Neighborhood Guide
Central Austin
Allandale
Located between Mopac and Burnet on the west and east, and Anderson Ln and Shoal Creek on the north and south, Allandale is an older Austin neighborhood with homes built mostly in the 1950s and 1960s. Here you can find beautiful mature trees, and the serenity of Shoal Creek. Square footage is typically under 2000ft, but there are an increasing number of remodels that extend the size of the home and the quality of interior features. Although demand and prices are steadily increasing, Allandale is still relatively affordable, starting in the $250ks. It is part of Austin Independent School District with Gullet Elementary, Lamar Middle, and McCallum High School. The demographic is mostly families and empty nesters. Children can play at Beverly Sheffield Park or the Northwest Recreation Center and Park. Allandale is a short 10-minute drive to downtown, and minutes away from shopping at the Arboretum and Domain.
Shoalmont
Located in the southern part of Allandale, east of Mopac and between FM2222 and 45th street, Shoalmont consists mostly of homes built in the 1940s and usually less than 2500 sq.ft. Typical prices start in the $300ks. You will find a decent amount of remodels in this area at the higher price levels. Shoalmont is home to Highland Park Elementary and Gullet Elementary, Lamar Middle and McCallum High School.
Crestview
Primarily comprised of older, “flatter” homes, many of which have been updated in recent years. As Austin expands out, Crestview is soon to be considered central Austin, with borders to the north and south of Anderson Ln and FM2222, respectively. Burnet Rd. and Lamar Blvd. are the west and east borders, respectively. This area has a unique culture and is in close proximity to many “hole in the wall” bars and casual dining.
Pemberton Heights
One of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Austin, Pemberton Heights is located south of Rosedale to Windsor Rd. on the east side of Mopac. There are many historical places in this area, including Pemberton Castle and the Keith House. Homes are beautiful with well-manicured lawns but tend to be pricey, starting in the $500-600ks to $2M. Schools in this area are exemplary Casis Elementary, O’Henry Middle and Austin High School.
Tarrytown
This well-known area is located west of Mopac, north of Enfield to 35th St. Here you will find mostly well-maintained homes from the 1930’s with prices ranging from the high $300ks to over $1M. Tarrytown is a friendly neighbrohood that attracts lots of families with schools such as Casis Elemntary, O’Henry Middle and Austin High School. Also located in Tarrytown is Lions Municipal Golf Course and several parks and fine dining establishments.
Hyde Park
A trendy neighborhood with Victorian homes and recently updated Craftsman-style homes, Hyde Park is populated mostly with young professionals or graduate students, and young families. Square footages and prices vary widely – going from under 1000 sq.ft to over 4000 sq. ft. with prices ranging from the high $200k’s to the low $1M’s. Residents walk or bike to their destinations, as the area is filled with coffee shops, grocers, and dining in close proximity.
Rosedale
Historic neighborhood located between Mopac and N. Lamar on the west and east sides and between 45th and 38th on the north and south sides. Rosedale is home to quaint cottages, many of which have been expanded due to the larger lot sizes in the area. Demographic is typically young professionals and families, mixed with original owners. Prices tend to start in the $300ks for homes that have not been updated, and in excess of $400k for remodeled homes. Most homes in this area are under 3000 square feet. Ramsay Park has a swimming pool, tennis courts, and playground for children to enjoy.
Clarksville
Located between Enfield and 6th Street on the north and south, and Lamar and Mopac on the east and west, this historic neighborhood is also called “Old West Austin.” The charming, eclectic culture makes this area highly desirable. Being adjacent to downtown, you will find many restaurants, salons, retail stores and art galleries within walking distance. Clarksville is very pricey but perfect for singles or couples that enjoy living in close proximity to the trendy “happenings” of Austin.
Downtown
Downtown Austin has evolved in recent years, and many new high-rise luxury condos have been added. To meet the demand of new homeowners, downtown has expanded its offering of fine-dining and casual cuisine, and added many urban upscale shops. Downtown is home to numerous gyms, Town Lake walking/running trail, close to Barton Springs/Deep Eddy pools and home to the State Capitol.
East
East Austin (east of downtown from about Cesar Chavez to 15th St) has been going through a revitalization for several years, and is now the epicenter of the arts. You will find new modern condominiums and apartments, eclectic cuisine, art, dance and live music. Much of the east side near downtown is still in its original state, but as the economy rebounds and more investors come to Austin, the façade will likely become more modern multi-family living and urban single-family homes.
Westlake
Situated west of the city with amazing views and rolling hills, this exclusive upscale community is highly sought after. In Westlake you’ll find lots of fine dining, shopping and nature. This area of Central Texas attracts families for it’s award-winning Eanes Independent School District and the quick commute into the City.
Northwest
Anderson Mill
This area is located southwest of 620 and 183, with affordable homes starting in the mid $100k’s. You will find larger homes in this area as compared with areas closer to Austin’s center. Anderson Mill is home to 60 acres of recreational parks and greenbelts, 6 miles of hike and bike trials, 2 swimming pools, tennis courts, volleyball courts, softball and soccer fields. Families in this area send their children to Round Rock ISD schools.
Cat Mountain
Located between Cat Mountain Dr. and FM2222 on the north and south, and Mesa and FM2222 on the east and west, upscale Cat Mountain is a highly sought after area with rolling hills and beautiful views. There are neighborhood parks, tennis courts and a public swimming pool in the area, and children attend Austin ISD schools.
Jester Estates
Gorgeous hill country views in this small and serene community. Located northwest of 360 and 2222, children of Jester Estates attend Hill Elementary, Murchison Middle and Anderson High School, all part of Austin Independent School District. Demographic is mostly families who enjoy the community playground, tennis courts and pool, or professionals who enjoy the luxury and convenience of the area.
River Place
A beautiful community located off FM2222 between Hwy 360 and RR 620 with relatively new construction. Homes range in price from the $300k’s into the millions for lakefront properties. River Place is also home to Emma Long Park, a public park on Lake Austin, and River Place Country Club featuring a Tom Kite golf course. Children will go to schools in Leander ISD, specifically River Place Elementary, Canyon Vista Middle School and Cedar Park High School.
Avery Ranch
An award-winning golf course community located just northwest of Austin, where you will find homes ranging from the mid $100k’s to the $800k’s. For those who want to be in this area but prefer less maintenance, there are casitas that start in the mid $100k’s. Demographic here includes young families, employees of the tech industry (a lot of which is located north of Austin), and young professionals. The primary attraction of this community is the vast amenities, including tennis courts, parks, pools and five community centers. Children will go to Round Rock ISD or Leander ISD depending on the location of your home.
Great Hills
Rolling hills and spectacular views dominate this pocket of real estate located in the southwest of Hwy 360 and Hwy 183. This area is becoming increasingly populated with young families who have tastefully remodeled older 1970s and 1980s homes. Great Hills is close to the Arboretum, home to shopping and fine restaurants, and feeds into schools located both in Austin Independent School district and Round Rock Independent School District.
Steiner Ranch
A master planned community of 4600 acres located between Lake Austin and Lake Travis. Steiner Ranch is home to the UT Golf Club and has lots of amenities including 20 miles of hike and bike trails, tennis and basketball courts, and waterfront access. Children attend schools in Leander Independent School District.
Northwest Hills
Located north of Lake Austin between Mopac and 360, this area has older more established homes with rolling hill country views. Students attend Austin ISD schools.
Southwest
There are many attractive neighborhoods in Southwest Austin. Here you will find affordable living in close proximity to downtown. Children attend schools in Austin ISD, and many think this part of town best embraces the “original” Austin culture.
Circle C
Circle C is a master planned community established in the 1980’s that boasts an exquisite list of amenities including a heated Olympic size swimming pool, community centers, 462 acres of parks, Circle C Golf Club, local grocers, coffee shops, banks, and more. Prices start in the $250k’s and homes vary widely in size. Children attend Austin ISD schools.
Lake Austin
Lake Austin is a highly desired part of town. Condition of homes varies widely and real estate is pricey on the lake. The newer homes are custom built and are priced in the millions. You can also find nice condominiums with lakefront access. On summer weekends, Lake Austin is full of water sports, primarily wakeboards and airchairs. Also on located on Lake Austin is the famous Hula Hut Mexican restaurant and Mozart’s Coffee Shop.
Lake Travis
One of the best recreational lakes in Texas, in general it is more affordable to live a little outside of town on Lake Travis than on Lake Austin. This lake is warmer and is better suited for fast boats, although water can be choppy and not ideal for wakeboarding at times. Students attend schools in highly acclaimed Lake Travis ISD.
