Buying a House
Although it seems that housing costs are rising faster than other expenses in Austin, actual costs are still competitive when compared to cities now attracting similar industries and people. All areas of Austin have pockets of good residential properties, and new developments in and around the city have added a variety of beautiful, accessible and competitively priced neighborhoods. In 1st quarter 2003, the median price for an existing single-family home was $157,700.

Source: Greater Austin Chamber Website

Austin Neighborhoods Council
The Austin Neighborhoods Council acts as a coordinating body for the efforts of Austin area neighborhood groups and as a clearinghouse for information.

Information on Austin Area Neighborhood Associations

Information on Neighborhood Crime Statistics

Renting an Apartment
The Austin region's apartment market in the second quarter of 2003 averaged 86.5 percent occupancy citywide, with rents at 82 cents per square foot.

Source: Greater Austin Chamber Website

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Neighborhoods
Austin offers something for everyone, boasting a diverse range of neighborhoods within and around the city limits. Newcomers can locate housing options near every employment center in the Austin area.

Central Austin - Central Austin is seeing a revitalization in its housing market, with several loft renovations and the introduction of new housing to historical structures such as the Brown Building. You can find apartment and condominium developments near the Central Business District, the Capitol Complex and the entertainment district, or you can choose to live in the historic communities that surround the University of Texas, where Victorian and craftsman-style homes are available.

East Austin - Diversity among the neighborhoods east of I-35 includes groundbreaking master-planned communities, neighborhoods that sprang up in the first half of the century and homes that reflect Austin's Victorian roots.

West Austin - West of downtown to Lake Travis, neighborhoods range from student rentals, and tastefully updated homes to some of the area's most exclusive environs.

North Austin - Close-in North Austin neighborhoods offer optimal access to the city's north industrial market at an affordable price. Many of the city's new apartment complexes are located in the North Austin area.

Northwest Austin - This area is one of Austin's fastest-growing sectors, drawing services like Seton Northwest Hospital, as well as considerable retail attention.

Far Northwest Austin - Newly developed master-planned communities combine elegant new homes with substantial acreage and terrific access to the lakes, the wealth of retailers at Lakeline Mall and new employment centers.

Lake Travis - As Austin's first and one of its most elegant master-planned communities, Lake Travis offers residents superior access to lake recreation and numerous golf courses.

South Austin - Quirky and a little eccentric, South Austin features the eclectic SOCO shopping district (check out First Thursdays), older close-in neighborhoods like Travis Heights and Zilker as well as the 4,000-acre master-planned community of Circle C Ranch.

Far South Austin – “Bedroom” communities like Manchaca, Buda and Kyle offer country living—from large "spreads" to cozy cottages—within easy reach of the city.

Southeast Austin - Southeast Austin is experiencing a transformation accompanying the new airport and Advanced Micro Devices' new chip plant.

Southwest Austin - Southwest Austin offers the extraordinary natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country and the challenges of strict environmental ordinances.

San Marcos - The city of San Marcos, south of Austin, is a charming community with a river winding its way through small streets and a historic university reigning on the hill. With shady streets and friendly neighbors, San Marcos attracts many who want to escape the everyday bustle of the big city. Affordable homes are available in master-planned communities.

Round Rock and Pflugerville - Two of the fastest growing cities in the area, Round Rock and Pflugerville offer close proximity to new employment centers as well as newly built homes.

Georgetown - Georgetown is being transformed from a quiet county seat to a bustling hot spot. With the creation last year of the Sun City Georgetown retirement community, steady growth has given way to an out-and-out boom. 

Source: Greater Austin Chamber of Commerce Website

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