The Kinney neighborhood of South Austin is not a formal neighborhood with an association, but does have distinct geographical boundaries. Though mostly commercial, Kinney does have a few single family homes. If you’re looking to live in South Austin, but don’t want a hefty price tag, Kinney may be for you. The Kinney neighborhood is one of the area’s hidden gems that homebuyers adore. Known for its charm, community spirit, and incredible location, Kinney has become a favorite for both new residents and those relocating to Austin. Whether you’re looking for an insider look at what it’s like living in Kinney or just need help deciding if it’s the right place for you, this Kinney neighborhood guide has all the details. Scroll Down to Read our Kinney Neighborhood Guide.
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Kinney South Austin Neighborhood Map
Kinney is bordered by S Lamar to the west, E Ben White to the South, Manchaca Road to the east and Lightsey Road to the north. Explore other South Austin neighborhoods in our South Austin Neighborhood Guide. Scroll down to continue reading our Kinney neighborhood guide.
What Does the Kinney Neighborhood Look Like?
Walking through Kinney, you’ll notice its distinct mix of old-school Austin vibes and modern development. Tree-lined streets, quirky architecture, and welcoming neighbors give the area a warm, inviting feel. The neighborhood is filled with a blend of classic mid-century homes, tastefully renovated modern properties, and a scattering of recently built contemporary designs.
Kinney boasts walkable streets and a peaceful aura, despite its proximity to Austin’s more bustling hubs. The presence of well-maintained parks and green areas contributes to its laid-back atmosphere, making it an especially attractive choice for outdoor enthusiasts.
What’s It Like Living in Kinney?
Living in Kinney means experiencing the best of quiet neighborhood living with easy access to the vibrant energy of South Austin. Residents love the area for its local businesses, friendly community, and an overall relaxed vibe that still keeps them close to the action.
Kinney offers a strong sense of community. Don’t be surprised if your neighbors wave hello during your morning jog or invite you to a local street festival. On Saturdays, you’re likely to find families walking their dogs, kids playing in the yards, and locals heading to nearby coffee shops to kick off their weekend.
Transportation and commuting are especially convenient here. Whether you commute downtown or prefer the work-from-home lifestyle, Kinney supports a balance of productivity and leisure.
Why Do Homebuyers Choose Kinney?
Homebuyers love Kinney for its unbeatable location, unique homes, and community feel. The neighborhood is situated in the heart of South Austin, giving residents easy access to the best restaurants, parks, schools, and shopping districts—without being drowned in the city’s hustle and bustle.
The neighborhood also appeals to Austin newcomers thanks to its affordability, particularly compared to some of the trendier hotspots in the city. And with a range of housing styles available, there’s something for almost every buyer, whether you’re a first-time buyer or looking to upgrade.
Working with our team of experienced Kinney buyer’s agents can help you find hidden gems in the competitive Austin real estate market.
How’s the Commute to and From Kinney?
Kinney’s central location makes it a commuter’s dream. The neighborhood is conveniently located about 10 minutes from downtown Austin, depending on traffic. If you’re heading north, South Lamar Boulevard makes accessing the major freeways simple and straightforward. For cyclists, there are plenty of bike-friendly routes that lead directly into the city and neighboring areas.
The region is also well-served by Austin’s public transportation system, meaning parking downtown or at work is one less thing you’ll have to stress about.
What Do the Houses Look Like in Kinney?
If you value architectural variety, Kinney won’t disappoint. The houses in Kinney reflect Austin’s eclectic charm, mixing older ranch-style homes with sleek, modern builds. Many properties feature large yards adorned with native Texan plants, perfect for homeowners with a green thumb.
Depending on your preferences, you’ll find options ranging from cozy 1,000 sq ft homes to spacious, multi-bedroom properties. The mix of nostalgia and modern aesthetic gives Kinney a unique character that rarely goes unnoticed.
Kinney Homes
There are very few single family homes in South Austin’s Kinney neighborhood. Of the few homes that are in Kinney, you can expect to find the following home:
- 3 bedroom
- 1 – 2 bathrooms
- 1,000 – 1,800 sq ft
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Kinney Sold Data – What Kinney Homes Actually Sold For
What sold recently in Kinney and for how much? Where can I find pictures of homes that actually sold? How many days does it take to sell a home in Kinney? How many homes are currently for sale in Kinney? What’s the median sold price in Kinney? What does the 90 day historic market trend look like in Kinney? How’s the Kinney market trending?
All of these questions (and more!) can be answered on our Kinney Sold Data Report.
Kinney Neighborhood Tour
Kinney Property Tax Rate
The property tax rate in South Austin’s Kinney neighborhood is 1.8092% as of the 2023 tax year, down from 1.9749% as of the 2022 tax year. The property tax rate was 2.1767% as of the 2021 tax year.
Kinney Schools
Children who live in South Austin’s Kinney neighborhood are served by the Austin ISD and will likely attend the following schools:
- Joslin Elementary - 5/10
- Covington Middle - 5/10
- Crockett High - 4/10
School ratings reflect Great Schools ratings as of January 2025. Ratings are subject to change at any time. Please verify ratings and boundaries with the school district.
Where Are the Best Coffee Shops in Kinney?
Looking for a cozy spot to grab a latte, catch up on work, or just unwind? Kinney has plenty of local coffee shops worth checking out:
- Summer Moon Coffee – Famous for its signature Moon Milk, this spot offers cozy vibes paired with exceptional coffee.
- Radio Coffee & Beer – A great hybrid spot for both coffee lovers and craft beer enthusiasts, with plenty of outdoor seating.
- Bouldin Creek Café – Although technically a café, their coffee here will utterly delight while you enjoy their incredible vegetarian fare.
Favorite Restaurants and Bars in Kinney
If you’re a foodie, living in Kinney will feel like hitting the jackpot. The neighborhood and its surroundings are home to some of the best restaurants in Austin:
- Loro – A casual smokehouse fusion restaurant from the acclaimed chefs behind Franklin Barbecue and Uchi.
- Matt’s El Rancho – An Austin institution known for its Tex-Mex classics and unlimited chips and salsa.
- The Broken Spoke – More than just a honky-tonk bar, this iconic venue offers great live music and authentic Southern food.
- Giovanni’s Pizza Stand – Took us a while to try this place because it’s in the gas station. Nothing wrong with food in a gas station, but you certainly don’t think you’ll find good food there. Not so with Giovanni’s. If you like thin crust, you have to try it.
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Where to Work Out and Stay Active in Kinney
Whether you prefer a structured gym routine or outdoor workouts, Kinney has you covered. For those who love hitting the gym, Crux Climbing Center and Gold’s Gym Austin South are excellent options.
If you’re more of an outdoor enthusiast, take a short drive or bike ride to nearby Barton Creek Greenbelt, which features grassy trails perfect for hiking, biking, or swimming in the spring-fed pools. The area’s parks also host yoga meetups and fitness boot camps, ideal for mixing exercise and community camaraderie.
Fun Things to Do in Kinney
There’s never a dull moment in or around Kinney. Some favorite activities for both locals and newcomers include:
- Browsing retro finds at Austin Antique Mall.
- Catching a film at Alamo Drafthouse Cinema on South Lamar Boulevard.
- Spending sunny days at Zilker Metropolitan Park, whether you’re kayaking Lady Bird Lake or visiting the Botanical Garden.
- Exploring live music or food truck events happening regularly in the area.
- Line dance at the Broken Spoke, one of Austin’s iconic honkey tonks and a blast from the past.
Get Tires – or Your Tire Fixed – at Tire Man
Yes, it sounds weird as one of the top things to do in Kinney but I was so happy with them, I had to include it. I recently got a nail in my tire and went to 2 reputable places. Both told me I needed a brand new tire but they didn’t have it, so they sent me elsewhere. After two places with no tire in stock and the air quickly running out of it, I went to Yelp and found these guys. I pulled in and they told me I did not need a new tire and they could fix it right there for $20. I told them where I’d been and they said they are in the business of selling tires, not fixing tires and making customers happy. We only tell you you need a new tire when you do was his response. I now know where I’ll be getting all of my tires from now on! Thank you for reading our Kinney neighborhood guide.
Make Kinney Your Home Today
Kinney isn’t just a neighborhood—it’s a lifestyle. From its diverse homes and vibrant food scene to its easy commute and community-first vibe, it’s no wonder why so many homebuyers are eager to call it home.
If you’re ready to explore living in Kinney, partnering with our team of experienced Kinney buyer’s agents can make all the difference during your move. Reach out today, and start the process of finding your perfect home in one of South Austin’s most beloved neighborhoods.
South Austin Realtor Specializing in Kinney
Rebecca Jacks and Raymond Stoklosa are South Austin Realtors specializing in Kinney homes. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home in Kinney, Rebecca and Raymond know the area well and have the experience and tools necessary to make your next real estate transaction stress free. For more info about who we are and how we work, check out Buying a Home in Kinney and Selling a Home in Kinney.
