fbpx

The Best Places to Live in Austin

By February 6, 2020Custom Homes Austin
The Best Places to Live in Austin

Nearly every year, a new list comes out featuring Austin, Texas, as one of the best cities to live in. There is so much about Austin to love: stretches of sunny weather, great festivals like SXSW, amazing food and a thriving outdoors vibe. It’s no wonder that companies are rushing to open branches in the Austin area! 

With so much going on, it can be overwhelming to know where the best places to live in Austin are—here are a few of our favorite spots.

Barton Hills

The Barton Hills neighborhood is a refuge of green space in the heart of Austin. It features access to Zilker Park to the north and the Barton Creek Greenway to the south. With miles of trails and the Barton Springs swimming area, this cozy residential area is a haven for those who love getting outdoors. There are also plenty of cafes, restaurants and shops for those looking to relax. And the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum and Zilker Botanical Gardens provide neighborhood options for absorbing culture and sunshine at the same time. 

Barton Hills is also a short ride from the vibrant nightlife scenes on Sixth Street and South Lamar. Neighborhood residents can easily enjoy nearby Austin events and festivals like the Austin City Limits Music Festival, Trail of Lights, Zilker Kite Festival and South by Southwest. Those who love to be a part of the action will see Barton Hills as one of the best places to live in Austin.

Lake Austin

Lake Austin stretches for 22 miles from the Tom Miller Dam near Redbud Isle to Mansfield Dam at Lake Travis. It’s one of the most sought after locations for homes in town. Having so much coastline, Lake Austin offers plenty to do and see: boating, fishing and water-sport enthusiasts will enjoy exploring Lake Austin and its many inlets and marinas. The striking views and trails at Mount Bonnell and Emma Long Metropolitan Park are also a must-visit for those who appreciate the outdoors. For golfers, the lake-adjacent Austin Country Club and Lions Municipal Golf Course are top-hole for players of all levels. 

Though there is a lot to do, Lake Austin properties offer seclusion, with several gated communities for those who seek a private place to enjoy Lake Austin sunsets.

Lake Travis

Lake Travis has been a favorite getaway for Austinites for decades. Boating, swimming and hiking in the Texas Hill Country have provided fun and recreation to generations of Lake Travis visitors. As Austin has grown, more and more people have found that it’s even better to stay on Lake Travis year-round. 

With plenty of space to build and striking vistas aplenty, there are many options for making a home on Lake Travis. Whether it’s on a ranch, on a private estate or in a gated community, Lake Travis is now considered one of the best places to live in Austin. As the communities along the shores of Lake Travis have grown, new dining establishments, shopping centers and entertainment venues have opened nearby, ensuring that residents do not have to go far to enjoy all that city life has to offer.

Rosedale

The Rosedale neighborhood, tucked between West 38th Street and Hancock Drive, is Austin at its quaintest. With tree-lined streets full of mid-century charm and unique coffee shops, restaurants and shopping all within walking distance, Rosedale has to be included on the list of the best places to live in Austin. 

At Rosedale’s heart is Ramsey Neighborhood Park, a five-acre green space that offers playscapes, tennis courts, a basketball court, a baseball diamond and a swimming pool. Rosedale residents wanting to enjoy a scenic hike or bike through central Austin can access the Shoal Creek Trail at the neighborhood’s southern boundary. And last but not least, great schools make this neighborhood a very desirable location for families.

West Lake Hills

West Lake Hills (more commonly known as Westlake) encompasses neighborhoods west of Lake Austin, where dramatic hillscapes provide some of the most scenic views in Austin. Winding roads and extensive green space give Westlake the feel of being deep in the Hill Country. With downtown Austin less than a 30-minute commute and many restaurants, shopping centers and businesses located in and around Westlake, residents stay connected to all the amenities of city life. 

Residential areas in Westlake vary from established communities to new developments, so those interested in moving there have plenty of options when it comes to finding their perfect home. Westlake is home to the highly rated Eanes Independent School District and several private campuses, making it one of the best places to live in Austin for families.

Wishing for the perfect home in one of these spectacular Austin hotspots? Contact us to learn about how we can help you create the home of your dreams.