North Austin: Where Suburban and Urban Converge
North Austin — loosely defined as the area between downtown and the Domain/Parmer Lane corridor — encompasses one of the most diverse residential landscapes in the metro. Established mid-century neighborhoods mix with corporate suburban campuses, tech-company headquarters, and new high-rise apartment development.
North Austin Neighborhoods Overview
The Domain Area (78758, 78759)
The Domain itself is Austin's "second downtown" — 300 acres of mixed-use development with luxury retail (Neiman Marcus, Apple Store, Louis Vuitton), restaurants, high-rise apartments, hotels, and the nearby Domain Northside. Apple's new Austin campus anchors the area's employment base.
Residential in the Domain area is primarily apartments and condos:
- Domain area apartments: $1,600–$3,500/month for 1BR–2BR
- Condos (if any resale available): $380,000–$580,000
- Not traditionally a single-family home area
Best for: Young professionals and couples who work at Apple or nearby employers and want walkable urban life without downtown prices.
Great Hills (78759)
One of North Austin's most desirable established neighborhoods. Large lots (0.25–0.5 acre), mature trees, 1970s–1990s construction, and beautiful hill topography west of US-183.
- Price range: $550,000–$900,000
- Character: Quiet, established, families and empty nesters
- Schools: Round Rock ISD (A-)
- Access: US-183, Jollyville Road, Great Hills Trail to 360/MoPac
Great Hills has maintained its desirability by offering lot sizes and tree canopy that newer suburban communities can't match.
Balcones Woods / Balcones Drive Area (78750)
Adjacent to Great Hills — similar character and price point. Some areas fall in Leander ISD or Round Rock ISD depending on the specific street.
- Price range: $480,000–$750,000
Allandale (78757)
Central North Austin's beloved bungalow neighborhood, adjacent to Burnet Road (Austin's fastest-transforming urban commercial corridor). 1950s–1970s ranch homes and bungalows on large, tree-shaded lots.
- Price range: $550,000–$800,000
- Character: Established, eclectic, professional families, strong neighborhood association
- Schools: Austin ISD (variable — check specific campus)
- Walkability: Burnet Road access (coffee shops, bars, Alamo Drafthouse, restaurants)
Allandale is one of the last relatively affordable established central neighborhoods — prices have been rising as buyers priced out of Hyde Park and Cherrywood move further north.
Crestview (78752, 78757)
Immediately south of Allandale. Similar 1950s–1960s ranch home character. The Crestview Station neighborhood (redeveloped around the Red Line MetroRail station) adds urban density.
- Price range: $480,000–$720,000
North Loop (78751)
A few blocks north of Hyde Park, centered on North Loop Blvd. Austin's most concentrated antique shop corridor, independent bars and restaurants, and a young-professional residential mix of bungalows and small apartment buildings.
- Price range: $480,000–$680,000
Anderson Mill / Lakeline (78750, 78729)
Established 1970s–1990s suburban community in northwest Austin near the Cedar Park border. Family-friendly, larger lots, strong schools (Round Rock ISD and Leander ISD), and good access to the Domain and Cedar Park employers.
- Price range: $380,000–$540,000
Milwood / Jollyville (78750)
Adjacent to Anderson Mill. Mature community with established trees. Mix of 1980s–1990s construction. Excellent value for this close to Apple and Domain.
- Price range: $370,000–$520,000
Burnet Road: North Austin's Revival Corridor
Burnet Road (North Lamar area) has become Austin's most active neighborhood commercial corridor over the past decade:
- The Violet Crown Cinema
- Workhorse Bar / Hotel Vegas / various music venues
- Alamo Drafthouse Village (anchor)
- Dozens of bars, coffee shops, and restaurants
- Domain-adjacent retail anchors at the north end
Homes within walking distance of Burnet Road's corridor have premium pricing compared to blocks farther east or west.
North Austin School Districts
North Austin's school district landscape is complex:
- Austin ISD: Most of inner north Austin (Allandale, Crestview, North Loop)
- Round Rock ISD: Great Hills, Anderson Mill, Milwood, parts of Jollyville
- Leander ISD: Northwest of Parmer Lane in the Cedar Park direction
School quality varies dramatically between AISD (variable) and Round Rock ISD (A-). Verify specific campus for any address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Established North Austin neighborhoods (Great Hills, Allandale, Anderson Mill) have very low crime. The Domain area is safe. Some commercial corridors have higher crime — research specific addresses.
Great Hills for families wanting lot size, trees, and Round Rock ISD. Allandale for walkability and 1950s–1960s character. Domain area for urban lifestyle buyers near Apple campus.
