Though Austin is largely a car dependent city, the demand for walkable housing has increased over the past several years. This need is especially prevalent with home buyers relocating from bigger US cities who are accustomed to thriving, walkable, urban areas. Austin’s Downtown area is small and comprised mainly of luxury condos and apartments, so it is ideal for someone looking for maintenance free living in a walkable area. But, if a single family home in a neighborhood is more your style, don’t give up on the idea of walkability. Here are the 20 most walkable neighborhoods in Austin where you’ll find homes in all price ranges.
#1: Downtown
Made up of mostly luxury condos with very few single family homes, Downtown Austin is the most walkable neighborhood in Austin. Bars and restaurants line every inch of 4th, 5th and 6th Streets, so you’ll never get bored of your options. You’ll also be able to easily participate in the many events and festivals each year without the headache of parking. If you love the non-stop activity of events, restaurants and nightlife and don’t want to be bothered with homeowner maintenance, a Downtown Austin condo is the best choice for you.
For more info and to search for homes, check out our Downtown Austin Neighborhood Guide.
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#2: West University
Located adjacent to UT, West University is made up of many condos, some single family homes and apartments. With the restaurants located next to UT on Guadalupe, you’ll find mostly quick casual restaurants and student friendly shopping. If you’re looking for the most affordable walkability in Austin and don’t mind being in the heart of college life, West University might be the place for you. It’s also a great place for parents to invest in a condo or duplex for a student. This way, you can hopefully make some of the money back that you would have spent on university housing, all while keeping your kids close to campus.
For more info and to search for homes, check out our West University Neighborhood Guide.
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#3: North University
North University is located just north of UT and is a bit more upscale than West University. The neighborhood has more of an East Coast feel, with estate looking homes on decent sized lots for ½ the price than you’d find in Old Enfield. North University is walkable to the northern Guadalupe restaurants and bars, which are more of the sit down casual variety than the quick casual. Guadalupe is becoming more developed and more upscale, so don’t rule out North University thinking it is only for college kids.
For more info and to search for homes, check out our North University Neighborhood Guide.
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#4: Bouldin Creek
Bouldin Creek, located between S 1st and S Congress, is the most walkable 78704 neighborhood. Whereas most neighborhoods only back to one restaurant district, Bouldin Creek is flanked by two popular restaurant districts and is within biking distance to two more. Living on the eastern or western edge of the community will make one district more walkable than the other, so you might want to pick which side you like better before you buy. If you’re looking for a Downtown like walkability rating, but are looking for a cute little bungalow or larger, modern new home, Bouldin Creek is probably the spot for you.
For more info and to search for homes, check out our Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Guide.
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#5: Clarksville
Clarksville is located adjacent to Downtown, so if you find a house on the east side of the neighborhood, you’ll be walkable to the restuarants and shops in Clarksville as well as those Downtown. Sometimes referred to as Old West Austin, Clarksville residents are drawn to the character of older homes on large lots. Given it is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Austin, you might even find a historic home there. And, as 5th Street becomes more developed with more restaurants, shopping and activities, Clarksville will only get more walkable.
For more info and to search for homes, check out our Clarksville Neighborhood Guide.
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#6: Hyde Park
Hyde Park is one of the first Central Austin neighborhoods to become trendy. Located a few blocks north of the University, Hyde Park attracts both students and those looking for a centrally located, walkable neighborhood. The most popular streets are the “Avenue’s” because of their wide, tree lined streets and charming homes with porches. You’ll even find some historic homes in Hyde Park, which add to the charm of the neighborhood. And, we’re starting to see luxury remodels and new construction whose architectural styles keep with the feel of the neighborhood. Whatever you’re looking for, Hyde Park is sure to give you some options if you’re looking for walkable.
For more info and to search for homes, check out our Hyde Park Neighborhood Guide.
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#7: Hancock
Located just east of Central Austin’s popular Hyde Park neighborhood, you’ll find the lesser known, but equally as walkable, Hancock neighborhood. Homes were built around the same time as those in Hyde Park, so you’ll get the original wood floors and high end craftsmanship with a lower price tag without giving up walkability. Hancock is an ideal choice for someone look to have easy access to 35 in a Central Austin location.
For more info and to search for homes, check out our Hancock Neighborhood Guide.
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#8: East Cesar Chavez
East Cesar Chavez is located just east of Downtown Austin and is the most walkable East Austin neighborhood. If you live on the west side of the neighborhood, or are not opposed to a lengthy walk, you’ll have easy access to the east side restaurants and nightlife as well as Downtown. As more and more restaurants open up east of 35, you won’t have to venture too far out of your neighborhood. If you’re looking for a more hipster type neighborhood, East Cesar Chavez is definitely the place to be.
For more info and to search for homes, check out our East Cesar Chavez Neighborhood Guide.
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#9: Zilker
Zilker was once a more suburban neighborhood, but has quickly become one of South Austin’s most walkable neighborhoods. With the influx of restaurants and shopping that have flooded South Lamar, Zilker residents can enjoy a top rated elementary school without sacrificing proximity to quality restaurants and nightlife. Whether you’re looking for a brand new, modern home or a 1950s ranch style home, you’ll find it in Zilker. Plus, you’ll be within walking distance to some of the trendier restaurants, bars and shopping.
For more info and to search for homes, check out our Zilker Neighborhood Guide.
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#10: Dawson
With the revitalization of South Congress, a campaign spearheaded by Dawson residents, the neighborhood shot up the walkability charts . It used to be that South Austin neighborhoods south of Oltorf weren’t walkable, which kept prices down. Now that Dawson is one of the most walkable neighborhoods in Austin, it has increased the number of walkable homes in 78704 and given home buyers a more affordable alternative to Bouldin Creek and Zilker. Schools are not rated as well in Dawson as they are in Zilker and Barton Hills, so this is a good option for buyers who aren’t quite ready to send kids to public school yet.
For more info and to search for homes, check out our Dawson Neighborhood Guide.
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#11: North Loop
Since the relocation of Robert Mueller Airport to it’s current home at Bergstrom in 1999, North Loop’s popularity took off overnight. Drive down North Loop Blvd and you’ll see some of the city’s most highly rated pubs and bars. Residents are drawn to North Loop because of it’s down to earth, neighborhood vibe of cute, but cozy, bungalows and ranch style homes. North Loop is also walkable from section of Hyde Park, so it gives you the prime location at a lower cost. If you’re looking for a moderately priced, walkable neighborhood, North Loop is definitely worth the look.
For more info and to search for homes, check out our North Loop Neighborhood Guide.
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#12: Travis Heights
Travis Heights was the first South Austin neighborhood to gain notoriety for it’s walkability. Back when South Congress was the only walkable street in 78704, Travis Heights attracted home buyers who were looking for a place where they could walk to bars and restaurants. Now that South Lamar and South 1st Street have their own bar and restaurant scene, Travis Heights isn’t the only walkable 78704 neighborhood, but it is certainly still the most popular. You’ll find everything from historic homes to small bungalows to new construction.
For more info and to search for homes, check out our Travis Heights Neighborhood Guide.
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#13: Brentwood
With one side of the neighborhood bordered by Burnet Rd and the other by N Lamar Blvd, the majority of Brentwood is very walkable. Burnet Road has recently seen an influx of popular food trucks turned restaurants and small, local favorite food stops, making it the go-to street for Central Austin residents who want to get away from the UT campus. Many of the homes were built in the 1950s, so you won’t find anything cookie cutter here. Even the neighborhood’s new construction is unique, a feature that draws many home buyers looking for walkability.
For more info and to search for homes, check out our Brentwood Neighborhood Guide.
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#14: Rosedale
Rosedale started out as a bunch of tiny cottages on large lots. When they were built, they were considered the suburbs, but now Rosedale is considered a highly desirable Central Austin neighborhood. You’ll still find small cottages, but you’ll also find larger homes that were remodeled and even some new construction. Because of it’s close proximity near the Triangle and medical offices, you’ll find many residents who work in the medical industry. But, you don’t have to be a nurse or doctor to love Rosedale. The walkability of the Triangle makes it one of Central Austin’s go to walkable neighborhoods.
For more info and to search for homes, check out our Rosedale Neighborhood Guide.
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#15: Cherrywood
Located just east of 35 across from UT’s campus, Cherrywood is a small, but cute East Austin walkable neighborhood. Popular attractions include the Cherrywood Coffeehouse and the highly rated restaurants on Manor Road, which are only a short walk from most of the neighborhood. Homes were built just after World War II to house the service men coming back from the war, so youll find mostly ranch style homes, most with lots of curb appeal.
For more info and to search for homes, check out our Cherrywood Neighborhood Guide.
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#16: Highland
Highland is the most affordable, walkable neighborhood in Austin. Centrally located near Highland mall, Highland is ideal for the budget home buyer who doesn’t want to sacrifice walkability. Highland residents enjoy easy access to businesses on N Lamar and on Airport Blvd and 183 or 35, making this a great choice for a commuter. Homes are also unique and residents have done a great job at keeping it that way, so you won’t find anything cookie cutter.
For more info and to search for homes, check out our Highland Neighborhood Guide.
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#17: Riverside
Riverside is quickly undergoing the gentrification process. With the development of E Riverside Drive, residents enjoy restaurants and nightlife, as well as easy access to South Austin and Downtown. Riverside has seen it’s share of apartments built in the neighborhood, but you can still find single family homes that feel very suburban, but are walkable and only minutes from Downtown. Plus, with easy access to the Town Lake Trail, Downtown and Rainey Street is even more walkable without worrying about traffic and parking.
For more info and to search for homes, check out our Riverside Neighborhood Guide.
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#18: Crestview
Another Central Austin favorite, Crestview is walkable to Anderson Lane, N Lamar Blvd and the north section of Burnet Road. This area continues to attract restaurants and nightlife and I would imagine it’s only a matter of time before it’s Walkscore goes up. Like many of the neighborhoods on the list, Crestview homes were built around the 1950s and are big enough for a family, but not so big to where you’d get overwhelmed. If you’re looking for something larger, we’re starting to see brand new construction of homes 2,500sqft+, so don’t eliminate Crestview if you need more space.
For more info and to search for homes, check out our Crestview Neighborhood Guide.
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#19: Sherwood Oaks
Sherwood Oaks is a rarely talked about neighborhood in 78704, which is mostly due to the fact there is very little turnover. Home buyers lucky enough to find a house in Sherwood Oaks are likely to stay for a long time. You might also know this neighborhood as St Edwards, as it surrounds the university. Sherwood Oaks is a quiet, suburban feeling neighborhood within walking distance to South Congress and the businesses on Oltorf. It is ideal for someone who wants walkability, but who doesn’t want to deal with the noise that comes with living closer.
For more info and to search for homes, check out our Sherwood Oaks Neighborhood Guide.
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#20: Allandale
One of the biggest Central Austin neighborhoods, Allandale loses walkability points because of it’s sheer size. If you’re looking for the most walkable Allandale home, stay on the east side of the neighborhood as opposed to the west side of the neighborhood which backs to MoPac. In the right location, Allandale can be just as walkable as Brentwood and Crestview. Homes in Allandale are a bit newer than Brentwood and Crestview, so you’ll get a little bit bigger home and a larger lot.
For more info and to search for homes, check out our Allandale Neighborhood Guide.
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Looking for a Home in the Most Walkable Neighborhoods in Austin?
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