Best Places to Rent a Home in Austin

Moving to Austin? One of the best big cities to live in the U.S., as well as one of the best places to live in the South, ATX has a ton to offer. Here are the best neighborhoods in Austin to rent a home!

Barton Hills

Photo via @1102east

  • Home Price: $1,373 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 82% of Austin neighborhoods
  • Perfect for: Singles, young professionals, families, retirees

Similar to most areas in South Austin, Barton Hills adopts the city’s motto “Keep Austin Weird,” drawing both younger and older residents to its laid-back environment. Bordering Lady Bird Lake, Barton Hills residents are able to benefit from fantastic outdoor recreation—thanks especially to Zilker Park, home to the famous Austin City Limits Music Festival. And if you hear a local say “The Greenbelt,” they’re referring to Barton Creek Greenbelt, which is one of the best parks in Austin. With a low crime rate, great schools like Zilker Elementary School and Austin High School, and affordable apartments and homes, it’s no wonder Barton Hills is one of the best neighborhoods to rent in Austin.

Things to Do in Barton Hills

Start your day off strong with a wooded hike alone, with friends, or even with your dog at Barton Creek Wilderness Park. See what locals call “the jewel in the heart of Austin” when you stroll themed gardens like the Taniguchi Japanese Garden, Hartman Prehistoric Garden, and Rose Garden at Zilker Botanical Garden. Practice your butterfly stroke or have a quick dip at the natural spring water-filled Barton Springs Pool. Munch on a breakfast taco like The Otto, Migas Taco, or Chorizo, Egg & Cheese at Tacodeli. Devour fresh seafood like Smoked Fish Dip, Seafood Gumbo, and Crab Louie Wedge at Salt Traders Coastal Cooking. Enjoy mouthwatering dishes like the Charcuterie Board, Rigatoni Capicola E Piselli, or Penne Alla Vodka during Umbrian Jazz Nights at The Garden. Or indulge in Chicken Enchiladas, Tex-Mex Burritos, or Beef Chile Rellenos, at one of the best Tex-Mex in Austin, Matt’s El Rancho.

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Downtown Austin

Photo via @neil_cristobal

  • Home Price: $1,642 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 97% of Austin neighborhoods
  • Perfect for: Singles, young professionals

When living in Downtown Austin, you’re opting for a walkable neighborhood, easy access to bike lanes, and the commuter rail train at Downtown Station—or other public transportation options like MetroBike and B-cycle. Not only is Downtown a big reason why Austin is one of the best cities for jobs, but it’s also a major reason why this is a top ATX neighborhood for singles and young professionals to live! Being in the middle of a sprawling metro also gives residents close proximity to music venues, bars, and restaurants, including famous entertainment district, 6th Street. All of this convenience comes with a price, so it’s understandable why renting in Downtown Austin is a little pricier. However, you’re likely to find a variety of apartment options in the Seaholm District at more price points than other ATX areas.

Things to Do in Downtown Austin

Take a sunset stroll between April and October to witness thousands of bats fly into the Austin sky from the Congress Avenue Bridge. Head over to SFC Farmers Market Downtown for fresh meat, produce, community events, in addition to live music in Austin. Visit the cool museums in Austin while exploring three floors of artifacts and art exhibits like the Art of Texas State Parks at Bob Bullock Museum. Stop by the vibrant 2nd Street District for all your shopping needs, from boutiques like Luxe Apothetique to coffee shops like Jo’s. Head over to one of the top dog-friendly restaurants in Austin to grab a plate of Brush Creek Brunch Burger, Crispy Chicken & Waffles, or Sweet Corn Cake Benedict at Caroline. Indulge in Chinese dishes like Chengdu Chili Chicken, Honey Pecan Gulf Prawns, or Dan Dan Noodles at Wu Chow. Get a taste of German cuisine with dishes like Piggie Smalls, German Wurst Board, or Double Dog Dare Ya at Scholz Garten. Or end your day with a glass of The Roosevelt Room Old Fashioned, Buck To The Future, or Too Little, Too Late at The Roosevelt Room.

Hyde Park

  • Home Price: $1,033 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 85% of Austin neighborhoods
  • Perfect for: Singles, young professionals, families

Just north of Central Austin, Hyde Park is a historic area offering residents convenience, in addition to affordable housing. Providing a variety of rental options in Austin ranging from turn-of-the-century bungalows and cozy cottages to modern apartments, Hyde Park is a great place to live for people settling down in Austin. In addition to a veterinary clinic, Hyde Park is also home to major health system, Central Texas Rehabilitation Hospital—something healthcare workers and families particularly appreciate about living in this ATX neighborhood. In addition to easy access to large amenities, Hyde Park residents live in close proximity to I-35, about 15 minutes away from downtown, and top-notch schools in Hyde Park, like Ridgetop Elementary School and Griffin School.

Things to Do in Hyde Park

Sign up your kids for camp or soccer lessons, or play a game of basketball at Hancock Recreation Center. Work up a sweat on the spin bikes or ellipticals at friendly neighborhood Hyde Park Gym. Play a game of golf at Hancock Golf Course, which is one of the oldest golf courses in Texas. Experience the latest work from local writers, directors, and actors, or attend the annual Frontera Fest at Hyde Park Theatre. Start your morning with different kinds of breakfast biscuit dishes like The Bee Gee or The Aretha at Biscuits & Groovy. Fill up on comfort food like Steak Nachos, Street Tacos, or Pollo Chipotle at Curra Hyde Park. Order a Tuna Salad or Avocado Veggie Sandwich at the sit-down eatery, New World Deli. Indulge in delicious seafood dishes like a Gulf Blue Crab Cake Sammy, Lobster Roll, or Akaushi Burger at Mongers Market & Kitchen.

Mueller

  • Home Price: $1,368 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 64% of Austin neighborhoods
  • Perfect for: Singles, young professionals, families

While renters are attracted to the variety of Austin housing options in Mueller, including apartments, single-family houses, and rowhomes—what keeps them here is the amenities. Its borders are mostly lined with green spaces like 30-acre Mueller Lake Park, Morris Williams Golf Course, and more. Not only do these parks insulate the neighborhood from bustling Austin, but they also provide Mueller residents plenty of outdoor recreation, too! And thanks to its pedestrian-oriented layout, you’ll likely be able to run some of your daily errands on foot—including grocery stores, places to eat, community garden plots, and more.

Things to Do in Mueller

Give your kids an opportunity to get hands-on learning experience while enjoying interactive exhibits like Train Town, Spark Shop, and Light Lab at Thinkery. Bring your pup, host or attend events in the amphitheater, or race down the slides at Mueller Lake Park—or learn about Central Texas’ ecosystem and prairies, bike the wide trail, and visit the Butterfly Garden at the Southwest Greenway. Catch a movie, grab a bite to eat, or shop at the stores on Aldrich Street. Start your day right with a hearty plate of Croissant De Classique, Flake & Bake, or Sir Loxalot at Rebel Cheese. Savor delicious Mediterranean dishes like Shawarma Arabi, Chx or Gyro Over Hummos, or Lamb Mashawi at The Halal Corner. Get a taste of Japanese cuisine and try dishes like Kushikatsu, Japanese Curry Bowl, or Noodle Bowl at Yumai Japanese Grill. Or try out flavorful Thai dishes like the classic Pad Thai, Yum Near, or Pad Gra Pow at Pad Thai Cuisine.

South Lamar

  • Home Price: $1,122 median monthly rent
  • Crime Rate: Safer than 64% of Austin neighborhoods
  • Perfect for: Singles, young professionals, families

South Lamar is the perfect Austin neighborhood for anyone looking for the hustle and bustle of big city life with lots of green space nearby! Less than 20 minutes from the city center, South Lamar is a walkable distance to local grocery stores, restaurants, and other things to do in Austin. But The Greenbelt is what ultimately draws residents to this renter-friendly neighborhood in Austin! Renters searching for a home in South Lamar will find a variety of ranches, bungalows, and cottages, as well as apartments located throughout the neighborhood—perfect for people looking for budget-friendly living in ATX!

Things to Do in South Lamar

Learn how to two-step with a partner or tap your boots to live music at the Broken Spoke! Find a new statement artwork piece and support local Austin artists at Austin Art Garage. Become a member at ROK Golf to practice your swing or compete with your buds in virtual golf games. Register your little ones for programs like Out-of-School Time Youth Program or Youth Sports, or simply play a game of basketball or ping pong with your family at the South Austin Recreation Center. Refuel with a hearty plate of Crispy Chicken Benedict, Kerbey Kickstart, or Pumpkin French Toast Platter at Kerbey Lane Cafe. Get some fresh, healthy food like Moroccan Lentil Soup, a Kale, Caesar! salad to go, or a shot of organic Wheatgrass at one of Austin’s most popular local chains, The Soup Peddler. Dine with your furry friend while you Build Your Own Burger at Black Sheep Lodge. Or watch your favorite sports teams on the big screen while eating Hot Buffalo Wings at The Park.

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Moving to Austin? Extra Space Storage has facilities located throughout the Austin Metro to help make your move as easy as possible. Find affordable storage units in Austin!

Neighborhood statistics from AreaVibes

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