10 Walkable Neighborhoods in Austin, TX

It’s long been said that everything’s bigger in Texas. And when it comes to the city of Austin, this sentiment holds true. However, despite its expansive parks and sprawling streets, Austin still boasts pockets of intimate, walkable communities for renters to enjoy.

With a WalkScore® of 56 and BikeScore® of 58, Austin isn’t necessarily always accessible on foot. However, as just mentioned, several hidden gems exist that prove otherwise. If you’re searching for a car-free lifestyle in Austin, or at least one that doesn’t require it on an everyday basis, begin your search with these neighborhoods:

• Downtown Austin
• Mueller
• East Riverside-Oltorf
• Holly
• Hyde Park
• South Congress
• North Loop
• Old West
• Clarksville
• Zilker

Downtown Austin

First up on our list is Downtown Austin, the city’s heart and hub for all things dining, entertainment, and nightlife. Here, residents rarely have to get behind the wheel, as local conveniences and amenities are all just a short stroll away. Whether you’re making a grocery run to Whole Foods, catching a concert at the iconic Moody Center, or hitting up happy hour at a local Tex-Mex spot, downtown living puts you right in the center of it all.

With an impressive WalkScore® of 86, Downtown is a great place to conveniently get some movement in your day. You can take a stroll throughout the grounds of the Texas State Capitol or grab your bike and cycle along the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. If indoor workouts are more your thing, there are also plenty of boutique fitness studios and large gym chains around, making exercise convenient and accessible.

Mueller

Just three miles from Downtown and two miles from the University of Texas at Austin, Mueller is one of the city’s most convenient and accessible communities. Home to local shops, eateries, and entertainment venues, Mueller is an area where you can jump from one place to the next without worrying about congested commutes.

The star of Mueller, from a walkability standpoint, is its selection of parks and green spaces. Mueller Lake Park, a sprawling 30-acre recreational spot, is a favorite among active locals. Southwest Greenway is also another popular spot to get some steps in, home to well-kept winding trails and restored native prairie and wildflower meadows.

East Riverside-Oltorf

Bordering the Colorado River, East Riverside-Oltorf is a great place for Austin’s adventure-seekers. Here, you’ll find some of the best outdoor activities in the city, such as kayaking, paddleboarding, and, of course, waterfront walks along the river. However, East Riverside-Oltorf isn’t exclusive to outdoor lovers. It’s also home to some of the city’s most popular bars, like The Jackalope or Buzz Mill.

Another perk to living in East Riverside-Oltorf is being close to Lady Bird Lake. This 416-acre lake offers endless opportunities for residents to get active while enjoying fantastic views of the Austin skyline. Whether having a sunset picnic or a morning jog, living in East Riverside-Oltorf guarantees you’ll get your dose of movement and nature!

Holly

While on the topic of Lady Bird Lake, let’s talk about Holly. Bordering this outdoor enthusiast’s paradise, Holly is a great place for enjoying a waterfront walk or knocking out some errands on foot. With an impressive WalkScore® of 90, it’s become a prime destination for Austin’s most active. Whether doing some shopping along Cesar Chavez Street, having a night out on 6^th Street, or taking photos along the city’s riverfront, living in Holly promises adventure on every corner.

Hyde Park

Despite its automobile origins, Hyde Park is recognized as one of Austin’s most walkable neighborhoods. First developed in 1891 as a streetcar suburb, this unique community is mobile by design. With an organized grid layout, spacious sidewalks, and convenient access to I-35, Hyde Park is perfect for those who prefer to walk or bike around the city.

While appealing to Austin’s most active, Hyde Park is also a hotspot for local history buffs. The neighborhood is home to various museums, including the Texas Memorial Museum, Elisabet Ney Museum, and sites like the Queen Anne-style Col. Monroe M. Shipe House. This diverse mix of attractions offers residents a chance to explore the different local cultures – and get some steps in while doing so!

South Congress (SoCo)

Along with walkability, you might seek somewhere trendy, colorful, and full of the city’s most upbeat hotspots. In this case, we highly recommend South Congress. Known to locals as SoCo, this hip, energetic community is home to some of the city’s most eclectic bars, art galleries, boutiques, and more. Whether you’re looking to snap a pic in front of the famous “I Love You So Much” mural or see your favorite artist at the Continental Club, there’s endless adventures to be had in SoCo.

North Loop

Though not as trendy as SoCo, North Loop is also home to a diverse mix of businesses, restaurants, and residential streets – all within walking distance from each other! Here, you’ll find coffee shops, bookstores, bars, and even food trucks, all within a few blocks. And scattered amongst these establishments, you’ll also notice colorful murals, vintage accents, and friendly faces everywhere you look.

Old West

Resonating with its name, Old West is one of Austin’s most historic communities. This predominantly residential neighborhood is perfect for those who live a bit of a slower-paced lifestyle. Yes, you can still conveniently hop over to Austin’s urban hub. But you can also seclude yourself in Old West’s tree-dense boulevards and parks like Mayfield Park and Pease Park. Then, when ready to return to the concrete jungle, you can easily bop over to a restaurant, shop, or café along 35^th Street. It’s the best of both worlds!

Clarksville

Another slower-paced alternative to Downtown Austin is Clarksville, a hidden neighborhood with pedestrian-friendly streets and a historic charm that can’t be replicated elsewhere. Many say that Clarksville feels like a small town in the middle of a big city.

Much of this feeling can be attributed to Clarksville’s tight-knit community, which formed because of the area’s walkable streets and accessible local spots. Here, it’s easy to grab a quick coffee with a neighbor at Caffe Medici or split some oysters for lunch at Perla’s. Whether you’re looking to foster connection, get some steps in, or a little bit of both, Clarksville is a great place to call home in Austin!

Zilker

Last on our list is Zilker, a tranquil residential community just across from Lady Bird Lake. Here, you can find residents getting their steps in while shopping along South Lamar Boulevard, exploring the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, or exploring Zilker’s 361-acre namesake park.

While a great place to live, Zilker is also popular among visitors. This area is home to some of the city’s most popular tourist events, like the Austin City Limits Music Festival and Zilker Kite Festival. These events attract people from all over the world and offer the perfect mix of nature, culture, and entertainment.

Explore Apartments for Rent in Austin with Apartments.com

Ready to lace up your walking shoes and explore ATX? Start your Austin apartment search today on Apartments.com! From high-rise Downtown condos to charming Holly bungalows, we have endless apartments for rent in Austin to explore.

Our search filters help you find your ideal Austin rental. Refine your search by price, location, and amenities. Our user-friendly map and list views make it easy to discover properties near your favorite spots, ensuring a convenient Austin rental experience.