Some of Austin’s Most Walkable Neighborhoods

Walkability in a city can be a key factor in deciding which neighborhood is best for you. Having your favorite coffee shop across the block, or the grocery store around the corner can really make daily life that much easier. We put together a list of some of the neighborhoods in Austin with the highest "walkability," which scores based on access to stores, bars, restaurants, and transit, all without a vehicle.

Topping the list, unsurprisingly, is the downtown metro area. Living in the heart of Austin gives you access to almost everything within easy walking distance - errands, shopping, bars, you name it. Downtown is also the number one place for public transit options.

 

East Austin may be the most eclectic of all of the walkable neighborhoods, offering many different styles of homes and rental options. Within a short distance of downtown and all of its amenities, this area is quickly becoming the perfect mix of live/work as new multi-use projects and newer housing developments are being built alongside new shopping centers such as the all-new Whole Foods East.

 

While West University is probably second-ranked on our list by walkability, a lot of what makes the area so walkable is the direct relation and proximity to the University of Texas.  Being within a stone's throw of UT gives you access to all of the ‘on-campus’ amenities, such as a public library, ample cafes and restaurants, and several points of access to Austin's transit systems.

 

Continuing our tour of UT is North University. One of the biggest differentiators of North and West Campus is access to more ‘safe’ bike lanes.  Though the area being more residential may be great for some, it does knock it down slightly on the walkability ladder than West Campus.

 

Bouldin Creek may be last on our list, but that doesn't mean it’s bottom tier. This area has access to south Austin and Zilker Park/Auditorium Shores, making it very desirable for those who wish to live further south of the city center.  While there is not as much shopping by foot within Bouldin Creek, you have a plethora of restaurants and food trucks within walking distance, all while residences maintain a healthy dose of privacy and seclusion that some of the other neighborhoods lack.