Austin, Texas is one big city with many unique neighborhoods and sections. Many people who are relocating to Austin, or even those who have lived here all their lives, have a hard time targeting a specific area to live. To try to help home buyers break down their search into more manageable areas, we’ve put together an Austin Neighborhood Guide.
Areas of Austin Map
Scroll Down for a Description and Links to Our Austin Neighborhood Guides.
Areas of Austin Neighborhood Guides
Central Austin
What was once a small “Downtown” area surrounded by the suburbs is now one large, urban area. But, Austin does not have an urban feel like New York or Chicago. Austin’s urban area is a several block radius of high rise condominiums, shopping and restaurants surrounded by neighborhoods with single family homes. A lot of Central Austin’s neighborhoods were built from the early 1900s to the mid 1900’s, giving them a unique charm unlike anything else around Austin. Read more in our Central Austin Neighborhood Guides.
South Austin
With the revitalization of South Congress, South Austin has become one of the trendiest areas of Austin. Most of the homes were built in the 1950s and 1960s, though we are seeing some brand new construction pop up around the area. South Austin is definitely a unique area and lives by the motto Keep Austin Weird more than any area of Austin. Read our South Austin Neighborhood Guide.
East Austin
East Austin is one of the city’s most eclectic and dynamic areas, making it the perfect choice for someone looking for something unique near Central Austin. East Austin used to be one of the area’s best kept secrets for someone looking for a bargain, but that ship has sailed. We see many tastefully done remodels and only a few homes in their original condition. If you’re looking for walkability and a neighborhood that’s far from cookie cutter, East Austin may be for you. Read more in our East Austin Neighborhood Guides.
West Austin
West Austin is where you’ll find some of Austin’s most expensive real estate. Why is it so expensive? Award winning Eanes ISD schools, beautiful Texas Hill Country views and miles of Lake Austin waterfront. Homes were built in the 1980s, 1990s and 2000s and although much of West Austin has already been built out, you will find some new construction. West Austin is a perfect choice for someone looking for a home in a beautiful setting with top rated schools. Read our West Austin Neighborhood Guide.
Southwest Austin
Southwest Austin is one of the most expansive sections of Austin. With a combination of established neighborhoods, brand new homes and homes with 1 acre + lots, Southwest Austin has something for everyone. Southwest Austin is one of the most desirable areas of Austin because of its proximity to Downtown and top rated schools. Much of Southwest Austin is served by the highly acclaimed Lake Travis ISD, while the remaining section is served by some of the Austin ISD’s most highly rated schools. Read more in our Southwest Austin Neighborhood Guide.
Northwest Austin
Northwest Austin is one of the more established sections of Austin with homes built in the 1970s and 1980s. You’ll find rolling hills, tree-lined streets and even some Lake Austin waterfront property. As you move further from Downtown Austin, you’ll find newer construction and bigger homes. Residents are drawn to this area because of its proximity to Austin’s amenities and the lakes, quality schools in the Leander and Round Rock ISD and sense of community. Read our Northwest Austin Neighborhood Guide.
Southeast Austin
Southeast Austin is a great area of town if you are looking for the convenience of South Austin and Southpark Meadows, but don’t want to pay west of 35 prices. Southeast Austin homes are much more affordable, so you can get much more house for your money. By staying south of Slaughter Lane, kids attend the same schools as kids who live east of Manchaca Road, making this area an exceptionally good value. Read more in our Southeast Austin Neighborhood Guide.
Northeast Austin
Northeast Austin is one of the quickly gentrifying areas of Austin. When you look at the location on a map, you’d probably be surprised it took so long. With top employers like Samsung, Dell and IBM, you can live minutes from work and still only be about 20 minutes from Downtown. We’re starting to see complete remodels that give charm and character to established neighborhoods. If you’re looking for something unique, affordable and convenient to much of Austin and Round Rock, Northeast Austin might be the place to start your search. Read our Northeast Austin Neighborhood Guide.
Austin Area Suburb Guides
Austin is a huge metropolitan area. Though a lot of the area is actually within the city limits of Austin, there are several surrounding suburbs that can provide a high quality of life for those not looking to be in the heart of an urban setting. Use our Austin suburb guides below to explore the cities around Austin. We’ll group them into geographical groups North, South, West and East Austin suburbs.
North Austin Suburbs
Round Rock
Round Rock, Texas—nestled just 30 miles north of Austin—is a thriving, fast-growing suburban city of around 124,000 residents. It consistently ranks among the top places to live in America due to its blend of affordability, strong schools, vibrant parks, and a robust job market supported by major employers like Dell, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center, and Round Rock’s outlet malls and convention centers. Education is a cornerstone, as Round Rock ISD consistently earns top-tier ratings statewide and outdoor and lifestyle amenities are plentiful. Round Rock delivers a compelling package for someone moving in: affordability, excellent schooling, strong job opportunities, plentiful parks and friendly culture, all anchored by close proximity to Austin. Read our Round Rock Neighborhood Guide.
Georgetown
Recently recognized as one of the fastest growing cities in America, Georgetown attributes its major growth to vibrant income from retirees plus job seekers drawn to its proximity to high tech development along the I-35 corridor. Though housing and cost of living is a little higher,, prospective home buyers choose the city for quality of life and outdoor amenities. Residents prize the historic downtown square, often called the “most beautiful in Texas,” with its Victorian-era courthouse, boutique shops, bars and restaurants—all set along walkable streets like Austin Avenue and Main Street. Georgetown offers an appealing blend of historic character, outdoor access, excellent schools, and strong income potential, all within an easy commute to Austin. Read our Georgetown Neighborhood Guide.
Cedar Park
Cedar Park is a flourishing suburb 16 miles north of downtown Austin with around 78,000 residents. Ranked among the top 15 best small cities in the U.S. for livability thanks to its strong schools, low crime, and career opportunities, Cedar Park continues to be a top choice for prospective home buyers. The city has seen steady growth and is developing a walkable downtown district, anchored by the new Bell District and a public library, part of a broader urban revitalization effort. Though housing costs are a bit higher than surrounding suburbs, Cedar Park offers a compelling lifestyle with 1,000 plus acres of parks, 34 miles of trails, entertainment and sports venues all within a short drive to Austin. Read our Cedar Park Neighborhood Guide.
Leander
Nestled just 20 miles northwest of Austin, Leander, Texas, has become one of the fastest-growing suburbs in the United States with over 80,000 residents in 2024. Leander’s rapid expansion garners wide recognition: it ranked among the top 10 best small cities to live in the U.S. in 2025, praised for its affordability, school quality, and livability. Transit access is a strength: Leander is served by commuter rail and Highway 183A provides one of the less congested travel routes into downtown Austin, making it ideal for someone who needs to commute from the suburbs. It is ideal for prospective home buyers looking for modern suburbs with Hill Country character. Read more in our Leander Neighborhood Guide.
Liberty Hill
Liberty Hill, nestled about 29–35 miles northwest of Austin in Williamson County, is a Hill Country gem that has transformed dramatically—from a quiet rural town in 2020 to a sprawling suburb by 2025. New construction dominates the landscape with one of Austin’s most awarded master planned communities, Santa Rita Ranch, as well as communities with luxury homes on acreage lots. Liberty Hill offers a compelling mix of amenities with top rated schools, moderately affordable housing, amenities galore and emerging retail options- all wrapped up in a growing Hill Country atmosphere. Read more in our Liberty Hill Neighborhood Guide. Read more in our Liberty Hill Neighborhood Guide.
Pflugerville
Pflugerville, Texas—pronounced “FLEW-gruh-vil”—is a dynamic suburb about 15 miles north of Austin with a population around 63,000–80,000 and fast-growing not only in numbers but in its reputation as one of Central Texas’s most livable cities. It often ranks among the top small cities to live in the U.S. due to its combination of affordability, sense of community, outdoor amenities, and easy access to Austin. It does have one of the higher costs of living among Austin suburbs, but the increased costs don’t seem to deter home buyers looking for amenities close to Austin. Read more in our Pflugerville Neighborhood Guide.
Hutto
Founded in 1876, Hutto is one of the top suburbs of Austin, Texas, offering nearly 8 square miles of land and a growing population. With a charming downtown district and some of Texas’ best dining options, including the renowned Texan Cafe & Pie Shop, it is a hub for those seeking affordability without sacrificing proximity to city amenities. Hutto is ideal for buyers who value schools, with an improving school district and diverse neighborhoods that cater to different lifestyles, from suburban tranquility to larger acreage tracts. Read more in our Hutto Neighborhood Guide.
Jonestown
Nestled about 20 miles northwest of Austin on the north shore of Lake Travis, Jonestown, Texas is a tranquil lakeside community of roughly 2,400–2,500 people, officially incorporated in 1985 and often dubbed the “Gateway to the Hill Country.” Jonestown offers a vibrant blend of lakeside beauty, dining, recreation, and welcoming communities. First developed by the Jones Brothers in the 1930s, Jonestown has transformed from a sleepy town of weekend cabins to a luxury community. Jonestown residents enjoy a quiet pace of life with outdoor recreation being the town’s heartbeat. Real estate is dominated by newer construction, many offering lake access or hill country views. Jonestown is ideal for those seeking lakeside living in a close-knit community with scenic beauty, outdoor amenities, and peaceful surroundings—all within easy reach of Austin’s metro offerings. Read more in our Jonestown Neighborhood Guide.
Lago Vista
Lago Vista, Texas is a serene lakeside enclave perched on a rugged peninsula along Lake Travis, roughly 20 miles northwest of downtown Austin. Lago Vista has grown nearly 50% since 2010, yet retains a tight-knit, small-town atmosphere with dramatic Hill Country terrain, limestone cliffs, and sweeping water views. Community life centers on outdoors and community events, like the annual LagoFest, as well as water activities and golf. For many residents, the appeal lies in relatively affordable lakefront living—more accessible than most waterfront communities near Austin—with options ranging from modest single-family homes to luxurious estates. Read more in our Lago Vista Neighborhood Guide.
Jarrell
Jarrell, Texas is a small but fast-growing community conveniently situated about 12 miles north of Georgetown along Interstate 35, making it roughly an hour’s drive from either Austin or Waco. Over the past few years, the city has nearly doubled in size, driven by affordable housing developments and strong demand from buyers seeking a more affordable I‑35–corridor lifestyle outside Austin. Life in Jarrell carries a distinctly suburban‑rural charm with quiet neighborhoods, local parks, and easy car‑dependent commutes. While amenities in town remain limited, major retail, healthcare, and entertainment are easily within reach via I‑35. Jarrell offers a compelling package of affordability, proximity to Austin, developing infrastructure, and community schools. Read more in our Jarrell Neighborhood Guide.
Taylor
This growing city in Williamson County located about 30 minutes northeast of Austin is perfect for those who appreciate a small-town feel. Rooted in railway history, Taylor preserved heritage architecture—like its nine-block historic downtown and converted century‑old high school building called Old Taylor High—with an emerging food, arts, and indie coffee scene that channels a touch of Austin’s “weird” counterculture. With a population that has steadily increased over the years, Taylor offers affordable housing options and a relaxed lifestyle. And with the recent addition of Samsung’s $17 billion chip manufacturing plant, thousands of jobs are being added and will reshape the local economy. Read more in our Taylor Neighborhood Guide.
South Austin Suburbs
Buda
Buda is a vibrant suburb of Austin, located in Hays County, offering a safe and scenic living environment just 30 minutes from downtown Austin. With its diverse neighborhoods, excellent public schools, and a lower cost of living compared to Austin, Buda is a prime choice for prospective home buyers. The city boasts a rich history, numerous outdoor activities, and a strong sense of community, making it an attractive location for those seeking both a peaceful lifestyle and urban convenience. Explore Buda’s unique charm, outdoor capital status, and local amenities that cater to a variety of lifestyles. Read more in our Buda Neighborhood Guide.
Kyle
Kyle has seen rapid growth from 5,000 to nearly 30,000 residents over the last decade. Kyle residents choose the suburb for its affordability, quality schools, and small-town atmosphere, making it an ideal choice for suburban living south of Austin. Additionally, with new amenities like Seton Medical Center and various grocery stores and restaurants, residents enjoy convenient access to essentials without the need to travel to Austin. Explore various neighborhoods and find the perfect home that suits your lifestyle and budget. Read more in our Kyle Neighborhood Guide.
Dripping Springs
Dripping Springs, Texas—known as the Gateway to the Hill Country—sits about 25–30 minutes southwest of Austin in Hays County. With a population that has surged from around 4,650 in 2020 to over 11,000 in 2025, the town has been growing at more than 12% annually, driven by its scenic setting, creative energy, and proximity to Austin lifestyles. The Dripping Springs ISD is a big draw with high rankings statewide as well as the beautiful Texas Hill Country scenery and outdoor activities. Dripping Springs offers a compelling blend of Hill Country beauty, creative and culinary energy, excellent schools, and high household incomes—all within about a half-hour drive to Austin. While housing and rent costs are premium for Central Texas, many find the lifestyle worth it. Read more in our Dripping Springs Neighborhood Guide.
Driftwood
Driftwood is a serene unincorporated community just 25 miles southwest of Downtown Austin that blends natural beauty, culinary highlights and country living. First established in the mid-1800s, Driftwood offers a charming small-town atmosphere alongside highly rated schools. Despite limited amenities directly in town, Driftwood has gained fame as a Hill Country culinary and wine destination, home to legendary Salt Lick BBQ and upscale wineries like Duchman Family and Driftwood Estate. Driftwood offers a peaceful rural pace, ideal for homeowners seeking space, privacy, and Hill Country aesthetics. If you’re looking for a rural setting, and don’t mind a little driving, Driftwood is hard to beat. Read more in our Driftwood Neighborhood Guide.
Manchaca
Manchaca, pronounced MAN-chack, is a small southwest suburb of Austin, known for its larger lots and fewer restrictions, ideal for those looking to settle in a serene environment. The community has a rich history dating back to the late 1800s with the arrival of the International-Great Northern Railroad, which established it as a vital shipping point for various goods. Today, Manchaca offers a diverse range of homes, from luxury condos to newer single family homes on modest sized lots to estate-sized properties, making it suitable for buyers in all stages of life. Read more in our Manchaca Neighborhood Guide.
Wimberley
Wimberley is a charming small city nestled in the heart of the Texas Hill Country, boasting a population of just under 3,000. Known as a resort destination, it attracts day trippers from Austin and San Antonio. Residents enjoy a small-town atmosphere, excellent schools, and a desire for ranch-style homes on spacious lots. Conveniently located only 16 miles from San Marcos, 26 miles from Austin, and 43 miles from San Antonio, Wimberley offers the allure of rural life without the hassle of being far from urban conveniences. Read more in our Wimberley Neighborhood Guide.
San Marcos
Home to Texas State University, San Marcos has transformed from a traditional college town into one of the fastest-growing suburbs of Austin. With its affordability and proximity to both Austin and San Antonio, San Marcos is a blend of small town charm with modern amenities. Known for its beautiful rivers, outdoor recreational activities, a massive outlet mall that attracts 14MM visitors a year and a lively downtown scene, San Marcos residents enjoy a plethora of things to do at a fraction of the cost of some closer suburbs. Whether you’re looking for an affordable cost of living, access to higher education, vibrant recreation and dining, proximity to Austin and San Antonio – balanced by manageable downsides like traffic and the ebbs of college life, San Marcos is a place that feels both comfortable and full of opportunity. Read more in our San Marcos Neighborhood Guide.
West Austin Suburbs
West Lake Hills
West Lake Hills is a charming suburb of Austin, located at the foot of the Texas Hill Country, providing stunning views of both the hill country and the Austin skyline. It is renowned for its excellent Eanes School District, making it a prestigious area for home buyers looking for the best public schools in Austin. The community features a mix of well-maintained single-family homes, with an average size of 3,200 square feet and a median sales price of approximately $2.4MM, reflecting its desirability. Residents enjoy easy access to outdoor activities, local dining, and cultural attractions, making it an ideal place to live for those seeking a blend of nature and urban life. Read more in our West Lake Hills Neighborhood Guide.
Rollingwood
Discover the Rollingwood Neighborhood, a charming city located just across Lake Austin. With its own fire, police, EMS, and court system since 1955, Rollingwood offers a close-knit community feel with top-notch city services. Residents enjoy mature landscaping, exemplary schools in the prestigious Eanes ISD, and proximity to Austin’s best amenities. Explore modern homes that combine the character of the 1950s with contemporary upgrades, making it an ideal choice for home buyers looking for a luxury home that’s far from cookie cutter. Read more in our Rollingwood Neighborhood Guide.
Bee Cave
Bee Cave, Texas is a picturesque suburb nestled about 17 miles west of downtown Austin, revered for its scenic Hill Country appeal and quality of life. Bee Cave’s lifestyle centers on upscale suburban living—think well-earned quiet, rolling limestone terrain, and a mix of new master-planned communities—designed with golf, parks, and trails integrated into the landscape. Housing costs are higher than neighboring suburbs, but the tax rate is low, giving some balance to your monthly payment. If you’re seeking upscale living within scenic Central Texas and don’t mind paying a premium, Bee Cave could offer an ideal balance of comfort and convenience. Read more in our Bee Cave Neighborhood Guide.
Lakeway
Located in the scenic Texas Hill Country near Lake Travis, Lakeway has become a go-to destination for home buyers looking for suburban living near the lake and golf. Previously known as a retirement community, Lakeway has evolved to attract buyers of all ages with its excellent recreational areas and top-tier schools. The cost of housing is higher than you can find in other Austin suburbs, but the amenities more than make up for it. You’ll find a mix of 1980s neighborhoods and brand new luxury master planned communities, giving home buyers options. If you’re intrigued by beautiful lake and hill views, excellent schools and luxury recreation, Lakeway may be worth considering. Read more in our Lakeway Neighborhood Guide.
Spicewood
Spicewood is quietly becoming one of Austin’s go to suburbs for someone looking for highly rated schools and a lake lifestyle but don’t want the traffic and congestion of Lakeway or Northwest Austin. Much of Spicewood remains undeveloped, so it has more of a rural Texas Hill Country feel. The majority of the Lake Travis shoreline has been developed with both affordable luxury and luxury estates. If you like the look and feel of Georgetown, but wish it had a lake, Spicewood is the place to get the best of both of those worlds. Read our Spicewood Neighborhood Guide.
Briarcliff
Briarcliff, Texas is a small lakeside village nestled along the south shore of Lake Travis in west Travis County, about 30 miles west of downtown Austin, offering scenic Hill Country charm with tight-knit community living. The village developed in the 1960s as a resort community and today still centers around recreation, with amenities like Briarcliff Marina, golf course, nature trails and parks. Real estate is dominated by newer single-family homes, many offering water vistas or lake access, and vacancy rates include a notable seasonal component due to second homes and vacation usage. Briarcliff is ideal for those seeking tranquil lakeside living with access to outdoor recreation, excellent schools and community cohesion. Read more in our Briarcliff Neighborhood Guide.
East Austin Suburbs
Manor
Manor, Texas is a fast-growing, diverse Austin suburb situated about 12 miles northeast of downtown, with a population of roughly 21,500 residents as of 2024—up nearly 58% since 2020 and 171% since 2010. Manor offers an appealing mix for newcomers seeking affordability, proximity to Austin, rapidly expanding retail options, and a welcoming, dynamic community. At the same time, fast growth means infrastructure is catching up. Prospective residents should be ready for development in progress, limited healthcare services for now, car-dependent living, and evolving public school performance—but also exciting opportunities in education initiatives, employment ties, and soon-to-be-opened amenities that reinforce Manor’s emerging central Texas role. Read more in our Manor Neighborhood Guide.
Elgin
Elgin, located on the north end of Bastrop County, is a burgeoning suburb of Austin, offering a peaceful lifestyle while maintaining easy access to downtown. With a current population of just under 10,000, Elgin is projected to grow significantly by 2030, attracting large builders who are developing affordable, new neighborhoods. Elgin blends a historic downtown—lined with vintage architecture and small-town charm—with emerging development driven by its convenience to Austin and Bastrop. Elgin appeals to those seeking historic small-town living with affordable housing, proximity to Austin, a diverse and welcoming community, and quieter pace—while requiring readiness for a commuter lifestyle, modest local services, and an evolving infrastructure amid growth. Read more in our Elgin Neighborhood Guide.
Bastrop
Nestled about 30 miles southeast of Austin, Bastrop, Texas is a historic small city—often called “the most historic small town in Texas” —with a population nearing 12,000 and expected to increase by 42% in the coming 5 years, so it may not be . Affordability is the key draw and outdoor life and charm keep residents in Bastrop. Bastrop blends historic small-town character, natural beauty, lower cost of living, and growing job and retail opportunities, all within easy reach of Austin’s metro amenities. Read more in our Bastrop Neighborhood Guide.
