As Austin grows in popularity, finding a peaceful, low-key, and inexpensive place to put down roots becomes an ever-more-difficult challenge. Fortunately, the neighborhoods in far North Austin still benefit from their off-the-beaten-path status, offering lower prices than their southern counterparts while still involving a reasonable commute time for residents who head to the downtown business district or the University of Texas campus on a daily basis. One North Austin area stands out as especially appealing for budget-minded Austinites who still want easy access to the city’s many amenities: North Burnet.

Affordable Housing In An Increasingly Pricey City

Neighborhood street in North Austin

Property values are soaring in Austin, with homes within the city proper boasting a median sale price of $362,000. But in Northwest Austin, the area that contains North Burnet, homes can be purchased for much lower, largely due to the neighborhood’s comparative distance from Austin’s central business district. Home values in Northwest Austin start at $130,000 with a significant percentage available for under $300,000. 

Easy Commute to UT and Austin Community College

University of Texas / Shutterstock

College students tend to prioritize affordable living, but they also need to balance that with convenient access to campus. University of Texas students can find both benefits in North Burnet. The Rapid 803 bus runs directly between the main campus and North Burnet, with an approximate travel time of 45 minutes each way. Students with cars will appreciate North Burnet’s proximity to US-1 and US-35, both of which can bring them to campus in less than 25 minutes.

If that’s not close enough for you, Austin Community College’s Northridge campus is a less-than-10-minute drive from North Burnet or a 20-minute ride on the 466 bus.

North Burnet Features Great Public Schools

Burnet Middle School / Courtesy of Austin Schools

Thanks to its serene atmosphere and great school options, North Burnet is a popular choice among families with children. North Burnet is served by the Austin Independent School District, providing an education for K-12 students. With over 80,000 students and a graduation rate topping 90 percent, AISD is considered one of Austin’s premier school districts, so North Burnet kids are well-situated from an educational perspective.

Some of Austin’s Top Shopping Centers Are Here

Photo by Larry D. Moore / CC BY-SA

While boutiques and small independent shops can be found throughout Austin, larger one-stop shopping centers with major retailers can be a bit harder to locate. Residents of North Burnet don’t have that problem, as the neighborhood is right near some of the city’s finest malls and outdoor gallerias.

On the northern edge of North Burnet, you’ll find The Domain, a popular outdoor shopping mall with stores like Anthropologie, Casper, Louis Vuitton, Macy’s, and Neiman Marcus. For shops like Home Depot, Marshalls, and DSW, head slightly south to The Shops at Arbor Walk. In the next-door neighborhood of Gateway, the Arboretum galleria includes everything from Barnes and Noble to Gap to Pottery Barn. 

A Perfect Blend of Urban Energy and Suburban Serenity

North Austin looking towards capitol

One of Austin’s older neighborhoods, North Burnet has been residential for decades, resulting in a calm, steady, and relaxed environment. Lower real estate prices allow residents to purchase larger homes, good schools make the area appealing to families, students can easily find their way to campus, and city commuters have a multitude of convenient options for traveling to Austin’s more central districts. If you’re looking for a slightly slower pace of life but aren’t ready to go fully suburban, North Burnet provides an excellent compromise.