Work-Life Balance in Austin: Find Your Perfect Apartment Near Top Employers

Hello! I’m Raul, your ApartmentHomeLiving.com local expert for Austin, Texas. I’ve spent years exploring Austin’s neighborhoods throughout my time living in this great city in different apartments and homes.

Austin’s job market has exploded over the past decade and while opportunities are ample, finding the right neighborhood that balances work, play, and affordability feels like it’s own full-time job.

Current Pricing for Apartments for Rent in Austin

Current Pricing for Homes for Rent in Austin

At ApartmentHomeLiving.com, we find homes that match exactly what you need, whether you’re moving here for the first time or settling into a new location. In this article, we’ve highlighted some of the major employers in Austin along with some of the most popular neighborhoods that are great for families, couples, and single individuals.

Check out these best places to rent based on my real local insights, not just data.

Dell Technologies

Driving down I-35 will run you straight into Dell campus right before you head into Round Rock. The massive tech hub has helped shape Austin’s reputation as “Silicon Hills” and today it anchors thousands of tech careers in the metro area.

The neighborhoods surrounding this employer make commuting a breeze with most drives into downtown taking less than 20 minutes. You’ll find an abundance of restaurants, green spaces, and affordable places to call home.

Heritage Hills

Driving through Heritage Hills will surprise you because of how peaceful it all feels even though it’s right next to major Austin highways like I-35 and Highway 183. You’ll find a range of homes like 1970s ranches mixed in with freshly renovated rentals with big yards and mature trees.

A friend of mine who relocated for Dell chose Heritage Hills because it offered a calm and convenient spot right at the edge of Austin’s major attractions. That kind of balance is rare but you can see kids riding bikes and feel the safety of the neighborhood as you walk the sidewalks.

Walnut Creek

Some in the city consider Walnut Creek Austin’s hidden backyard thanks to Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park, which offers miles of trails locals use for running, biking, and dog walking. I’ve lost count of how many sunset walks I’ve taken through this part of town to unwind after a long day. Apartments and rentals dot the area with options for nearly any budget.

If you’re a Dell employee who values nature and a sense of escape without the long commute, you’ll find this neighborhood perfect for your liking. Young professionals are moving in yearly mixed in with established families and long-time Austinites. It’s a true representation of the North Austin lifestyle.

Windsor Hills

Located just East of I-35, Windsor Hills is quietly becoming one of Austin’s best valued neighborhoods. The community has a friendly atmosphere, the homes are colorful, and you’re a short drive from the Dell campus.

Renters love the quick access to restaurants and popular hangout spots like Little Deli and Pizzeria and the Brentwood Social House. The homes don’t scream luxury like they do across town in the Domain area, but it’s a place you can genuinely live comfortably and build community.

Dell Seton Medical Center

Resting in the heart of the city and right next to the University of Austin, Dell Seton Medical Center has become the hub of innovation and patient care. Many medical professionals are trained here and it’s known for employees having long shifts and unpredictable schedules.

That’s why living around the area can make a world of difference and the neighborhoods are full or character with mature trees lining the streets. The 5-10 minute short drive, or bike ride, to the hospital means that it’s highly competitive with some of the most prized neighborhoods in the city.

Hyde Park

If you love historic charm and huge oak trees, Hyde Park won’t disappoint. Well known throughout the area and one of my favorite places to grab a bite to eat, it’s one of Austin’s oldest neighborhoods. Bungalow-style homes with walkable streets dominate this area along with trendy and popular coffee shops like Flightpath.

When I used to bike through Hyde Park it was one of the most peaceful routes in Central Austin. Renters appreciate the mix of residents from students and medical professionals to families and long-time residents. You get the old Austin feel with all the modern perks.

Pemberton Heights

Stunning Architecture and elegance wrapped in greenery is what you get with Pemberton Heights. The quiet streets and proximity to Downtown make it attractive but competition can get fierce in this small neighborhood.

Almost all the homes are historic and beautifully maintained, giving the area a timeless feel. A friend of mine who worked at Dell loved the short escape the neighborhood provided even though it was only a 10-minute drive to work. Keep in mind the attractiveness of the area means prices are higher but you’re paying for true serenity and safety.

St. David’s Medical Center

Ask anyone in the city and they’ve likely heard of St David’s Medical Center. Located along 32nd Street and just off I-35 the area has long served Austin’s growing population and has nothing but established neighborhoods that blend convenience and charm.

Medical workers would love to snag one of the apartments in this area to not only be close to work, but to get some of the best landmarks the city has to offer.

Central Austin

The beating heart of the city, Central Austin is where all the action happens. A huge mix of students and professionals reside here along with families trying to raise their children with the best Austin has to offer.

Rentals in this part of the city give you access to the University of Texas, plenty of grocery stores, restaurants, and coffee shops. Apartments are in abundance and include vintage courtyards and shaded patios for those intense summer temperatures. You’ll also find a few new, upscale units. If you don’t mind the occasional sound of live music drifting in from nearby bars, Central Austin is a great place to settle.

Cherrywood

Creative meets comfortable in this quirky and fun neighborhood. Known for its colorful cottages and eclectic personality, Cherrywood is home to all the artists, professors, and healthcare professionals. I’ve spent plenty of mornings sipping coffee at the famous Cherrywood Coffeehouse where scrubs and laptops are a part of daily life.

The bike-friendly area is authentically Austin and still carries some of that “Keep Austin Weird” motto even though tech hubs are starting to take over. You’ll have just enough quiet to recharge but be close enough to downtown to keep things lively.

Hancock

Hancock is the type of neighborhood that feels tucked away even though you’re minutes from downtown. At the center of the neighborhood is the Hancock Center, filled with restaurants, shops, and a newly renovated HEB. Across the street is the Hancock Golf Course, which adds a lovely bit of nature in the middle of the city.

Rentals are much more affordable here compared to nearby areas, making it a popular spot for students and young professionals. One thing I love about this area of town is that it feels like an official neighborhood where people look out for each other and you’ll always see someone jogging or walking their dog.

IBM

Before the huge boom of The Domain and all the newer tech campuses, IBM was already paving the way for Austin’s tech scene. The North Austin campus is still a key player in what is being officially called the Tech Corridor. The stretch from Burnet Road and Mopac are filled with software firms and startups.

Living nearby allows you to skip the major traffic along Highway 183 and huge pileups on Mopac 1. Grabbing one of the newly built apartments in this area taps you into one of Austin’s most exciting, burgeoning areas for career growth.

North Austin

The area of North Austin has transformed dramatically over the past decade. What was once a simple suburban sprawl has quickly become one of the city’s most dynamic hubs. The Domain sits at the center of it all with new restaurants, shops, nightlife, and an entire outdoor mall.

Everything is just minutes away from IBM, including popular spots like the Culinary Dropout or The Yard Bar. The rental market is filled with luxury apartments but you can find some more affordable complexes that were built before the Domain takeover. It’s an ideal place for professionals who crave convenience and social options right outside their door.

Westover Hills

New or long-time residents looking for a calmer, family-oriented area that’s still close to work will find Westover Hills a perfect location. It’s nestled among rolling hills and tree-covered streets, giving it a suburban feel without a long drive. Larger rental homes are located here with big yards and excellent schools nearby.

Locals love the shop hop onto Mopac and you can reach IBM in under 15 minutes. A neighbor of mine once called it the best of both worlds, where you can reach happy hour any day of the week but be far enough to relax without any chaos.

Finding Your Perfect Rental

Living in Austin means embracing the quirks like food trucks, light traffic, and live music almost any day of the week. It also involves finding your own personal corner of the city that makes daily life just a little easier but still matches your needs. All the neighborhoods above offer something for everyone with affordability, accessibility, and Austin charm.

At ApartmentHomeLiving.com, we’re here to help you find not just a rental, but a place that feels like Home and close to where you work and connect to the city you love. Whether you’re chasing your dream job or settling into a cozy new home, there is always a neighborhood waiting for you.