I'm Raul, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com local expert for Austin, Texas. I've seen the humble skyline change a lot in the 10+ years I've been living in different parts of the city, but you can still find that small-town atmosphere with big, green spaces throughout this great city.
As one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, plenty of new job opportunities are popping up around the city, especially in the technology sector. The cost of living continues to rise, but there are hidden gems with affordable housing and abundant amenities. I know the neighborhoods well after working and living in just about every corner north and south of Lady Bird Lake.
I've curated a helpful list of Austin neighborhoods that fit any budget and family and even highlighted a few of my favorite sports throughout the city.
The Domain
Developed to be a haven for shopping, retail, and restaurants, the Domain is a new neighborhood with high-quality apartments and surrounding homes. The location is dominated by Whole Foods, an outdoor mall, and other businesses that residents all over the city flock to.
The best way to get affordable rent in the area is to find move-in specials at one of the new apartment buildings in the area. You’ll just have to worry a little about traffic getting to and from downtown, but this is actually a breeze compared to many of the suburbs surrounding the city.
Zilker
The Zilker neighborhood is one of Austin's most popular and vibrant scenes, and it's perfect for anyone looking to get the full experience by diving into the heart of the city's culture. I've made the short drive to and from Zilker Park on my moped dozens of times and attended special events in the park with a beautiful skyline view.
Catch a movie at the iconic Alamo Drafthouse Theatre or explore the Umlauf Sculpture Garden for artistic flair. Of course, Zilker Park is the neighborhood's crown jewel, offering miles of trails, open spaces, and the beautiful Zilker Botanical Garden.
Homes will be more expensive here, reflecting the prime location and appeal, with unique Austin architecture, but you can find some modern luxury apartment buildings sprinkled in.
Bouldin Creek
Bouldin Creek is a great choice if you're looking for a diverse and eclectic neighborhood that embodies the "Keep Austin Weird" spirit. The area is primarily known for its quirky shops, local cafes, and food truck scene rather than its residential homes and luxury apartments.
You'll never get bored in the area, with Peter Pan Mini Golf and Auditorium Shores Park next to the water. One of my best memories of this area is spending a cool summer night watching a movie in the park at the Long Center.
Because the area is popular, traffic will be heavy at all times of the day, but there are plenty of public bus and scooter rental options.
Mueller
The Mueller neighborhood is on the North East end of the city and is one of the newer neighborhoods to be renovated. They have one of the newer HEB grocery stores, and a new shopping center has opened with lots of local restaurants and a movie theater.
Residents in this area have everything they need within a few miles. Big name retail stores like Best Buy and Lowes are close by along with plenty of smaller, affordable shops.
While most of the homes are being renovated into luxurious higher end rentals, you can still find some older homes in the area that have a lower rent price tag. It’s a mixed bag of choices that make it ideal for families, single individuals, and couples looking to live minutes from Downtown Austin.
South Congress
South Congress is one of Austin's most iconic and vibrant neighborhoods, making it a tourist must-see destination. It was the first place I took my family when they visited from Dallas because it has hip boutiques, trendy lodging, live music venues, and local eateries.
Owning a home in the area can be on the expensive side, but there are plenty of more affordable apartment options and rental homes that line the street and surrounding South Congress area. While there are a few of schools in the area, there aren't nearly as many as other neighborhoods in the suburbs surrounding the city.
The streets are always busy with a special energy that can only be found in SOCO and a constant stream of public buses passes through the area make it an easier area for bus commuters.
South Lamar
While only a few streets away from the busy and popular South Congress, renting in South Lamar offers renters most perks without nearly as many people crowding the streets. You can still access some of the city's best restaurants and boutique shops. I love this area of town because it's mostly residents visiting local gems instead of tourists flocking to popular places.
It has more affordable apartments and homes than South Congress, and you are only minutes away from downtown. The landmark honky-tonk Broken Spoke is located here and hosts live music every week. Although the traffic can still get bad during rush hour, general foot traffic is much lower than in other parts of the city.
Hyde Park
Resting just north of the University of Texas campus, Hyde Park is filled with quaint restaurants and shops that reflect the keep-it-weird culture of Austin. With a variety of affordable rental options in Hyde Park and the nearby area, it is highly desirable part of town because it has an authentic neighborhood atmosphere while being a few minutes drive from the center of downtown.
While most of the homes have families that have lived here for years, every season a few homes go up for rent and the location with the surrounding college makes them affordable for just about anyone.
You’ll get the quintessential feel of Austin in Hyde Park without all the tourists that flock to neighborhoods like Zilker or Barton Hills.
Barton Hills
Encompassing a huge area from Lady Bird Lake to south of Highway 290, Barton Hills is one of the most sought-after locations for residents who want the best nature Austin has to offer. I've driven by the area plenty of times, admiring the beautiful and eccentric homes in the area. You still get all the green space without being located directly in Zilker.
Closer to the lake is Zilker Park and the botanical garden, but you also have the famous Barton Springs natural pools. This area hosts the famous Austin City Limits and South by Southwest music festivals, so there is plenty of pedestrian and vehicle traffic year-round.
The area has modern, newly renovated luxury apartments and highly sought-after homes and condos. Residents include a diverse mix of young, middle-aged, and older generations.
East Cesar Chavez
Not long ago, this area needed major repairs and upgrades, but recent renovations have transformed the East Cesar Chavez neighborhood into a modern neighborhood with a rich cultural heritage. I first moved to Austin on the Northeast side of town and frequently visited East Cesar Chavez because it has one of the best music scenes in the city, including the honky-tonk Whitehorse. Five minutes from downtown, the area is filled with industrial-chic brewpubs, craft cocktail lounges, and live music venues.
It also has brand-new apartment buildings and homes throughout the entire area. However, you won't have many school options and the foot traffic will be consistently busy throughout the year. It's one of the few neighborhoods that has an authentic urban feel and is ideal for younger professionals or families that want to be in the middle of the Austin lifestyle.
South East Austin
Within 10 minutes of downtown, South East Austin is still one of the more affordable neighborhoods in the city and a perfect area for getting a place without breaking the budget. It has one of the best live music venues that my partner and I enjoy from time to time. There are plenty of restaurants, grocery stores, and entertainment options for the full Austin experience.
There are more schools in the area, making it great for families. The traffic is bad around rush hour but is manageable otherwise, and it's ideal for those looking for city access without a high cost of living.
Living in Cheap Austin Neighborhoods
Browse our list of affordable Austin neighborhoods to find a budget-friendly option that makes you feel at home. Apartment Home Living is your go-to destination for finding the perfect place with everything you need to settle down and live your desired lifestyle.
