Check Out the Safest Neighborhoods in Austin

You can’t go wrong with choosing to settle down in the Texas state capital city of Austin, which is home to a thriving economy and best known for its abundant outdoor recreation, creative cultural scene, unique history, and amazing food. Better yet, when you live in one of the safest neighborhoods in Austin, you’ll get the bonus of enjoying a more serene atmosphere while still being close enough to the action taking place in the big city!

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Is Austin, Texas, safe overall, though? While Austin may come across as the perfect city that offers just about every amenity one could want, it’s important to understand that, like all major cities, crime does take place in the area. In fact, Austin is only five percent safer than other neighborhoods across the U.S., and your chances of being a victim to either property or violent crime is 1 in 26. These crime statistics make it crucial to look to one of the safest neighborhoods in Austin as you’re searching for a new place to call home. 

But comparing Austin to other major cities in Texas, like Houston and Dallas, you’ll notice that Austin isn’t actually as dangerous. Your chances of being a victim of crime in Dallas is closer to 1 in 21, while your chances of being a victim of crime in Houston is about 1 in 18. And another important data point: Overall crime has decreased by 8 percent year-over-year since 2024.

So, rather than focusing on Austin’s crime rate, let’s focus on the fact that Austin’s population has added about 267,000 new residents since 2020 alone — and take a closer look at some of the safest neighborhoods in Austin.

Q: What is the safest zip code in Austin, Texas? A: Safe areas in Austin, TX, are abundant. But 78746 is among the safest neighborhoods in Austin and the safest of all the zip codes. It’s ranked No. 1 on Niche’s list for “Best ZIP Codes To Live in the Austin Area.”

Pockets of Austin To Avoid 

Before we get into the list of places to check out before relocating to Austin, let’s take a look at where not to live in Austin, TX — especially if you’re raising a family. Here are some of the most dangerous neighborhoods of Austin, according to AreaVibes: 

• Riverside: 211 percent more crime than the city overall
• Saint Johns: 201 percent more crime than the city overall
• MLK: 266 percent more crime than the city overall
• Georgian Acres: 186 percent more crime than the city overall
• Montopolis: 185 percent more crime than the city overall
• Rosewood: 184 percent more crime than the city overall

Gorgeous gardens are a hallmark of homes in Rosedale, once a hub for nurseries and florists.
(Source: Trulia.com)

The Safest Neighborhoods in Austin 

Now onto the good stuff! With warm summers and mild winters, the weather in Austin calls for fun outdoor recreation year round, which you can find in most of these best neighborhoods in Austin. Not to mention a variety of shopping, dining, and cultural activities are available at just about every corner. And that just scratches the surface! So without further ado, here are our picks for the safest neighborhoods in Austin.

1. Rosedale

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,000
• Average home value: $894,900
• Great for: Families, rich history, outdoor recreation, medical services

Situated in the northern sector of Central Austin, Rosedale is a charming neighborhood with quite a rich history. After starting out as a farm and dairy land in the late 1800s, Rosedale transformed into an area full of nurseries and florists throughout the 1900s, and plenty of the beautiful nursery stock still remains here today. Rosedale, one of the safest neighborhoods in Austin, is an attractive location for families, with public schools rated a respectable A- by Niche. The overall crime rate in Rosedale is also 15 percent lower than the national average.

What’s more, outdoor enthusiasts living in Rosedale are lucky to have close access to Ramsey Neighborhood Park, which includes playgrounds, picnic areas, and a swimming pool. Residents can easily access a number of medical services close by, as well, including AHMC Seton Medical Center. 

Q: Which part of Austin is best to live in? A: Parts of Central Austin, which include the neighborhood of Rosedale, are among the safest and most vibrant places to live in the city.

2. Downtown

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $3,100
• Average home value: $690,500
• Great for: Public schools, families, nightlife, diversity

Downtown Austin has long been a residential and cultural hub for young creative types and professionals who like being close to business and entertainment alike. In recent years, however, more families are making downtown home, opting for urban energy and charm over suburban life. And there’s no shortage of eclectic districts to choose from in the area. In Clarksville, for instance, tree-shaded streets are lined with cozy bungalows, while the historic Rainey Street area is where you’ll find homes that have been turned into restaurants and bars. 

Conveniences of everyday life are not lacking in the Downtown district, either. The Whole Foods Market flagship store is here — with the company headquarters upstairs — and shopping hubs like local favorite SoCo have everything from upscale clothing to artsy boutiques and retro kitsch. For outdoors lovers, Republic Square offers a peaceful urban greenspace plus lively markets and events when the weather’s nice.

Q: Is it safe to walk around downtown Austin at night? A: While every city and every neighborhood may have particular blocks that don’t feel exactly 100 percent safe, Downtown Austin is actually rated the safest neighborhood in Austin, according to AreaVibes. Everyone’s comfort level is different, though, so use your best judgment and take common-sense measures if you’re walking alone — anywhere.

3. Triangle State

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,075
• Average home value: N/A
• Great for: Families, diversity, young professionals, nightlife

This centrally located Austin neighborhood gets its quirky name from the triangle-shaped slice of land — like a piece of pizza — formed by West 45th Street, North Lamar Boulevard, and Guadalupe Street. And thanks to its location near the University of Texas campus and Downtown Austin, Triangle State residents run the gamut from students and young professionals to long-established Austin families in one of the safest neighborhoods in Austin. For recreation, the nearby Pease Park Conservatory offers miles of trails, playgrounds, and beautiful views in a peaceful Austin oasis.  

The dining scene here is terrific, as it is in much of Austin, including two hot spots owned by movie star Sandra Bullock: Bess Bistro and Walton’s Fancy and Staple. Gastropub fans will enjoy Hopfields, open for lunch, dinner, and weekend brunch. But that’s just a taste — the neighborhood is full of trendy cafes and bars. The Triangle is also home to Austin community mainstay, the Sustainable Food Center, which pursues its mission of ending food insecurity with education programs, farmers' support, and a lively market every Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in The Triangle. 

4. Hyde Park 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,300
• Average home value: $742,400
• Great for: Young professionals, entertainment, outdoor recreation

Another neighborhood best suited for young professionals, Hyde Park is just blocks away from the downtown area and University of Texas. This relatively affordable neighborhood is known for its walkability and easy access to areas of entertainment nearby, such as Shipe Neighborhood Park for games of basketball and tennis, along with Hancock Golf Course for some 9-hole fun. And with a crime rate 10 percent lower than Austin overall, you can certainly feel safe while living in this neighborhood. 

Local attractions are also prominent near Hyde Park, including the Elisabet Ney Museum and Hyde Park Theatre. Check out the home of a local sculptor at the museum, and catch plays and festivals from local performers at the theater. 

Among all the safe areas in Austin, TX, Allandale has some of the finest parks and recreation in the region. 
(Source: Trulia.com)

5. Allandale

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,550
• Average home value: $805,800
• Great for: Families, historic homes, outdoor recreation, schools

The quaint neighborhood of Allandale is one of the best neighborhoods in Austin for families — No. 10 on Niche’s list for 2025, in fact. The area offers a plethora of beautiful, historic, and affordable homes along with quick access to some of the best attractions the city has to offer. Some of these include The Arboretum and the Shoal Creek Trail. Several historic parks can also be found within this neighborhood, like Beverly S. Sheffield Park. 

Families residing in Allandale can feel comfortable that their kids will receive a quality education at the various schools that serve the area, which earned an overall A rating for public schools in 2025 from Niche. The Chaparral Star Academy, Richards School for Young Women Leaders, and Liberal Arts and Science Academy are some of the top schools the community can choose from. 

6. Crestview 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,575
• Average home value: $631,800
• Great for: Restaurants, entertainment, outdoor recreation

Living in Crestview offers just about everything you could want in a high-quality neighborhood, including a plethora of restaurants, bars, and parks. For a bite to eat, you have access to some of the best restaurants in the entire city of Austin, including Little Deli & Pizzeria and Tumble 22. And for a fun night of entertainment, you’ll have to stop by the Vigilante Gastropub & Games.

For outdoor recreation, Brentwood Neighborhood Park is a spacious area full of picnic tables, basketball courts, trails, and more. Wooten Neighborhood Park is also an ideal spot to spend a day with the whole family.

Q: Where is it safe to stay in Austin, Texas? A: The downtown district is rated the safest neighborhood in Austin for 2025, with a crime rate a whopping 60 percent lower than the city’s overall rates. Crestview and Hyde Park are also among the safest areas in Austin, TX.

7. Old West Austin

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,950
• Average home value: $902,800
• Great for: Young professionals, families, retirees, outdoor recreation, medical services

Considered one of the most diverse neighborhoods in the entire city of Austin, Old West Austin is located just north of Lady Bird Lake and includes the Clarksville National Register Historic District. Along with various lakeside activities, such as fishing and boating, there are plenty of other opportunities for outdoor recreation directly in the neighborhood and in areas nearby. If you own a dog, for example, you can take them to a vast off-leash area set up by a local canine club, or you can always visit Zilker Park and Barton Creek Greenbelt nearby. 

Along with young professionals and families, retirees can find solace here, one of the safest neighborhoods in Austin. And there are plenty of medical services nearby, at places like Ascension Seton Medical Center and Cornerstone Specialty Hospitals. 

8. Holly

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,000
• Average home value: $595,900
• Great for: Outdoor recreation, restaurants, arts

Just east of downtown along the shores of Lady Bird Lake, Holly is a favorite for artsy types, foodies, and anyone who enjoys a casual vibe. Renovated bungalows mix with modern townhomes in this walkable and bike-friendly district, one of the safest neighborhoods in Austin. Residents have easy access to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail and Edward Rendon Sr. Park at Festival Beach, where picnics, paddleboarding, and gorgeous sunsets are always on the agenda. 

Although the neighborhood has been a hub for young creative types for many years, more families are finding their way to Holly these days, drawn by the quick commute to downtown, the abundance of outdoor opportunities, and the creative spirit that characterizes the neighborhood. That goes for food, too — a major attraction in Holly. Austin’s signature Tex-Mex is everywhere and it’s delicious. Try Cuantos Tacos and Las Trancas Taco Stand, two food trucks that have attracted devoted followings. And for breakfast, don’t miss Juan in a Million, a beloved neighborhood icon since 1980.

East Oak Hill is one of the safest neighborhoods in Austin — and one of the best places to raise a family. 
(Source: Homes.com)

9. East Oak Hill

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $1,700
• Average home value: $691,700
• Great for: Outdoor recreation, shopping, restaurants

East Oak Hill isn’t just one of the safest neighborhoods in Austin; it’s also one of the best neighborhoods to buy a home, with prices down almost 19 percent since the 2022 peak. (Keep in mind: According to Neighborhoodscout, you’re going to find a higher crime rate the further south you go.) Just a 15-minute commute to downtown, East Oak Hill has become an attractive option for new homebuyers looking for a suburban vibe with easy access to all the Austin glitter and glam. And there’s plenty of nature, too. Residents enjoy amenities like the Barton Creek Wilderness Park, anchored by the Barton Creek Greenbelt’s 12 miles of trails, swimming holes, and limestone cliffs to explore. 

For foodies, we suggest heading to favorites such as Milano Cafe, a family-owned local destination for pizza and live music, and Chinos Fusion Hacienda, a TexMex hotspot. The neighborhood doesn’t have much in the way of charming, walkable shopping districts, but all the conveniences are within reach at Barton Creek Mall. And East Oak Hill is in Austin, after all, so there are plenty of options for trendy hubs and the capital city’s signature music scene is just a quick drive away. If you want a dose of Texas Hill Country — goats included — take a ride about 20 minutes west and check out Jester King Brewery, a go-to for live music, craft beers, and wood-fired pizza served on rustic picnic tables on a 165-acre ranch.

10. East Cesar Chavez 

• Average rent (one-bedroom): $2,050
• Average home value: $637,000
• Great for: Outdoor recreation, families, diversity

Named for the famed civil rights activist and labor leader, East Cesar Chavez was historically a middle-class Mexican-American neighborhood, and today its restored bungalows and family-owned businesses reflect that rich cultural heritage. Gentrification is real here, but you’ll still find vibrant murals and local taquerias among the hip cafes and boutique hotels.  

East Cesar Chavez is known for its community celebrations, many along the banks of Lady Bird Lake. In September, for instance, Austinites gather for the Diez y Seis Fiestas Patrias, honoring Mexican Independence Day, with music, dance, and traditional food. Smaller block parties and vintage market pop-ups are common throughout the year at places including the Central Machine Works Brewery. 

11. Windsor Road

• Average rent (one-bedroom): N/A
• Average home value: $2.35M
• Great for: Commuters, entertainment, local events

Windsor Road is an upscale community with access to a variety of the most popular attractions in Texas, like Pease District Park. With a more laid-back and tranquil quality of living, this neighborhood is popular among retirees relocating to Austin. It’s also ranked No. 22 on Niche’s list for best neighborhoods in Austin for families — which may seem low, but not when you consider the abundance of terrific, friendly, and safe neighborhoods in Austin, TX.

Windsor Road boasts easy access to the Mopac Expressway, so it’s easy for residents of this neighborhood to commute into the city. There are also lots of local entertainment options, including various annual events held in the community, such as It’s My Park Day. 

Q: What part of Austin is the safest? A: With a crime rate 20 percent lower than Austin overall, Windsor Road is one of the safest neighborhoods in Austin, located in the central part of the city. And if you’re looking for what part of Austin to stay away from, Riverside and Saint Johns fit the bill, with more than 200% higher crime than the average across the city.

With a portable PODS moving and storage container delivered right to your driveway, you’ll be ready to move to one of the safest neighborhoods in Austin, TX, in no time! 

Move to One of the Safest Neighborhoods in Austin With PODS

Once you’ve decided which of the safest neighborhoods in Austin is right for you, make your move flexible with PODS. Have a portable moving and storage container delivered right to your driveway for convenient packing and loading on your own time. One month of storage is built into the cost of every move, so you can take your time without feeling rushed. When you’re ready, your container will be picked up and delivered to your new Austin residence.

Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from RentCafe; average home values were obtained from Zillow. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100.