For over a decade, Austin has topped lists of the trendiest cities to live in the United States. Prior to 2022, it was the fastest-growing large metro area in the country – and while its rank may have dropped, it’s still among the top 10. So, if you’re considering moving to the area and are on the hunt for the best places to live in Austin, you’re certainly not alone!
Let us be the first to welcome you to this wonderful city. From a thriving arts scene to innovative eats and a high quality of life, Austin has plenty to offer. However, all those perks mean finding the best Austin neighborhoods to move to can quickly get overwhelming. MASH Movers has you covered.
The 5 Best Places to Live in Austin
The truth is that almost any part of Austin is a fantastic place to live. Still, we know how important it is to choose a neighborhood that truly meshes with your lifestyle. Here are some of the best places to live in Austin, Texas, based on what you want out of your community.
1. Best for Families: Tarrytown
Austin's Tarrytown neighborhood is an ideal spot if you want a safe, upscale, and cozy neighborhood with great amenities for families. As one of Austin's more affluent neighborhoods, housing prices do tend to be among the more expensive in the city. But the payoff is a cozy suburban vibe that's perfect if you want to set down roots in Austin.
While Tarrytown's "new money" character doesn't offer quite the same number of trendy establishments you'll find elsewhere in Austin, it more than makes up for it with beautiful parks and green areas (including scenic waterfront spots right on Lake Austin). Tarrytown is also one of the safest places to live in the city.
2. Best for History Lovers: Hyde Park
If you want to live in a neighborhood with an antique, historical charm, Hyde Park is the place for you! Located just north of Central Austin, Hyde Park is generally considered to be Austin's first true "suburb." (The neighborhood was founded all the way back in 1891.)
Thanks to this historical character, Hyde Park is filled with gorgeous old houses that give the neighborhood a unique vibe. While the public transportation in Hyde Park may not be the city's best, its abundance of cool cafes, boutique stores, and chill vibes make it the perfect spot for young professionals looking for one of the coolest places to live in Austin.
3. Best for Sports Lovers: Central Austin
While Austin has become trendy for its culture, there are still loads of people who associate the city, first and foremost, with good old-fashioned Longhorns football. If you're a UT Austin fan or just someone who wants a more "old school" Texas flavor in your Austin living, Central Austin is the place to be.
Central Austin is home to the iconic University of Texas at Austin. The neighborhood also keeps Texas's old-timey country spirit alive with some of Austin's best country bars. Plus, if you're a history buff, you'll love the university's excellent museums, like the LBJ Presidential Library and the Harry Ransom Center.
4. Best for Old-School Culture: South Lamar
If you want to fully immerse yourself in the arts and music scene, the vibrant neighborhood of South Lamar is one of the coolest places to live in Austin. No other neighborhood has such an impressive offering of live music venues, daring new restaurants, and lively nightlife.
If you're a foodie at heart, South Lamar showcases a diverse range of cuisines from all around the world (plus some new stuff invented right here in Austin!). Likewise, the music lover in you will certainly appreciate South Lamar's excellent live music scene, while art lovers can even find great (and cheap) art for sale in one of the neighborhood's many boutique stores.
5. Best for Any Lifestyle: Clarksville
The historic Austin neighborhood of Clarksville has long been considered one of the city's best places to live. With a pedigree dating back to the 19th Century, Clarksville is the perfect combination of old and new, with an antique historical charm blending perfectly with the avant-garde food and cultural scenes that Austin is famous for.
The Clarksville Historic District has many of Austin's best art galleries, making it the perfect home for artsy types or anyone who appreciates fine culture. But today, Clarksville is so much more. The neighborhood's thriving entertainment district has some of the city's best gastropubs and dining establishments.
Make Your Austin Move a Breeze With MASH Movers
Clearly, there are many good places to live in Austin – but no matter which you choose, you need the best Austin area movers to avoid unnecessary headaches. MASH Movers knows Austin — we're the locals who love it. With in-depth knowledge of every neighborhood in the Austin area, MASH Movers can navigate any annoying hassles and make your move a breeze.
So, if you're planning a move to Austin, get in touch with MASH Movers today to see how we can help you!