If you’re thinking about moving to Austin—or maybe you’re already here and looking for a fresh start in a new neighborhood—you’ve got options—a lot of them.
Austin has something for everyone. Walkable areas with coffee shops and music on every corner. Quiet suburbs that are perfect for raising a family. Up-and-coming neighborhoods where you can still find a good deal if you look closely. But with so many choices, it’s easy to feel stuck wondering, “Where should I even start?”
At 5Ton Movers, we’ve helped thousands of people move across every corner of Austin. We see firsthand which neighborhoods people are flocking to, which ones offer the most bang for your buck, and what kind of moves happen in each area—so we thought we’d share what we know.
If you’re moving to Austin (or just moving within it), here’s a local-friendly breakdown of neighborhoods people love—and why we think they’re worth checking out.
South Congress (SoCo)
Best for: Young professionals, creatives, city energy lovers
SoCo is an iconic Austin community with colorful murals, live music, taco joints, and indie shops. If you love being at the heart of things, this neighborhood delivers. However, it’s worth noting that apartments here tend to sell quickly, and parking can be a challenge.
From a moving standpoint, we recommend checking in with your building or landlord about parking permits and loading zones before move day. At 5Ton Movers, we’ve moved countless people in and out of this area, and we’ve developed tricks for navigating narrow streets and tight timelines.
East Austin
Best for: Artists, foodies, remote workers, and anyone who loves the mix of old and new
East Austin has experienced significant growth in the past few years. It’s got an excellent mix of historic homes, new builds, and cool converted warehouses. The food scene is unbeatable, and there’s a real sense of community here.
You’ll find everything from small studios to multi-level townhomes, which means moving situations vary. Some homes don’t have plentiful street parking, and others have alleyway access—just stuff to plan around. We always recommend a quick walkthrough before move day so our crew knows what to expect.
Mueller
Best for: Families, young professionals, people who love green spaces
Mueller is one of those master-planned communities that feels like a neighborhood. You’ve got parks, trails, farmers’ markets, and a walkable setup.
Most homes and apartments here are newer, so move-ins are usually smooth. Elevators work, driveways are wide, and loading zones are marked. From a mover’s perspective, this is one of the easiest spots in Austin to work in—and a big reason why people love it.
North Loop
Best for: Students, renters, people who want a little weird with their calm
North Loop flies somewhat under the radar, but it has a ton of charm. It’s close to UT and Hyde Park, has affordable rental homes, and still feels super local. Think dive bars, vintage shops, and long-time Austinites who’ve been there since the 70s.
Many of the houses here are older, which can mean narrow doorways or steep driveways. We’ve successfully relocated numerous students and first-time renters into this area, and it’s helpful to have a team that can identify potential challenges ahead of time.
South Austin (Zilker, Bouldin Creek, Travis Heights)
Best for: Nature lovers, families, and folks who want to be near the action without being in it
These neighborhoods are just across the river from downtown but feel like their own little pocket of calm. You’re close to Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and all the weekend stuff people come to Austin for.
Many of the homes here are mid-century or updated bungalows with unique layouts. Every house is different, which means moving can get interesting. We’ve moved upright pianos, vintage furniture, and massive patio sets in and out of this area, and we always plan for weird corners or sharp staircases.
Round Rock & Pflugerville (just north of Austin)
Best for: Families, commuters, and anyone who wants space without being too far from the city
Technically, outside of Austin, these two suburbs are among the most popular destinations for people relocating from the city core. You’ll find newer homes, good schools, and just the right amount of breathing room.
Moves out here tend to be bigger—more bedrooms, bigger furniture, more boxes. We recommend giving yourself extra time to pack and prep if you’re heading this way. Our team at 5Ton Movers helps with everything from full-family moves to garage cleanouts, so if you’re looking for a fresh start in the suburbs, we’ve got you covered.
A Few Tips When Picking a Neighborhood
No matter where you’re thinking about moving, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Walk the neighborhood at different times of day
- Ask about parking, especially for apartments or duplexes
- Think about your commute, even if you work remotely (you’ll still want to get around)
- Call your movers early—the good crews book up fast in Austin, especially in spring and summer
What are the average rental prices in each neighborhood mentioned?
Rental prices can vary significantly depending on the neighborhood and type of housing.
- In South Congress (SoCo), rental prices tend to be on the higher side due to its popularity, often ranging from $1,800 to over $3,000 for apartments.
- East Austin has seen growth in pricing, typically ranging from $1,500 to $2,800.
- In Mueller, you might find newer homes averaging between $2,000 and $3,500.
- North Loop offers more affordable options, with prices typically ranging from $1,200 to $2,000.
- For South Austin neighborhoods like Zilker and Bouldin Creek, rents can range from $1,800 to over $3,200, depending on the property.
- Round Rock and Pflugerville, being further out, often have more competitive pricing, generally ranging from $1,500 to $2,500.
It’s always a good idea to check current listings for the most accurate and up-to-date rental prices.
Pricing Resources
- https://www.rentcafe.com/apartments-for-rent/us/tx/austin/78704/
- https://www.zillow.com/soco-austin-tx/rentals/
- https://www.rentcafe.com/apartments-for-rent/us/tx/austin/east-austin/
- https://www.zillow.com/east-austin-austin-tx/rentals/
- https://www.apartments.com/mueller-austin-tx/
- https://www.zillow.com/mueller-austin-tx/rentals/
- https://www.zillow.com/north-loop-austin-tx/rentals/
- https://www.apartments.com/north-loop-austin-tx/
- https://www.rentcafe.com/apartments-for-rent/us/tx/austin/78704/
- https://www.zillow.com/bouldin-creek-austin-tx/rentals/
- https://www.apartments.com/round-rock-tx/
- https://www.zillow.com/round-rock-tx/rentals/
- https://www.apartments.com/pflugerville-tx/
- https://www.zillow.com/pflugerville-tx/rentals/
School quality and amenities can vary greatly among the neighborhoods in Austin.
In South Congress (SoCo), you’ll find a mix of highly rated schools and unique local amenities, such as coffee shops and parks. Although the area is more known for its vibrant nightlife and artistic culture than for family-oriented facilities. East Austin also offers some good schools, and its amenities include a growing number of restaurants, parks, and community spaces, making it appealing for families and young adults alike.
Mueller features newer developments and family-oriented amenities, including parks and community events, making its schools popular among families. North Loop has access to some good local schools, but amenities tend to lean more towards vintage shops and local eateries, reflecting a more laid-back vibe.
South Austin neighborhoods like Zilker and Bouldin Creek offer access to excellent schools and outdoor amenities, including Zilker Park and Barton Springs, which are great for families. Round Rock and Pflugerville, although technically outside Austin, offer well-rated schools and ample amenities, including shopping centers and recreational parks, and tend to be more suburban, making them well-suited for families.
For specific school ratings and amenities, it’s best to check local resources or school district websites for the most accurate comparisons.
Resources:
- https://www.greatschools.org/texas/missouri-city/2550-E-A-Jones-Elementary-School/
- https://www.austintexas.gov/department/zilker-metropolitan-park
- https://www.austintexas.gov/department/barton-springs-pool
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right neighborhood in Austin is about more than just where you can afford the rent or mortgage—it’s about finding a place that feels like home.
Whether you’re heading for an apartment in East Austin, a family home in Round Rock, or a cozy rental in North Loop, knowing what to expect on move day can make the whole process way smoother.
At 5Ton Movers, we’ve worked in just about every zip code in this city, and we’re always happy to share what we know. If you’ve got questions about moving to Austin—or need a crew that’s easy to work with—we’re here when you’re ready.
