Quantifying the characteristics of the best neighborhoods in Austin for families

Analyzing Austin through data

Local Logic builds location intelligence solutions to help home seekers and investors find opportunities that are most suited to their preferences and requirements. We draw upon thousands of data points to develop 18 proprietary Location Scores to provide street and neighborhood-level insights.

Our Location Scores measure amenities close by and mobility patterns around a neighborhood, so homebuyers and renters can better understand and assess a location. Using our location insights, you can find properties based on specific characteristics, such as proximity to schools or quiet neighborhoods, and make more informed decisions on where to live.

Benchmarking neighborhood scores against Austin’s average scores

Below you’ll find the Location Scores for the best Austin neighborhoods for families as well as the city’s average. We analyzed the locations by the following family-friendly scores:

• Quiet: Level of noise nearby
• Pedestrian-friendly: Represents how many stores and institutions are nearby and how pleasant it is to walk to them
• Parks: Quantity and area of parks nearby
• Groceries: Distance to closest grocery store and quantity of grocery stores nearby
• Elementary Schools: Distance to closest elementary school
• High Schools: Distance to closest high school

Then, we ranked each neighborhood by a composite score of all these factors out of 10.

Ranking the best Austin neighborhoods for young families

Here’s our data-informed list of urban Austin’s most family-friendly neighborhoods:

1. Hyde Park

Hyde Park is a neighborhood and historic district sitting just north of the University of Texas. You and your family can immerse yourselves in rich history and culture every single day through the many historic buildings in the neighborhood. Some of the most noteworthy ones include the Elisabet Ney Museum and Blue Bonnet Court.

There are a lot of gems in the Hyde Park dining scene, including Antonelli’s Cheese Shop and Vamanos, a Tex-Mex spot. After visiting the former, many folks like to have family picnics at nearby Shipe Park and take a dip in the park’s pools during the summer months. The schools in Hyde Park are managed through Austin’s independent school district, and include Lee Elementary School and McCallum High School.

2. Central East Austin

Central East Austin is an up-and-coming neighborhood with a lot of diverse residents and a historically Black neighborhood. It’s also incredibly family-friendly as the home of Austin Pearls Pediatric Dentistry, a highly rated and well-loved dental clinic for children in the neighborhood. There are trendy restaurants like Paperboy, live music venues, and some of the best barbecue and Jamaican food along East 11th Street.

You and your family can immerse yourselves in local African-American history at the George Washington Carver Museum, or learn about Austin’s most beloved musicians at the Texas Music Museum. From Monday to Friday, your children can add to their learning at schools like Blackshear Elementary School and Garza Independence High School.

3. Brentwood

Brentwood is a younger neighborhood in Austin, with less than 20% of the population being over the age of 65. The area is known for welcoming younger and new residents, and even has a Wall of Welcome. It’s definitely a more laid back neighborhood, best known for its old-fashioned hamburger spots like Dan’s Hamburgers, and abundance of green space.

Enjoy family time in Brentwood Neighborhood Park playing baseball, tennis, or soccer. If you have a family dog, there’s a spot for them as well. There are quite a few schools in the neighborhood, too, like Brentwood Elementary School and Huntington-Surrey School for your high schoolers.

4. Rosedale

The Rosedale neighborhood is primarily residential, and has a lot of homes that date back to the 1930s and 1940s. The neighborhood website describes the population as a “fabulous blend of young families, single professionals, and original owners who raised their children here and have many tales to tell.” If you’re looking for things to do with your family within the neighborhood, visit Ramsey Park for swimming and other sports activities, or take a hike/bike along the Shoal Creek Greenbelt.

When you’re ready to eat, pop into one of the Mexican spots or modern Japanese restaurants. There are many schools to choose from in the area, the most popular being Rosedale School. If you happen to have children with special needs, this renowned school will ensure that they have the best educational experience.

5. Old West Austin

Old West Austin is home to an historic district that dates back to the 1800s. The history, diverse residents, and one of the oldest oak trees in Texas are only a few things that make this neighborhood special. The neighborhood is considered to be an early example of “city planning excellence” and is built around green spaces and a strong public transit system. Families love spending time in Pease Park, which offers a creek, jogging trails, and a number of community events.

Old West Austin is home to some of the most unique restaurants, art experiences, and shops. If you want to get your kids into antique shopping, Whit Hanks Antiques is a must-visit with its several antique shops contained in an old Coca-Cola bottling facility. The public schools, including Eastside Early College High School, are very highly rated.

Finding the right neighborhood in Austin for your family

Now that we’ve given you our list of the top five best neighborhoods in Austin for families, we hope you feel more equipped for your potential move to the area. No matter what you like to do as a family, there’s something for everyone. To us, Austin is a great place for young families who are looking for a fresh start and to be a part of welcoming communities. We don’t think you can go wrong with any of these best neighborhoods for families in Austin.

Our Location Scores are available through Local Content on many of our partner sites and their real estate listings in Austin. When searching for your next home, or a new neighborhood, you can look for specific characteristics on each individual listing to find the perfect place for you and your family.