Austin is known for its diverse, vibrant, and most desired neighborhoods, each offering its own unique charm. Here are five highly desirable neighborhoods, including those extending to Bee Cave and Lake Travis:

  1. Tarrytown:
    • Location: Central Austin
    • Features: Known for its historic homes, lush landscapes, and proximity to downtown. Tarrytown offers a mix of stately mansions and charming cottages, with excellent schools and parks.
  2. West Lake Hills:
    • Location: West of downtown Austin
    • Features: This affluent suburb offers stunning views of the Hill Country, spacious lots, and highly regarded public schools. It’s a popular choice for families seeking a more suburban feel while staying close to the city.
  3. Bee Cave:
    • Location: About 12 miles west of downtown Austin
    • Features: A growing area with a blend of luxury homes and new developments. Bee Cave offers excellent amenities, including the Hill Country Galleria, and access to outdoor activities around the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
  4. Lake Travis:
    • Location: Northwest of downtown Austin
    • Features: Known for its scenic beauty and recreational opportunities on Lake Travis, this area is ideal for those who enjoy boating, fishing, and a more relaxed, lakeside lifestyle. It features a mix of upscale homes and charming lakeside cottages.
  5. Rollingwood:
    • Location: Near West Austin
    • Features: A small, affluent community known for its excellent schools, family-friendly atmosphere, and proximity to downtown. Rollingwood offers a tight-knit community feel with easy access to urban amenities.

Each of these neighborhoods has its own distinct advantages, from proximity to downtown to scenic views and family-friendly environments. The best choice depends on what you’re looking for in terms of lifestyle, amenities, and commute.

Lets dive deeper into each of Austin’s 5 Most Desired Neighborhoods

1. Tarrytown Desired Neighborhoods Closest to Downtown

  • Commute to Downtown: Tarrytown offers one of the shortest commutes to downtown Austin, typically around 5-10 minutes by car. Its central location makes it very convenient for accessing the city’s core.
  • School Ratings: Tarrytown is served by the Austin Independent School District (AISD). Nearby schools like Casis Elementary and O. Henry Middle School are highly rated, making Tarrytown a popular choice for families with school-age children.
  • Crime Rates: Tarrytown generally has a low crime rate compared to the broader Austin area, contributing to its appeal as a safe and desirable neighborhood.
  • Gated/Exclusive: Tarrytown itself is not a gated community, but it is an affluent area with a reputation for exclusivity due to its historic homes and prime location.
  • Housing Prices: Home prices in Tarrytown typically range from $1 million to over $5 million, depending on the size and condition of the property.
  • Housing Types: The neighborhood primarily features single-family homes, with some condos and townhomes available. There are fewer apartments compared to other areas.
  • Access to Shopping/Services: Tarrytown is well-connected with access to local shops, restaurants, and amenities. The nearby downtown area provides even more extensive shopping and dining options.

2. West Lake Hills Desired Neighborhoods with Gated Communities

  • Commute to Downtown: West Lake Hills is about a 15-20 minute drive to downtown Austin, depending on traffic. This makes it relatively close, though slightly further than Tarrytown.
  • School Ratings: This area is served by the Eanes Independent School District, which is renowned for its high-performing schools. Westlake High School is particularly well-regarded.
  • Crime Rates: West Lake Hills is known for its low crime rates and is considered a very safe neighborhood.
  • Gated/Exclusive: Many parts of West Lake Hills feature gated communities and private estates, adding to its exclusivity.
  • Housing Prices: Home prices in West Lake Hills typically range from around $1 million to $10 million, with the higher end reflecting the more luxurious properties with expansive views.
  • Housing Types: The area mainly consists of single-family homes, often on larger lots. There are fewer condos and apartments.
  • Access to Shopping/Services: While West Lake Hills has some local amenities, residents often travel to nearby Bee Cave or downtown Austin for a wider range of shopping and dining options.

3. Bee Cave Desired neighborhoods with Townhomes and Condos

  • Commute to Downtown: Bee Cave is about a 20-25 minute drive to downtown Austin. While not as close as Tarrytown or West Lake Hills, it offers a manageable commute.
  • School Ratings: Bee Cave is served by the Lake Travis Independent School District, which is known for its high-quality schools, including Lake Travis High School.
  • Crime Rates: Bee Cave has relatively low crime rates and is considered a safe community.
  • Gated/Exclusive: There are some gated communities in and around Bee Cave, providing added privacy and security.
  • Housing Prices: Home prices in Bee Cave generally range from $600,000 to $2.5 million, with variations depending on the size and location of the property.
  • Housing Types: Bee Cave offers a mix of single-family homes, some townhomes, and a few condos. There are fewer apartment complexes.
  • Access to Shopping/Services: Bee Cave boasts the Hill Country Galleria, which provides extensive shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The area is well-equipped with services and amenities.

4. Lake Travis Desired Neighborhoods over looking Lake Travis

  • Commute to Downtown: Lake Travis is about a 30-40 minute drive from downtown Austin, making it the farthest of these neighborhoods from the city center.
  • School Ratings: Similar to Bee Cave, Lake Travis is served by the Lake Travis Independent School District, known for its strong academic performance.
  • Crime Rates: Lake Travis has low crime rates, contributing to its appeal as a family-friendly area.
  • Gated/Exclusive: There are several gated communities and exclusive neighborhoods around Lake Travis, especially those with prime lakefront properties.
  • Housing Prices: Housing prices in the Lake Travis area can vary widely, from about $500,000 for smaller homes to over $5 million for large, luxury lakefront properties.
  • Housing Types: This area features a range of housing types, including single-family homes, some condos, and a few apartment complexes, with a heavy emphasis on waterfront properties.
  • Access to Shopping/Services: Lake Travis has some local shopping and dining options, but residents often travel to Bee Cave or Austin for a broader selection.

5. Rollingwood the most desired neighborhoods next to Zilker Park

  • Commute to Downtown: Rollingwood is very close to downtown Austin, with a commute of about 5-10 minutes by car.
  • School Ratings: Like Tarrytown, Rollingwood is served by the Austin Independent School District, with access to high-quality schools such as Rollingwood Elementary.
  • Crime Rates: Rollingwood has a low crime rate and is considered a safe neighborhood.
  • Gated/Exclusive: Rollingwood is not gated but is known for its exclusivity and affluence due to its small size and desirable location.
  • Housing Prices: Homes in Rollingwood typically range from around $1 million to $4 million, reflecting the neighborhood’s desirability and proximity to downtown.
  • Housing Types: Rollingwood primarily features single-family homes. There are fewer condos and apartments compared to other areas.
  • Access to Shopping/Services: The neighborhood has good access to shopping and services, with proximity to downtown providing a wealth of options.

Each of these neighborhoods offers distinct benefits, depending on your priorities such as commute time, school quality, safety, and housing types.