Finding a place to live can be stressful. It can feel even more isolating if you’re single and managing the move on your own. Fortunately, you can make the move an exciting experience by looking for neighborhoods that are geared towards singles. Here, we’ve made a list of the best places to live in Austin for singles. You’ll find trendy hot spots and mellow areas with greater affordability.
The Best Places To Live in Austin for Singles
Finding the best place to live really depends on your interests. If you’re single but have children, you might want to learn about the best school districts in Austin where your child can learn and succeed. If you’re single and a young professional, you might be looking to make a real estate investment by buying a home. For younger singles, renting an apartment may be your best bet. If you want to enjoy the big city but enjoy a small-town feel, you may want to look at suburbs and less busy neighborhoods.
It’s a good idea to make a list of what you’re looking for in a new home. Consider the rent or home price and balance that with the location and other needs in terms of size and space. Think about if you want to live in the heart of the action or prefer something quieter. Do you want to shell out to live in an upscale area like Clarksville or in close proximity to downtown or do you prefer affordable housing farther away from the attractions? Answering these questions will help you find the best place for you. Here are the best places to live in Austin for singles.
1. Downtown Austin
It’s no surprise that living downtown is a great choice for singles. Not only are you close to restaurants and bars where you can meet people, you’ll also be in the heart of town where you can feel the pulsing vibe of the city. It’s action-packed and you’ll never run out of things to do so you won’t have to worry about getting lonely or having a hard time meeting people. In fact, there are so many bars, restaurants, and cafes on 6th Street alone, you’ll be busy for months checking out new spots and meeting new faces.
Downtown Austin is also where many hotels and some of the biggest festivals and events are held. That means you can meet people from all over the world — including tourists, locals, and business travelers. In downtown Austin, you can visit the SXSW festival and attend Austin City Limits for packed venues with tons of chances to meet your special someone.
Living in downtown Austin means living in a condo or an apartment — single-family homes are few and far between in this area. Depending on the apartment and location, you’re looking at spending somewhere between $2,000 and $3,000 per month on rent.
2. East Austin
East Austin is an up-and-coming part of the city and a trendy area to live. While some areas are undergoing gentrification, you’ll find pockets of cute cottages and new homes where you can settle in and enjoy a new life in Austin. Best of all, East Austin is right near the downtown area. That means you can enjoy easy access to nightlife including some of the best rooftop bars, but you don’t have to live in the chaos.
Here you can choose from buying a home or living in an apartment or condo. The average rent typically runs from $1,500 to $2,000 depending on the area and size of the apartment.
3. Old West Austin
Old West Austin is the perfect blend of big city life and quiet, nature living. It’s popular among young professionals and millennials. This neighborhood borders Lady Bird Lake and is within walking distance to downtown Austin and other popular attractions along the Colorado River. It’s one of the best places to live in Austin for singles, especially if you’re into the outdoors.
Since it’s so close to the lake and parks, it’s easy to meet people who like to be active. Just hit the hike and bike trails, head to the Barton Greenbelt, or grab a picnic in the park and you’re sure to make friends and meet romantic interests without a lot of effort. It’s right next to Clarksville and a short jaunt to south Austin favorites including the Zilker and the Barton Hills areas where you’ll find attractions like the Alamo Drafthouse.
The average rent in Old West Austin runs between $1,000 and $2,300 depending on the size and style of the apartment or home you choose.
4. South Congress
South Congress (SoCo) is known for being hip and trendy. It’s packed with coffee shops and food trucks and has a short commute. Plus, it’s one of the best places to live in Austin. Here, you’ll find quaint boutiques, iconic hotels and landmarks as well as eateries with excellent people-watching views. This area is also the heart of the live music scene in Austin. If you’re a single that likes to mingle with other artists, musicians, and lovers of the arts, this is the perfect Austin neighborhood for you.
If you came to town to keep Austin weird, this is your neighborhood. Just about everything is walkable so you’re sure to discover weird art and new acts just by strolling down the streets. Rent here is comparable to downtown Austin and Old West Austin, but this area really packs in the vibes that make Austin famous.
5. Hyde Park/North Loop
New residents in this area enjoy greater affordability and larger yards compared to options closer to downtown. This area is quaint and made largely of modest single-family homes. Fewer high-rises dot the horizon and you can get a place with some space for furry friends to roam. You’ll also find funky and colorful bookstores and coffee shops in this area. In the Hyde Park area, a stroll down the street will take you past stunning architecture including homes in Queen Anne, Victorian, and Tudor Revival designs.
As a single, you can get a modest single-family home here for far cheaper than in areas closer to downtown. It’s easily walkable and just north of the University of Texas where you can meet students and young professionals. The median rent here is $1,239 for a one-bedroom.
Fly Solo and Experience Austin
Now that you know the best places to live in Austin for singles, you can start planning out your exploration of the city. At ATX Guides, you’ll find tons of guides on everything to do in Austin and practical advice on handling your move. Start by checking out the best neighborhoods to live in and the best movers in Austin if you need help getting settled.
Then you can check out all the fun things the city that likes to keep things weird has to offer. This includes the top spots with the best burgers and the best live music venues. Plus, you’ll find a wealth of information on the best restaurants in Austin and things to do out in nature.
