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List of Austin neighborhoods facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

Austin, Texas, is a big city with many different areas, called neighborhoods. Think of them like smaller towns or communities within the city. Austin is split in half by the Colorado River, which flows through the middle of the city. This river helps divide Austin into northern and southern parts.

Knowing about these neighborhoods helps you understand the different parts of Austin and what makes each one special!

Austin neighborhood areas
Areas of Austin
Austin Skyline from Montopolis Bridge
Austin Skyline from Montopolis Bridge looking west
Race and ethnicity Austin (2000)
Map of racial and ethnic groups in Austin based on data from the 2000 United States Census – each dot denotes 25 persons of primarily White (red), Black (blue), Asian (green), or Hispanic (orange) heritage group

Central Austin

Central Austin is the heart of the city, including the busy Downtown area. It's located north of the Colorado River. You can find it between Interstate 35 on the east, around 51st Street to the north, and Mopac Expressway (also known as Loop 1) to the west. This area is home to many important buildings and the University of Texas at Austin.

Austin - Skyline - 2018
Downtown Austin's skyline
Congress Ave. in downtown Austin
Congress Avenue in Downtown Austin
Littlefield Fountain, a monument by Italian-born sculptor Pompeo Coppini located on the main campus of The University of Texas at Austin in Austin, Texas LCCN2014632359
The University of Texas at Austin
Hildreth-Flanagan-Heierman House
A historic home in Hyde Park

Some of the neighborhoods in Central Austin include:

North Austin

North Austin includes all the neighborhoods located north of Central Austin. This area starts north of 51st Street, North Loop, and Hancock Drive. It's a large area with many different communities.

North Central

This part of North Austin is located north of 51st Street and Hancock Drive. It's a busy area with many homes and businesses.

Aerial - North central Austin, Texas 01
An aerial view of North Central Austin

Some neighborhoods here are:

Northeast

Northeast Austin is found north of 51st Street and east of Interstate 35.

Northwest

Northwest Austin is located north of Hancock Drive and west of the Mopac Expressway.

Far North

The Far North area of Austin is located north of Parmer Lane.

East Austin

East Austin is the area located east of Interstate 35 and north of the Colorado River. This part of the city has a rich history and is known for its vibrant culture.

East Austin Gentrification Holly St 2018
A new home in the Holly neighborhood of East Austin

Some neighborhoods in East Austin include:

West Austin

West Austin is a smaller area because of how the Colorado River bends. It's bordered by the Mopac Expressway to the east, the Colorado River to the south and west, and Northland Drive (RM 2222) to the north.

Woodlawn austin 2006
The Woodlawn neighborhood in West Austin

Neighborhoods in West Austin include:

South Austin

South Austin generally includes all the areas located south of the Colorado River. This part of the city is known for its unique character and many popular spots.

360 Barton Springs 5July08 (9)
Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park
South Congress Austin - i love you so much
The famous "I love you so much" mural on South Congress
One-by-five Apartments Austin, TX
Apartments in East Riverside
BartonCreekGreenbelt-34
Barton Creek Greenbelt
Scene from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, part of the University of Texas at Austin but located 10 miles south of the Texas capital LCCN2014632146
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in Circle C

South Central

South Central Austin is located between the Mopac Expressway to the west, the Colorado River to the north, Interstate 35 to the east, and Ben White Boulevard to the south.

Southeast Central/Riverside

The area of Southeastern Austin between the Colorado River and Ben White Boulevard is often called the Riverside area.

  • East Riverside-Oltorf
  • Montopolis
  • Pleasant Valley

Southeast

These neighborhoods are located east of Menchaca Road and south of Ben White Boulevard.

Southwest

Southwest Austin includes neighborhoods west of Menchaca Road and south of Ben White Boulevard and Capital of Texas Highway.

  • Cherry Creek
  • Circle C Ranch
  • Oak Hill
  • Far South Austin/Slaughter-Manchaca
  • Kincheonville
  • The Ridge at Lantana
  • Maple Run
  • Sendera
  • Shady Hollow
  • Sunset Valley (an incorporated city)
  • Tanglewood Forest
  • Travis Country
  • Westgate
  • Woodstone Village
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List of Austin neighborhoods Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.