Top Neighborhoods for Young Professionals Moving to Austin
Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, and it's no wonder why: it's home to plenty of jobs in fields like technology, healthcare and biosciences, but also has a lively culture that makes it easy to meet new people. If you're moving here for work or just starting your career out of college or grad school consider these 10 neighborhoods for young professionals.
The Domain
At a glance: If you're looking for a great place to live, The Domain is one of the best neighborhoods in Austin. Located on 2,200 acres just north of downtown, this upscale area has everything you could want: amenities, transportation options and nightlife options. Plus there are plenty of housing options—from apartment buildings to condos to townhomes—to suit all types of residents.
The Domain can be accessed via Loop 360 (Mopac) or Toll 183 from either direction; both highways provide easy access to downtown Austin as well as major employers like Dell Technologies and Samsung Semiconductor America's headquarters (or SEMATECH). The Domain also offers an abundance of public parks within walking distance from most homes including Discovery Green Park which features playgrounds, jogging trails and picnic areas—as well as two lakes stocked with bass!
There are plenty of restaurants nearby too including Hopdoddy Burger Bar & Counter (a favorite among locals), Chuy's Tex-Mex Restaurant & Cantina and Pappasito's Cantina where you can enjoy authentic Mexican food without leaving your neighborhood!
Best suited to: shoppers, foodies
Things to do:
shop at hundreds of upscale and trendy shops
swing clubs at Top Golf
wait in line at fancy clubs in the “uptown” of Austin
West Campus
At a glance: West Campus is a college neighborhood. The area is home to the University of Texas, and it's full of restaurants, bars, and other businesses that cater to students. It's safe—for both residents and visitors alike. That doesn't mean there aren't dangers in this area; it just means that if something happens while you're here, chances are good that someone will step up and help out before things escalate too far out of control. It's more affordable than other parts of town, but we’re not going to lie…Austin is becoming an expensive city for housing.
Best suited to: Grad students, partying types
Things to do:
There's a lot of nightlife: The bars on Guadalupe Street are some of the best in town (and they're open late). Plus there are plenty more spots within walking distance from your new place.
Catch colleges sports
Grab a scooter and head downtown
Zilker
At a glance: Zilker is a high‑priced and luxurious neighborhood that borders Zilker Metropolitan Park. In close proximity to downtown and the Colorado River, it allows for quick commutes to most parts of the city.
Best suited to: Partying types, workout fiends, outdoor enthusiasts
Things to do:
Thanks to its proximity to the Ann & Roy Butler Hike & Bike Trail, it’s a runner, walker, and biker haven. Get home from work, throw on your workout clothes, and get your blood pumping.
Like movies? Spend some time at the iconic Alamo Drafthouse. It shows modern movies, classics, and everything in between.
Hoping to have a drink or two? There are bars aplenty, all of which are frequented by young professionals like yourself.
Old West Austin
At a glance: The perfect mix of suburban and urban, Old West Austin is located around 10 minutes from Downtown. If you’re looking to buy a luxurious house with a decent spread of land, Old West Austin is probably your best option within the immediate vicinity of downtown Austin.
Best suited to: Sports fans, music lovers, appreciators of art, foodies
Things to do:
Old West Austin provides a great deal of green space, allowing you to adventure, exercise, and walk your dog with ease. Some of its most popular parks include Hartford Park, Pease District Park, and the Bailey Neighborhood Park. It’s also home to the Shoal Creek Greenbelt.
There’s no shortage of restaurants and bars in the Old West Austin neighborhood.
If you’re longing for the days when the HOPE Outdoor Gallery called Old West Austin home (relocating to near the airport), you can still Keep Austin Weird by spending the last Saturday of April celebrating Eeyore’s Birthday Party in Pease Park.
South Lamar
At a glance: South Lamar has seen a great deal of growth over the last few years and is now a popular home to many of Austin’s young professionals. The reason for South Lamar’s popularity? Its businesses, its green spaces, its safety, and its proximity to the downtown area.
Best suited to: Hipsters, musicians, coffee lovers, dive bar dwellers
Quite a bit cheaper than Zilker and Old West Austin, South Lamar is a solid option for both single young professionals and young families.
Things to do:
Take a walk on the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
Grab gourmet coffee from a local shop.
Listen to live music in a bevy of bars and participate in a variety of other fun activities.
Downtown
At a glance: Downtown Austin is within close proximity to everything, including Zilker Park, the government buildings, the University of Austin, and more. As such, it allows you to get to essentially anywhere in the city with speed and convenience. While there are homes and condos for sale in the downtown area, the vast majority of its residents rent apartments.
Note, regardless of whether you rent or buy, you’re going to be spending more money than you would in most other parts of the city.
Best suited to: Night owls, social butterflies, live music lovers, young singles
Things to do:
Feeling good about life, but ready to feel not-so-great the next morning? Vsit West 6th Street: The place to go out if you're in your 20s/30s!
Enjoy being right at the pulse of Austin’s thriving live music and entertainment traditions on 6th Street.
Get your caffeine fix in one of the many trendy, laid-back coffee spots.
Bouldin Creek
At a glance: If you’re looking for a mix of suburban and urban characteristics, you might consider living in Bouldin Creek. While it’s located adjacent to the Zilker and Downtown neighborhoods, it’s highly characterized by its houses and tranquil atmosphere.
Best suited to: Laid-back types, foodies, young singles, creatives
Things to do:
Bouldin Creek offers a range of bars, restaurants, and shops.
Quirky in nature, Bouldin Creek is even home to a Stevie Ray Vaughan memorial.
The most popular park in Bouldin Creek is Auditorium Shores, a park located on the banks of Ladybird Lake. This park contains a portion of the Butler Trail, connecting it by foot to many other prestigious areas of the city.
Are you interested in living in one of the best Austin neighborhoods for young professionals? Browse available properties now.
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