Your Guide to Living Near Austin’s Best Parks and Outdoor Spaces

Neighborhoods Nearby: Zilker, Barton Hills, Bouldin Creek
Why You’ll Love It: Zilker Park is Austin’s crown jewel. Home to the famous Barton Springs Pool, the annual Austin City Limits (ACL) music festival, and plenty of green space for picnics, sports, and social events, it’s a favorite spot for locals. Living near Zilker means you’re never far from paddleboarding, kayaking, or an afternoon dip in Barton Springs. The area is also close to downtown, making it perfect for those who want urban convenience alongside outdoor living.
Housing Options: Zilker and Barton Hills offer a mix of modern condos, historic homes, and stylish bungalows, making it a popular choice for families, young professionals, and retirees alike.

Neighborhoods Nearby: Downtown Austin, South Congress, South Lamar
Why You’ll Love It: The trails around Lady Bird Lake offer a scenic way to exercise, with the Austin skyline on one side and peaceful water views on the other. This area is a hot spot for runners, bikers, and anyone looking to unwind. Living near Lady Bird Lake means you’re steps away from kayaking, paddleboarding, and the 10-mile Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.
Housing Options: Downtown condos offer stunning lake views and easy access to trailheads, while South Congress and South Lamar feature a mix of condos, townhomes, and unique single-family homes in vibrant, walkable areas.

Neighborhoods Nearby: West Lake Hills, Rollingwood, Oak Hill
Why You’ll Love It: Known as “The Greenbelt” by locals, this area is beloved for its rugged hiking and biking trails, limestone cliffs, and natural swimming holes. With miles of trails and hidden spots like Sculpture Falls and Twin Falls, the Greenbelt is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. Living near the Greenbelt provides you with easy access to Austin’s most beautiful nature spots, right in your backyard.
Housing Options: West Lake Hills and Rollingwood offer spacious homes with scenic views, while Oak Hill provides more budget-friendly options with a suburban feel.

Neighborhoods Nearby: Mueller, Cherrywood, Windsor Park
Why You’ll Love It: Mueller Lake Park is perfect for families and those who love community events. The park has a large lake with trails, playgrounds, a dog park, and regular farmer’s markets. Mueller’s urban village concept combines parks, eateries, and residential areas, making it easy to live, work, and play without leaving the neighborhood.
Housing Options: Mueller offers modern townhomes, single-family homes, and apartments in a walkable layout with great community amenities.

Neighborhoods Nearby: Great Hills, North Shoal Creek, Jester Estates
Why You’ll Love It: For a quieter, more secluded outdoor experience, Bull Creek District Park is ideal. It features picturesque waterfalls, creeks, and scenic hiking trails. It’s a favorite for nature lovers who enjoy fewer crowds and ample wildlife sightings.
Housing Options: Great Hills and Jester Estates offer spacious homes with hill country views, while North Shoal Creek has more affordable, mid-century homes and condos.

Neighborhoods Nearby: North Austin, Gracywoods, Wells Branch
Why You’ll Love It: Walnut Creek Park is known for its extensive trail system, dog-friendly areas, and sports facilities, making it ideal for active residents. The park offers over 15 miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking, as well as open spaces for picnicking and sports.
Housing Options: North Austin neighborhoods like Gracywoods and Wells Branch provide affordable, family-friendly housing options, ranging from single-family homes to townhomes.