Considering a move to Austin and curious about the Highland neighborhood? Nestled just north of Highway 290 and bordered by Lamar Boulevard, Airport Boulevard, and the vibrant North Loop area, Highland is a neighborhood on the rise. Whether you’re searching for an affordable first home, looking for family-friendly streets, or craving a blend of urban amenities with a tight-knit feel, here’s what you need to know about living in Highland—from a local’s point of view.
The Community Vibe
Highland is one of Austin’s most diverse and dynamic neighborhoods. Historically a more modest, working-class area, the past decade has ushered in significant revitalization. The result? A community that attracts recent college grads, young families, longtime locals, and creative professionals.
Walk down streets like Guadalupe, Denson Drive, or Middle Fiskville, and you’ll see a mix of folks jogging with dogs, neighbors chatting on porches, and college students biking to class at nearby Austin Community College’s Highland Campus. There’s an undeniable sense of openness and evolving energy here—new shops, restaurants, and apartment complexes blend with established homes and old-school taquerias. Residents often describe Highland as “real Austin”—unpretentious, a little quirky, and proud of its roots.
Housing in Highland: Old Meets New
Housing in Highland is wonderfully varied, reflecting its decades of change. You’ll find:
- 1950s- and 60s-era ranch-style homes—mostly single-story, with deep yards and mature trees.
- Recently built townhomes and modern multifamily developments, especially closer to Airport Blvd and the Highland ACC campus.
- Renovated bungalows along Arlmont Drive and Georgian Drive, many updated with modern finishes but still affordable by Austin standards.
- A number of apartment complexes that provide options for renters, from students to young professionals.
While Highland isn’t as expensive as Central Austin, prices have been climbing thanks to renewed interest and infrastructure investments. It’s still regarded as a solid value, especially for first-time buyers or anyone looking to get into the Austin market without breaking the bank.
Walkability & Getting Around
Highland scores high on convenience. Though some areas are still evolving, it’s one of the more walkable neighborhoods north of downtown:
- Sidewalks are abundant near major thoroughfares such as Airport Blvd and scattered throughout residential streets.
- The revamped Highland MetroRail station and extensive CapMetro bus routes (including the #7 and #335) make car-free commuting a real possibility.
- The newly developed mixed-use area near ACC Highland (think In-N-Out Burger and Pluckers) gives residents eateries, shops, and groceries within a comfortable stroll.
Cyclists especially love its flat terrain and easy access to central bike routes, plus just a short ride gets you to North Loop’s quirky businesses or Crestview’s beloved Little Deli.
Schools and Family-Friendliness
Families with kids are often drawn to Highland for its neighborhood schools and sense of safety. Local options include:
- Reilly Elementary (named for the street it sits on) is known for its warm staff and active PTA.
- Webb Middle School, just north on Georgian Drive, features popular afterschool programs.
- Austin Community College’s Highland Campus is a regional educational hub, offering affordable classes and a vibrant student population.
While not every school in the area ranks at the top, investment and community engagement are on the rise, making them a strong option for families committed to public education.
Parents say their favorite perks are the safe feeling of Highland’s quiet, tree-lined streets and lots of green space for after-dinner bike rides or spontaneous games of tag.
Parks, Green Spaces, and Recreation
One of Highland’s hidden gems is the abundance of parks and outdoor activities:
- Highland Neighborhood Park (off St. Johns Avenue) is a beloved gathering spot, with a shaded playscape, walking trails, and basketball courts.
- The nearby Wooten Neighborhood Park and Bartholomew District Park (a short drive away) offer even more room to roam and host regular family events.
- Tiny pocket parks dot the area, and new pocket green spaces pop up as part of redevelopment around ACC Highland.
People love the casual, community-driven park events—potluck picnics, pickup soccer, and neighborhood yoga all happen here on weekends.
Safety in Highland
Ask residents about safety, and you’ll hear that Highland feels secure, especially for an urban neighborhood. Neighbors look out for each other, and active online forums (like the Highland Neighborhood Association Facebook group and Nextdoor) play a big role in sharing information. Like all city neighborhoods, it’s smart to keep doors locked and lights on, but most folks say they feel comfortable walking the streets day or night.
The neighborhood also benefits from the nearby Austin Police Department’s North substation, which helps keep response times prompt.
Getting Downtown or to Major Employers
Location is a huge plus for Highland. You’re:
- 10 minutes by car to downtown Austin (without the steep downtown rents).
- Minutes from major employers on I-35, such as Dell Children’s Hospital, or up to the Domain tech corridor via Route 183.
- A quick MetroRail ride to UT Austin, downtown offices, or even the new soccer stadium at Q2.
That proximity—plus direct routes to all corners of Austin—makes Highland particularly attractive for both young professionals and families who crave a quick, no-hassle commute.
What Residents Love Most
So what makes Highland truly special, according to the people who call it home? Here’s what comes up again and again:
- “The down-to-earth, welcoming vibe. Everyone waves here.”
- “Walkability to awesome food and coffee—Epoch, Bun Belly, and Lao’d Bar are local faves.”
- “Affordability plus location—best of both worlds.”
- “It’s changing, but in a good way. There’s room for everyone.”
Between the established neighborhood charm, urban accessibility, and strong sense of grassroots community, Highland is an Austin gem that’s only getting better with age. If you’re looking for a place where you can put down roots—and grow with your neighborhood—Highland is well worth a look.