Downtown Austin is the city’s hub, featuring many upscale restaurants, businesses, music venues, and other entertainment options. With its energetic vibe and the fast development of loft style condos, this home of the world famous SXSW festival and conference makes downtown a very sought-after neighborhood. If you want to trade your car and yard work in for proximity to the city center and night life, Downtown is the place to be.

Popular Neighborhoods: UT, Clarksville, DT, Old West Austin, Dirty 6th, Red River, Enfield, Congress

Attractions: State Capitol, UT, Convention Center, Rainey Street, Lady Bird Lake, shopping, top restaurants, office buildings, ACL Live, SXSW, The Mohawk, and Stubbs.

Average sales: 400,000 – 1,000,000
Average Rents: $2,000 – $5,000

While East Central Austin has historically been on the lower end of the economic spectrum, its proximity to Downtown, new hip bars, shopping, and restaurants have made it no wonder that the last decade has seen it boom with improvements and property interest. Diverse homes built from the 1900s mixed in with unique Modern homes and urban complexes has made this neighborhood’s value skyrocket. With this hip growth, young professionals have taken residence, leading to east Austin being ranked one of the top hipster places to live in the US.

Popular Neighborhoods: East Cesar Chavez, Holly, Central East, Springdale, Cherrywood, Riverside, Rosewood

Attractions: Franklin BBQ, East 6th attractions, Manor Rd. attractions, Lady Bird Lake, music venues, street fairs, and close to Downtown.

Average sales: $350,000 – $650,000
Average Rents: $1,200 – $3,000

West central Austin is a long establish area with beautiful historic homes ranging in size nested in tree-lined hills just west of Downtown. This neighborhood provides stylish boutiques, coffee shops, numerous restaurants, and a high price tag for its residents. West Austin is home to many families and young professionals who want to live close to Downtown amenities while their children attend great schools without all the urban hassle.

Popular Neighborhoods: Clarksville, Highland Park, Old West, Old Enfield, West Lake, Tarrytown, West End, Belmont, Pemberton Heights, Bee Caves

Attractions: Lake Austin, stylish boutiques, coffee shops, restaurants, parks

Average sales: $550,000 – $1,000,000
Average Rents: $1,200 – $3,000

North Central has been growing at a steady pace for some time. Since its borders start at UT you will see diverse mix of residents, from students in cute garage rentals all the way to established beautiful Victorian homes. No matter what you are looking for, North Central has something for everyone. With its proximity to Downtown, its own unique character, and its charming array of homes, this is a sought after neighborhood.

Popular Neighborhoods: Shoal Creek, Rosedale, Brentwood, Crestview, North Loop, The Triangle, Hyde Park, Allandale, Highland Park West

Attractions: unique furniture stores, retro boutiques, Lucy’s Fried Chicken, Uchiko, parks

Average sales: $400,000 – $800,000
Average Rents: $900 – $2,000

South Central Austin is the epicenter of the slogan “Keep Austin Weird.” The main drag is South Congress Street, but moving farther south the area is growing rapidly. New restaurants, an Alamo Drafthouse, and condos are being added to the historic parks, famous Broken Spoke, and homes, making the growth unstoppable. Since it is a short distance from Downtown and Barton Creek, while having its own vibrant urban feel, this has become a great neighborhood for anyone.

Popular Neighborhoods: Barton Hills, South Congress, St. Edward’s University, Travis Heights, Zilker, South Lamar, and Bouldin.

Attractions: Zilker park, Peter Pan Putt Putt, Uchi, Parmer Events Center, Ramen Tatsu-ya, Alamo Drafthouse, ACL, Hopdaddy’s, South Congress shopping, Barton Springs, Barton Creek hiking and boutiques.

Average sales: $350,000 – $750,000
Average Rents: $1,000 – $3,000