We used our proprietary Location Scores to rank the neighborhoods in Austin, Texas based on the following characteristics that matter to young professionals: transit-friendly, parks, groceries, restaurants, cafes, shopping, nightlife, and vibrancy.

Here’s our list of the best neighborhoods for young professionals in Austin:

1. Downtown
2. West Campus
3. Bouldin Creek
4. Old West Austin
5. Hyde Park

Quantifying the characteristics of Austin’s urban neighborhoods

Analyzing Austin for young professionals through location 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.

Location Scores measure amenities close by and mobility patterns around a neighborhood, so homebuyers 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 urban neighborhoods for young professionals as well as the city’s average. We looked at the following scores:

• Transit-friendly: Represents the frequency and level of service of public transit
• Parks: Quantity and area of parks nearby
• Groceries: Distance to closest grocery store and quantity of grocery stores nearby
• Restaurants: Quantity and diversity of restaurants nearby
• Cafes: Quantity and diversity of cafés nearby
• Shopping: Quantity and diversity of shops nearby
• Nightlife: Quantity and diversity of bars nearby
• Vibrancy: Quantity and diversity of bars nearby

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

Ranking the best neighborhoods for young professionals in Austin

Here’s our data-informed list of urban Austin’s top neighborhoods for young professionals:

1. Downtown

It’s no surprise that the Downtown Austin neighborhood is considered to be the “heartbeat” and the “hub” of the whole area. Not only does it offer residents the opportunity to live among its amazing history, but there’s also a thriving entertainment scene.

If you’re into cool architecture and landmarks, you’ll find the Texas State Capitol and the here. If you’re into live music, Downtown is home to venues like Austin City Limits Live at The Moody Theater and Stubbs BBQ. If you’re a foodie, there are quite a few award-winning spots to check out, including La Condesa, Lamberts, and Taverna. When it comes to nightlife, East 6th Street is where it’s at. Lastly, when you want to be outside, take your pick of one of the 20 public green spaces, including Lady Bird Lake.

2. West Campus

The West Campus neighborhood is best known for its diverse population and colorful residences. As the name indicates, the neighborhood is just west of the University of Texas Austin campus, and is home to many students, Greek fraternities, and alumni. The neighborhood offers abundant green space and tree-lined streets, and is very close to the Shoal Creek Greenbelt Trail.

Despite the proximity to the university, it’s not really known for nightlife, but it’s still a vibrant pocket of Austin. Two popular neighborhood spots are Cain and Abel’s bar and Madam Mam’s Thai Cuisine. Other activities include the Blanton Museum of Art and the IMAX theater at the Bob Bullock Texas State History Museum.

3. Bouldin Creek

Bouldin Creek is a diverse, relaxed neighborhood. Most bars are found in nearby neighborhoods, but it boasts quirky stores, hip cafés, and old-school Mexican restaurants. The neighborhood is perfect for young professionals who want a quieter neighborhood to live in. It’s especially popular with singles because of the neighborhood’s reputation as a safe place to live. The area also offers a thriving food truck scene, events at the Long Center for the Arts, a Stevie Ray Vaughn memorial, and the Texas School for the Deaf.

4. Old West Austin

The Old West Austin neighborhood is uniquely composed of three neighborhoods: Old Enfield, Pemberton Heights, and Bryker Woods. A lot of the homes in the area have kept their character. If you’re an active young professional, you’ll love the 42-acre Pease Park. It has a number of jogging trails, a beautiful creek, and outdoor events where you can connect with other folks in your community. The area offers a ton of local shops, restaurants, and is a stone’s throw from downtown and south Austin.

5. Hyde Park

Considered to be Austin’s first suburb, Hyde Park is a residential pocket full of tree-lined streets, Queen Anne, and Tudor Revivals. Hyde Park is a must-consider for young professionals that are into architecture or like quaint neighborhoods. The area is not really known for being vibrant or offering nightlife options, but its key landmark is the Elisabet Ney Museum. If you’re looking for places to mingle, there are a number of coffee houses and cafés to post up at.

Finding the right neighborhood in Austin for your career

If you value green space and slower living that’s still close to nightlife options, one of our top five best neighborhoods for young professionals in Austin could be an excellent choice. There are plenty of third-place options to meet others in your age group, or find new graduates you can mentor.

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.