Austin owes its enormous population growth over the past decade to several factors; its burgeoning tech-industry presence, its nationally renowned restaurant scene, and its reasonable (albeit rapidly increasing) real estate prices have all bolstered the city’s popularity. Austin also claimed this year’s top spot on WalletHub’s “Best State Capitals to Live In.” However, for families seeking a home with urban amenities, plenty of green space, and excellent schools, Austin’s high marks for public education may be its most appealing attribute.

The majority of the neighborhoods within Austin city limits are served by the Austin Independent School District (AISD), a system encompassing 130 schools ranging from kindergarten through high school. The AISD regularly earns impressive ratings from the Texas Education Agency and boasts a high school graduation rate of over 90 percent.

Although the AISD spans across many communities, certain neighborhoods are home to especially strong schools and, as a result, feature plenty of kid-friendly local amenities as well as a housing inventory conducive to growing families. These five Austin neighborhoods serve as prime examples of ideal places for families with school-aged children. 

North Burnet

Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park | Mark Scott - CC BY-SA 2.0

A peaceful residential community on Austin’s northern border, North Burnet benefits from close proximity to the Texas Hill Country and the multitude of outdoor activities available there, as well as the perks of its position within Austin proper.

The neighborhood includes popular restaurants and bars, along with excellent shopping available at The Domain, one of the largest malls in the Austin metropolitan area. Combined with North Burnet’s access to large public green spaces like Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park, these attributes make North Burnet a great pick for families seeking an environment that’s both urban and suburban.

North Burnet falls within the Austin Independent School District boundaries, and the majority of local students attend Hill Elementary School and Anderson High School, which both earned top scores from GreatSchools. The neighborhood also contains numerous private schools, like Harmony School of Science and Dragon Tribe International School.

In terms of housing inventory, North Burnet offers a fairly even split between attached homes (like condos and townhouses) and single-family residences. Home values in North Burnet tend to fall in the lower range for Austin proper, with current sale prices starting in the mid $100s and topping off in the high $100s. The median sale price hovers in the high $100s.

North Loop

A vibrant area for dining and nightlife as well as a popular spot among University of Texas students and faculty (due to its location right next to campus), North Loop offers plenty of public transportation options and an urban pace of life. Pockets of the neighborhood, particularly toward the northern border, feature serene, suburban-style blocks and single-family homes. 

Also served by the Austin Independent School District, North Loop includes public school choices like Brentwood Elementary School, O. Henry Middle School, and Mccallum High School. Private schools like the preparatory Griffin School and the Odyssey School are also additional educational options for North Loop residents. 

Because North Loop is a widely desirable Austin neighborhood, property values can skew a bit higher than those found in more far-flung regions. Attached homes and single-family homes comprise the majority of North Loop’s inventory, and prices range from the high $100s to the mid $900s, with a median value in the low $400s. 

Rosedale

A close-knit North Central Austin neighborhood close to the university and popular among Austinites looking to settle in for the long haul, Rosedale takes pride in its clean and quiet streets and its thorough embrace of small-town spirit tempered with urban perks like bars, restaurants, and exposure to the arts.

Rosedale features top-rated restaurants like Uchiko, convivial neighborhood pubs like Draught House, and the beautiful Ramsay Neighborhood Park, where residents can see live musical and theatrical performances, including Shakespearean productions from local troupes like Something for Nothing.

Rosedale also falls within the Austin Independent School District, and local students attend institutions like Casis Elementary School and Mccallum High School. Private schools in the area include ACE Academy for the Gifted and Talented and Paragon Prep School.

Attached homes and single-family homes make up the majority of Rosedale’s available housing, and current prices range from the low $300s to $1.5 million, with a median sale price in the high $500s. 

Barton Creek

Barton Creek | JCutrer - Wiki Commons

An Austin suburb located south of the city and characterized by high property values, Barton Creek qualifies as a master-planned community and therefore includes many family-friendly amenities. Residents have access to a country club, fitness center, golf course, tennis courts, playgrounds, and numerous pools.

Barton Creek belongs to the Eanes Independent School District, a high-performing system that earned “Met Standards” ratings at each of its nine campuses from the Texas Education Agency. Barton Creek residents can send their children to schools like Barton Creek Elementary School, West Ridge Middle School, and Cedar Creek Elementary School. 

Homes in Barton Creek carry high price tags due to the area’s amenities, close proximity to Austin proper, and well-regarded schools. Most Barton Creek residences are attached or single-family homes, with prices ranging from the mid $400s to $10.7 million, with a median sale price of just over $1.1 million. 

Canyon Creek

A northwest Austin master-planned community with relatively reasonable home prices, Canyon Creek is a solid choice for families looking for amenities without the top-dollar requirements of areas like Barton Creek. Canyon Creek residents have access to a large community pool, playgrounds, outdoor tennis courts, and much more. 

Although it falls within Austin city limits, Canyon Creek belongs to the Round Rock Independent School District, a system with “Met Standards” ratings and a graduation rate exceeding 90 percent. Canyon Creek kids typically attend Canyon Creek Elementary School, Canyon Vista Middle School, and Westwood High School.

Attached homes and single-family homes are the name of the real estate game at Canyon Creek, and prices range from the mid $300s to the mid $500s, with a median sale price in the mid $400s.