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Guide to the Best Neighborhoods in Austin: Part 2

December 15, 2016

Guide to the Best Neighborhoods in Austin: Part 2

Located in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, Austin is the epicenter of everything Texas. One of the fastest growing cities in the United States, Austin offers an eclectic mix of arts, music, history, natural beauty, and urban trendiness that appeals to most everyone. If you read last week’s blog, we introduced three of the best neighborhoods in Austin. In today’s follow-up post, we’ll explore three additional areas of the city you may want to consider calling home!

The East Side

The East Side of Austin has undergone a drastic transformation in the last decade and is rapidly becoming one of Austin’s most popular neighborhoods. Once run-down and crime-ridden, the area is now home to the young and trendy. Historically a working-class neighborhood, East Austin has become a newly chic arts district filled with galleries, studios, trendy bars and cafes, and food trucks. From refurbished single-family homes to new condominiums, East Austin is an affordable area that attracts both residents and business owners. The blending of old and new in this the tree-lined neighborhood makes for a diverse mix of culture and housing. Just two miles from downtown, East Austin was named #7 out of 250 cities on Forbes’ 2012 America’s Hippest Hipster Neighborhoods list.

Austin's East Side has changed a lot in recent years, with new construction, like this modern condo on 11th Street, popping up everywhere. Photo credit Flickr user Matthew Rutledge. — Austin’s East Side has changed a lot in recent years, with new construction, like this modern condo on 11th Street, popping up everywhere. Photo credit Flickr user Matthew Rutledge.

West Lake Hills

If an older, established neighborhood is more to your liking, consider West Lake Hills. This neighborhood on the west side of Austin offers spectacular views and stunning natural beauty. On the south side of the Colorado River, West Lake Hills was established in 1953. This desirable neighborhood boasts some of the most expensive addresses in the Austin area, but a fair number of more modestly priced homes are still available. West Lake Hills has many long-term residents and features older homes on big lots with mature trees. The neighborhood prides itself on its dedication to preserving the rural environment and natural beauty of the area. Only a short drive to the downtown area, West Lake Hills offers a convenient location in the Austin area and features exemplary public schools and family-friendly restaurants.

Northwest Hills

For a more suburban area that still offers easy access to the city, Northwest Hills in West Austin is a more affordable, family-oriented area with highly rated schools. Featuring traditional and ranch style homes built in the 1970s and 1980s, this hilly neighborhood offers spectacular views and frequent deer sightings. In addition to single-family homes, Northwest Hills also contains several newer apartment buildings and condos, making for a diverse population that includes everyone from families to UT commuters. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the easy access to Bull Creek District Park and Bull Creek Greenbelt. Northwest Hills provides a convenient location for commuting, with Mopac, 360, Hwy 183, downtown, and UT all with easy reach.

Austin is truly a one-of-a-kind city with its own unique style of quirkiness. This rapidly growing area is ideal for families, urban professionals, artsy types and everyone in between. The slogan “Keep Austin Weird” captures the essence of the eclectic style that defines Austin, which is certainly exemplified in its great diversity of neighborhoods.