Are you thinking of moving to Austin? Looking for the best neighborhoods in Austin for families? Austin is a city known for its music scene and outdoor attractions is also a place where families can thrive. In this article, we explore the best neighborhoods in Austin for families. Whether you’re searching for top-notch schools, abundant green spaces, or a family-friendly community, Austin has a neighborhood that’s perfect for your family.
Best Neighborhoods in Austin for Families
1. Avery Ranch
Avery Ranch is one of the best neighborhoods in Austin for families. Avery Ranch, located just 20 miles north of downtown Austin, is a prime choice for families in search of a convenient yet peaceful place to call home. Its strategic location is a boon for professionals commuting to North Austin or nearby Round Rock, and the Cap Metro’s MetroRail Red Line offers a hassle-free commute to downtown Austin.
Avery Ranch is a master-planned community with various amenities, including an 18-hole golf course, event centers, an amphitheater, a community pool, tennis courts, and eight miles of outdoor trails.
Avery Ranch residents attend either Round Rock ISD or Leander ISD, both of which are highly-rated school districts.
This master-planned community comprises over 4,000 homes, offering a range of housing options from single-family houses to condos. Avery Ranch seamlessly blends urban convenience with suburban tranquility, making it perfect for families in Austin.
2. Cherrywood
Cherrywood is one of the best neighborhoods for families in Austin. Located just 13 minutes from downtown Austin, it is a great choice for families who want to live close to trendy local hangouts. It’s a diverse and well-established neighborhood with a relaxed vibe.
Cherrywood has a mix of housing styles, including homes dating back to the 1950s, which are well-suited for families. You can find everything from Craftsman-style houses to cozy bungalows, catering to different preferences.
One of the perks of Cherrywood is its easy access to local eateries. Cherrywood Coffeehouse is a convenient spot for coffee and they even have daily yoga classes. El Chilito and Mi Madre’s are great casual restaurants for tacos. Patrizi’s is perfect for families craving pasta, making dining out hassle-free for families.
For families who love the outdoors, Cherrywood has plenty of parks for playtime. Families love the Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park for hiking and just running around to burn off energy!
Cherrywood’s location is another plus, with downtown Austin and The University of Texas just a short drive away. This means an uncomplicated daily commute and plenty of entertainment, culture, and educational opportunities for families. In short, Cherrywood is a practical and family-friendly neighborhood that lets you enjoy the best of Austin’s local scene.
3. Windsor Park
Windsor Park is one of the best neighborhoods in Austin for families. Located just, 6 miles northeast of downtown Austin, stands out as a great neighborhood for families.
Windsor Park primarily consists of mid-20th century ranch-style homes, offering spacious yards and well-maintained streets with plenty of trees.
It’s also a walkable neighborhood with many family-friendly amenities including the Bartholomew Pool. Bartholomew Municipal Pool is an amazing family-friendly pool featuring a 25-yard lap pool with a diving board and two smaller pools for kids, along with amenities like showers, bathrooms, and lockers. The little ones can enjoy a shallow pool with fountains and a frog water slide, while slightly older kids can have fun in a 4-ft deep pool with shade covers and a lily pad bridge.
When it comes to dining, Windsor Park offers a selection of local favorites like Paco’s Tacos (for amazing tacos), and Corona Coffee (a popular neighborhood hangout!).
Despite its proximity to downtown Austin, Windsor Park maintains a calm, small-town atmosphere. Windsor Park is a family-oriented neighborhood that provides a comfortable and friendly living environment close to downtown Austin.
4. Shady Hollow
Shady Hollow is one of the best neighborhoods in Austin for families. If you’re looking for an Austin neighborhood with a small-town charm then Shady Hollow might be the perfect fit.
Shady Hollow was one of the area’s first-ever master-planned communities, combining modern design with roomy older houses, ideal for families.
It’s a family-friendly Austin neighborhood with backyard BBQs, Fourth of July parades, summer days at the town pool and tree-lined streets, all while being just 10 miles south of downtown.
5. Brentwood
Brentwood is one of the best neighborhoods in Austin for families. Located in Central Austin just 15 minutes from downtown, Brentwood offers a small-town ambiance within easy reach of big city amenities.
There is a wide range of housing options for families, from single-story homes to modern multi-bedroom houses, all surrounded by old oak trees and creeks.
Brentwood is home to many family-friendly amenities such as playgrounds, public libraries, parks, pools, and picnic areas, making it an ideal place for families.
Additionally, there are numerous kid-friendly restaurants such as Stiles Switch BBQ & Brew- perfect for busy families looking for a casual dining spot.
6. Pflugerville
Pflugerville is one of the best Austin suburbs for families. Located just 18 miles northeast of downtown Austin, Pflugerville stands out as one of the fastest-growing neighborhoods in Austin.
It’s known for its affordability, and abundant recreational opportunities, including over 40 parks and a scenic 180-acre reservoir, making it an ideal destination for active families seeking a break from city life.
With a median home price of $451,000, Pflugerville offers a variety of housing styles, from century-old houses to prairie-style homes, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
The Austin neighborhood has beautiful parks, golf courses, and well-planned communities like Highland Park and Falcon Point. Additionally, the highly-rated Pflugerville Independent School District makes it one of the best Austin neighborhoods to raise a family.
7. Circle C Ranch
Circle C Ranch is one of the best Austin neighborhoods for families who want to live in a master-planned community. Located in the picturesque hills of South Austin, Circle C Ranch ranks among Austin’s most sought-after master-planned, family-friendly communities.
The Austin neighborhood has a wealth of family-friendly amenities, including a swim center with an Olympic-sized pool, an 18-hole golf course, a highly-rated tennis club, basketball courts, soccer fields, and miles of hike and bike trails. Circle C Ranch is a paradise for active families.
Residents also enjoy access to top-rated schools. Circle C Ranch residents attend either Austin ISD or Hay Consolidated ISD.
8. Mueller
Mueller is another top Austin neighborhood for families. It stands as a shining example of a masterfully planned, award-winning community. Offering a range of home styles from traditional houses with yards to condos and row homes, Mueller offers diversity in housing options
The neighborhood’s proximity to downtown (14 minutes) and major employers like Dell Children’s Medical Center make it an excellent choice for families looking to cut down on their daily commute.
Families living in Mueller have many restaurant choices including Lick Honest Ice Creams for amazing ice cream, La Fruta Feliz for cheap tacos, Colleen’s Kitchen for southern comfort food as well as the Main Streat Food Hall by HEB (try Roots Chicken Shak). Making it easy for families to go out for a casual dinner.
Families also appreciate The Thinkery children’s museum and year-round activities at Mueller Lake Park, making this Austin neighborhood a favorite among families.
9. Crestview
Crestview is one of the best Austin neighborhoods for families. Located just a short 17-minute drive north of downtown Austin, it is a sought-after neighborhood for families.
It’s a neighborhood with a peaceful atmosphere, and easy access to local shops and family-friendly restaurants like Enchildas Y Mas, known for serving some of the best Tex-Mex food in Crestview.
The family-friendly Austin community is known for its well-established neighborhoods with tree-lined streets, with a mix of ranch-style and contemporary homes, and spacious yards.
In recent years, the neighborhood has seen significant growth and appreciation, solidifying its reputation as a desirable family-friendly neighborhood in Austin.
10. Downtown Austin
We are adding downtown Austin to our list of best neighborhoods in Austin. It’s ideal for families seeking an urban, active lifestyle where everything is within easy reach.
Downtown Austin provides endless entertainment options for families, including museums, art galleries, parks, and trails.
There are plenty of housing choices in downtown Austin from lofts and apartments to high-rise condos and modern houses.
Probably one of the best things about living in downtown Austin for families is the convenience of shops and restaurants. Families can easily grab dinner at a local restaurant such as Central Market (pizza, pasta, everything!), Chuy’s (Tex-Mex), Ramen Tatsu-ya (for ramen) and Kura Revolving Sushi Restaurant (sushi on conveyer belt!)