Living in Austin
Let's break down the neighborhoods.
Top neighborhoods in Austin
Downtown
High-rise living, Lady Bird Lake and live music.
Best for: Professionals who want a car-optional, high-energy lifestyle
Novara take
- Walkability5
- Nightlife5
- Coffee & food5
- Shopping4
- Grocery & errands3
- Pet-friendly3
- Parking ease1
- Quiet1
Getting around: Walk to offices downtown; MetroRail and MetroRapid lines; I-35 and MoPac access.
Local favorites: Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail · Whole Foods Market flagship (6th & Lamar) · Republic Square
Downtown Austin means high-rise apartments, lake trails and the Rainey Street and 6th Street scenes. The Whole Foods flagship and countless restaurants are within walking distance. Parking costs extra, and it's rarely quiet.
Photo: Jouaienttoi, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
East Austin
Taco trucks, breweries and creative energy.
Best for: Creatives and young professionals who want character close to downtown
Novara take
- Walkability4
- Nightlife5
- Coffee & food5
- Shopping3
- Grocery & errands3
- Pet-friendly4
- Parking ease3
- Quiet2
Getting around: Just east of I-35 from downtown; MetroRail Plaza Saltillo Station.
Local favorites: Franklin Barbecue · Plaza Saltillo · Lazarus Brewing
East Austin has some of the city's most famous food, from barbecue to taco trucks, plus breweries and galleries. Housing mixes new apartments with older bungalows. It's close to downtown and very lively along East 6th and East Cesar Chavez.
Photo: Atxinfo, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
South Congress
Iconic SoCo shopping with a skyline view.
Best for: Renters who love boutiques, music and an iconic Austin address
Novara take
- Walkability4
- Nightlife4
- Coffee & food5
- Shopping5
- Grocery & errands3
- Pet-friendly4
- Parking ease2
- Quiet2
Getting around: Straight shot north to downtown and the Capitol on Congress Ave; MetroRapid 801.
Local favorites: Jo's Coffee ("I love you so much" mural) · Allens Boots · Continental Club
South Congress (SoCo) is lined with boutiques, vintage shops, restaurants and the famous Continental Club. The view up Congress to the Capitol is classic Austin. Apartments nearby range from older complexes to new mid-rises.
Photo: Justin Jensen, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Mueller
Planned, green and family-friendly.
Best for: Families, remote workers and renters who want parks and newer buildings
Novara take
- Walkability4
- Nightlife2
- Coffee & food4
- Shopping3
- Grocery & errands4
- Pet-friendly5
- Parking ease4
- Quiet4
Getting around: About 10 minutes to downtown and UT via I-35; near Dell Children's Medical Center.
Local favorites: Mueller Lake Park · H-E-B Mueller · Mueller Farmers Market
Mueller was built on the old Austin airport site as a planned neighborhood with parks, trails and new housing. Apartments are newer, and an H-E-B and Alamo Drafthouse are close by. It's calm, green and very walkable within the neighborhood.
Photo: Larry D. Moore, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
The Domain
Austin's "second downtown" for tech and shopping.
Best for: Tech workers in North Austin who want amenities at their door
Novara take
- Walkability4
- Nightlife4
- Coffee & food4
- Shopping5
- Grocery & errands4
- Pet-friendly4
- Parking ease4
- Quiet3
Getting around: In the North Austin tech corridor; MoPac and US-183 access; Kramer MetroRail Station nearby.
Local favorites: The Domain (shopping center) · Rock Rose Avenue bars and restaurants · Whole Foods Market (Domain)
The Domain is a mixed-use district with shopping, restaurants and nightlife on Rock Rose, surrounded by newer apartments. Big tech offices sit nearby, so commutes can be short. It feels polished and convenient, with lots of garage parking.
Photo: Slamforeman, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Zilker
Barton Springs, ACL Fest and the outdoors.
Best for: Outdoorsy renters who want parks, trails and swimming nearby
Novara take
- Walkability4
- Nightlife3
- Coffee & food4
- Shopping3
- Grocery & errands3
- Pet-friendly5
- Parking ease3
- Quiet3
Getting around: Minutes to downtown across Lady Bird Lake; MoPac and Barton Springs Rd access.
Local favorites: Barton Springs Pool · Zilker Metropolitan Park · Barton Springs Road restaurants
Zilker surrounds Austin's best-known park, with Barton Springs Pool, the hike-and-bike trail and ACL Fest every fall. Housing is a mix of older apartments, duplexes and homes. It's ideal for renters who want an outdoor lifestyle close to downtown.
Photo: Mwyzykowski0821, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Ratings are the Novara team's own take, out of 5. Spots and details can change, so ask your locator for the latest.
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