With its eclectic culture, thriving music scene, and booming tech industry, it’s not surprising that Austin, TX is one of the fastest-growing cities in the United States, with thousands of new residents coming into the city every year.
If you’re among those looking to make Austin your new home, one of the first decisions you need to make is which neighborhood to live in. The county seat and most populous city of Travis County, Austin, TX is composed of around 150 neighborhoods, each with its own charm and character.
In addition, some of the best communities in the Austin area are found just outside the city limits, offering a more laidback, family-friendly lifestyle compared to the increasingly bustling pace of the state capital. When looking for the best neighborhoods in Austin, these welcoming suburbs should be on top of your list of the places to consider.
We explore these communities below and why one of these just might be the perfect home for you.
Table of Contents:
The Austin, TX Housing Market: An Overview
The Austin, TX real estate market has recently seen notable changes that reflect the dynamic market trends throughout the country. During the pandemic, Austin saw a dramatic increase in home prices as thousands flocked to the city, drawn by its blossoming tech industry, gorgeous homes, urban conveniences, and proximity to the outdoors.
Since 2023, however, with the rise in interest rates, the market has been seeing a correction. With average home prices going down compared to the last few years and the number of homes for sale going up, now is a great time to buy a home in Austin. Buyers have more property options and wiggle room in negotiations, providing plenty of opportunities to land their dream homes at favorable prices.
Aside from being one of the most dynamic real estate markets in the country, Austin, TX’s housing market is also among the most diverse, with the city’s housing stock offering a wide range of housing options, from modern downtown condos to spacious suburban homes. In addition, housing in the city remains relatively more affordable compared to other major tech hubs like San Francisco or New York.
It is also worth noting that prices for available homes can vary significantly between neighborhoods. Additionally, while some areas may see properties selling well within their listed price, others might offer more negotiating room. This makes working with a local real estate agent crucial, as they can provide valuable insights into specific neighborhood trends and help navigate the fast-paced market.
What are the best neighborhoods in Austin, TX?
If you’re looking to settle in a community with the perfect balance of tranquility and convenience, some of your best options are found just west of the Austin city limits. Known for their fantastic location, top-rated schools, family-friendly environment, and quick access to the Texas Hill Country, these neighborhoods offer gorgeous homes for sale and an enviable lifestyle where everything you need is within easy reach.
Take a closer look at some of these Austin, TX Neighborhoods:
Lost Creek
Located on the West side of Austin just north of Barton Creek, Lost Creek is a well-established master-planned community that perfectly combines natural beauty with suburban convenience.
Spanning a total area of 3.3 square miles, Lost Creek is bordered by Capital of Texas Highway to the east, Barton Creek to the south, Barton Creek Boulevard to the west, and Bee Caves Road to the north. It is also located just 9 miles from Downtown Austin and 15 miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.
The development of Lost Creek began in the late 1970s and continued for over three decades, resulting in the area’s evolution as an upscale neighborhood.
Today, Lost Creek is characterized by its winding streets and mature trees, with its location near the Barton Creek Greenbelt helping to create a peaceful and private ambiance for its residents.
What You’ll Love About Lost Creek
Ideal for families, golf enthusiasts, and professionals, Lost Creek offers a tranquil, established neighborhood feel with convenient access to nature and top-rated schools.
At the heart of Lost Creek is Lost Creek Country Club, which also acts as the community’s central hub. It boasts an 18-hole golf course, tennis courts, a swimming pool, and dining facilities, making it a focal point for social and recreational activities. Additionally, the neighborhood provides excellent access to the Barton Creek Greenbelt’s extensive hiking and biking trails.
Housing in Lost Creek ranges from charming ranch-style homes from the 1970s and 1980s to modern, custom-built estates. They boast spacious living spaces of around 3,000 to over 4,000 square feet, with 4 to 5 bedrooms and expansive landscaped yards. Many homes offer seamless indoor-outdoor living with outdoor amenities like pools, decks, covered patios and large shade trees.
Lost Creek lies completely within the top-rated Eanes Independent School District. Students residing within Lost Creek attend Forest Trail Elementary, West Ridge Middle School, and Westlake High School.
Rob Roy on the Creek
One of the most in-demand neighborhoods in Greater Austin, Rob Roy on the Creek is known for its serene community atmosphere and family-friendly environment.
Located along the scenic Barton Creek, off of Furlong Drive and Barton Creek Blvd, Rob Roy on the Creek puts you just about nine miles from downtown Austin, or just a 15-minute drive.
Here, you’ll find spacious single-family homes, many of which are custom-built. Architectural styles range from traditional to contemporary, often set on large, wooded lots that provide privacy and a connection to nature.
What You’ll Love About Rob Roy on the Creek
Much like in other neighborhoods and communities in the area, Rob Roy On The Creek residents can send their children to award-winning schools under the top-rated Eanes Independent School District. These schools such as Bridge Point Elementary, West Ridge Middle, and Westlake High are known for their excellent curriculum and extracurricular activities.
Recreation spots in the area include the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, which is located less than two miles away from the Rob Roy neighborhoods. The 227-acre preserve contains two and half miles of hiking trails that wind through grasslands, woodlands, and streamside habitats. To help keep the natural beauty of the area, picnics, pets, and bikes are prohibited in the preserve which is open from sunrise to sunset every day.
Residents looking to enjoy a full day of retail therapy will love Barton Creek Square Mall, located just three miles in southwest Austin at the intersection of Loop 1 and Loop 360. This sprawling shopping center features anchor stores like Nordstrom’s and Macy’s, more than 170 specialty retail stores and dining venues, and a large, 14-screen AMC IMAX movie theater.
The neighborhood also benefits from its proximity to major employers, making it a sought-after location for those seeking both luxury and convenience.
Rob Roy on the Lake
Also a prestigious neighborhood in the Greater Austin metropolitan area, Rob Roy on The Lake is best known for its upscale living and serene atmosphere.
Nestled along the shores of Lake Austin, this community offers a unique blend of luxury and natural beauty. The neighborhood features a diverse demographic, attracting affluent families, professionals, and retirees seeking a peaceful yet convenient lifestyle.
Housing in Rob Roy on the Lake primarily consists of custom-built estates and expansive properties, many of which boast stunning lake views and high-end finishes. The architectural styles vary, but elegance and privacy are given emphasis.
What You’ll Love About Rob Roy on the Lake
One of Rob Roy on the Lake’s biggest draws is its proximity to some of the best schools in the Greater Austin metropolitan area, such as Forest Trail Elementary, Hill Country Middle, and Westlake High.
Residents enjoy a range of amenities, including the Emma Long Metropolitan Park, which can be found three miles from Rob Roy neighborhoods. Known as one of the largest parks in the area, this park features barbeque pits, picnic shelters, volleyball and basketball courts, and more than 10 miles of trails where residents can hike, jog, or bike. The park is set within an oak and juniper forest bordering Lake Austin, and also features a well-equipped and well-used boat dock, as well as several swimming areas.
For your shopping needs, the top place to go is Hill Country Galleria, found just off Bee Caves Road or approximately eight miles from the greater Rob Roy subdivision. This popular shopping center features well over 90 retail and restaurant options, as well as a Cinemark 14 Theatre.
Other nearby attractions include the acclaimed Barton Creek Resort and the vibrant dining and entertainment options of downtown Austin. The neighborhood’s blend of natural beauty, prestigious homes, and top-notch amenities makes it a sought-after locale for those seeking a refined living experience.
West Lake Hills
West Lake Hills is a prestigious suburb located just 6 miles west of downtown Austin. Incorporated as an independent suburb in 1953, this picturesque neighborhood is known for its scenic beauty, with a hilly terrain offering panoramic views of downtown Austin and the surrounding Hill Country.
Spanning a little over 4 square miles, West Lake Hills has a wonderfully welcoming atmosphere and upscale vibe, attracting families, professionals, and longtime Austin residents seeking a serene and luxurious lifestyle.
The housing stock in West Lake Hills is incredibly diverse, with traditional, suburban properties from the 1970s and 1980s sitting side by side with newer builds like the Lake Austin waterfront estates and hilltop homes with views of the Austin skyline. Many homes feature high-end amenities, including expansive swimming pools, guest houses, and outdoor living areas.
What You’ll Love About West Lake Hills
West Lake Hills offers access to schools under the top-rated Eanes Independent School District. This includes Westlake High School, which has built an impressive reputation for both its academic and athletic programs.
One of the most affluent communities in the state, West Lake Hills has a more rural, small-town vibe, with large natural habitats and wildlife sanctuaries making up the bulk of its attractions. This includes the expansive, 227-acre Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, which borders the north end of town and serves as a valuable habitat for the endangered black-capped vireo and golden-cheeked warbler.
West Lake Hills is also located near Barton Creek Greenbelt, which provides ample opportunities for hiking, swimming, biking, rock climbing, and other outdoor recreational activities.
Davenport Ranch
Davenport Ranch, located in West Austin, is a prestigious neighborhood known for its upscale living and stunning Hill Country views.
Located in the heart of Austin’s technology corridor, Davenport Ranch is bordered by Highway 360 to the west, Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve to the south, and Lake Austin to the north and east. Downtown Austin is a convenient 10 miles away, but Davenport Ranch retains a serene, suburban atmosphere while remaining conveniently close to urban comforts.
Davenport Ranch features a variety of luxurious housing options, including sprawling estates and modern custom homes. Properties are characterized by large lots, high-end finishes, and panoramic views. The neighborhood’s architecture blends traditional and contemporary styles, reflecting the area’s exclusivity.
What You’ll Love About Davenport Ranch
Served by the highly ranked Eanes Independent School District, Davenport Ranch is the ideal home for families with school age kids, providing easy access to top rated schools such as Ridge Point Elementary, Hill Country Middle School, and Westlake High School.
Davenport Ranch offers several notable amenities, including the private Davenport Village shopping center which features a wide variety of dining and retail options. Residents also have access to nearby parks and green spaces, including the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
One of the neighborhood’s biggest draws is the proximity to Austin Country Club, an exclusive, members-only country club that has hosted several PGA golf champions and offers premier golf, tennis, and other recreational facilities
Other attractions include the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, which forms the southern border of Davenport Ranch and offers more than two miles of trails winding through woodland and grassland; and the Emma Long Metropolitan Park, located about three miles from the neighborhood, featuring sand volleyball courts, camping and picnic areas, a swimming area, and two boat ramps.
Camelot
Located just 15 minutes northwest of Downtown Austin, Camelot is a welcoming community that serves as home to families and young professionals alike. Known for its friendly, suburban feel, Camelot is characterized by tree-lined streets and well-maintained landscapes, both of which help to create a peaceful and picturesque environment.
Camelot was first developed in the early 1960s and the housing stock predominantly features mid-century ranch-style homes, updated to reflect contemporary tastes while preserving their classic appeal. Homes range in size from around 2,000 to over 10,000 square feet on expansive land areas of over one acre. You will also find smaller properties and condos at relatively more affordable prices, offering fantastic entry level options into the sought after Eanes Independent School District area.
What You’ll Love About Camelot
Camelot’s proximity to Downtown Austin, Barton Creek Greenbelt, Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, and West Lake Country Club gives residents access to a wide range of recreational options.
Given its proximity to major roads like MoPac Expressway (Loop 1) and U.S. Highway 183, commuting to and from this lovely community is nothing short of convenient—especially for those whose jobs are based in Austin’s technology corridor. Moreover, Camelot is also just 16 miles away from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, making it easy for residents to travel in and out of the state at any given time.
Camelot is served by the Austin Independent School District (AISD), which includes a number of top-rated schools including Pillow Elementary School, Burnet Middle School, and Anderson High School.
How to Find the Right Neighborhood
Finding the perfect neighborhood is a crucial step in the home-buying process. After all, your choice of neighborhood can significantly impact your quality of life, property value, and overall satisfaction with your new home.
If you are planning to move to Austin, TX, here are some tips to help you find a neighborhood that aligns with your lifestyle, needs, and preferences.
Be clear with your priorities. One of the most important things to do when choosing a new place to live in is identifying what matters most to you in a neighborhood.
If you’re moving with your family, for instance, you may want to prioritize neighborhoods with good schools and family-friendly amenities. Young professionals may prefer a home close to shopping centers, restaurants, or cultural attractions.
Being clear with your priorities helps you streamline your property search and make the selection process more efficient and less overwhelming. It guides your decision making, especially when you have to weigh the price against the benefits you can get.
Take the time to research the neighborhood and its housing market. Dig deep into the housing market of your shortlisted communities and consider home appreciation rates. Learn about recent and future developments in the area and get insights on how these may affect property values.
Look into the housing stock and see if a neighborhood has the type of home you’re looking for. Consider factors such as demographics, zoning, and development plans. You may also check out online resources to get livability scores, rankings, and reviews of Austin, TX neighborhoods as well as other valuable insights into the market.
Your Realtor, particularly a local expert who specializes in the area, can provide crucial information and analysis, and guide you in making the right decisions.
Visit the neighborhood in person. While online research is helpful, nothing beats experiencing a neighborhood firsthand.
Physical visits provide a firsthand sense of the area’s ambiance, safety, and community vibe, which online listings or photos can’t fully capture. Try to visit at different times of the day and on different days of the week to get a more comprehensive feel of the area.
Try to engage with the locals as well to get insider perspectives and other valuable insights that you won’t find in official statistics or real estate listings.
Work with a local Realtor. Before looking at listings, find a Realtor who has experience in your desired neighborhood. Local real estate professionals possess in-depth knowledge of the area, including insights into neighborhood trends, property values, and upcoming developments. Their expertise can help you understand the unique characteristics of different communities, ensuring that you find a home that aligns with your needs and preferences.
Find the Right Austin, TX Neighborhood for You
If you’re planning to invest in your very own home in Austin, TX, partnering with a professional like Kate Slaughter is essential.
As one of the top Realtors in the Lone Star State, Kate and her team are dedicated to professional excellence. With their intimate knowledge of Austin’s diverse neighborhoods, specializing in communities within the highly sought after Eanes Independent School District and nearby areas, the team is the ideal choice to guide you through the exciting—yet sometimes challenging—process of buying a home.
