How many people can honestly say they live in the best city in the country? Well, if you move to Austin, Texas, you’ll be able to say that. This buzzing, cultural city has been ranked the best place to live in the US so many times we can’t even keep count. 

With a famous live music scene, incredible restaurants, and some wonderful landscape, moving to Austin is a no brainer. 

As a historic city that’s undergone a huge amount of renovation, there are lots of modern homes Austin can provide. You can choose to live in leafy suburbs where bringing up a family is easy or get yourself a loft apartment right in the middle of the action. 

No matter where you buy a home in Austin, TX, you’ll be within easy reach of state parks, hiking trails, and rivers perfect for canoeing trips. You can even hurl yourself through the treetops on a zip wire. In short, Austin is the place to be and that’s not going to change. 

If moving to this vibrant city is top of your to-do list, here’s a bit about some of the best neighborhoods to start looking for your dream home in. 

1. Barton Hills

A quiet neighborhood with fast access to both downtown and a ton of outdoor activities, Barton Hills is a perfect place for young professionals who want the best of everything. 

It takes minutes to reach downtown Austin and the lively Zilker neighborhood. Yet Barton Hills is a peaceful, beautiful area that’s great for families, too. Right on the edge of Zilker Park and the Barton Creek trails, Barton Hills offers hiking and cycling right from your door. 

Families will love the Zilker Botanical Gardens, swimming at Barton Springs Pool and the quiet, safe streets of the neighborhood. For couples who want to get in on Austin’s nightlife, it’s a quick trip into downtown or to Zilker’s S Lamar Blvd with its bars, restaurants, and entertainment. 

2. Downtown

You’ll find plenty of modern homes in downtown Austin if you want immediate access to all the amazing things going on in the heart of this city. When you look for a home in downtown you’ll find riverside condos with beautiful views and high-rise apartments where you can look across the city. 

Being this close to Austin’s thriving center means it’s walking distance to the best bars and restaurants, not to mention an easy commute to work. When you’ve had your fill of cinemas, festivals, and bars, you can easily get to green spaces. 

Lady Bird Lake is an easy walk as are the riverside trails and parks like Waterloo Neighborhood Park, and Shoal Beach. 

3. Clarksville

Just to the west of downtown, Clarksville is another great Austin neighborhood that gives you access to the best of the city. More laid-back than downtown, Clarksville has a mixture of modern condos and homes from the 1950s. 

This neighborhood packs in a lot of culture and personality. Despite being right next to downtown, the residential streets here are chilled and safe to walk around. You’ll find leafy roads and parks to walk the dog in and plenty of cafes to get a morning coffee. 

The Ladybird Lake-Lamar Beach Metro Park is immediately to the south with its trails and access to the south side of the river. Living in Clarksville makes commuting within Austin a breeze and you can get home from evenings out on the town in no time at all. 

4. Mueller

Further from downtown but still just 4 miles away is Mueller, a modern community with its oldest homes finished in 2007. An innovative neighborhood, Mueller was built with eco-friendliness in mind and its parks and community projects are outstanding. 

Homes here are all modern and range from condos and loft apartments to beautiful houses and even townhouses. Mueller has a small restaurant scene and it’s easy to get to other neighborhoods and downtown for all the nightlife you could want. 

A family-friendly neighborhood, you’ll find everything you need here from banks and supermarkets to shopping at the Mueller Retail Center. Mueller Lake Park and Bartholomew District Park mean you’re never far from the outdoors. Young families will love the Thinkery kids’ museum too with its interactive attractions. 

5. Bouldin Creek

A historic neighborhood south of downtown and over the river, Bouldin Creek is seriously hip. Filled with the coolest cafes and amazing boutiques, this relaxed neighborhood is still lively in the best ways. 

As one of Austin’s older locations, homes here were built around the 1930s but you’ll find plenty that have been modernized. Small bungalows are common and the perfect size for couples and young families wanting to move within a stone’s throw of downtown. 

There are tons of opportunities to explore nature when you buy a home in Bouldin Creek, too. The Auditorium Lake Park is packed with things to do and you can follow the river trails in either direction for miles. Zilker Park is just around the corner and Bouldin Creek itself has small parks perfect for stretching your legs and taking the dog for a walk. 

6. Circle C Ranch

If you’re looking for modern homes in a more secluded location, Circle C Ranch might be the Austin neighborhood for you. This beautiful community district is a fantastic place for families who are after a safe, friendly area with great schools and easy access to the outdoors. 

Homes in Circle C Ranch range from small family houses to much larger homes and the variety means that there’s a home for many budgets. Commuting from here into downtown Austin is easy and takes around 20 minutes. 

Circle C Ranch might be peaceful and secluded but that doesn’t mean residents have to go far for amenities. There are several shopping malls nearby and the community has two recreation centers. It’s easy to get outside here with Grey Rock Gold and Tennis Center and more parks than you’ll know what to do with. 

7. Wells Branch

Affordable and community-driven, Wells Branch is a family-friendly place to live 13 miles north of downtown Austin. Bungalows and new builds are popular here and the tree-lined streets are peaceful and safe. Wells Branch also has good schools and plenty of amenities close by. 

With malls to the north, cinemas, and nearby restaurant options, you’ll have everything you need in the immediate area when you live here. Downtown Austin isn’t far either for weekends in the city or for your daily commute. 

Mills Pond Recreation Area and Katherine Fleischer Park are beautiful places to enjoy the outdoors and the phenomenal Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park is two miles south. 

8. Westgate

Very affordable and perfect for young families, Westgate feels like it should be more expensive than it is. In South Austin, it sits within easy reach of downtown but far enough to be its own peaceful community with all the amenities you need. 

The Westgate Shopping Center provides for all your usual shopping requirements and there’s plenty of entertainment in this neighborhood, too. There are lots of cool restaurants along with big chain eateries so you’ll never be short of a great dining spot within minutes of your home. 

The schools in Westgate are highly rated and the quiet, safe streets and affordable homes make it one of the best parts of Austin for young families. If you need to commute into downtown, you can do so easily by car or public transport and it won’t take long. 

9. East Cesar Chavez

This neighborhood in East Austin has undergone extensive gentrification and is now the perfect blend of hip residential streets and cool bars and cafes. With a strong Mexican influence, you’ll quickly fall in love with Mexican food but there are many interesting cuisines to try out if you buy a home in this area. 

Just east of downtown but bursting with a personality of its own, East Cesar Chavez neighborhood is ideal for young professionals who want a chilled neighborhood within easy reach of the city center and the river. 

It’s not a cheap part of town to live but homes are colorful and built in classic Austin style. 

10. Pflugerville

This expanding community just north of Austin is a great place for affordable homes and easy access to downtown. Pflugerville has grown quickly over the last two decades and is a thriving community with plenty of amenities, schools, and outdoor spaces. 

Homes here are much more affordable than in neighborhoods closer to downtown. You won’t feel like you’re missing out though with live music, bars, and restaurants all within this friendly location. The Stone Hill Town Center mall is within easy reach and there are plenty of parks for hikes and bike rides. 

Moderns Homes, Austin Style

People from all over the US are heading to Austin to take advantage of its outdoor lifestyle and fun-filled atmosphere. This cultural city balances history with a modern twist better than anywhere else and each neighborhood has its own benefits. 

With plenty of hip neighborhoods around downtown for young professionals who want to breathe in the action, you can buy a condo right in the heart of Austin. Families and those looking for a little more peace are spoiled for choice with locations like Wells Branch, Circle C Ranch, and Westgate. No matter what your budget is, with tons of modern homes, Austin is a city that will steal your heart and give you an incredible lifestyle. If you love the idea of moving to Austin, check out our brand new modern homes and start making your dream a reality.