12 Best College Neighborhoods in Austin, TX 2022
If you’re looking for a college neighborhood in Austin, you’re in the right place!
Choosing a place to live can be challenging, regardless of the circumstance. Fortunately, choosing one of Austin’s college neighborhoods provides excellent practice for future renting.
Look at your search as an opportunity to figure out what you want and what you need from a neighborhood. That way, you’ll land an apartment that’s a good match for you.
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If you’re unsure where or how to start your search, we’ve got you covered. In this guide, we’ll explore some of Austin’s best college neighborhoods and how to choose the right one.
Let’s get started.
What Makes a Good College Neighborhood?
Sart your college neighborhood search with a few things in mind, namely: how to get around, what to do for fun, and how to save money.
These three characteristics are the foundation on which you should build your neighborhood search. They’ll help you find a place that best suits your needs.
Let’s take a deep dive into the characteristics that make a good college neighborhood.
Walkability
Fortunately, Austin is home to many walkable neighborhoods that make it easy for residents to get around, college students or otherwise. However, not all of Austin’s neighborhoods are considered walkable.
You’ll want to stray away from traditionally residential neighborhoods. These neighborhoods generally lack easy access to amenities, attractions, and public transit. So, you’ll need a car to enjoy everything Austin has to offer.
If you don’t want to deal with the hassle of owning a car, check out neighborhoods that offer a solid mix of residential and commercial areas.
Downtown Austin and many closeby neighborhoods offer grocery stores, laundromats, gyms, and eateries within walking distance. You’ll also find that these neighborhoods are well-served by public transit routes, so getting around will be a breeze.
Entertainment
All work and no play is not the way to handle your college experience.
While you don’t need to attend any Project X-style parties, you should take the time to explore the city and engage in some solid rest and relaxation.
So, whether you have fun walking around parks or nursing a drink while listening to live music, find a neighborhood that puts the fun within walking distance.
Take the time to research offerings that match your recreation and entertainment preferences. For example, if you enjoy outdoor recreation, like running or cycling, the neighborhood surrounding Austin’s Zilker Park might be a great fit for you.
If your classes are being held virtually or you don’t mind a lengthy commute, you may find that some of the cities near Austin better meet your entertainment and recreation preferences.
Discounts
It’s not always possible to save money when renting as a student. However, if you’re strapped for cash or simply love a good deal, narrow down your neighborhood search options to those that are known as student neighborhoods.
These neighborhoods will often have apartments that are commonly rented to students, so landlords advertise student discounts to attract more student applicants.
If you focus on finding student discounts, you may end up saving on rent or enjoying waived fees or deposits on your new home.
If you can’t find any student discounts, broaden your search to include move-in specials which offer the same benefits.
12 Best College Neighborhoods in Austin
Austin is a large city with tons of unique neighborhoods, so it’s essential to narrow down your options early on. That way, you’ll avoid becoming overwhelmed by the sheer volume of viable neighborhoods.
We’ve got you covered! Here’s a look at the best college neighborhoods in Austin.
1. Bouldin Creek
If you’re looking for a bit of Austin history, Bouldin Creek is a quiet, little neighborhood that doubles as one of the oldest parts of the city.
Bouldin Creek is brimming with youthful residents. The neighborhood is a great match for college students looking to expand their circle and meet other students and young professionals.
The neighborhood is adjacent to South Congress Avenue and within walking distance to many of Downtown Austin’s top attractions.
So, whether you’re looking to enjoy a night of bar-hopping or spend a day exploring the city’s main attractions, Bouldin Creek provides the perfect starting position.
2. Clarksville
Clarksville sits right next to Austin’s bustling downtown center but is a quiet, little enclave that keeps its residents shielded from the hustle and bustle.
The neighborhood boasts a rich history and can be found on the National Register of Historic Places.
That said, Clarksville has undergone significant gentrification in recent years, with many older structures removed in favor of new developments.
Today, the neighborhood has a trendy vibe, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and cafés to keep residents entertained.
Students will appreciate the neighborhood’s diversity, architecture, and prime location. Getting some fresh air in Clarksville is as simple as heading out to the nearby Zilker Park, a beautiful green space to bask in the Austin sun.
3. Dawson
Situated in South Austin, Dawson is a bit of a blast from the past. The neighborhood is bursting with architecture from a bygone era, though a few touches of modernism peeking through.
Dawson brings some of Austin’s young professionals and students to mix with long-term residents and families. So, you’ll find a little bit of everything around Austin.
You can enjoy some time perusing some of the neighborhood’s dining options — there are quite a few.
If you’ll be renting as a student in this Dawson, you’ll likely find a few student discounts as the neighborhood is near St. Edward's University.
That said, you’ll need to consider your commute, especially if you attend a different university in the city. It’s a good idea to have a car when living in this neighborhood, but you can also get around pretty easily on a bike.
4. Downtown
Like pretty much every downtown center, Downtown Austin offers renters the best of the best when it comes to amenities, nightlife, attractions, and housing options.
As a student, you’ll find the neighborhood puts you right in the middle of all the action, so you’ll never have to stray too far away to find a good time.
Moreover, Downtown Austin is one of the city’s best-served neighborhoods when it comes to public transit options. You’ll appreciate this when you’re running late for your 8 am classes.
Outside of school, you’ll enjoy proximity to live music venues, art galleries, museums, restaurants, shops, and much more. While you’ll pay a little more for rent, the price will be well worth it to live in one of the best neighborhoods in Austin.
5. East Riverside - Oltorf
East Riverside – Oltorf is one of Austin’s more expansive neighborhoods, located in the city’s south quarter, not too far from Downtown.
As a student, you’ll need to exercise some serious caution if you choose to live in East Riverside.
Although the neighborhood has undergone extensive development and will likely become one of Austin’s premier neighborhoods in the coming decade, it’s still a bit rough around the edges.
Disclaimer aside, East Riverside – Oltorf boasts low rent prices, access to main highways, and close proximity to Austin’s Zilker Park.
On your off days, you can enjoy some of the neighborhood’s ethnic restaurants, shops, and other local small businesses.
6. Hyde Park
Hyde Park is an Austin neighborhood that plays host to many University of Texas students, alongside long-term residents and families.
The neighborhood is the classic residential sort with white picket fences, single-family homes, and professors strolling along Hyde Park’s streets.
You won’t find many shops or a thriving nightlife scene in Hyde Park, as the historic neighborhood is residential to its core. Fortunately, a short walk, bike, or bus ride will get you to nearby attractions.
As a student living in the neighborhood, you’ll enjoy Hyde Park’s quiet and unrushed feel. It’s very much a small town located within a big city.
7. North Campus
North Campus is another student-oriented Austin neighborhood, so you’re bound to feel at home among the other University of Texas students. It’s considered one of the quieter, less competitive housing options for students who want to live near the university.
The neighborhood is walkable, bikeable, and has a few shuttle and bus routes to help students get around. For the most part, there’s no real need to own a vehicle if you live in this neighborhood and attend UT.
North Campus also offers a ton of housing options, including some in new developments that boast some impressive amenities.
You really can’t go wrong with North Campus as a college neighborhood, as parks, grocery stores, restaurants, and entertainment options are all easily accessible. Not to mention, you’ll be surrounded by other UT students and staff, so it’s a great place to make some connections.
8. Rosedale
Rosedale is another one of Austin’s older neighborhoods. You won’t find tons of high-rises or hipster cafes in the area, but Rosedale’s excellent safety rating, sprawling parks, and beautiful architecture make it a great option for college students looking to become a part of a community.
Although you won’t find a ton of undergraduate students in Rosedale, graduate students and young professionals who are looking to establish themselves in the area tend to make the neighborhood their home.
While you don’t need a car in Rosedale, it would certainly make getting around easier. Rosedale’s location provides easy access to some of Austin’s most prominent highways, so you won’t have to add too much time to your commute.
9. South Congress
If you’re moving to Austin, you’ve probably heard of South Congress or SoCo, as it is known as the city’s premier neighborhood. It’s known for its trendiness and laid-back vibe. It’s not surprising that SoCo regularly rates as one of the most popular neighborhoods in Austin, so you’ll need to have a large rent budget and some time to land an apartment in this neighborhood.
You’ll find no shortage of food trucks, restaurants, and other delectable food venues. If you enjoy a good night out on the town, SoCo offers a ton of bars and late-night eateries to choose from, but many residents choose to take a quick walk to Downtown Austin for late-night shenanigans.
On the upside, you’ll be able to burn some additional calories walking through this thriving neighborhood. Just be aware that South Congress is pretty congested during the day, so you’ll need to take that into account when planning your commute to and from campus.
10. St. Edwards
St Edwards is a popular neighborhood for young professionals, students, and an arts community. Most students in St. Edwards attend the nearby St. Edward's University, so it’s a great place to live if you attend the university and are interested in meeting other students off-campus.
The neighborhood is beautiful, as most residents take pride in maintaining their homes. Even the streets look as if they could be used in a magazine shoot. You’ll find St. Edwards residents taking full advantage of their gorgeous streets walking, running, or cycling around.
It’s also pretty easy to get around, as St. Edwards is near enough to one of Austin’s major interstates and highways. Additionally, students can be found riding buses on one of the neighborhood’s many public transit routes.
11. West Campus
West Campus is the result of city zoning changes in the past two decades. The relatively new neighborhood was designed to offer University of Texas students and staff a residential neighborhood near the main campus.
West Campus offers tons of housing options, from bungalows to new-builds, so be sure to take your time during your apartment hunt.
As a student living in the neighborhood, you’ll enjoy living within walking distance to many campus buildings and Texas attractions. If you prefer to get around on your own two wheels, the neighborhood is notably bike-friendly with designated bike lanes.
However, you’ll be living near many of the university’s fraternity and sorority houses, so you may not get a ton of peace and quiet.
12. Zilker
One of Zilker’s most notable features is its sprawling parks and green spaces. It’s a great neighborhood for students who enjoy the outdoors and want to take advantage of Austin’s warm weather.
Zilker Park plays host to the Austin City Limits Music Festival, Trail of Lights, and the Zilker Holiday Tree, so there’s fun for every season. Moreover, you’ll be located within walking distance, so there’s no need to worry about parking or transportation when you attend these events.
As a student, you may enjoy Zilker’s nightlife scene, shopping options, and restaurants. Though you may not find the neighborhood’s high rent prices as enjoyable, but renting with roommates can help you keep costs down.
Final Thoughts
Of course, finding an apartment doesn’t have to be all work. In fact, if you use the right strategy, finding an apartment in a great college neighborhood can be a piece of cake.
Don’t believe it? Start your apartment search with Apartment List to learn firsthand how easy finding your dream home can be.
If Austin doesn't seem like the right place for you, consider other places to live in Texas.
Texas:
- Things to Know Before Moving to Texas
- Cost of Living in Texas
- Best Places to Live in Texas
- Cheapest Places to Live in Texas
Dallas:
- Things to Know Before Moving to Dallas
- Best Neighborhoods in Dallas
- Average Rent in Dallas
- Cost of Living in Dallas
Houston:
- Things to Know Before Moving to Houston
- Best Neighborhoods in Houston
- Average Rent in Houston
- Cost of Living in Houston
San Antonio:
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