The 7 Most Underrated Neighborhoods in Austin (Locals Don’t Want You to Know About)

7 Most Underrated Neighborhoods in Austin

Everyone’s heard of Downtown, South Lamar, and East Austin — but what about the neighborhoods that fly under the radar? If you’re hunting for an apartment in Austin, these lesser-known areas might just surprise you. With lower rents, unique vibes, and hidden perks, here are 7 underrated Austin neighborhoods locals would rather keep secret.

1. Windsor Park

• Vibe: Quiet, residential, and family-friendly.
• Why It’s Underrated: Just minutes from Mueller and UT, Windsor Park offers affordable mid-century homes and spacious apartments without the East Austin price tag.
• Commute: About 15 minutes to Downtown; easy access to I-35 and CapMetro routes.
• Lifestyle Highlights: Patterson Park and Mueller Farmers’ Market nearby.
• Pros & Cons:
  • ✅ Bigger floor plans for the price
  • ✅ Family-friendly and quiet
  • ❌ Limited nightlife options
• Average Rent: ~$1,250 (1-Bedroom) / ~$1,600 (2-Bedroom)

2. Brentwood

• Vibe: Laid-back, charming, with a small-town feel inside the city.
• Why It’s Underrated: While South Lamar gets the buzz, Brentwood delivers a community vibe with coffee shops, diners, and easy access to Burnet Road.
• Commute: 10 minutes to Downtown by car; convenient for North Austin employers.
• Lifestyle Highlights: Little Deli, Brentwood Park, and great local schools.
• Pros & Cons:
  • ✅ Affordable vintage apartments
  • ✅ Strong community feel
  • ❌ Fewer luxury amenities
• Average Rent: ~$1,300 (1-Bedroom) / ~$1,700 (2-Bedroom)

3. St. Elmo / South Congress South

• Vibe: Up-and-coming, creative, and quirky.
• Why It’s Underrated: Just south of the famous SoCo district, St. Elmo is turning into a hotspot with breweries, food trucks, and live music venues — but rents are still cheaper than core South Congress.
• Commute: 15–20 minutes to Downtown.
• Lifestyle Highlights: St. Elmo Brewing Company and The Yard food truck park.
• Pros & Cons:
  • ✅ Trendy loft-style apartments
  • ✅ Walkable nightlife and food
  • ❌ Still developing (construction noise)
• Average Rent: ~$1,400 (1-Bedroom) / ~$1,850 (2-Bedroom)

4. North Loop

• Vibe: Funky, eclectic, and full of character.
• Why It’s Underrated: It’s got vintage shops, quirky bars, and a cool mix of students and young professionals. Rent here is far lower than East Austin, but the culture is just as strong.
• Commute: 12 minutes to Downtown; near I-35.
• Lifestyle Highlights: Epoch Coffee, Breakaway Records, and a lively nightlife scene.
• Pros & Cons:
  • ✅ Affordable vintage apartments
  • ✅ Fun, quirky energy
  • ❌ Older complexes with limited upgrades
• Average Rent: ~$1,200 (1-Bedroom) / ~$1,550 (2-Bedroom)

5. Cherrywood

• Vibe: Artsy, neighborly, and close to everything.
• Why It’s Underrated: Nestled between Mueller and East Austin, Cherrywood has tree-lined streets, cozy restaurants, and a creative community — without the crowds.
• Commute: 8–10 minutes to Downtown.
• Lifestyle Highlights: Patterson Park and Cherrywood Coffeehouse.
• Pros & Cons:
  • ✅ Cottage-style rentals and duplexes
  • ✅ Strong creative community
  • ❌ Limited large apartment complexes
• Average Rent: ~$1,350 (1-Bedroom) / ~$1,700 (2-Bedroom)

6. Crestview

• Vibe: Suburban calm with quick city access.
• Why It’s Underrated: It’s right next to hot neighborhoods like Brentwood, but without the same hype. A strong community feel and proximity to the MetroRail make it a hidden gem for commuters.
• Commute: 15 minutes Downtown by car; MetroRail access nearby.
• Lifestyle Highlights: Brentwood Park, local diners, and quiet suburban streets.
• Pros & Cons:
  • ✅ Affordable apartments with more space
  • ✅ Good for couples and small families
  • ❌ Less nightlife / entertainment options
• Average Rent: ~$1,250 (1-Bedroom) / ~$1,600 (2-Bedroom)

7. Montopolis

• Vibe: Authentic Austin meets rapid growth.
• Why It’s Underrated: Located east of I-35 and close to the airport, Montopolis is growing fast. Rents are still below average, making it attractive for renters looking to stretch their dollar.
• Commute: 12 minutes to Downtown; 5 minutes to the airport.
• Lifestyle Highlights: Access to Riverside Golf Course and McKinney Falls State Park.
• Pros & Cons:
  • ✅ Lower-than-average rent
  • ✅ Modern complexes with amenities
  • ❌ Some industrial areas nearby
• Average Rent: ~$1,150 (1-Bedroom) / ~$1,500 (2-Bedroom)

Neighborhood Comparison at a Glance

Neighborhood	Vibe	Commute to Downtown	1-Bedroom Avg.	2-Bedroom Avg.
Windsor Park	Family-friendly, quiet	15 min	$1,250	$1,600
Brentwood	Charming, community vibe	10 min	$1,300	$1,700
St. Elmo	Creative, up-and-coming	20 min	$1,400	$1,850
North Loop	Funky, eclectic	12 min	$1,200	$1,550
Cherrywood	Artsy, neighborly	10 min	$1,350	$1,700
Crestview	Suburban calm	15 min	$1,250	$1,600
Montopolis	Affordable, growing	12 min	$1,150	$1,500

Your Apartment Awaits

If you’re tired of hearing the same names — Downtown, East Austin, Zilker — give these underrated neighborhoods a closer look. They offer more space, more value, and a taste of Austin without the hype.

👉 Ready to explore? Check out our full Austin Neighborhood Guides to find the right area for your lifestyle and budget.