The Best Neighborhoods in Austin - 2025 Guide

A nirvana for tech start-ups, a mecca for live music fans, and a bucket-list destination for anyone seeking some of the best barbecue in the world.

Austin has been adding quite a bit to its impressive resume.

Ranking as one of the best cities to live in the U.S. for three consecutive years, the capital of Texas is jam-packed with boundary-pushing tech innovation, exotic recreational activity, and a food scene that makes endless headlines.

Central Austin, with its lively and eclectic neighborhoods such as North Loop, Rosedale, and Hyde Park, offers unique local shops, historic charm, and various activities like visiting parks, museums, theaters, and enjoying dining and nightlife options.

Undoubtedly, Austin is one of the fastest growing cities in the U.S., making it a firm favorite for many aspiring homeowners choosing where to lay roots. Rest assured that you can’t go wrong with Austin, but how do you decide which is the best Austin neighborhood to move to?

Whether you’re dreaming of visiting Austin or decided to pack your bags and buy a home in the "Live Music Capital of the World," the team at Prevu Real Estate has put together a guide to help you discover some of the best neighborhoods in Austin, Texas.

Austin has its fair share of skyscrapers and bustling streets. But homebuyers who look closely will find areas far enough from the action yet high on the list of coveted neighborhoods.

Ask any local where some of the most desirable real estate is located, and Tarrytown will surely come up. The cherished motto of Tarrytown, "where oak trees charm the eye," is as relevant today as it was in 1934 when the town adopted its name after an upstate village in New York.

Beneath the canopy of oak leaves and well-kept streets, buyers can find some of the most sought-after homes in Austin. The rustic beauty and tranquility, along with a 9-minute drive to Downtown Austin, is part of what justifies the expensive price tags.

And access to Lake Austin, Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve, and the Lions Municipal Golf Course provides ample green space and caters to outdoor lovers by highlighting the parks and recreational areas available in Tarrytown. Additionally, the hiking trails in Tarrytown offer great opportunities for outdoor recreational activities.

There are plenty of homegrown mom-and-pop shops as well. Cookies Del Mundo offers custom-made cookies to order while the Tarrytown Pharmacy, which was established in 1941, still caters to residents.

Visitors will have to trek down to Exposition Avenue for Tarrytown’s select bars and restaurants.

A pioneer in sustainable urban living, Mueller opened up to residents in 2007. Mueller is built on the site of the former Robert Mueller Municipal Airport.

Envisioned as a planned community, Mueller virtually has it all. Mueller meticulously planned living options for almost every taste, from modern condos with luxury amenities to simple cottages to two-story estates.

Though expansive in size, Mueller immediately stands out for its tight-knit community feel. Its green spaces, such as John Gaines Park and Ella Wooten Park, are gathering spots for neighbors looking to enjoy the community pool or a game of bocce. And the 30-acre Mueller Lake Park offers ample picnic space and leisurely trails to enjoy.

Mueller also boasts art galleries that highlight the works of regional and master artists, adding to the local art scene.

Almost everything in Mueller was designed to be accessible, so reliance on cars and public transportation is minimal. This also helps foster community, as many residents trek through the streets to reach the local farmer’s market, enjoy a cup of coffee at Halcyon, or check out a flick at the Alamo Drafthouse.

Though as polished as a high-end planned community might be, Mueller has a unique charm, and a long list of aspiring homebuyers are looking to snag something in the neighborhood.

Yet another member of the "78704" club, Bouldin Creek uses its gleaming waterfront along the Colorado River to make it one of the best neighborhoods in Austin.

Residents and visitors can enjoy the running trail at Town Lake, adding to the recreational activities available in Bouldin Creek.

Bouldin Creek’s exclusive zip code means its residents have easy access to Zilker Metropolitan Park and the Barton Creek Greenbelt Trail like their neighbors in Barton Hill. But the exclusivity also gives way to Austin’s signature quirkiness, showcased best by the home-grown businesses strewn throughout.

The street to visit is South 1st Street, which runs down the middle of Bouldin Creek. Start the tour from the southernmost part of the neighborhood, and you’ll come across the famed "Greetings from Austin" mural as you head north.

Keep going, and you’ll pass by local favorites such as Manoli’s homemade ice cream shop, Sugar Mama’s Bakeshop, and Bouldin Creek Cafe, which features an extensive vegan menu. As you head further north, the waters of the Colorado River will become visible, and the famed Austin skyline will come into view.

If you make it far enough to see Butler Metro Park, you’ll probably have seen enough of what makes Bouldin Creek one of the most coveted neighborhoods in Austin, with its variety of restaurants, shops, parks, and vibrant nightlife that create a lively and dynamic social scene.

In the northern reaches of Austin, Rosedale exemplifies some of the city’s most tranquil living opportunities.

Rosedale is a part of North Austin and appeals to young professionals working in the area. One of the oldest neighborhoods in Austin, Rosedale keeps things down to earth while offering its residents everything they might need out of a top-ranked neighborhood.

Ramsey Park is aptly named as it is the neighborhood’s centerpiece and gives residents access to an outdoor swimming pool, playgrounds, sports fields, and leafy patches for summer picnics.

Though unassuming at first glance, Rosedale doesn’t mince prices regarding its real estate. Luxurious estates and tried Colonials and Craftsman homes all demand a pretty penny, but the tranquility and relaxed vibe of the neighborhood might justify the price for homeowners seeking peace and quiet with quick access to the city.

Rosedale doesn’t skimp out on solid food and drink options either. The highly-rated Draught House Pub & Brewery offers an extensive list of craft beers, some made in-house. And for those seeking fine dining, Uchiko delivers a first-class menu of Japanese classics.