The Best Neighborhoods in Austin for Families

From young professionals to young families, everyone agrees that Austin, Texas is the place to be. While best known as the Live Music Capital of the World, Austin offers even more than lively entertainment and a vibrant arts scene. Austin also boasts a small-town feel, with quaint mom-and-pop shops, abundant parks, and good schools to top it all off.

Whether you’re looking to put down roots with your first home or need room for your already growing family, Austin has a place for you. This neighborhood guide highlights some of the best neighborhoods in Austin for families.

Brushy Creek

Brushy Creek is an incredibly popular community amongst families in Austin, who are attracted to both the area’s highly rated schools and beautiful single-family homes.

The neighborhood, which runs along its namesake stream, encompasses the western portion of Round Rock and Cedar Park. It’s home to England elementary school, which is widely considered one of the best in the Austin metro.

Brushy Creek’s popularity not only stems from its top-rated schools but its highly regarded public park system as well. Families can enjoy scenic pathways, playgrounds, and lake activities at both Brushy Creek Lake Park and Brushy Creek Sports Park.

Homes range from midsize to large family-friendly residences, all nestled in an idyllic setting. Expect to see trees lining the streets and kids playing in lushly landscaped lawns – all of which make it one of the most sought-after communities in the nation.

Avery Ranch

If you and your family want the amenities of a master-planned community, be sure to consider Avery Ranch in far northwest Austin. It’s one of the fastest-growing areas in Texas and for good reason. The town is an exceptional countryside locale and offers a variety of high-style homes to please even the most discerning buyers.

Now let’s get to the perks. Avery Ranch boasts five community centers, miles of hill country-inspired hiking and biking trails, a community swimming pool, and a majestic 18-hole golf course. It borders a tranquil 60-acre lake surrounded by springs, creeks, and dense vegetation that further emphasize the neighborhood’s peaceful atmosphere. Residents also prize the area’s access to the top-rated Round Rock and Leander school districts, whose middle school and high school offerings are hard to beat.

The best part? Avery Ranch is a short 20-minute drive to downtown Austin, making it great for commuters who want to be close to the tech hub action while raising their kids in a neighborhood with a quintessential hill country feel.

Windsor Park

Not one for master-planned communities? If your family is on the hunt for historic charm and affordability in Austin, then Windsor Park could be for you. This beloved community offers all the qualities of a historic neighborhood, with the added benefit that downtown Austin is just a stone’s throw away.

Windsor Park conveniently borders two major local highways, making for easy access across town. In addition, the renowned University of Texas at Austin is just a short 15-minute drive away. That’s a huge plus for anyone who works at the university and families with college-bound kids who want to stay close to home. Families also love Bartholomew District Park to the south, which comes complete with ball fields, barbecue grills, picnic tables, and a fun splash area for kids.

Architecture styles in Windsor Park include 1950s bungalows, one-story 1970s ranches, beautifully restored historic homes, and newer move-in ready remodels. This eclectic mix only adds to the appeal of the area. The neighborhood association also hosts a “Yard of the Month” competition, so homeowners take extra care to keep their lawns lush and well-maintained.

Pflugerville

Located northeast of Austin, Pflugerville gets its name from the German settlers who first farmed the area. Today, Pflugerville is known for its great outdoors. Pflugerville has over 40 parks and recreational facilities, and 21 undeveloped parks and greenbelts. The neighborhood’s crown jewel is Lake Pflugerville Park, which features a gorgeous 180-acre reservoir, playgrounds, a small beach area, and a place for water activities like fishing, kayaking, and windsurfing.

Despite rapid growth in Pflugerville, housing remains quite affordable for families. Pflugerville has a variety of house styles, but the neighborhood is speckled with its notable prairie-style homes. The community is also close to many corporate campuses in Austin, so it’s an excellent option for parents who want a short commute to work.

What’s the best neighborhood in Austin for your family?

Whether you are a local who knows their way around town or a new resident, Austin has something to offer everyone. But even seasoned Austinites might have trouble deciding on the best neighborhood in Austin for their family. The Orchard team has the neighborhood knowledge you need to buy the perfect home, from home prices to school districts.

And if you’re looking to sell your current Austin home and buy your next dream home, the Orchard Buy & Sell service can help. Instead of waiting for your current house to sell before you can buy your new one, Orchard gives you the ability to shop without your home sale delaying your timeline. We’ll help you make a competitive, non-contingent offer to buy your next home, then sell your current home for top dollar in 120 days or less.

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