The 12 Best Neighborhoods for Families with Kids in Austin, TX
If you're looking for the perfect place to raise a family in Austin, TX, you're in luck. The city is full of great neighborhoods that are perfect for families with kids. Here are 12 of the top neighborhoods you should consider if relocating your family to Austin. Be sure to click View Neighborhood Guide to watch the driving tour and to learn what makes each area so special.
Barton Hills
At a glance: This neighborhood is truly a hidden gem. It's tucked away in south Austin, but it's close to all the city's best attractions. The schools in Barton Hills are some of the best of the Austin ISD, and the community is very family-friendly. There are plenty of parks and green spaces for kids to run around and explore, and the residents are extremely welcoming.
School district: Austin ISD
Mueller
At a glance: This newer neighborhood is perfect for families who want all the amenities of city living without the hustle and bustle. Mueller is home to a number of excellent restaurants and shops, as well as a number of green spaces perfect for picnics and playgrounds. Take the kids out for a dinner and a movie at Austin’s infamous Alamo Drafthouse, plan an afternoon at the Thinkery, or get a babysitter and grab a pint at B.D. Riley’s Irish Pub & Restaurant.
School district: Austin ISD
Hyde Park
At a glance: Hyde Park is one of Austin's most historic neighborhoods. It's also one of the most diverse, which is something that families with kids will appreciate. The schools here are excellent, and you can commute downtown via bike. There are several parks within five minutes, and a number of restaurants nearby.
School district: Austin ISD
Tarrytown
At a glance: Tarrytown is one of Austin's most affluent neighborhoods, and it's perfect for families who want all the bells and whistles. Residents can bike downtown or even take a job to Lady Bird Lake after grabbing a coffee at Mozart’s (be sure to take the kids to their light show around the holidays!) The neighborhood is zoned to Austin ISD, but a number of parents choose to send their kids to private schools.
School district: Austin ISD
West Lake Hills (Westlake Hills)
At a glance: West Lake Hills is an affluent neighborhood (and actually its own city) located west of downtown Austin. It's known for its luxury homes and its scenic views. The homes here zone to the coveted Eanes ISD which boasts one of the top academic and athletic programs in the nation. The neighborhood also offers easy access to Lake Austin, making it perfect for families who love spending time outdoors.
School district: Eanes ISD
Circle C
At a glance: Circle C is a great option for families who want the idealistic suburbia playground for their kids. With multiple community swimming pools, amazing parks, trails and family-friendly restaurants, you will not go wrong with Circle C. The schools are also some of the top Austin ISD schools as well.
School district: Austin ISD
Georgetown
At a glance: Georgetown is a great option for families who want small-town charm with big-city amenities. The historic downtown area is home to a number of unique shops and restaurants, as well as a number of excellent public schools. Georgetown also offers easy access to a number of outdoor activities in nearby parks and lakes.
School district: Georgetown ISD
Downtown Austin
At a glance: Downtown Austin is a great place for families with kids who want to be close to all the action. There are plenty of things to do downtown, including museums, theaters, and restaurants. And don’t let us forget about the amazing Central Austin Public Library, which made TIME’s 2018 list of the World’s 100 Greatest Places.
School district: Austin ISD
Travis Heights
At a glance: Travis Heights is a hip neighborhood located south of downtown Austin with South Congress running on it's border. It's known for its eclectic shops and businesses, which makes for a great stroll on the weekends. Stop by the Big Top Candy Shop or Lucy In Disguise if your kids behaved the night before. Take the dog for a walk, or skip the happy hour with a colleague for tennis with the spouse at the Little Stacy Neighborhood Park courts.
School district: Austin ISD
Cedar Park
At a glance: Cedar Park is yet another great option for families who want small-town charm with big-city amenities. Cedar Park is home to a number of excellent public schools as well as easy access to the Domain, an upscale shopping center, the Austin FC soccer stadium, and the H-E-B Center which hosts the minor-league hockey team, Austin Ice Bats, and a number of concerts and special events.
School district: Leander ISD
Anderson Mill
At a glance: Anderson Mill is the perfect area in Austin to relocate your young family. With dozens of amazing parks and entertainment options, there are an endless number of entertainment options. Your kids will also receive a great education as part of the Round Rock ISD.
School district: Round Rock ISD
Pflugerville
At a glance: Pflugerville rounds out our list of the best neighborhoods for families in Austin. Thought Pflugerville is it’s on city, it is still part of the Austin Metro and many professionals will commute to Austin for work. Like the other neighborhoods on our list Pflugerville offers excellent public schools (Pflugerville ISD) and quick access to downtown via I35. There are a number of public parks and family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and picnic areas.
School district: Pflugerville ISD
No matter what you're looking for in a neighborhood, you're sure to find it in Austin. With so many great options to choose from, you can't go wrong! Whether you're looking for a historic neighborhood with excellent schools or an up-and-coming neighborhood with affordable homes, Austin has something for everyone. So what are you waiting for? Welcome to Austin!
Ready to learn more?
Have a no-obligation consult with Shane Adams, a local REALTOR® who specializes in central Austin, having lived in Travis Heights, Downtown and now Barton Creek.