5 best neighborhoods in Austin for new arrivals

Texas’ capital city is the latest market for Blueground’s furnished, turnkey apartments. Austin has a thriving economy, no shortage of natural beauty, and countless experiences for new arrivals. It’s no wonder that it’s one of the fastest-growing cities in the US. In 2019, an average of 105 people a day moved to Austin!

Living in a Blueground apartment in Austin means that you don’t have to worry about buying appliances, furniture, or linens — but that’s just the beginning. We carefully curate each of our move-in ready homes to make sure our guests have everything they need to show up and start living. All of our apartments are located in sought-after, dynamic neighborhoods so that it’s easy to step outside and soak up Austin’s atmosphere.Here are just a few of the coolest neighborhoods in the most stubbornly weird city in the US.

Downtown Austin

The heart of the city’s business district, this super walkable neighborhood is home to some of the city’s cultural gems, including the Mexic-Arte Museum and the Moody Theater, where the long-running musical series Austin City Limits is recorded. Downtown Austin has some incredible bars and restaurants as well as live music venues like Mohawk. The 2nd Street District is celebrated for its shopping scene, which includes both independent boutiques and national brands.

East Austin

East Austin is one of the city’s hippest and most diverse neighborhoods. The area is home to a thriving nightlife scene that includes breweries, cocktail bars, and live-music venues like the Sahara Lounge. Anyone who likes to shop will delight in the selection at East Austin boutiques like Take Heart and Raven + Lily. The dining scene is also eclectic, featuring everything from Asian fusion to gastropubs to Franklin Barbeque, one of Austin’s best-loved restaurants.

Domain

Northwest Austin is home to Domain, a massive new mixed-used development. Set within Austin’s high-tech corridor, the fast-growing community consists of high-end homes, office space, and shops and restaurants. There’s also a good selection of walkable dining and shopping in the neighborhood, not to mention two malls, Gateway Shopping Centers and The Shops at Arbor Walk.  Domain Central Park is an ideal place to laze away a weekend afternoon. Relax on a blanket under one of the park’s towering oak trees or enjoy an outdoor concert or movie screening in the open-air pavilion.

Riverside

Just across the Colorado River from downtown Austin is lovely Riverside. This mostly residential neighborhood is increasingly popular with families and young professionals. Students also love the area, thanks to a direct bus connection to the University of Texas-Austin campus. On the weekend, take a picnic lunch to tranquil Peace Point, a small park with river access. Riverside also has a great dining scene. We like the 1776 Cheesesteak food truck, where all of the sandwiches are named after American politicians, and the fast-casual Vietnamese fusion spot Hai Ky.

Triangle State

Another popular area for students is Triangle State in north central Austin. The neighborhood is near the University of Texas-Austin, plus its central location makes it a great home base for getting around the whole city. Given its proximity to campus — and thousands of students — Triangle State is home to a wide variety of cafes and restaurants, as well as a boisterous nightlife scene. Of course, there are also quieter attractions like Triangle Commons Park, a small greenspace that is the setting for a weekly market.

Which one of these neighborhoods strikes your fancy? Wherever you choose to rent in Austin, you can rest easy knowing that Blueground’s furnished apartments come with everything you need to feel comfortable — and thrive! — in your new hometown. Find out more about the Blueground experience.