When you’re in your 30s, you look for different things when hunting for an Austin apartment. Gone are the days when you wanted to be as close to nightlife as possible–being near transportation, various amenities and living in a relatively quiet and safe neighborhood are now near the top of your list. The best Austin neighborhoods for thirty-somethings aren’t necessarily those that are packed with families, or on the other end of the spectrum, college students–they’re the ones that are clean, walkable and affordable enough that you can rent an apartment in which to entertain your friends and family.
Clarksville
Just northwest of Downtown lies Clarksville, a quiet and charming Austin neighborhood with tree-lined streets, and for the cooks out there, Whole Foods’ flagship store. This historic Austin neighborhood only encompasses nine blocks, but it packs in plenty–from local restaurants to galleries, salons, parks and cafes; there’s tons to do in Clarksville. The neighborhood is also filled with eclectic homes and unique architecture, giving it a true community vibe. As you stroll around the neighborhood, take a look at some of the most gorgeous Victorian homes in Austin.
East Austin
East Austin, more specifically the area with a 78702 zip code, is the perfect place for thirty-somethings to live. If you want to have an apartment in an area where the Live Music Capital of the World lives up to its name, East Austin is where you want to be. This newly gentrified area is close to Downtown, is home to nine different music venues and hosts a variety of festivals. The neighborhood is mostly comprised of childless adults, and has tons of amenities like farmers markets, jogging trails, shops, food trucks and restaurants. You will also find your fair share of musicians, artists and business owners living in East Austin.
Central Austin
If you want to be close to work and live in a vibrant and lively area, Central Austin may be right for you. This neighborhood largely encompasses Downtown, which is famous for Sixth Street–a long strip of bars that stretches from Brazos to Red River. However, Central Austin isn’t all about the nightlife; it also has an active live music scene and is home to tons of shopping, cafes, restaurants, art exhibits and parks. This is definitely the place for a thirty-something far from settling down to live–there’s always something going on in Central Austin. Within this larger area you will find pockets of mini neighborhoods, each with their own vibe. Check out Travis Heights and Bouldin Creek.
Crestview
On the north side of Central Austin you’ll find Crestview, a neighborhood that’s ideally located for thirty-somethings who want to live in a peaceful area that has easy access to Downtown. Crestview is often described as appearing to be frozen in time, making a happy home in the post-World War II era. You’ll find many local businesses, and will frequently see your fellow residents walking their dogs, going for a jog or even pushing baby strollers. Crestview also has its fair share of community gardens and many tree-lined streets.
