Austin Neighborhoods and Housing

Far West (1)

The Far West area is home to many students who choose to live in the area’s ample apartment complexes. This hilly area is serviced by the Far West shuttle that serves as a direct conduit to campus. Surrounding this area are quaint residential neighborhoods with sprawling ranch-style homes and condominiums with Hill Country views.

To buy

Home prices in this area start in the low $400s, two-bedroom condos can be found starting at $150k.

To rent

• 1 bedroom - $675+
• 2 bedrooms - $800+
• 3 bedrooms - $1,000+

Distance to campus

15-min. bus ride; 25-min. bike ride

Allandale (2) and Rosedale (4)

Allandale is a charming area that consists mainly of single-family, ranch style homes built in the 1950s on generous tree-lined lots. At one time this neighborhood was considered Northwest Austin but is Central by today’s standards. Similar to Allandale, its neighbor to the north, Rosedale, is oozing with charm. The homes in this neighborhood are pricier, however, due to its more central location.

To buy

Two- and three-bedroom homes in Rosedale can be found in the low $400s. Three- and four-bedroom homes in Allandale can be found starting in the mid $300s.

Distance to campus

15- to 20-min. bus ride; 20-min. bike ride

Crestview (3)

Crestview is an enclave of 1950s bungalows that is considered a “best buy” for homeowners that prefer older homes without the premium that comes with other central neighborhoods. Many young professionals are renovating these homes and adding modern conveniences. Its North Central location makes it ideal to get anywhere in the Austin vicinity with relative ease.

To buy

Homes are typically 900–1,200 square feet with two or three bedrooms. Prices start in the upper $200s.

Distance to campus

20-min. bus ride; 25-min. bike ride

Brykerwoods (5)

Just a stone’s throw from Seton Medical Center and other various medical facilities, Brykerwoods is both centrally located and still secluded from noise and traffic. This neighborhood was developed between the 1930s and 1950s, mostly with bungalows and a few larger homes surrounded by large, shady trees.

To buy

Homes in this area start in the $400s.

Distance to Campus

10-min. bus ride; 15-min. bike ride; 35-min. walk

Tarrytown (6) and Lake Austin (7)

These neighborhoods are older, more established neighborhoods that contain a mixture of charming bungalows and mansion-like spreads. There are many small condominium complexes also scattered within the vicinity.

To buy

Small houses (about 1,200 square feet) start in the mid-$400s. Condos start in the mid-$100s.

To rent

• 1 bedroom - $950+
• 2 bedrooms - $1,100+
• 3 bedrooms - $1,250+

Distance to campus

10-min. bus ride; 15-min. bike ride; 35-min. walk

Enfield (8) and Clarksville (9)

Many students call the intimate apartment and condo complexes along Enfield Road home. Clarksville is by far one of the hottest areas of town due to its historic charm and proximity to downtown. Most of the homes in this area were constructed between 1910 and 1930 and continue to resonate with the character of days gone by.

To buy

Most homes in Clarksville are 1,200–1,500 square feet. Prices start in the mid-$400s.

To rent

• 1 bedroom - $800+
• 2 bedrooms - $1,000+

Distance to campus

10-min. bus ride; 15-min. bike ride; 30-min. walk

Hyde Park (10)

Perhaps the best known neighborhood in Austin, Hyde Park offers historic charm, convenience and entertainment. In addition to the ease with which you can travel to campus from here, the area boasts unique dining and shopping as well as safe, pedestrian friendly streets. Although the official Hyde Park boundaries are small, the early to mid-20th-century architecture, large trees, and general character emanate over a much larger area. In fact, many renters and buyers are flocking to the northern reaches of the area — all the way up to 2222. Prices are still within reach farther north.

To buy

Homes in the central part of Hyde Park are available in the mid-$300s on average and one-bedroom condos can be found starting in the low $200s. Quaint bungalows in the area north of Hyde Park can still be found in the upper $200s.

To rent

• 1 bedroom - $900+
• 2 bedrooms - $1,200+
• 3 bedrooms - $1,500+

Distance to campus

10-min. bus ride; 15-min. bike ride; 10- to 30-min. walk

Downtown (11)

Downtown Austin has many loft-style apartments and condominiums—with several more buildings under construction. Only 5-10 minutes from campus, downtown Austin living is a jet-setter’s dream.

To buy

New construction starts in the mid $200s and goes in excess of $1 million. Older units can be found under $200k.

To rent

• 1 bedroom - $1,200+
• 2 bedrooms - $1,500+

Distance to campus

7-min. bus ride; 15-min. bike ride; 25-min. walk

Windsor Park (12)

A recently discovered hot spot in East Austin is Windsor Park. This charming neighborhood has seen a surge in popularity due to its location adjacent to Mueller. The homes are primarily 3-bedroom 1950s tract homes on large tree-lined lots. On quiet week days you might see a production trailer and crew filming scenes for “Friday Night Lights.”

To buy

Homes start in the mid to upper $100s

Mueller (13)

Once home to Austin’s airport, Mueller is now being rapidly developed into an urban village complete with housing, shopping, parks, entertainment and office space. Mueller will be a transit-oriented and pedestrian-friendly development. To find out more about the project and housing options, visit http://www.muelleraustin.com.

To buy

Homes start in the mid $200s

French Place (14)

Contrary to conventional wisdom, East Austin is not a dangerous place to live. The French Place neighborhood is reminiscent of Hyde Park in its architecture, character and proximity to UT. The main contrast to Hyde Park is the price of real estate. This less-known gem of winding tree-lined streets has been a longtime favorite of UT professors, artists and graduate students. Bordering this neighborhood to the south is the Manor Road restaurant row that features locally renowned favorites such as Vivo Tex Mex and Eastside Café.

To buy

Homes in this area start in the low $200s.

Distance to campus

10-min. bus ride; 15-min. bike ride; 35-min. walk

Barton Hills (15)

This neighborhood is situated just south of the Barton Springs restaurant row within walking distance to Zilker Park. The average home has 2,300 square feet, three bedrooms, two baths, and is situated on an 80’ x 120’ lot. This central neighborhood is a quiet oasis of large trees that still offers an urban lifestyle.

To buy

Condos are available in the $200s; homes start in the mid $300s.

Distance to campus

10-min. bus ride; 20-min. bike ride; 40-min. walk

Travis Heights (16)

South Austin has a sense of pride unchallenged by other parts of the city. Many residents of this area sport bumper stickers on their car that read “78704”— the South Austin zip code. Travis Heights, a significant presence south of the river, is a mélange of bungalows, Victorians and some creative remodels. Travis Heights’ western border is South Congress Avenue, a strip of eclectic shops and restaurants renowned well outside the city limits. There are two apartment complexes along South Congress that are popular with MBAs: Camden South Congress and the State House.

To buy

Home styles, sizes and ages vary. Prices start in the upper $300s.

To rent

• 1 bedroom - $1,200+
• 2 bedrooms - $1,600+

Distance to campus

10-min. bus ride; 20-min. bike ride; 40-min. walk

East Riverside (17)

A mecca of inexpensive apartments and ample shuttle and city bus lines are a huge draw to this area.

To rent

• 1 bedroom - $700+
• 2 bedrooms - $750–$900
• 3 bedrooms - $900+

Distance to campus

15-min. bus ride; 20-min. bike ride; 40-min. walk

West Campus (not numbered on map)

West Campus is an older area situated directly west of Guadalupe Street, just west of the UT Austin campus. This area is very popular with undergraduate students due to its liveliness and proximity to campus.

To rent

• 1 bedroom - $700+
• 2 bedrooms - $1,200+

Distance to campus

5-min. bus ride; 7-min. bike ride; 10- to 15-min. walk

Arboretum (not numbered on map – north of Far West)

Another area popular for apartment living is the Arboretum area, which is located near the intersection of highways 360 and 183. This is a newer area and is surrounded by many shopping and dining establishments.

To rent

• 1 bedroom - $850+
• 2 bedrooms - $1,000+

Distance to campus

30-min. bus ride

Suburbs (not on map)

Round Rock and Pflugerville are two popular suburbs to the north. Find out more about them by visiting http://www.ci.roundrock. tx.us/ for Round Rock and http://www.cityofpflugerville.com/ for Pflugerville.