin, we were told move up buyers live in one neighborhood and first time home buyers live in a different neighborhood. Not knowing anything about Austin, we had no idea there were literally hundreds of other neighborhoods that were just as good, if not better, than those two. It was all a matter of what you were looking for. After we relocated to Austin, we spent a few years learning every Austin neighborhood, so we could help our clients select the best neighborhood for them. Through that process, we found there are quite a few great neighborhoods that get overshadowed. Often, buyers will come to us wanting to live in one of the popular Austin neighborhoods, but when we show them the lesser known neighborhoods, they decide those are a better fit. If you’re looking at some of the more well known Austin neighborhoods and want to see what else is out there, here are the 11 most underrated Austin neighborhoods.

11 Most Underrated Austin Neighborhoods Mapped

To help you get a sense for where these neighborhoods are in relation to Downtown, your job or any other area you’re trying to target, we’ve mapped the 11 most underrated Austin neighborhoods. We’ve also separated them by school district. Zoom in to get a better look.

11 Most Underrated Austin Neighborhoods

Here are the 11 most underrated Austin neighborhoods. We’ve also given you distance to Downtown, zip code, school district, average and median price so you can get a better sense for whether or not each neighborhood will work for you.

Belvedere

• Area of Town: Lake Travis
• Distance to Downtown Austin: 33 minutes, 23.5 miles
• School District: Lake Travis ISD
• Elementary School: Bee Cave (8/10)
• Middle School: Bee Cave (8/10)
• High School: Lake Travis (6/10)
• Zip Code: 78738
• Average Price: $2,461,769
• Median Price: $2,350,000
• Price Range: $1.5MM – $4MM
• Average Beds/Baths: 4/5
• Average Square Feet: 4,988
• Average Lot Size: 1.379 acres
• Well Known Nearby Neighborhoods: Spanish Oaks, Flintrock at Hurst Creek, Serene Hills

Ever since Belvedere won the 2010 Max Awards for best neighborhood, there hasn’t been much talk about it by those outside of the Austin area. Belvedere was originally a neighborhood where buyers purchased a lot and built a custom home. Now, it is a mecca for luxury spec homes. Builders who see the shortage of luxury new construction in the Austin area snapped up the last of the 1+ acre lots and are building everything from a traditional, ranch style home to a more modern leaning design. Belvedere residents enjoy a 75-acre nature preserve, nature trails, fishing pond, rain harvest system, indoor/outdoor social area, lazy river, barbeque grills, and a children’s playscape. If you’re looking for luxury in the Lake Travis ISD and want to live on at least an acre in a neighborhood with unbeatable amenities, Belvedere is an ideal place to start your home search.

For more info and to search homes for sale, check out our Belvedere Neighborhood Guide.

Belvedere Neighborhood Map

Belvedere Homes for Sale

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Davis Spring

• Area of Town: Northwest Austin
• Distance to Downtown Austin: 25 minutes, 19.5 miles
• School District: Round Rock ISD
• Elementary School: England (9/10)
• Middle School: Pearson Ranch (8/10)
• High School: McNeil (5/10)
• Zip Code: 78717
• Average Price: $673,270
• Median Price: $680,000
• Price Range: Mid $500k’s – High $700k’s
• Average Beds/Baths: 4/3
• Average Square Feet: 2,972
• Average Lot Size: 0.20 acres
• Well Known Nearby Neighborhoods: Avery Ranch, Ranch at Brushy Creek

Located adjacent to popular Avery Ranch, Davis Spring is an Austin neighborhood that doesn’t get enough credit. With under 600 homes, Davis Spring residents still get the community pool, playground and sports courts you’ll find in larger neighborhoods and the intimacy of a small neighborhood. Homes were built in the late 1990s and early 2000s, so they sit on larger lots than brand new homes and still have floorplans today’s buyers are looking for.

For more info and to search homes for sale, check out our Davis Spring Neighborhood Guide.

Davis Spring Neighborhood Map

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Estates of Brentwood

• Area of Town: Northwest Austin
• Distance to Downtown Austin: 25 minutes, 17.2 miles
• School District: Round Rock ISD
• Elementary School: Spicewood (8/10)
• Middle School: Canyon Vista (9/10)
• High School: Westwood (7/10)
• Zip Code: 78726
• Average Price: $928,250
• Median Price: $935,000
• Price Range: Mid $800k’s – High $900k’s
• Average Beds/Baths: 4/3
• Average Square Feet: 2,790
• Average Lot Size: 0.333 acres
• Well Known Nearby Neighborhoods: Canyon Creek, Anderson Mill

The Estates of Brentwood is a small neighborhood in Northwest Austin just south of Anderson Mill Rd in the highly rated Round Rock ISD. Though most Austinites are unfamiliar with the neighborhood, those that live there absolutely love it. Homes sit on large, ⅓-¼ acre lots and many have luxurious outdoor living spaces. They are a great alternative to Westwood High School neighborhoods near 183 that have much smaller lots and a steeper price tag.

For more info and to search homes for sale, check out our Estates of Brentwood Neighborhood Guide.

Estates of Brentwood Neighborhood Map

Estates of Brentwood Homes for Sale

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Galindo

• Area of Town: South Austin
• Distance to Downtown Austin: 12 minutes, 3.7 miles
• School District: Austin ISD
• Elementary School: Galindo (5/10)
• Middle School: Lively (3/10)
• High School: Travis (2/10)
• Zip Code: 78704
• Average Price: $1,007,814
• Median Price: $768,800
• Price Range: Mid $500k’s – $2.3MM
• Average Beds/Baths: 3/3
• Average Square Feet: 1,658
• Average Lot Size: 0.136 acres
• Well Known Nearby Neighborhoods: Travis Heights, Zilker, Bouldin Creek, Barton Hills

Located between S Lamar and S 1st, south of Oltorf Street, Galindo is one of the lesser known 78704 neighborhoods. As S Lamar and S 1st have taken off, Galindo is becoming more walkable while still remaining one of the most affordable. If you’re looking to be near Downtown Austin and don’t mind a smaller home, Galindo is a great place to start your home search.

For more info and to search homes for sale, check out our Galindo Neighborhood Guide.

Galindo Neighborhood Map

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Knollwood on the Colorado

• Area of Town: East Austin
• Distance to Downtown Austin: 18 minutes, 7.7 miles
• School District: Austin ISD
• Elementary School: Ortega (6/10)
• Middle School: Martin (2/10)
• High School: Eastside Memorial (2/10)
• Zip Code: 78725
• Average Price: $604,000
• Median Price: $595,000
• Price Range: High $400k’s – High $700k’s
• Average Beds/Baths: 3/2
• Average Square Feet: 1,786
• Average Lot Size: 0.152 acres
• Well Known Nearby Neighborhoods: Rosewood, Mueller, Cherrywood

Knollwood on the Colorado River is one of the most unique neighborhoods in the Austin area. But, because it is east of 183, people ignore it because it is “so far out”. In reality, it is less than 8 miles from Downtown Austin. What draws people most to Knollwood on the Colorado is newer construction with tons of outside the box amenities. You’ll enjoy a 20 acre Colorado River lakeside park where you can fish and canoe, a hike and bike trail and tree lined streets. If you’re looking to enjoy nature, but don’t want to sacrifice distance to Downtown, Knollwood on the Colorado River is definitely worth the trip.

For more info and to search homes for sale, check out our Knollwood on the Colorado Neighborhood Guide.

Knollwood on the Colorado Neighborhood Map

Knollwood on the Colorado Homes for Sale

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Lakewood

• Area of Town: Northwest Austin
• Distance to Downtown Austin: 18 minutes, 10 miles
• School District: Austin ISD
• Elementary School: Hill (8/10)
• Middle School: Murchison (5/10)
• High School: Anderson (6/10)
• Zip Code: 78750
• Average Price: $741,850
• Median Price: $612,500
• Price Range: High $300k’s – $2MM
• Average Beds/Baths: 3/2
• Average Square Feet: 1,881
• Average Lot Size: 0.168 acres
• Well Known Nearby Neighborhoods: Jester, Great Hills

Though Lakewood has the same highly rated schools and is more affordable, it is often overshadowed by neighboring Great Hills and Jester Estates. Lakewood is made up of a mix of single family homes, townhomes and condos, which is very polarizing. Some love the options it gives them and others prefer to live in a more uniform neighborhood. Bottom line if you like Jester Estates and Great Hills, but are looking for something a little bit more affordable, Lakewood is worth the look.

For more info and to search homes for sale, check out our Lakewood Neighborhood Guide.

Lakewood Neighborhood Map

Lakewood Homes for Sale

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Meridian

• Area of Town: Southwest Austin
• Distance to Downtown Austin: 21 minutes, 16 miles
• School District: Austin ISD
• Elementary School: Baldwin (8/10)
• Middle School: Gorzycki (9/10)
• High School: Bowie (7/10)
• Zip Code: 78739
• Average Price: $1,121,932
• Median Price: $1,025,000
• Price Range: Mid $600k’s – $2.2MM
• Average Beds/Baths: 4/4
• Average Square Feet: 3,423
• Average Lot Size: 0.314 acres
• Well Known Nearby Neighborhoods: Circle C

Talk to anyone who knows something about Austin and they most likely have heard about Circle C. Meridian is just south of Circle C, but is not part of Circle C. Meridian was built in the last 10-15 years and does have a similar feel to the newer sections of Circle C. But, it has its own HOA and amenities. The next phase of Meridian will be luxury homes on estate sized lots. If you’re looking for something newer but don’t want to live in a construction zone, Meridian is a great place to check out.

For more info and to search homes for sale, check out our Meridian Neighborhood Guide.

Meridian Neighborhood Map

Meridian Homes for Sale

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Oak Parke

• Area of Town: Southwest Austin
• Distance to Downtown Austin: 18 minutes, 12 miles
• School District: Austin ISD
• Elementary School: Kocurek (6/10)
• Middle School: Bailey (6/10)
• High School: Bowie (7/10)
• Zip Code: 78749
• Average Price: $677,808
• Median Price: $675,000
• Price Range: Mid $500k’s – Mid $800k’s
• Average Beds/Baths: 4/3
• Average Square Feet: 2,575
• Average Lot Size: 0.214 acres
• Well Known Nearby Neighborhoods: Shady Hollow

Oak Parke, sometimes called Oak Creek Parke, is a small neighborhood of less than 400 homes at Brodie and Slaughter. Oak Parke is a great alternative for buyers looking for the Baranoff Elementary, Bailey Middle, Bowie High School district, but need easier access to MoPac. Most who are looking at the 3 B’s as residents call it, are familiar with Shady Hollow. But, what often gives them pause is the increasing traffic along Brodie Lane south of Slaughter. And, with the new neighborhoods being built along 1626, that traffic is expected to increase. If traffic is something you want to minimize, check out Oak Parke. There is a neighborhood entrance on Wolftrap and Slaughter, so you can bypass Brodie Lane altogether.

For more info and to search homes for sale, check out our Oak Parke Neighborhood Guide.

Oak Parke Neighborhood Map

Oak Parke Homes for Sale

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Preserve at Barton Creek

• Area of Town: Southwest Austin
• Distance to Downtown Austin: 23 minutes, 15 miles
• School District: Lake Travis ISD
• Elementary School: Lake Pointe (7/10)
• Middle School: Bee Cave (8/10)
• High School: Lake Travis (6/10)
• Zip Code: 78735
• Average Price: $1,822,500
• Median Price: $1,822,500
• Price Range: $1.5MM – $2.2MM
• Average Beds/Baths: 5/5
• Average Square Feet: 5,038
• Average Lot Size: 1.344 acres
• Well Known Nearby Neighborhoods: Barton Creek, Spanish Oaks

The Preserve at Barton Creek is another Austin neighborhood that doesn’t get enough credit. Surrounded by greenbelt, 4,000+ sq ft homes sit on estate sized 1+ acre lots giving residents some serenity. The community is gated and tucked away beside Highway 71, so people that pass by don’t really get a glimpse of what’s there. If you’re looking for estate sized lots in a top rated school district, but don’t want to be too far outside of town, the Preserve at Barton Creek is an ideal place to start your search.

For more info and to search homes for sale, check out our Preserve at Barton Creek Neighborhood Guide.

Preserve at Barton Creek Neighborhood Map

Preserve at Barton Creek Homes for Sale

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River Place

• Area of Town: Northwest Austin
• Distance to Downtown Austin: 22 minutes, 14 miles
• School District: Leander ISD
• Elementary School: River Place (5/10)
• Middle School: Four Points (5/10)
• High School: Vandegrift (7/10)
• Zip Code: 78730
• Average Price: $1,147,942
• Median Price: $955,500
• Price Range: Mid $600k’s – $7MM
• Average Beds/Baths: 4/4
• Average Square Feet: 3,640
• Average Lot Size: 0.359 acres
• Well Known Nearby Neighborhoods: Steiner Ranch

If River Place was in a different part of town, it would be one of the more well known neighborhoods in Austin. But, because neighborhood giant, Steiner Ranch is only a few minutes down the road, River Place gets overshadowed. River Place is one of the more picturesque neighborhoods with rolling hills, Hill Country views and mature trees. Though River Place doesn’t have community amenities managed by the HOA, there is a country club on-site that many residents utilize for their social and fitness activities. If you love the look of Steiner Ranch but want a lower tax rate or easier access to Austin, River Place is a good place to start your search.

For more info and to search homes for sale, check out our River Place Neighborhood Guide.

River Place Neighborhood Map

River Place Homes for Sale

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Sendera

• Area of Town: Southwest Austin
• Distance to Downtown Austin: 15 minutes, 11 miles
• School District: Austin ISD
• Elementary School: Cowan (8/10)
• Middle School: Covington (5/10)
• High School: Bowie (7/10)
• Zip Code: 78749
• Average Price: $573,500
• Median Price: $557,000
• Price Range: Mid $400k’s – Mid $800k’s
• Average Beds/Baths: 3/2
• Average Square Feet: 1,967
• Average Lot Size: 0.178 acres
• Well Known Nearby Neighborhoods: Circle C

Located at MoPac and Slaughter, Sendera is the ideal neighborhood for commuters who work north but want to live south. Though Circle C often sells itself as the biggest master planned community near Downtown, it can take 10-15 minutes to get to MoPac depending on where in Circle C you live. Sendera offers residents amenities, access to shopping and dining across MoPac and manageable sized homes that are perfect for someone who doesn’t need too much extra space.

For more info and to search homes for sale, check out our Sendera Neighborhood Guide.

Sendera Neighborhood Map

Sendera Homes for Sale

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Median and average prices were calculated from ACRTIS data between 5/1/2021-4/30/2022. School ratings are GreatSchools rating as of June 2024.

Not Sure Which of the Most Underrated Austin Neighborhoods are Right for You?

We know how overwhelming finding the right Austin neighborhood can be. We moved to Austin about 13 years ago and had no idea where to even start. Since then, we’ve discovered there are really a lot of great neighborhoods that are not well known. We made it our mission to help people find the best Austin neighborhood for them. So far, everyone who has followed the process has been very happy with the neighborhoods they selected. If you’re looking for some guidance on where the best place for you and your family would be, email us at info@11OaksRealty or fill out our Austin Neighborhood Finder. One of our Austin Neighborhood Specialists will help you with a targeted list of neighborhoods that meet your criteria. Thanks for reading our post of the most underrated Austin neighborhoods.

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