10 of the Safest Neighborhoods in Austin: Perfect for Families Who Still Want to Experience City Life

If you’re interested in settling in one of the best places to live in Texas, you can’t go wrong with living in Austin. 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! Is Austin, Texas, safe overall, though?

Like all major cities, there are some pros and cons of living in Austin, and one of the cons is that Austin does have some crime (although less than other major cities in Texas, like Houston and Dallas). In fact, it’s only safer than five percent of cities across the U.S., and your chances of being a victim of property crime are one in 30. These crime statistics make it crucial to look at the safe areas in Austin, TX, as you’re searching for a new place to call home.

Where Not To Stay in Austin, TX?

Before we get into the list of places to check out before moving to Austin, let’s take a look at some of the most dangerous neighborhoods of Austin, according to AreaVibes:

• Riverside: 232% more crime than the city overall
• Saint Johns: 207% more crime than the city overall
• MLK: 193% more crime than the city overall
• Georgian Acres: 188% more crime than the city overall
• Montopolis: 186% more crime than the city overall
• Rosewood: 182% more crime than the city overall

How We Chose the Safest Neighborhoods in Austin

To determine the safest neighborhoods in Austin, we got down to the nitty-gritty with the numbers. Our go-to source for the neighborhood-by-neighborhood breakdown was AreaVibes, which let us compare total crime stats for each area against the city's average. To get the full picture of safety in the city, we also leaned on the broader analytics from NeighborhoodScout.

Now, here's an important caveat: Safety in Austin is all about context. Some of the neighborhoods on our list may appear “unsafe” because they technically have a crime percentage that is higher than the city's average (around one to 10 percent more). But compare those numbers to the more dangerous parts of town, which can experience a staggering 232 percent more crime above average. With that in mind, here are the areas that rise to the top as the safest areas in Austin, TX.

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 the best Austin neighborhoods. 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 10 safest neighborhoods in Austin.

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.

Downtown is one of the safest neighborhoods in Austin, blending city energy with community-focused safety.

1. Downtown

• Average rent: $3,325
• Average home value: $632,300
• Great for: Public schools, families, nightlife, diversity
• How safe is Downtown? 60% less crime than Austin average

Wondering where the best spot in Austin is? More people are choosing downtown, drawn by its urban energy and charm over suburban life. What was once a hub for young creatives and professionals has blossomed into one of the safest neighborhoods in Austin for families, thanks to a multi-layered security strategy.

Friendly Downtown Ambassadors and a dedicated Safety Team are on the ground daily, while Downtown Austin Alliance’s partnerships with police mean enhanced patrols, more cameras, and other amplified safety features. Another reason downtown is considered one of the safest areas in Austin, TX, is because of the open communication and robust community involvement, which keeps everyone informed and engaged. The Downtown Safety Network sends text/email alerts and hosts monthly virtual safety forums where residents and business owners can get updates from APD and other leaders.

2. East Cesar Chavez

• Average rent: $1,950
• Average home value: $588,300
• Great for: Outdoor recreation, families, diversity
• How safe is East Cesar Chavez? 30% less crime than Austin average

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.

While crime in this area used to be notable, it’s quickly becoming one of the safe neighborhoods in Austin, TX, because of its proximity to downtown, which means it also benefits from the efforts of the Downtown Safety Alliance. Additionally, efforts are ongoing to enhance East Cesar Chavez through beautification projects, including public art installations, gateways, and pocket parks.

3. Holly

• Average rent: $2,050
• Average home value: $562,900
• Great for: Outdoor recreation, restaurants, arts
• How safe is Holly? 28% less crime than Austin average

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 — plus it comes with an added bonus of extra peace of mind. Renovated bungalows mix with modern townhomes in this walkable and bike-friendly district, one of the safest neighborhoods in Austin. Thanks to the Downtown Austin Alliance and localized conservation efforts, residents can comfortably enjoy 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.

This security, combined with its easy downtown access, outdoor abundance, and iconic food scene — Cuantos Tacos and Las Trancas Taco Stand are two food trucks that have attracted devoted followings — is why Holly is increasingly attracting not just artists and epicureans, but also families looking for a secure and vibrant place to call home.

4. Windsor Road

• Average rent: N/A
• Average home value: $2.1M
• Great for: Commuters, entertainment, local events
• How safe is Windsor Road? 16% less crime than Austin average

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, it’s known as one of the safest neighborhoods in Austin for retirees.

Windsor Road’s safety is supported by its promotion of a close-knit community structure. Its laid-back, friendly atmosphere and active neighborhood engagement efforts, including regular meetings, local events, and information sharing, foster a strong sense of community watch and pride. Windsor Road is also ranked highly for families, and its convenient location just off the Mopac Expressway means residents enjoy a relaxed neighborhood setting while staying well-connected to Austin’s amenities.

5. Triangle State

• Average rent: $2,025
• Median home listing price: $2.2M
• Great for: Families, diversity, young professionals, nightlife
• How safe is Triangle State? 9% less crime than Austin average

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. It’s so safe, in fact, that Niche named it the best neighborhood in the city thanks to its highly-rated schools and low crime rate, both of which may be attributed to its high property values (97 percent of the residents own their homes) and educated population.  

The Triangle may be affluent — with a median household income of around $92,000 annually — but it focuses on giving back. The neighborhood 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.

Found right next to the University of Texas at Austin, West University has campus-backed safety measures in place that help make it one of the safest neighborhoods in Austin.

6. West University/The University of Texas

• Average rent: $3,450
• Average home value: $306,800
• Great for: College students, academics, young professionals
• How safe is West University? 1% less crime than Austin average

Whether you’re sending a loved one off to college or just want to plant some roots in an area of Austin that has that unique “college town” vibe, you’ll feel safe doing so in West University, which is one of the safest neighborhoods in Austin. Directly adjacent to the University of Texas at Austin, West University is anchored by a powerful combination of community affluence, an educated population, and — perhaps most importantly — a direct and sustained investment in security infrastructure from the university itself.

The UT System made the safety of this off-campus area a clear priority, approving an $8 million, four-year safety plan in 2020 specifically for West Campus, which includes the West University neighborhood. This initiative goes far beyond standard city services, directly funding a heightened, specialized police presence that is uncommon in many residential districts.

The University of Texas Police Department (UTPD) has also established a dedicated West Campus police district, staffed by 13 additional officers and two dedicated community liaisons. When combined with the neighborhood's demographics and high property values, this university-backed security framework solidifies West University's status as a sanctuary of safety within the city.

7. Crestview

• Average rent: $1,550
• Average home value: $575,700
• Great for: Restaurants, entertainment, outdoor recreation
• How safe is Crestview? 1% more crime than Austin average

Living in Crestview offers just about everything you could want in a high-quality neighborhood, including a plethora of restaurants, bars, and parks — and a safe atmosphere for its residents. Named the top Austin neighborhood to raise a family by Niche, Crestview is one of the safest neighborhoods in Austin for both young professionals and families alike.

People in Crestview love the neighborhood’s walkability, with almost 80 percent saying they feel comfortable walking the area alone at night, a sense of security bolstered by well-lit streets, an active neighborhood association, and a friendly community presence. This safety extends seamlessly into the neighborhood’s green spaces, where residents frequently enjoy the outdoors day or night. 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.

8. Hyde Park

• Average rent: $1,325
• Average home value: $684,900
• Great for: Young professionals, entertainment, outdoor recreation
• How safe is Hyde Park? 4% more crime than Austin average

Another hot spot that’s also considered one of the safe areas in Austin, TX, for young professionals, Hyde Park is just blocks away from downtown and the University of Texas. This relatively affordable neighborhood is known for its walkability and easy access to areas of entertainment, such as Shipe Neighborhood Park for games of basketball and tennis, along with Hancock Golf Course for some 9-hole fun. And even though the crime rate is four percent higher than Austin overall, you can still feel safe while living in this neighborhood, which benefits from an active neighborhood association and the UT safety measures, just like West University.

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. 980.

Gorgeous gardens are a hallmark of homes in Rosedale, one of the safest neighborhoods in Austin.
(Source: Trulia.com)

9. Rosedale

• Average rent: $2,150
• Average home value: $809,800
• Great for: Families, rich history, outdoor recreation, medical services
• How safe is Rosedale? 5% more crime than Austin average

Situated in the northern sector of Central Austin, Rosedale is a charming neighborhood with quite a rich history and lots of community pride. After starting out as 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, which is likely attributed to its proximity to the University of Texas and downtown, as well as its neighborhood watch groups and other crime-prevention strategies and awareness plans.

What’s more, outdoor enthusiasts living in Rosedale are lucky to have close access to Ramsey 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.

10. Pecan Springs-Springdale

• Average rent: $1,525
• Average home value: $422,100
• Great for: Families, young professionals, public school attendees
• How safe is Pecan Springs-Springdale? 10% more crime than Austin average

Pecan Springs-Springdale is a historic neighborhood in East Austin with a rich heritage and a close-knit community. Originating as the early 20th-century hub of Austin's Freedman Communities, the area is now one of the safest neighborhoods in Austin. Pecan Springs-Springdale has above-average public schools, which earn strong ratings for diversity and community value.

Although it may appear that the neighborhood has a notable crime rate, keep in mind that it’s only 10 percent above Austin’s average — whereas nearby neighborhoods MLK and University Hills have much higher crime percentages at 193 and 172 over average, respectively. In addition to the neighborhood’s public schools, this lower percentage may also be attributed to its location near emerging employment centers and the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport.

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 to Austin flexible with PODS portable moving containers.

Have a portable moving and storage container delivered right to your driveway for convenient packing and loading. One month of storage is included in the cost of every move, so you can take your time without feeling rushed. PODS can even refer you to local packing and loading services to help with the heavy lifting.

When you’re ready, your container will be picked up and delivered to your new Austin residence or even a convenient Austin storage center. Visit PODS online for a free local moving quote or call 877-350-7637 for long-distance moving.

Editor’s note: Average and median rent prices were obtained from RentCafe; average home values were obtained from Zillow; and median home listing prices were obtained from Realtor.com. For ease of reading, monthly rental prices were rounded to the nearest $25 and home values were rounded to the nearest $100. Home values in the millions were rounded to the nearest $100,000.

_{*This article was written on behalf of PODS Enterprises, LLC (“PODS”). PODS does not warrant the completeness or accuracy of any information contained in this article and disclaims any liability for reliance upon the content herein.}