Discovering the Best Neighborhoods in Austin: A Guide to the Most Popular Zip Codes

Are you considering a move to the vibrant city of Austin, Texas? With so many unique neighborhoods to choose from, it can be overwhelming to find the perfect area for your lifestyle. That’s where zip codes come in – they provide a helpful way to narrow your home search and get to know Austin’s distinct vibes.From the trendy bars of East Austin to the family-friendly suburbs, use this comprehensive guide to explore popular Austin zip codes and their corresponding neighborhoods. We’ve got all the key details covered to help you find your new dream location!

Downtown Austin (78701)

Right in the heart of the city is the 78701 zip code containing downtown Austin’s central business district. This area is packed with:

• High-rise condos and apartments – luxury urban living in the center of it all
• Office buildings and hotels – major employment hub and tourist destination
• Bars, restaurants, entertainment venues – vibrant nightlife and dining scene
• 6th Street Entertainment District – famous party street lined with bars and clubs
• Rainey Street Historic District – hip converted bungalows housing bars and restaurants
• Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail – beautiful urban trail looping the lake
• Texas State Capitol – iconic downtown landmark and tourist attraction
• Congress Avenue shopping and dining – major retail and restaurant corridor

The 78701 zip code offers a walkable urban lifestyle with easy access to Austin’s famous nightlife scene. It’s an ideal location for young professionals, couples, and anyone wanting to be in the center of it all.

East Austin (78702, 78721, 78722, 78723, 78724)

Just east of downtown are the trendy neighborhoods contained in the 78702, 78721, 78722, 78723, and 78724 zip codes, including:

• Holly (78702) – Hip neighborhood with renovated bungalows and new condos
• East Cesar Chavez (78702) – Trendy bars, restaurants, and food trucks
• Govalle (78721) – Historic Hispanic neighborhood being revitalized
• Cherrywood (78723) – Quirky area with artsy vibe and annual art fair
• Windsor Park (78723) – Affordable family-friendly neighborhood
• Mueller (78723) – New urbanist mixed-use development with parks and trails
• University Hills (78723) – Established neighborhood near UT campus

East Austin has experienced rapid growth and gentrification, transforming into a hotspot for dining, nightlife, and entertainment like:

• East 6th Street bars and restaurants – Popular strip of hip hangouts
• Whisler’s Cocktail Lounge – Upscale craft cocktail bar in former house
• Blue Starlite Mini Urban Drive-In – Funky outdoor movie theater
• Franklin Barbecue – Renowned BBQ joint with long lines
• Lady Bird Lake boardwalk – Scenic waterfront trail on the lake’s east side

These zip codes offer a mix of renovated bungalows, new apartment complexes, and condos with an eclectic, bohemian vibe popular with millennials, artists, and musicians.

South Austin (78704)

For a laid-back atmosphere, the 78704 zip code covers iconic neighborhoods like:

• Travis Heights – Historic district with tree-lined streets and bungalow homes
• Bouldin Creek – Quirky area with funky shops, cafes, and food trucks
• Barton Hills – Affluent neighborhood with luxury homes near Zilker Park

This area is known for keeping Austin weird with funky local businesses, food trucks, and a counterculture spirit. Don’t miss 78704 highlights like:

• South Congress Avenue shops and restaurants – Trendy dining and retail strip
• Barton Creek Greenbelt hiking trails – Beautiful natural urban escape
• Zilker Park and Barton Creek Pool – Huge park with trails, pools, and recreation
• Austin’s Hike and Bike Trail – Beloved trail looping Lady Bird Lake
• Numerous food trucks and breweries – Some of Austin’s best mobile eateries

The 78704 zip code has a mix of historic bungalows and modern condos/apartments, appealing to families, creatives, and anyone wanting a quieter vibe still close to downtown.

Southwest Austin (78735, 78736, 78738, 78739, 78749)

Those seeking a suburban feel will love the master-planned communities found in these southwest Austin zip codes:

• Circle C Ranch (78739) – Large upscale neighborhood with great amenities
• Shady Hollow (78739) – Family-friendly community with parks and trails
• Oak Hill (78735, 78738) – Established area with affordable older homes
• Maple Run (78738) – Newer subdivision with community pool and green spaces
• Covered Bridge (78738) – Luxury gated golf course community
• Village at Western Oaks (78749) – Mixed-use development with shopping

These family-friendly neighborhoods offer:

• Abundant green spaces and parks – Plenty of areas for outdoor recreation
• Circle C Ranch Metropolitan Park – Huge park with sports fields and hiking trails
• Slaughter Creek Trail – Greenbelt trail winding through southwest Austin
• Alamo Drafthouse and shopping in the Arbor Trails area – Entertainment and retail
• Easy downtown access via MoPac Expressway – Quick commute to the city center
• Access to trails like the Veloway – Outdoor recreation opportunities

With new construction homes, top-rated schools, community pools and amenities, these zip codes are perfect for families wanting a quieter lifestyle outside the city center.

Central Austin (78703, 78705, 78731, 78751, 78756, 78757)

In the geographic heart of Austin are the central 78703, 78705, 78731, 78751, 78756, and 78757 zip codes containing popular areas like:

• Hyde Park (78751) – Historic district with grand homes and bungalows
• North Loop (78756) – Hip area with vintage shops and eateries
• Rosedale (78756) – Charming neighborhood with tree-lined streets
• Allandale (78757) – Family-friendly area with parks and recreation
• West Campus (78705) – Lively neighborhood next to UT Austin
• Old West Austin (78703) – Affluent area with luxury mansions

These neighborhoods offer a pleasant mix of quiet, tree-lined streets and urban amenities near:

• Shipe Park and Pool – Neighborhood park with swimming pool
• Hancock Golf Course – Municipal golf course dating back to 1899
• Guadalupe Street dining and nightlife – “Drag” next to UT with restaurants and bars
• Hyde Park Theater – Intimate community theater in former baptist church
• Hemphill Park – Large park with sports fields and swimming pool

Central Austin zip codes have a wide range of housing from historic bungalows to modern condos and apartments. They appeal to UT students/faculty, young professionals, and families wanting a central location.

Northwest Austin (78726, 78727, 78729, 78750, 78758, 78759)

The northwest region covers affluent planned communities and major employers like Apple, Dell, and Samsung. Popular neighborhoods include:

• Anderson Mill (78729) – Family-friendly subdivision with great schools
• Canyon Creek (78759) – Upscale neighborhood with luxury homes
• Great Hills (78759) – Established area with parks and trails
• Jester Estates (78750) – Gated community with golf course and amenities
• Village at Northridge (78758) – Mixed-use development with shopping

Top attractions in these northwest zip codes:

• The Domain shopping/dining/entertainment district – Upscale outdoor mall
• Arboretum area shopping and restaurants – Retail and dining hub
• Lakeline Mall – Major indoor shopping mall
• Numerous tech company campuses – Major employment center

These zip codes offer a range of home styles and prices, from starter homes to multi-million dollar luxury estates in gated golf communities.

North Austin (78752, 78753, 78754, 78758)

Just north of the city center are the residential 78752, 78753, 78754, and 78758 zip codes containing neighborhoods such as:

• Milwood (78754) – Affordable family neighborhood with community pool
• Parmer Village (78753) – New master-planned community near tech employers
• Scofield Farms (78758) – Upscale subdivision with great schools
• Highland Meadows (78753) – Newer development with parks and trails

These areas provide a suburban feel while still being a reasonable commute to downtown Austin. Highlights include:

• Parmer Lane shopping and dining – Retail and restaurant hub
• Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park – Large park with hiking trails
• Easy access to I-35 and Mopac – Major transportation corridors
• Affordable housing options – Moderately priced homes
• Top-rated Round Rock ISD schools – Excellent public schools

Northeast Austin (78723, 78724, 78730, 78753)

The 78723, 78724, 78730, and 78753 zip codes make up northeast Austin, with neighborhoods like:

• Windsor Park (78723) – Established area with affordable older homes
• University Hills (78723) – Conveniently located near UT campus
• Mueller (78723) – New urbanist mixed-use development with parks and trails
• Coronado Hills (78724) – Upscale neighborhood with luxury homes
• Highland Park (78753) – Family-friendly area with community amenities

This area offers a blend of older affordable homes and new construction in the Mueller development. Top attractions:

• Mueller Lake Park and trails – Scenic park in new Mueller community
• University of Texas Golf Course – Public course owned by UT Austin
• HEB grocery stores and shopping – Major grocery chain and retail
• Easy highway access – Quick routes to downtown and other areas

Round Rock (78664, 78665, 78680, 78681, 78683)

The major Austin suburb of Round Rock contains booming neighborhoods within these zip codes:

• Forest Creek (78665) – Master-planned community with golf course
• Brushy Creek (78681) – Newer neighborhood with community amenities
• Paloma Lake (78665) – Upscale subdivision with luxury homes
• Cat Hollow (78681) – Family-friendly area with great schools
• Renaissance (78665) – Gated community with resort-style amenities

And major employers like Dell Technologies’ headquarters. Don’t miss:

• Round Rock Premium Outlets – Outdoor mall with brand-name stores
• Dell Diamond baseball stadium – Home of the Round Rock Express minor league team
• Old Settlers Park – Large park with sports fields and trails
• Numerous tech campuses – Major employment hub
• Easy access to I-35 and SH-45 – Key transportation routes

Pflugerville (78660, 78691)

Another fast-growing Austin suburb, the 78660 and 78691 zip codes cover Pflugerville neighborhoods like:

• Falcon Pointe (78660) – Master-planned community with amenities
• Highland Park (78660) – Established neighborhood with affordable homes
• Avalon (78660) – Upscale subdivision with community pool
• Pflugerville Estates (78660) – Older area with ranch-style homes
• Springbrook (78660) – New development near major employers

This area provides very affordable housing options compared to central Austin, plus:

• Pflugerville Lake and parks – Recreation areas with trails
• Hawaiian Falls waterpark – Popular summertime destination
• Shopping/dining along FM 685 – Retail and restaurant corridor
• Short commute to major tech employers – Easy access to major firms

Buda (78610)

Just south of Austin is the city of Buda in the 78610 zip code, with neighborhoods such as:

• Garlic Creek (78610) – Master-planned community with amenities
• Whispering Hollow (78610) – Family-friendly subdivision
• Cullen Country (78610) – Upscale gated golf course community
• Meadows at Buda (78610) – Newer development near parks
• Downtown Buda historic district – Charming old town area

It offers a mix of affordable older homes and new construction communities close to:

• Main Street dining and shopping – Quaint downtown area
• Stonehill Town Center – Shopping, dining, and entertainment hub
• Parks along Onion Creek – Natural areas for hiking and recreation
• Easy access to I-35 and Austin airport – Key transportation routes

Bastrop (78602)

East of Austin is the scenic city of Bastrop in the 78602 zip code, including areas like:

• Hunters Crossing (78602) – Upscale golf course community
• Piney Ridge Estates (78602) – Newer subdivision near parks
• Colovista (78602) – Waterfront community on Lake Bastrop
• Pecan Shores (78602) – Lakefront neighborhood with boat access
• Downtown Bastrop – Historic district with shops and dining

Surrounded by parks and the Colorado River, Bastrop offers:

• Historic downtown district – Charming area with local businesses
• Lake Bastrop – Recreational lake with fishing, boating, and parks
• Nearby state parks – Outdoor destinations like Buescher and Bastrop State Park.

Lake Travis (78645, 78654, 78657, 78734)

To the west are the 78645, 78654, 78657, and 78734 zip codes containing luxury Lake Travis communities such as:

• Spanish Oaks (78654) – Gated golf course community on Lake Travis
• Rough Hollow (78654) – Upscale lakefront neighborhood with marina
• Lakeway (78734) – Affluent area with waterfront homes and amenities
• The Hills (78654) – Exclusive community with multi-million dollar homes
• Hudson Bend (78734) – Newer development with lake access

This area is known for multi-million dollar lakefront homes and resort amenities like:

• Waterfront dining and marinas – Restaurants and docks on Lake Travis
• State parks like Longhorn Cavern – Natural attractions for outdoor recreation
• Upscale golf communities – High-end courses and club amenities
• Lake Travis Zipline Adventures – Aerial adventure park over the lake
• Hill Country wineries along US-290 – Vineyards and tasting rooms

No matter your desired vibe – urban, suburban, quirky, luxurious, family-friendly – you can find it within Austin’s diverse zip codes and neighborhoods. The key is researching ahead of time to find the right area that fits your budget, lifestyle, and wish list.Work with an experienced local realtor to help narrow your home search by zip code. Choosing the ideal Austin neighborhood will make all the difference in your long-term happiness!

Austin In the Know