Austin has consistently ranked as the #1 city to live in the United States. Thousands of professionals, families and individuals are moving to this popular city. In Austin, residents get to enjoy the feel of a big city without sacrificing tight-knit communities and beautiful natural scenery.
At about 272 square miles and a population of almost 951,000, Austin is an exciting city with plenty to see and do. There are many different neighborhoods and areas within Austin. From suburbs to historic townhouses, every resident can find their dream home here.
Read on to find out more about why people are moving to Austin in droves.
In Austin you will meet a few natives whose families have been living in the city for generations. Because of the high ratings of this area, there is also a good chunk of the population that have recently relocated. In both camps are people who simply love living in Austin.
You can find family-oriented suburbs with tons of amenities pretty close to exciting downtown culture. Students get to attend excellent, industry-leading schools at all education levels. Because the city is so popular with tourists, you can guarantee that there are endless attractions, restaurants, activities and nightlife to check out.
The land that Austin is built on was once occupied by Native American groups such as the Comanches, Tonkawas and Lipan Apaches. To teach and convert the Native Americans, the Spanish brought missionaries to the area during the 1700s. Later, in the 1800s, the first Anglo settlers began to arrive and called the area Waterloo.
After the Texas Revolution—1835-1836—Waterloo became the capital of the Republic of Texas. Waterloo was later renamed Austin after the founder of Anglo Texas, Stephen Austin. The capitol building was finished in 1888 and symbolized the continuous growth of the city. Austin has transformed from unspoiled natural lands populated by the first peoples to a sprawling metropolis that hundreds of thousands call home.
The median home price in Austin is $468,000. Currently, the housing demand is at a historic high in the Austin area, causing a shortage of homes into the foreseeable future. Prospective buyers should know that while the market is hot, there are still a wide range of homes available for purchase; from 600-square foot condos to 18,000-square foot mansions. No matter what kind of home you envision your family in, you will find it in Austin.
Like any big city, Austin has high amounts of criminal activity. Although, there are many neighborhoods within the city that have very low crime rates. 2020 homicide rates in Austin have increased by 54% since 2019, although that number has fluctuated a lot over the past decade. There are over 40,000 reported violent and property crimes committed in Austin every year. The city of Austin is safer than 7% of cities in the United States. Although these statistics make it seem like Austin is a bit risky, most residents feel completely safe in their neighborhoods.
Based on a 2019 community survey, about 90% of Austin residents feel safe in their home, workplace and neighborhood during the day. However, only 23% of residents reported feeling safe walking in Downtown Austin at night. Although most crime in Austin is confined to the downtown area, residents trust that the Austin Police Department will keep them safe in their communities.
Continue reading for more information about each of the areas of Austin, Texas.
Downtown Austin is where you can find some of the most popular attractions in the area. There are almost 9,500 people living in the heart of Austin. Residents and tourists alike love visiting this vibrant area.
Downtown Austin is one of the most highly-visited areas of the city. This is because all of Austin’s “must-sees” are downtown. Stroll down historic streets lined with beautifully designed 19th century architecture. Visit the incredible 1888 Texas State Capitol Building and the Driskill Hotel. Check out art exhibits at the Jones Center or the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Listen to live music at one of the many well-known venues in the area and grab a bite at some of the most celebrated restaurants in Texas and the United States. South by Southwest has music, film, and comedy festivals that bring in large swaths of tourists each year. The attractions are endless in Downtown Austin.
In Downtown Austin, you will find many neighborhoods and districts that are home to businesses, organizations and homes:
Unlike many other downtown areas, in Downtown Austin you can find a mix of high rise apartments, luxury condos, suburban single family homes and historic townhouses. Most downtown residents rent their living space, however there are some houses for sale.
The median home price in Downtown Austin is $655,000, which is 13% higher than the median price in past years.
Although it may be a largely residential area, North Austin has plenty to do. The area has a population of 162,400. North Austin residents enjoy the local dining, shopping and nightlife.
Although North Austin may be a largely residential area, people who live there have no problem finding exciting things to do. Head down Burnet Road and Rock Rose Avenue for some of the most hip restaurants and live music venues. Walk through The Domain or The Arboretum for high-end boutiques and chain stores you already know and love. Those looking for some fresh air can head to Balcones District Park or Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park where there are beautiful walking trails.
North Austin has many unique and beautiful neighborhoods that prospective homebuyers can choose from:
In North Austin there are a variety of housing options and price points. Choose from luxury urban apartments to single family homes in master-planned communities. Residents can choose to rent or buy their home in North Austin.
The median home price in North Austin is about $372,000, with neighborhoods like Allandalle being on the more expensive side and neighborhoods like Round Rock being more affordable.
If you are looking for quiet, residential neighborhoods in Austin, Texas, then East Austin is the area for you. Not only does the area have a plethora of affordable housing, but there are also many opportunities for outdoor exploration.
East Austin is a great place to spend the day. Head to The Thinkery, a children's museum, or the Museum of Natural & Artificial Ephemerata for a few hours of excitement and curiosities. Afterwards, take a walk in one of the many parks in the area such as Mueller Lake Park. Finish the day with dinner and a drink at a delicious restaurant celebrating local cuisine and culture. No matter what you are passionate about doing, you will fall in love with East Austin and all that it has to offer.
There are many beautiful neighborhoods in the East Austin area with plenty of amenities and things to do:
East Austin is mostly made up of residential areas such as suburbs and master-planned communities. While there are some apartment buildings and condos, most neighborhoods contain single family homes and townhomes.
In East Austin, the median home price is $470,500, which is 12% higher than what it was in previous years. However, you can find more affordable housing in Daffan and Govalle.
Although South Austin makes up a small area, it definitely has a big personality. South Austin has over 110,000 people living in the area. Residents are attracted to the hip vibes in some neighborhoods and the affordable housing in others.
South Austin is the place to be if you are searching for excitement and uniqueness. There is a multitude of interesting gastro pubs and restaurants, cozy coffee shops, local breweries and wineries to grab a drink and snack. Go to any of the shopping centers for a selection of stores you know and love as well as locally owned boutiques and small businesses. Walk through South Congress and South Lamar and you are sure to stumble upon a music venue with guitar-picking country bands or a club where you can dance the night away. For some fresh air you can enjoy a walk, bike ride or hike in a local park.
South Austin has a fun mix of exciting and trendy neighborhoods along with more affordable communities:
There are a variety of neighborhoods in South Austin that include master-planned suburban communities and apartment buildings with affordable accommodations. No matter what stage of life you are in, you will be able to find a place in South Austin that is perfect for you.
The median home price in South Austin is $470,000. This price is 29% higher than what it has been in previous years, most likely due to the rapid development of the area. However, you can find more affordable housing in areas like Dove Springs and Franklin Park.
West Austin is a great location for families in the Austin area. There are well over 200,000 residents in the West Austin area. It stretches from west of the Mopac Expressway to east of the Colorado River. Residents love the natural beauty that can be found in this area.
Those who want privacy and relaxation come to West Austin. Enjoy a fun day boating, kayaking, fishing, tubing and many other waterfront activities on the Colorado River. If you prefer land, spend some time hiking at River Place Nature Trail or have a picnic at Emma Long Metropolitan Park. You can find the Austin Zoo and Lake Travis Zipline Adventures in this area. Many communities also have amenities that are available to residents only. Golf courses, pools, playgrounds and parks are especially popular in West Austin. With a hills-and-valleys terrain and a beautiful river, you can bet that you will never get tired of the view.
If you are looking for master-planned communities, incredible natural scenery and many amenities, head to West Austin:
Most of the homes in West Austin are part of a master-planned community or suburb. There are a few homes that are in more remote areas on acres of land. You can also find some apartment buildings and townhomes in West Austin.
In West Austin, the median home price is a little more expensive than other areas at about $700,000. Median home prices depend on which neighborhood you are planning to move to. Those along the river, with scenic views or with state-of-the-art amenities will have a higher price tag than others.
Whether you are moving across town or moving from a different state, Austin has many incredible neighborhoods. Every neighborhood is unique and has something different to offer. It doesn’t matter what area of Austin you live in, you can find the home and the community that you have been dreaming of.
Take a look at two lists of the best suburbs and most exciting neighborhoods in Austin:
These are the best suburbs in Austin, Texas because they have excellent schools, tight-knit communities and state-of-the-art amenities. Here are the top ten Austin suburbs in no particular order:
Many of these suburbs are master-planned communities and census-designated places. Each of them are wonderful places to live.
Some residents prefer nearby nightlife, art, museums and other attractions. If you are looking for a little more excitement than what a suburb might offer, take a look at some of these neighborhoods:
These are the best places for those looking for hip shopping and dining and endless activities.
Starting to think a move to Austin is in your future? The Capital City is the eleventh largest city in the United States. This, of course, means that it has numerous employment opportunities, housing options and healthcare facilities. Moving to Austin is not just for those coming from a small town. There are many families and individuals who are moving from large cities, like Boston, to Austin.
Take a look at some things to think about if you are considering a move to Austin:
No matter what city you plan on moving to, there will always be some aspects you love and some you don’t.
Take a look at some of the cons of moving to Austin:
Fortunately, the benefits outweigh the negatives when it comes to Austin, Texas:
While Austin hosts a few Fortune 500 company headquarters, the city also ranks highly in many other areas, including:
Here are 20 of the top 30 employers in Austin:
In Austin, one of the largest population demographics is students. There are all kinds of educational facilities in Austin, from preschools and daycares to colleges and universities.
If you are planning to enroll your student in an Austin school, you will want to take a look at the different Independent School Districts in the area:
There are also many secondary education facilities in Austin. Students can attend trade school, community college or universities. The most popular institutes of higher education include:
College students are a large part of the population in Austin. Most college students live in student housing or commute from rentals or family homes.
Austin is one of the most popular cities in the United States for tourists to visit. Over 30 million people visit Austin every year. In the year of 2018, tourists generated $8.7 billion in revenue and helped to maintain 70,000 jobs in the city of Austin.
As one of the top tourist destinations in both Texas and the United States, there are so many attractions to visit:
Outdoor enthusiasts, museum goers, history buffs and architecture lovers alike will enjoy spending time exploring every corner of Austin. Living in Austin, residents visit attractions less frequently. Instead, many residents spend their weekends and Friday nights enjoying the local nightlife and entertainment.
The nightlife in Austin includes dance clubs, honky tonks, casual bars, piano lounges and so much more. Take a look at some of the most popular entertainment in Austin:
Whatever kind of music or dancing you enjoy, it can be found in Austin.
No matter what your dream home and life looks like, Austin can deliver. Beautiful neighborhoods, breathtaking scenery, close communities, exciting nightlife and endless activities are only some of the things that make Austin so special. The community is steadily growing and expanding in both employment opportunities and real estate. Come to Austin and find everything you have been searching for in a home.
