Neighborhood Guide: North Loop, Austin
North Loop keeps Austin weird with colorful vintage boutiques, record shops, independent bookstores, pubs, and coffee shops. Despite its quirky flair, there are still vintage bungalows and historic homes in this leafy Austin neighborhood.
The independent vibe in North Loop is palpable. The neighborhood is one of the city's "Business Investment Zones," set up by the Austin Independent Business Alliance to help promote independent business districts in the city. Here's what to know before packing up and moving to the North Loop.
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Types of Homes and Apartments to Rent in North Loop, Austin
North Loop is located north of Hyde Park and bounded by North Lamar Boulevard, Koenig Lane, and Airport Boulevard. The neighborhood transformed from a sleepy, quaint suburb into a hip, trendsetting place to live. It attracts college students and young professionals looking to live near the city's core with its unique places to eat and drink.
The cozy neighborhood is home to a blend of old bungalows and newer apartment buildings. Its convenient access to the University of Texas and Downtown Austin makes it a desirable location for professionals, families, and students. The eclectic mix is also home to longtime residents and artists who have lived in the neighborhood for decades.
Single-family homes are available to rent in North Loop if you want some space to spread out. Further development is on the rise, with mixed-income, mixed-use flats and apartments. You'll also find new, mid-rise apartment complexes and renovated buildings.
North Loop, Austin Landscape
Single-family homes around North Loop have tidy lawns, but there isn't much green space in the neighborhood. You can also find parks, golf courses, and athletic fields a few minutes away.
Must-See Attractions
North Loop also isn't home to big city attractions and venus, but it has scores of loyal fans. Locals enjoy favorite go-to restaurants, watering holes, and shopping places without leaving their neighborhood.
Living in North Loop, Austin
North Loop is draped with tree-lined streets, historic homes, and funky shops. It's also more affordable than many areas of Austin. Unfortunately, the area is short on music venues and nightclubs, but you can still enjoy incredible cocktails, dining, and shopping.
Things to Keep in Mind
Living in North Loop puts you 4.6 miles from Downtown Austin with quick access to the city’s best amenities. The neighborhood also has a walk score of 67 and a transit score of 53, making it an ideal spot to live without a car. If you love to bike, you're in luck. North Loop is a biker’s paradise and easy to get around.
Things to Do in North Loop, Austin
Before you head to Downtown Austin, there's plenty to see and do without leaving North Loop.
Go Thrifting at Blue Velvet
Known as the "best little vintage store in Texas," Blue Velvet offers funky clothing, costumes, and accessories for men and women. Their ever-changing inventory also includes rare finds.
Fill Your Sweet Tooth at Lammes Candies
Step back in time at the historic Lammes Candies for an old-timey chocolate shop experience. Opened in 1885, Austin locals come for homemade pralines, truffles, and taffy.
Catch a Comedy Show at Coldtowne Theater
The intimate Coldtowne Theater seats a few dozen people to watch small improv, stand-up comedy, and improvised films. You can also take classes to flex your improv skills.
Get Zen at Corepower Yoga
Corepower Yoga offers in-person and virtual, on-demand classes to optimize your mindfulness and body. Classes range from beginners to advanced, with options for yoga sculpting that blends cardio and strength.
Grab a Craft Cocktail at DrinkWell
DrinkWell Austin is an award-winning cocktail bar and favorite neighborhood haunt. Menu items include old forester bourbons, mezcal drinks, and Rittenhouse whiskey drinks with names like Holy Ground and the State of Grace.
Find a New Sound at Breakaway Records
Indie music lovers flock to Breakaway Records for an eclectic mix of vinyl, LPs, and 45s. They also sell grab bags with mystery bundles to delight your musical sensibilities.
Support Justice at Monkeywrench Books
Monkeywrench Books is an all-volunteer event space, cafe, bookshop, and social space. Most of their collection and events focus on topics concerning economic justice.
Where to Eat and Drink in North Loop, Austin
North Loop is home to some of the most iconic restaurants in Austin. Here's where to start your food journey.
East Side Pies
East Side Pies prides itself on the best thin crusts pizzas in the city. Specialty items include Chimi Hendrix with Chimichurri Sauce and Moontower Pies with ricotta sauce. They also serve vegan-friendly and no cheese options.
Komé
Komé was founded by Japanese locals who grew up loving food and sampling the best Mom & Pop Japanese bistros and renowned restaurants. Komé offers catered sushi trays and snacks, including pocky, baked sesame snacks, and Karamucho sticks.
Barley and Swine
Barley Swine serves grilled mussels with sauerkraut, Oaxacan green corn toasties, muscovy duck, and ribeye for seasonal eats. Their rotating menu leans towards the inventive, like caramelized fennel ice cream and grapefruit sorbet.
Foreign & Domestic
Foreign & Domestic is the city's original nose-to-tail, farm-to-table dining hotspot. With an emphasis on reducing food waste, menu items include seared lamb heart and veal sweetbread roulade.
Tyson's Tacos
The cheery Tyson's Tacos was founded by Tyson and Cherry Blankemeyer, former restaurateurs in Monterrey, Mexico. The duo serves tasty breakfast and brunch tacos and dinner items like crispy pork belly, crispy duck, and burnt ends of fried onions and cilantro.
Workhorse Bar
Workhorse is the place to go for grass-fed burgers, more than 50 beers on taps, and classic cocktails. The rustic-chic setting features tree stump chairs where locals unwind after work.
Epoch Coffee
Epoch Coffee is the kind of place you want to start and end your day in with lattice, coffees, pastries, sandwiches, and more. In addition, they regularly highlight featured artists with walls covered in original artwork.
In a Nutshell
Living in North Loops offers quick access to Downtown Austin, but you may never want to leave the neighborhood. With a quaint, quirky setting, creative-minded locals enjoy independent shops and eateries. Settle into an updated apartment complex or look for a vintage single-family bungalow for rent to make the most of your time in North Loop.
Final Thoughts
Ready to find the perfect apartment in North Loop, Austin? Sign-up with Apartment List to start your search.
If Austin doesn't seem like the right place for you, consider other places to live in Texas.
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Dallas:
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Houston:
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San Antonio:
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