11 Best Austin Neighborhoods for Young Professionals
Austin, TX, a city renowned for its vibrant culture, dynamic music scene, and burgeoning tech industry, is a magnet for young professionals seeking a balance of work and play. This bustling metropolis offers a diverse array of neighborhoods, each with its unique charm and appeal, making the decision of where to live both exciting and overwhelming.
To navigate this array of choices, we've compiled our own list and also enlisted the expertise of Aubrey Von Behren, a seasoned local who knows the ins and outs of Austin's neighborhoods. Aubrey's insights provide a valuable local's perspective, helping you discover the spots that resonate with your lifestyle and professional aspirations.
Whether you're drawn to the energetic beats of live music, the innovation hubs of the tech scene, or the serene parks for a weekend unwind, our guide will lead you to the Austin neighborhood that feels like home. Join us as we explore the top 11 neighborhoods in Austin for young professionals, where vibrant living meets professional growth.
1. Mueller
- Population: 5,937
- Median 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,031
- Median Household Income: 65,812
- Walk Score: 62
- Transit Score: 47
- Bike Score: 72
Mueller was once the site of the former Robert Mueller Municipal Airport before turning into a popular planned community. Today, young professionals and eco-conscious families looking for proximity to restaurants, retailers, and the entertainment industry call Mueller home. There are also plenty of opportunities to get outdoors and walk, jog, or bike.
The 4.5-mile commute into Downtown Austin makes it an easy for young professionals. Public tram and bus service is also available to avoid traffic and relax during your commute.
Head into Downtown Austin for nightlife, or stick around Mueller for a more laid-back evening. Witchcraft Tap Room & Bottle Shop offers hard-to-find craft beers and tasting events. Thinkery is the place for kids who want hands-on learning and STEAM camps. There's also a Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In just beyond Mueller's boundaries for classic and art-house flicks.
Enjoy the 140 acres of green space and the namesake 6.5-acre lake. One of the unique aspects of living in Austin is that residents live within 600-feet of community greenspace! You're never far from something to do outdoors with your new neighbors.
Check out the apartments available for rent now in Mueller.
2. Zilker
- Population: 10,092
- Median 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,241
- Median Household Income: $75,233
- Walk Score: 75
- Transit Score: 47
- Bike Score: 82
Zilker was named after Andrew Zilker, an Austin political figure and philanthropist. He was also the last private owner of the nearby Barton Springs neighborhood, another on our list of the best Austin neighborhoods for young professionals.
If you work downtown Austin, you're just 2.5 miles away when you live in Zilker. You can also take the public bus into Downtown, which takes around 30 minutes depending on the time of day.
Head to the Barton Springs Pool fed by underground springs to beat the heat. You'll experience 68-degree water nearly year-round for a refreshing dip. Or hop the miniature Zilker Zephyr for a train ride through Zilker Park. The park is also home to the Zilker Botanical Garden, which boasts The Taniguchi Japanese Garden, footbridges, and specialty gardens.
The gem of the neighborhood is Zilker Park, one of Austin's most beloved outdoor spaces. It's also the home to Austin City Limits and South by Southwest music festivals. The park is also surrounded by plenty of well-regarded restaurants and retailers.
Check out the Zilker apartments available for rent.
3. Barton Hills
- Population: 8,019
- Median 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,740
- Median Household Income: $98,906
- Walk Score: 36
- Transit Score: 34
- Bike Score: 49
After the Texas Revolution in 1836, William "Uncle Billy" Barton patented the land near Barton Springs and the Barton Hills neighborhood. He ran a gristmill and kept two baby bison to entertain passersby.
Barton Hills is 3.7 miles from Downtown Austin and takes ten to fifteen minutes to drive. You can take a Capital Metro Bus or rent a bike from Barton Springs Bike Rentals.
If you want to move to Austin and feel surrounded by the lush outdoors, Barton Springs is the place for you. Locals value time outside and exploring the area. There's still evidence of Native American camps, old Spanish missions, and even dinosaur tracks.
Barton Hills is situated near Zilker Park, and locals frequently blend the two neighborhoods to make the most of the amenities. Locals enjoy quick access to the 350-acre Zilker Oak and its spring-fed pool. Try the Barton Creek Greenbelt for miles of hiking, biking, and seasonal swimming for more outdoor options.
Check out the apartments in Barton Hills available for rent.
4. Downtown Austin
- Population: 7,412
- Median 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,635
- Median Household Income: $122,182
- Walk Score: 92
- Transit Score: 68
- Bike Score: 90
Downtown Austin began to take shape when the Republic of Texas President tapped Edwin Waller to direct city planning and construction during the 1830s. Today, Downtown Austin is the city's central business district with a heavy influence in government and eCommerce. You'll find towering apartment complexes, high-rises, and condos. Its location along the Colorado River offers renters dazzling waterfront views.
Live, work, and play in Downtown Austin without leaving your neighborhood. The area is home to tech companies, museums, hotels, restaurants, retail, and much more.
You're never far from pubs and dining in Downtown Austin, like Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que for smoked meats and Midnight Cowboy or the Firehouse Lounge. As a thriving live capital destination, Downtown Austin is home to The Continental Club.
You can also see a play or musical at the Paramount Theater and vaudeville entertainment at Esther's Follies. Of course, there's also arts and culture everywhere, like at the Contemporary Austin, or you can see the Museum of the Weird reminiscent of P.T Barnum and Bailey's circus.
Despite its urban grit, you can enjoy the great outdoors around Austin. Fortunately, outdoor patios are the norm around Austin. Soak up the evening with the rest of the locals watching the resident bats taking off before sunset under the Congress Bridge.
Check out the apartments available for rent now in Downtown Austin.
5. South Lamar
- Population: 8,136
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment in Austin: $2,152
- Median Household Income: $75,233
- Walk Score: 54
- Transit Score: 48
- Bike Score: 66
South Lamar is a newer Austin neighborhood with a concentration of duplexes and residences built during the 1980s. You might see construction and renovation as investors give the community a facelift.
As one of the best Austin neighborhoods for young professionals, South Lamar is located 3.4 miles from Downtown. A public bus service is also available.
South Lamar is home to the legendary Broken Spoke, a dance hall founded during the 1960s, which has hosted artists like Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson. You don't need to go far to find eats and drinks in South Lamar.
Locals gather at Aviary Wine + Kitchen, The Park on South Lamar, Barton Springs Saloon, and the Loro Asian smokehouse. In addition, the neighborhood's Art on 5th gallery hosts the Dr. Seuss collection with previously unseen artwork and works on rotating exhibits.
You won't find as much greenspace in South Lamar compared to areas like Mueller, though it offers plenty of laid-back nightlife. Hear live music at Gibson Street Bar on weekends and grab a private karaoke room at The Highball.
Check out the apartments in South Lamar available for rent.
6. South Congress
- Population: 18,999
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment in Austin: $2,152
- Median Household Income: $69,930
- Walk Score: 88
- Transit Score: 55
- Bike Score: 89
Once the main road to enter Austin from the south, South Congress, otherwise known as SoCo, is an Austin icon that attracts locals and tourists. The area transformed as a hotbed for illustrious activity during the 1950s and beyond but grew into a thriving location for restaurants, shopping, live music, and comedy clubs.
South Congress is situated 5.5 miles from Downtown Austin, with public transportation available. If you work in retail or the restaurant industry, you'll feel right at home in this Austin neighborhood for young professionals.
You'll never run out of things to do in South Congress. Listen to jazz and bluegrass at C-Boy's Heart & Soul or head into the basement dive bar at Ego's. Dining includes stops like Habana for authentic Cuban food and Jo's coffee for breakfast tacos.
Shopping is a popular pastime along South Congress Street, with options like Allens Boots and Lucy in Disguise with Diamonds for costume pieces. Or head outdoors to see the bats at the Congress Avenue Bridge to see the largest urban colony of bats.
Check out the apartments available for rent in South Congress.
7. Milwood
- Population: 30,561
- Median 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,467
- Median Household Income: $80,758
- Walk Score: n/a
- Transit Score: n/a
- Bike Score: n/a
In 1849, Milwood emerged as a gold rush stop when people tried their luck on their way to the boom in California. Drury Anglin, who owned the land, eventually opened a general store for people looking for food and supplies. The area was later called Milwood because of a nearby lumber mill.
Milwood sits 15.1 miles north of Downtown Austin. You can also look into public transportation to get into the urban core of Austin.
Locals head into Austin for nightlife, but you can still find a few places to eat and drink in this quiet community. Try Smokey Mo's BBQ for brisket, pork loin, and jalapeño sausage, Sip Saam Thai for drunken noodles and sticky mango rice, or the Woodrow's Parmer for movie night, beers, and Tex-Mex Mondays.
Play some tennis or sand volleyball at Rattan Creek Park for outdoor fun. If you have pups, they'll make plenty of friends walking through the park.
Check out the Millwood apartments available for rent.
8. The Domain
- Population: 37,892
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment in Austin: $2,152
- Median Household Income: $58,106
- Walk Score: 72
- Transit Score: 45
- Bike Score: 64
The Domain offers mixed-use living in northwest Austin. The first and second phases of the ongoing development are complete and offer nearly 1.4 million square ft of restaurants, office space, upscale retail, apartments, and a hotel. A third phase is currently underway to include more commercial and residential areas.
If you work in Downtown Austin, The Domain is 12.3 miles away via TX-1 Loop S. Public tram and bus service are also available. However, you can also work in The Domain, making your commute practically non-existent! Tech companies, professional services, restaurants, and dining are part of The Domain's little economy.
Shopping and dining are plentiful around The Domain. Choose from Culinary Dropout, Second Bar + Kitchen, and Wonder Bar. Enjoy beer games at the Yard House or try your hand at vintage video games at Kung Fun. For a day at the spa, Viva Day Spa is within walking distance.
TopGolf offers a mix of video games and heated or cooled outdoor bays to work on your game for some fun outdoors. If you can't decide between the pool or cocktails, enjoy both at Archer's Pool Patio with semi-private cabanas.
Check out the apartments available for rent now in Domain.
9. East Austin
- Population: 4,372
- Median 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $2,863
- Median Household Income: $72,061
- Walk Score: 84
- Transit Score: 53
- Bike Score: 85
East Austin was initially created to house the city's African American community in one area. Over time, it became a haven for jazz and bluegrass music and is currently the only black cultural district in Texas. The neighborhood is undergoing gentrification today, although the community still retains its cultural roots.
East Austin is a quick commute to Downtown Austin, 2.7 miles away. Public transportation options are also available.
To learn more about the area's history, the Dedrick-Hamilton House was home to one of the first free slaves in the county. Today, it's been restored and turned into the American Cultural & Heritage Facility and Greater Austin Black Chamber of Commerce to enhance and protect business opportunities for black residents.
The historic Oakwood Cemetery is thought to be the final resting place for victims in a Comanche attack. The cemetery is the oldest in Austin and was created during a time when people were buried in different areas depending on their race.
Beyond its rich history, East Austin is home to trendy eats and places to imbibe, like Franklin Barbecue, Wrights Bros. Brew & Brew, and Quick Pickie. For live music, the Skylark Lounge and Sahara Lounge deliver.
Check out the apartments in East Austin available for rent.
10. Hyde Park
- Population: 6,547
- Median 2-Bedroom Apartment in Austin: $2,152
- Median Household Income: $64,340
- Walk Score: 78
- Transit Score: 56
- Bike Score: 94
Hyde Park's origins date back to 1891, and the neighborhood is considered Austin's first suburb. The area was home to the State Fair of Texas from 1875 to 1884 and grew into a flourishing streetcar neighborhood. The neighborhood is home to two historic districts, and part of the area is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Hyde Park is 4.1 miles from Downtown Austin via I-35 S, though you can also take public transportation to get to work and more of the city's attractions. Hyde Park is also ideal for professors and staff working at the nearby University of Texas campus.
Locals head to Hyde Park Bar and Grill for American-style fare. The Flightpath Coffeehouse is popular with college students looking for locally-sourced snacks, coffee, and a patio to relax in the sun. Make sure to stop by Antonelli's Cheese Shop for artisanal cheeses, cured meats, and local craft beer to take a picnic to Shipe Park.
Soak up some culture and art at the Elisabet Ney Museum, which features the home and work of 19th-century Elisabet Ney. The museum hosts events, workshops, and programs throughout the year. Escape the heat at Shipe Park and Pool, where there's also a historic log cabin dating back to 1930.
Check out the Hyde Park, Austin apartments available.
11. North Loop
- Population: 4,169
- Median 1-Bedroom Apartment Rent: $1,684
- Median Household Income: $64,340
- Walk Score: 67
- Transit Score: 53
- Bike Score: 93
North Loop, originally called Northfield, grew to prominence after World War II. The return of soldiers during the 1940s brought soldiers taking advantage of the G.I. Bill that helped them go to colleges like The University of Texas. The population influx led to more housing, and the North Loop flourished. You'll still see one and two-bedroom homes built during the boom, with many undergoing renovations.
North Loop is located 5.6 miles from Downtown Austin along I-35 S, though you can also hop on public transportation to work.
Epoch Coffee can fuel your morning, while Home Slice is the place for tasty pizza slices. University students and staff hang out at Foreign & Domestic with innovative dishes featuring local and regional produce. Any college neighborhood worth its salt has good dive bars and quirky finds. Try Workhouse Bar, Barfly's, or Tigress Pub for craft beers, bar bites, and cocktails.
As one of the best neighborhoods in Austin, you’ll find plenty of shopping in the North Loop. Vintage shops and bookstores are staples of North Loop, with options like Blue Velvet, Room Service Vintage, and BookWoman. Music lovers can still find vinyl records in the North Loop at stops like Breakaway Records. There's even an adult-friendly shop called Forbidden Fruit for adventurous locals.
Check out the North Loop apartments available for rent.
Final Thoughts
There's a place for everyone in Austin, whether you want urban living or more peace and quiet. Get started finding the perfect place for you. Register with Apartment List today and start checking out the hundreds of available apartments to rent in the best Austin neighborhoods for young professionals! Sign-up with Apartment List now.
If Austin doesn't seem like the right place for you, consider other places to live in Texas.
Texas:
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- Cost of Living in Texas
- Best Places to Live in Texas
- Cheapest Places to Live in Texas
Dallas:
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- Best Neighborhoods in Dallas
- Average Rent in Dallas
- Cost of Living in Dallas
Houston:
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San Antonio:
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