AI-Scored Rankings • Updated 2026-04-03

Best Apartments in Austin, TX — Scored by AI

ListWise scores every Austin neighborhood on safety, walkability, schools, commute time, and rental value. See which areas actually match your lifestyle — not just what's cheapest.

$1,550/mo
Median Rent
979,882
Population
8
Neighborhoods Scored
University of Texas at Austin
Top Employer
Local Insights

Why Austin? What Renters Need to Know

Austin's cost of living is about 5% above the national average — significantly cheaper than coastal tech hubs. Median rent is ~$1,550/month.

Quick Facts

Population 979,882
Median Rent $1,550/mo
Top Employer University of Texas at Austin
Neighborhoods 8 scored by AI
Rent vs. National$1,550 vs $1,500 national median

Rent Comparison

Austin median rent is $50 above the national median of $1,500/mo.

Largest Employer

The largest employer in Austin is University of Texas at Austin, making the Zilker area and nearby neighborhoods popular for commuters looking to minimize travel time.

Top Neighborhoods

Top Neighborhoods in Austin

Ranked by ListWise's composite AI score. Top 3 shown free — unlock all 8 for the full picture.

#1

Zilker

Score: 93/100
Safety A
Walk Score 75
Avg Rent $2,800
Schools 8/10
#2

South Congress

Score: 90/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 88
Avg Rent $2,500
Schools 7/10
#3

East Austin

Score: 87/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 78
Avg Rent $1,900
Schools 6/10

Ready to find your perfect neighborhood?

Get Your Full Report — $19
#4

Mueller

Score: 84/100
Safety A
Walk Score 72
Avg Rent $2,100
Schools 8/10
Unlock full rankings
#5

Downtown

Score: 82/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 95
Avg Rent $2,600
Schools 5/10
Unlock full rankings
#6

Travis Heights

Score: 79/100
Safety A-
Walk Score 70
Avg Rent $2,300
Schools 7/10
Unlock full rankings
#7

North Loop

Score: 76/100
Safety B+
Walk Score 72
Avg Rent $1,700
Schools 6/10
Unlock full rankings
#8

Cedar Park

Score: 73/100
Safety A
Walk Score 32
Avg Rent $1,500
Schools 9/10
Unlock full rankings

See All 8 Austin Neighborhoods Ranked

Get the full report with detailed scores, rent comparisons, commute maps, and personalized recommendations.

How It Works

How ListWise Scores Austin Apartments

1

Tell Us Your Priorities

Rank what matters: safety, schools, walkability, commute, budget, nightlife. Every Austin renter is different.

2

AI Scores Every Listing

We pull real-time data from MLS, crime stats, school ratings, transit APIs, and walk score databases for Austin.

3

Get Your Ranked List

Receive a PDF + Excel report with Austin properties ranked by YOUR priorities. Delivered within 24 hours.

FAQ

Frequently Asked About Austin

What is the cost of living in Austin TX?

Austin's cost of living is about 5% above the national average — significantly cheaper than coastal tech hubs. Median rent is ~$1,550/month. No state income tax makes take-home pay stretch further.

What are the best neighborhoods in Austin?

Zilker and South Congress are top picks for lifestyle. Mueller is great for families. East Austin offers the best value with rapid development. Cedar Park provides suburban space with top schools.

Is Austin safe?

Austin is one of the safer large cities in Texas. Areas like Zilker, Mueller, and Cedar Park have very low crime. Downtown sees typical urban property crime. Overall, Austin's crime rate is below the national metro average.

How bad is Austin traffic?

Austin traffic has been a growing pain. I-35 is the primary bottleneck, though the ongoing expansion project should help by 2028. Average commute is 25-40 minutes. The MetroRail line serves limited corridors.

Is the Austin housing market cooling down?

Yes, Austin's market has corrected from its 2021-2022 highs. Rental prices dropped 8-12% and have stabilized. New apartment supply is the highest in decades, giving renters strong leverage.

Ready to Find Your Austin Apartment?

Stop scrolling 47 Zillow tabs. Tell us what matters and get a ranked list of Austin apartments that actually fit your life.

Data is for informational purposes only. Verify all information independently before making housing decisions.