Living in Austin, TX — Neighborhoods, Schools & Market Guide

Austin blends a thriving tech scene with lakes, trails, and live music. From skyline condos to Hill Country neighborhoods, here’s what to know before you buy in Austin.

Lady Bird Lake & Austin skyline

Lifestyle & Amenities

Austin blends tech-driven energy with a laid-back outdoor culture. Weekends mean the Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail around Lady Bird Lake, dips at Barton Springs Pool, and patio dining across SoCo and the East Side.

Music fans hit ACL and SXSW, while Lake Travis delivers boating and hill-country sunsets. From food trucks to James Beard winners, the dining scene is as diverse as the neighborhoods.

Austin schools

Schools & Education

Most addresses fall under Austin ISD. Popular choices include Barton Hills and Casis Elementary, plus Bowie and Anderson High. West of MoPac, Eanes ISD (Westlake) ranks among Texas’s best; farther west, Lake Travis ISD serves Bee Cave and Lakeway.

Attendance zones can shift—always verify the current boundary for a specific property.

Check school zones on the map
Austin commuting & roads

Commuting & Getting Around

Loop 1 (MoPac), I-35, and US-183 connect the region. Typical off-peak drives:

  • Downtown ↔ The Domain: 15–25 min
  • Downtown ↔ Westlake/Oak Hill: 15–25 min
  • Downtown ↔ ABIA: 12–20 min

MetroRail links Downtown to North Austin and Leander—handy if you work near The Domain or the Parmer tech corridor.

Austin employers & offices

Employers & Economy

Major employers include Apple (North Austin campus), Tesla, Oracle, Google, Meta, IBM, Dell, and Amazon—plus UT Austin, state government, and fast-growing healthcare networks. Startups thrive across the metro, keeping demand steady in top locations.

Browse homes near major employers
Austin homes & neighborhoods

Housing Snapshot

Austin offers something for everyone—from charming historic bungalows in Hyde Park, to sleek downtown infill properties, family-oriented neighborhoods like Mueller and Circle C, and high-end estates along Lake Travis. As of mid-2025, homes spent an average of 67 days on the market, reflecting a balanced market where demand remains strong but there's breathing room compared to the peak frenzy of past years.

For buyers, that means opportunities to negotiate deals and schedule inspections without panic. For sellers, the key is strategic pricing and quality presentation to stand out and sell efficiently.

Browse Austin Homes

Austin Homebuying & Selling FAQs

How much do I need for a down payment?

Many buyers put 5–20% down with a conventional loan. FHA can be 3.5%, and VA can be 0% (if eligible). The “right” amount balances monthly payment, interest rate, and offer strength.

What price range can I afford?

Are Austin property taxes high?

How long do homes sit on the market right now?

When's the best time to buy or sell?

Which school districts are the top choices?

What should I know about commuting?

What inspections are common here?

What are typical closing costs?

Can I lower my property tax bill?

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