About Austin

Neighborhood Guide

CENTRAL AUSTIN

Central Austin is an awesome part of the city to settle in, with great restaurants, shopping spots, parks, markets, and history all packed into one area. However, as you can imagine the rent is higher than in the other Austin areas. The public transportation options are easier to find here with several routes throughout the city, with most routes North/South and very few East/West. The nearby Lady Bird Lake Hike-and-Bike Trail is a great place to walk, run, or ride a bike. North of the University of Texas is Hyde Park (a popular spot among University students) so look early if you want this area. It has great locally owned food places, coffee shops, and even a cheese shop.  A little farther north are more established residential areas and the medical district as well. Overall, Central Austin is a fun and exciting place to settle, and very fun to visit. With a great and lively downtown, good nightlife, awesome restaurants and outdoor opportunities, you'll love this part of town.

        • Central Austin: Entertainment

          • Events at the Harry Ransom Center

          • Tour of the State Capitol

          • Downtown Farmer’s Market

          • Rainey Street

          • Blanton and UT Museums

          • Austin Central Library

        • Central Austin Restaurants

          • Vaquero Taquero

          • Foods Heads

          • Quack’s 43rd St. Bakery

          • Thai Kitchen

          • Clay Pit

          • Crown & Anchor Pub

          • Texas French Bread

          • Counter Cafe

        • Central Austin: Housing

          • Mauna Kai

          • Starwest Condominiums

          • West 24th Street Apartments

EAST AUSTIN

East Austin, a unique and "cool" area, is a rare gem. Many young people have moved to East Austin in recent years, and who can blame them? With coffee shops, bars, and breweries popping up all the time, it's definitely the place to be. This side of I-35 has a thriving art scene and plenty of local food and hangout spots. East Austin definitely has a lot to offer.  

When it comes to housing options, there aren't as many popular complexes in East as there are in other parts of Austin, but there are definitely affordable options for independent housing. Check out AmeriCorps housing Facebook groups for people looking for roommates and for available leases! 

        • East Austin: Entertainment

          • The White Horse

          • Millennium Youth Entertainment

          • Lustre Pearl East

          • Blue Starlite Mini-Urban Drive-in

          • Mueller: Lake Park

          • Rosewood Park and Pool

          • Boggy Creek Greenbelt

        • East Austin: Restaurants

          • ElChilito

          • Quickie Pickie

          • Juan in a Million

          • Cenote

          • Golden Tiger

          • Bennu Coffee

          • Kebabalicious

          • Joe’s Bakery

        • East Central: Housing

          • Eastside Commons

          • M Station Apartments – Foundation Communities

          • Elan East Apartments

          • 7 East Apartments

          • Elm Ridge Apartments

          • Springdale Estate


SOUTH AUSTIN

South Austin is a charming area with a whole lot to do! Home to the famous area now referred to as SOCO (South Congress St.), South Austin has a lot of great shopping, famous murals, great parks, awesome restaurants, bars, coffee shops, and affordable housing. South Austin is definitely a part of the city that has everything you need in one place, while also being pretty easily accessible to downtown as compared to Southeast. You could walk up South Congress to shop and eat and then continue across the bridge to the downtown area in under 30 minutes. Because there is so much to do, this area is a very popular living destination, so expect to find higher apartment prices than in Southeast Austin. However, by looking a bit further south toward 290 and west toward South Lamar, you will definitely be able to find housing within the Americorps limited budget.

        • South Austin: Entertainment

          • Radio Coffee

          • Umlauf Sculpture Garden

          • Half Price Books 

          • Peter Pan Mini Golf

          • Broken Spoke

          • Opa

          • Moontower Saloon

        • South Austin Restaurants

          • Dee Dee

          • Fresa’s

          • Loro

          • Elizabeth Street Cafe

          • Valentina’s Tex Mex BBQ

          • Arandas

          • Magnolia Cafe

          • Thai Fresh

          • Taquerias Arandinas

          • El Mesón

        • South Austin: Housing

          • Stassney Woods Apartments

          • Timber Creek Apartments

          • Austin City Lights

          • The Davis

          • Mission James Place

          • Tramor at Creek Village

          • IMT Southpark

          • Tramor at Oak Run


SOUTHEAST AUSTIN

Southeast Austin is a great area to begin your experience in Austin. With a lot of affordable housing options and access to some of the city’s best restaurants and things to do, you will find that many of your fellow AmeriCorps members choose Southeast as their living destination. Living options in the Southeast area range from quiet and tucked away to livelier and closer to shops and food spots. If you are looking to live somewhere that has easy access to grocery stores, fast food, and many other practical, retail needs, this is the spot for you! This area has plenty of charm too, with some of the tastiest and affordable eating in Austin, as well as the renowned concert venue Emo’s. Southeast Austin has something for everyone on a budget.

        • Southeast Austin: Entertainment

          • Blue Genie Art Industries

          • Emo’s Austin

          • Austin Rock & Roll Car Museum

          • Lady Bird Lake Trail

          • Mabel Davis District Park

          • Onion Creek Metropolitan Park

        • Southeast Austin: Restaurants

          • The Buzz Mill

          • Rosita’s Al Pastor

          • 888

          • Hai Ky

          • Javi’s Best of Tex Mex

          • Pho Please

          • Flitch Coffee

        • Southeast Austin: Housing 

          • Point South & Bridge Hollow

          • Metropolis Apartments

          • Ball Park Apartments

          • Belara Apartments

          • University Villages

          • Waterloo Flats


NORTH & NORTHEAST AUSTIN

North Austin is a great area for the tutor on a budget who wants a quiet living area and access to shopping and food. While some of North Austin is accessible to the downtown area, as compared to South or East Austin, it is a bit further. But North has a lot to offer, and many tutors choose to live here in their first or second years, with there being many affordable things to do. Check out the Domain for great shopping or Alamo Drafthouse for a movie and meal. North Austin also has great food choices and excellent coffee shops. Additionally, North Austin provides great access to other interesting northern towns like Cedar Park and Round Rock. It is more spread out than other parts of Austin and the apartments tend to have more space for your dollar. If those attributes appeal to you, then consider North as your Austin living destination! 

        • North & Northeast Austin: Entertainment

          • Alamo Drafthouse

          • Topgolf

          • Pinballz Arcade

          • Adelbert’s Brewery

          • Shopping at the Domain

          • Cherrywood Coffee House

          • K1 Speed Go Karting

        • North & Northeast Austin: Restaurants

          • Julie’s Noodles

          • Yucatan Tacos

          • MOOYAH

          • Pappadeaux

          • Nervous Charlie’s 

          • Genuine Joe Coffee House

        • North and Northeast Austin: Housing

          • Central Park Apartments

          • Rhythm Apartments

          • Magnolia Court Apartments

          • Hidden Gardens Apartments

          • Salado at Walnut Creek


WEST AUSTIN

West Austin is known as a family-friendly neighborhood with easy access to rec sports, outdoor activities, and shopping. With its abundance of nature and facilities this is a great place for someone looking to hang around in Austin for some time. If you are just starting in Austin, this area could be a bit troublesome due to its lack of public transportation and proximity of affordable housing. But, if you are looking to get involved in the community, explore the greenbelt, and enjoy some adorable restaurants, west could be your nesting ground. 

        • West Austin: Entertainment

          • Hiking Trails

          • Shopping at the Domain

          • Greenbelt Access

          • The Contemporary Austin at Laguna Gloria

          • Mount Bonnell

          • 360 Lookout

          • Deep Eddy Pool

          • Mayfield Park

        • West Austin: Restaurants

          • Waterloo Icehouse

          • County Line BBQ

          • Kerbey Lane Cafe

          • Mozart’s Coffee Roasters

          • Food Food

        • West Austin Housing Options

          • Griffis Canyon Creek

          • Falls on Bull Creek

          • Lantana Ridge

          • Valley View Apartments

          • The Villages of Bella Vista

          • Camden Cedar Hills

Things to Do

  • WATCH A MOVIE WHILE EATING DINNER AT THE ALAMO DRAFTHOUSE!

With several different locations throughout Austin, you can always find a great movie and even greater food! They frequently have live shows, director debuts, and sing-a-longs with full course meals. If you need a laugh, make sure to check out ANY Master Pancake movie.

  • 2-STEPPIN’ AND BOOT-SCOOTIN’ AT THE BROKEN SPOKE!

Start your time in Texas right, by learning how to 2 Step at one of the best Honky-Tonks this state has to offer! Lessons are given almost nightly, live country music is played, and some delicious chicken fried steak is served! I can hear you saying “y’all” already.

  • CATCH AN EPIC SUNSET AT THE OASIS ON LAKE TRAVIS

Head over right before sunset and order some Tex-Mex. This 30,000 square-foot restaurant sits 450 feet above the lake and is the largest outdoor restaurant in Texas. The terraced views overlooking Lake Austin are breathtaking!

  • CATCH SOME LIVE MUSIC

You’re in the Live Music Capital, home of SXSW (South by Southwest) and ACL (Austin City Limits), with music on almost every corner! From singer-songwriters to indie pop to metal to hip-hop, there is something for everyone, almost all the time! – Want to get hip to the scene? Check out some of the local music and entertainment blogs! Austin Town Hall is one of my favorites!

  • CATCH A PLAY OR A MUSICAL

ZACH Theatre is the oldest continuously operating theatre in Texas (founded in 1933).

The Vortex is an alternative theater. Not your parents’ plays. Salvage Vanguard Theater! Check out a creepy puppet show or some other equally off-kilter (and fun) show. Zilker Hillside Theatre and UT’s Shakespeare at Windale put on great shows during the summer as well.

  • GET YOUR LAUGHS DOWN ON SIXTH STREET

Esther’s Follies presents musical comedy, magic, and a political, satirical revue with the bustling backdrop of Sixth Street in its stage front window! Get a Texas-size view of the world through song and dance routines, and material pulled from the nation’s headlines.

  • CATCH A MOVIE ON THE SILVER SCREEN

On October 11, 1915, the Paramount Theatre, then called the Majestic Theatre, opened its doors to the public. The Paramount is a must-see experience in the heart of downtown Austin. The Paramount doesn’t just show classic movies; the Paramount also plays host to plays, musicals and recording artists.

  • OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES

    • Mount Bonnell

    • Greenbelt

    • Mayfield Park (Peacock Park)

    • Big Stacey Pool

    • Austin 360 Bridge Overlook

    • Kayaking on Lady Bird Lake

    • St. Edward’s Park

    • Barton Springs Pool

    • Zilker Park

    • Lake Austin

    • Enchanted Rock

  • MUSEUMS

    • Mexic-Arte Museum

    • The Blanton Museum of Art

    • The Contemporary Austin

    • The Harry Ransom Center

    • Bob Bullock Texas State Museum

    • The Thinkery

    • LBJ Presidential Library and Museum

    • George Washington Carver Museum

    • Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum

    • LIVE MUSIC

    • Mohawk

    • Continental Club/Continental Club Gallery

    • Antone’s

    • Emo’s

    • Stubbs

    • Hotel Vegas

    • The Parish

    • Hole in the Wall

    • White Horse Honky Tonk

  • FESTIVALS

    • Pecan Street Festival

    • Texas Book Festival

    • Oktoberfest

    • Austin City Limits

    • Austin Film Festival

    • Eeyore’s Birthday Party

    • Celtic Festival

    • Formula 1

    • Trail of Lights

    • Zilker Kite Festival

    • Rodeo Austin

    • SXSW

    • Moontower Comedy Festival

    • Austin Wine and Music Festival

    • Keep Austin Weird Fest

  • OTHER COOL PLACES

    • Uncommon Objects

    • Austin Central Library

    • Eastside Yoga

    • Half-Priced Books

    • Book People

    • Waterloo Records

  • THRIFT SHOPS

    • Uptown Cheapskate

    • Treasure City Thrift  

    • Buffalo Exchange

  • MURALS AROUND THE CITY

Places to Eat

  • Breakfast Tacos: Everywhere and anywhere in Austin. Local Favorites include Mi Madre’s, La Mexicana (24-hour tacos!), Taco Deli, Veracruz, and Rosita’s Al Pastor.

  • Tyson’s Tacos Open 24 hours.

  • El Pollo Rico, El Regio Multiple Locations: Have you ever wished you could just pull into a parking lot and have someone hand you a whole roasted chicken with beans, rice, tortillas, a whole onion, and guacamole, all wrapped in greasy waxed paper, with only a plastic spoon to eat it? Wish no more.

  • Spider House - eclectic hang-out spot with a large patio and full bar. They have a large menu along with coffee and pastries. They also host Trivia Night on Wednesdays!

  • The Buzzmill - Coffees, libations, a cheesesteak food truck, a pizza food truck, and a vegan burger truck in the back. Speaking of food trucks…

  • Food Trucks, Everywhere: Get BBQ, Pizza, Tacos, Bahn Mi, Ramen, Fried Chicken, Donuts, Kebabs, Ceviche, and/ or Grilled Cheese. Whatever your hungry heart desires. Favorites include: Biscuits & Groovy, Rosita’s Al Pastor, Patrizi’s, Gordough’s, Mickelthwait Craft Meats, and Chi’lantro.

  • Home Slice Pizza - Delicious pizzas AND a late-night take-out window.

  • Juan in a Million - Get the Don Juan. And extra tortillas.

  • Kerbey Lane Café - Most are open 24-hours a day and they serve breakfast all day.

  • Magnolia Café - Breakfast all day, every day. Oh, you’re vegetarian? We’ve got you. When “What do I want to eat?” is the 2am question. Mag Mud Queso is the answer. Always.

  • P. Terry’s Burger Stand - Best fast-food burgers in Austin with good fries and great milkshakes. They use all-natural meat products, and they have a great veggie burger. Bonus: They love giving back to the community!

  • Torchy’s Tacos - The Dirty Sanchez…The Trailer Park…The Democrat…The Republican…this Austin legend started with a man, a dream, a life savings, and a food truck. Try their Tomatillo salsa.


  • OTHER RESTAURANTS

    • Fresa’s

    • Mr. Natural (vegetarian, vegan, gf)

    • Bouldin Creek Café (vegetarian)

    • Juiceland

    • 888 Pan Asian

    • Elizabeth Street Cafe

    • Irene’s

    • Sawyer and Co

    • Grizzelda’s

    • Snooze

    • Kura Revolving Sushi

    • Chinatown (Various restaurants. sushi, pho, dim sum, etc)

    • Thai Fresh

    • Salt Lick (BBQ)

    • Amy’s Ice Cream

    • Dolce Neve

    • Sugar Mama’s Bakery

    • Tous Les Jours Bakery (Korean-French)


  • FARMER’S MARKETS

They are everywhere. Great local food and most of them take SNAP and give you double points!

      • HOPE Farmer’s Market

      • Downtown SFC Farmer’s Market

      • East SFC Farmer’s Market

      • Burnet Road Market

      • Austin Urban Farmers Market

      • Boggy Creek Farm

      • Texas Farmer’s Market at Mueller

    • OTHER FOOD TRUCKS

      • Paperboy (Brunch)

      • Abo Youssef (Mediterranean)

      • Arlo’s (Vegan)

      • Mighty Cone

      • Baton Creole (Cajun)

      • Veracruz All Natural (Mexican)

      • Four Brothers (Venezuelan)

      • Mmmpanadas

      • Bananarchy

    • COFFEE SHOPS

      • Cosmic Coffee + Beer Garden

      • Houndstooth Coffee

      • Flat Track

      • Jo’s Coffee (famous ‘I love you so much’ sign)

      • Bennu (24 hrs.)

      • Epoch (24 hrs.)

      • Flitch

      • Cenote

      • Sa-Ten

      • Radio Coffee

      • Cherrywood Coffee

Austin FAQ

WHAT ARE THE DEMOGRAPHICS OF AUSTIN?

Austin has about 988,218 people as of 2020, but it is relatively spread out for a mid-sized city.  The median age is 33 years old. Click here to view more demographics information.

What is the cost of living?

Austin’s cost of living is slightly higher than the U.S. average, and Austin is considered the most expensive city in Texas for residents making minimum wage. 

WHAT IS THE AREA SURROUNDING AUSTIN LIKE?

Austin is a lively city in the middle of the Texas hill country, so there is a lot of greenery on the outskirts of the city. From Cedar Park in the Northwest to McKinney Falls State Park in the southeast, Austin has a great deal of nature to appreciate. The Greenbelt in Southwest Austin and Town Lake have hiking, biking, and running trails, and Zilker Park is also a popular spot. Taking Loop 360 westward, you’ll find beautiful canyons and rivers, great for long-distance bike trips.

WHERE’S THE BEST PLACE TO LIVE?

Because public transportation and traffic can be very frustrating, most members try to find housing near enough to their site that they don’t have to rely on major roads and highways. Beyond this, it depends largely on your priorities. The city has neighborhoods to satisfy lots of lifestyles: whether you want busy and bustling, hip and trendy, lush and scenic, or quaint and residential, there will be a place for you in Austin.

What is the weather like?

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