Austin is consistently ranked as one of the best places in the world to live and work — for good reason. The city’s world-renowned live music scene, highly respected restaurant culture, gorgeous natural landscapes, diverse lifestyle activities, and offbeat vibe all draw a steady stream of new residents each year. There’s something to be said for every neighborhood in town, but if you’re considering relocating to the state capital, these are 10 of the most popular. This roundup is based on the most-searched for neighborhoods in Realty Austin’s listing database.
Avery Ranch
Just 20 miles north of Downtown Austin, this well–managed and well-maintained development lies within a calm setting. Avery Ranch offers the perfect combination of Hill Country scenery, award-winning schools in Round Rock ISD and Leander ISD, community atmosphere, and some of the most affordable homes in the Greater Austin area. Avery Ranch is a master-planned community featuring over 4,000 homes settled in the cozy confines of North Austin, west of Cedar Park proper. Avery Ranch is known as a family-friendly neighborhood that fosters a healthy community centered on the many nearby schools, numerous outdoor activities, the 18-hole Avery Ranch Golf Course, and a 60-acre lake.
Steiner Ranch
Now one of Austin’s largest master-planned communities at 4600 acres, Steiner Ranch was once a working cattle farm and part of Steiner Rodeo Company’s legacy in Austin, Texas. With over 35 neighborhoods, Steiner Ranch lies along the Colorado River in Travis County’s 78732 zip code. Developed in the mid-1990s, Steiner Ranch is considered to be one of the most desirable master-planned communities in the Austin area. T.C. “Buck” Steiner probably never envisioned that his rolling hills and pastureland would one day be a home to upscale neighborhoods like The Bluffs, Caslano, Chaparral, or Cliffside. Or, that there would be a championship golf course, community centers, and waterfront club where cattle used to roam.
Circle C Ranch
Located in Southwest Austin along Mopac and Escarpment Blvd, Circle C Ranch features over 4,000 homes and offers luxury living in several distinct, secluded developments. Residents have access to an abundance of community amenities, including hike and bike trails and the amazing Grey Rock Golf Club. This stunning community is surrounded by community pools, bike-friendly roads, local businesses, and giant, shady live oaks. Circle C Ranch is within the Austin Independent School District, branching out to five elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school all within the community radius. Home styles range from gated mansions to modest single family homes making it perfect for a wide range of buyers.
Westlake
Westlake, or West Lake Hills, is widely known for stunning luxury homes nestled in the rolling landscape of the Texas Hill Country. The neighborhood grew up in the 1970s and 1980s on some of Austin’s most exclusive real estate. One of the reasons people choose to live here is the close proximity to Lake Austin, which offers plenty of recreational opportunities like boating. Despite its surrounding natural hills just south of Lake Austin, the community is centrally located minutes from Downtown Austin. It’s also close to many highways, making traveling anywhere in the city a breeze. West Lake Hills is close to the Barton Creek Wilderness Park and many other outdoor amenities like Red Bud Isle, the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Pennybacker Bridge, Zilker Park, and the Lions Municipal Golf Course. There are also many companies active in the area, like Apple, which recently bought the building they rented in Capital Ridge.
Mueller
This modern planned community is quickly becoming one of the most popular neighborhoods in Austin. It’s almost like a city itself, with an Alamo Drafthouse theater, a hospital, a wide variety of restaurants, plenty of shopping opportunities, and more. The neighborhood prides itself on sustainability and accessibility to transit opportunities. Mueller is just three miles from downtown Austin and two miles from The University of Texas at Austin, making it one of the most popular centrally located neighborhoods. Additionally, Mueller is home to the Texas Farmers’ Market at Mueller, voted the best Farmers’ Market in Austin for 7 years.
Downtown
Buyers considering a Downtown Austin home will find luxury condo towers as well as smaller garden-style or loft condominiums. With an average size of more than 1,500 square feet, Downtown Austin condos offer an upscale, urban lifestyle paired with a sophisticated yet laid-back feel. Downtown Austin’s city life is rich with activities and events from dawn to late in the evening. During the day, Lady Bird Lake and Zilker Park offer several options for exercise. People can enjoy paddle boarding or kayaking on Lake Austin as well as walking or biking along the path that loops along the water. Zilker Metropolitan Park features sports fields, a dog park, Zilker Botanical Garden, and the Umlauf Sculpture Garden, which all provide buyers of Downtown Austin homes multiple opportunities to enjoy Austin’s fabulous weather throughout the year. After sunset, Downtown Austin’s music venues come alive, restaurants fill, and the streets stay busy with visitors and residents into the early morning hours.
Tarrytown
Tarrytown is located just west of Mopac and north of Lake Austin in the 78703 zip code. This highly sought-after neighborhood features quiet streets, great schools, beautiful homes, lake access, lovely parks, and mature trees, all within a 3 mile drive of Downtown. The charming neighborhood includes home styles ranging from unique late 1930s and early 1940s structures to luxury modern architecture. There are a few condominiums in the area in addition to the main body of homes with the majority of them being recently renovated. Tarrytown also houses popular, one of a kind restaurants and coffee shops that add to the neighborhood’s tremendous character.
South Austin
This neighborhood in Travis County is home to residential suburbs and home to iconic destinations like the Lady Bird Wildflower Center, Mary Moore Searight Metropolitan Park, Southpark Meadows Mall, and more. The area has a variety of restaurants, plenty of schools, and it’s known for being family-friendly. It also offers easy access to Downtown Austin via Loop 1 or I-35. The neighborhood includes several smaller ones, as well as much of what makes Austin weird. Residents can find plenty to do, like visiting the Cathedral of Junk. There’s also easy access to lucious green spaces and destinations like Barton Creek.
Rough Hollow
Located West of Bee Caves, Rough Hollow Lakeway is an 1,800 acre resort-style master-plan community just 30 minutes from Downtown Austin. The area has stunning views of the Hill Country, incredible amenities, and a touch of lakeside living. The neighborhood hosts year-round activities, complimentary fitness classes, holiday celebrations, and even pet-friendly events. The neighborhood also has a yacht club and a marina, which earned it back to back MAX awards for “Best Unique Feature in a Master-Planned Community.” When it comes to schools, Rough Hollow is in the Lake Travis Independent School District, ranked 7th in Texas.
Belterra
Belterra is a family-friendly community, located just 7 miles from the small town of Dripping Springs and 17 miles from Downtown Austin. This 1,600-acre master-planned community was strategically built around gorgeous hill country landscape, intertwined with biking trails, parks, and creeks. Belterra is brought to life with neighborhood events like live music concerts, food truck family gatherings, and poolside movie watch parties. Join in on community yoga classes to book clubs, and holiday events just steps from your front porch. Belterra is a suburban hill country escape just minutes away from Downtown Austin culture. It’s truly the best of both worlds!
