Best Austin Neighborhoods: The Zilker Guide

Looking for a little nature alongside your city living? Situated just south of Downtown Austin and Ladybird Lake, Zilker is one of our favorite Austin neighborhoods.

Home to a wide selection of charming restaurants, an abundance of lush green park spaces, and some of Austin’s top entertainment venues and festivals, there’s no shortage of activities to do and places to explore. Zilker is a great option for those who want to enjoy the best of what Austin, Texas has to offer.

This Zilker Neighborhood Guide highlights just a few of the many reasons so many Austinites love Zilker and call this lively neighborhood home.

Zip Code

78704

Average Home Price*

$1.2 M

Home Styles

Classic Austin Bungalows, Mid-Century Modern, Contemporary New Builds

Average Price/SqFt*

$746

Walk Score

75 Watch the Video

Why Austinites Love Zilker

Zilker is one of the top neighborhoods in Austin for those who want the best of city living and the beauty of natural park spaces. These are some of the many reasons why Austinites love Zilker.

Dog-Friendly

Zilker is a dog-friendly neighborhood that’s perfect for your four-legged friends. Whether you’re drinking a cold beer at Black Sheep Lodge or enjoying Sunday brunch on the patio at Snooze, many restaurants and bars happily welcome dogs. Plus, you and your pup will always have a safe path to get some exercise and fresh air with sidewalks along all the main roads and many hiking and biking trails nearby.

Excellent Public Schools & Green Spaces

Zilker hosts some of the best public schools for grades K-12. There are also plenty of open green spaces to play and explore with excellent parks for the whole family to enjoy.

Convenient Location

The Zilker neighborhood is conveniently located near Austin’s top hotspots, scenic views, and the airport. You’re a 10-minute drive from the nightlife in Downtown Austin and beautiful views of the hill country in Westlake. A short car ride will take you to the best shops, bars, and restaurants in East Austin. And you’re only 15 minutes away from the Austin International Airport.

Zilker Real Estate

Before you begin house-hunting in Zilker, here’s what you need to know about making this favorite Austin neighborhood your new home.

Neighborhood Vibe

People move to Zilker for the location and stay for the neighbors. The Zilker community has a friendly, community vibe that’s welcoming to everyone from working professionals to young families to long-time residents who have called Austin home for decades.

Architectural Styles

Zilker features a wide range of architectural styles that are sure to capture anyone’s eye. Whether you’re looking for a newly built house, a mid-century modern gem, or a classic Austin bungalow, there’s a uniquely beautiful home for everyone in the Zilker neighborhood.

Average Home Price

The average home closing price in Zilker is $1.2 million or an average of $746 per square foot.

Walkability

The Zilker neighborhood has a Walk Score of 75. As the 14th most walkable neighborhood in Austin, many parts of Zilker are just a walk away. Barton Springs Road offers easy, walkable access to Zilker Park and its surrounding attractions. If your walk involves a leash or a stroller, you’ll have a safe place to go fast or slow.

Schools

As part of the Austin Independent School District, Zilker is zoned for highly-rated public schools including Zilker Elementary School, O Henry Middle School, and Austin High School. Zilker also offers options for top private schools in the area like Parkside Community School (pre-K through 6th grade) and Ko School + Incubator (6-12th grade).

Featured Property in the Neighborhood

For Sale
501 Cater Drive

Austin, Texas 78704

Price Upon Request
Rare .36-acre homesite perched just above Barton Springs Road, featuring gorgeous stately Oak trees and stunning downtown views in the highly sought-after Zilker neighborhood....
- Lot Size.36 Acres
- CommunityZilker
- Type Lot/ Land
View
Wade Giles

Where to Eat in Zilker

Hosting some of the best restaurants in town, these are a few of our favorite spots to grab a bite in the Zilker Area:

Casa de Luz

Trying to accommodate a wide range of dietary restrictions? Casa de Luz is a vegetarian/vegan restaurant and music venue near South Lamar and Barton Springs Road. They specialize in wholesome, organic, and seasonal plant-based nutrition with gluten-free options. The friendly, easy-going ambiance makes Casa de Luz the perfect spot for a casual meal with a friend for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Juliet Italian Kitchen

Juliet Italian Kitchen is a relaxed spot to enjoy a date night or special occasion with some traditional Italian comfort food. True to the heart of every Austinite, Juliet is a fantastic place to enjoy a meal outdoors with a beautiful patio and outdoor bar. This is as close as you’ll get to Little Italy in New York City with a hint of Austin flair.

Chuy's

Now a popular Tex-Mex spot with locations across the U.S., Chuy’s got its start on Barton Springs Road in 1982. With a large menu of Tex-Mex favorites, Chuy’s has got a little something for everyone. Not to mention, they’ve got a killer happy hour if you’re looking for somewhere to enjoy a couple of adult beverages after work!

While you’re there, be sure to try their signature Jalapeño Cilantro dip, known affectionately by the locals as the green sauce. There are plenty of copycat recipes online, but there’s nothing like the real thing!

Carpenter Hall

Located in an old pecan grove just on the edge of Zilker, the Carpenter Hotel was once a union hall turned into a hip boutique hotel. The hotel’s restaurant, Carpenter Hall has an indoor space with fun interiors and a spacious outdoor area as well as a cozy coffee shop.

With a neighborhood feel, Carpenter Hall has a menu inspired by the global cuisine that has helped make Texas what it is today. Enjoy everything from German schnitzel and Lebanese-Texas dishes to Tex Mex options. If you’re in a cocktail mood, we recommend the Teaches of Peaches. It’s somehow sweet, spicy, and refreshing all at the same time.

Snooze

Were you overserved the night before or just in the mood for some comfort to start the day? Snooze is a popular breakfast spot on South Lamar. Though it’s a chain that got its start in Denver, Colorado, it’s become a favorite breakfast spot in Austin.

With a pancake flight, unique eggs benedict options, and a killer Bloody Mary, Snooze is often packed on the weekends with Austinites seeking a tasty brunch. Be sure to join the waitlist ahead of time on their website so your wait is shorter.

ThoroughBread

Carb loading isn’t just for those running the Austin Marathon… ThoroughBread is a Zilker bakery with the most delicious assortment of bread, cookies, and burridoughs. The cookies are some of the best you’ll find in Austin. (Our fave is the peanut butter and jelly!)

While you’re there, grab a burridough, which combines two Texas favorites—the kolache and the breakfast taco—for a breakfast or late morning snack that’s savory, filling, and (most importantly) delicious!

Lamar Union

Lamar Union on South Lamar brings all our Austin favorites together in one convenient space. Lick Honest Ice Creams serves up both dairy and non-dairy ice creams with ingredients that are sourced locally. Or if you’re looking for a casual burger, fries, and shake, Shake Shack is always our go-to.

Caffe Medici (another Austin favorite) is a great place to grab a latte in the morning (or before a late movie at Alamo.) If you’re looking for something a little more substantial, check out Soto, a modern Japanese restaurant with delicious craft cocktails.

Food Trucks on Barton Springs

In the mood to keep things casual? Barton Springs Road boasts a plethora of fun and tasty food trucks in The Picnic food truck park. No matter your craving, you’re sure to find a delicious bite to eat. These are some of our absolute favorites:

The Mighty Cone

Born in 2002 to offer Austin City Limits music festival-goers a tasty meal on the go, The Mighty Cone now offers its fan-favorite food year-round. Their signature hot ‘n’ crunchy coating makes for a unique and refreshing snack after a long day at Barton Springs. Served in a flour tortilla cone, this uniquely-Austin meal is one you won’t find anywhere else.

Yapa

For a flakey and delicious treat, Yapa serves up sweet and savory artisan empanadas with their made-from-scratch vegan dough. They offer a range of different fillings for every taste and diet, including meat, vegetarian, vegan, and sweet. While you’re there, try the Come y Calla to get a little taste of Texas-style smoked brisket in a housemade BBQ sauce.

Things to Do in Zilker

There is no shortage of fun events in Austin, TX. And many of them take place right in Zilker. Let’s look at some of the most popular festivals, seasonal events, and outdoor activities in the Zilker area.

Festivals and Seasonal Events in Zilker

Visitors and locals alike look forward to the top festivals and events in the Zilker area every year.

Austin City Limits Music Festival

Austin City Limits is an iconic Austin music festival that takes place every fall at Zilker Park. Since 2002, the festival has been bringing a diverse group of talented artists to Zilker. While it started as a one-weekend festival, today, ACL offers 9 stages with over 100 performances over the course of two weekends. They also have great food and a variety of fun activities to do between sets.

ABC Kite Festival

The ABC Kite Festival has been going strong at Zilker Park for almost 100 years. In the spirit of keeping Austin weird, the kite festival holds a showcase and contest for the fastest, strongest, and weirdest kites with different categories like “best kite pilot” and “most unusual kite”.

Trail of Lights

For over 50 years, the Trail of Lights has been lighting up Zilker Park with holiday cheer every December. As one of Austin’s beloved holiday traditions (and one of the three largest events in the city), the Trail of Lights features more than 2 million lights as well as over 70 holiday displays and lighted tunnels. This family-friendly event is the perfect way to kick off the holidays.

Blues on the Green

Austin’s favorite summer tradition is Blues on the Green, hosted by Austin City Limits Radio. This annual free concert series brings together some of the best blues artists for Austinites to enjoy in the open air. Be sure to bring your blanket and some sunscreen!

Outdoor Activities in Zilker

Zilker is close to some of the best outdoor spots and activities in the Austin area. Here are just a few of our favorite ways to spend the warm Texas weekends in Zilker:

Zilker Park

For many, Zilker Park is the most-loved park in the Austin area. The park is 351 acres with a variety of different recreational activities. Some of the park’s main attractions are the Barton Springs Pool, Austin Nature and Science Center, McBeth Recreation Center, Zilker Botanical Gardens, and the Zilker Hillside Theatre.

Barton Springs Pool

Located right inside Zilker Park, the Barton Springs Pool is one of Austin’s treasured gems. The pool is fed entirely from natural underground springs. Since Barton Springs Pool is located within Zilker Park, you can park in the same parking lot to get there.

Off-Leash Dog Park in Zilker Park

Zilker Park dedicates 46 acres of space entirely for dogs to play and socialize off-leash. While it is a large space, it’s not fenced. So make sure you keep an eye on your pup! This is a great place to let your dog socialize and burn off some energy while meeting other dog owners in the area.

Zilker Botanical Gardens

Located within Zilker Park, the Zilker Botanical Gardens provide a quiet and peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of city life. You can visit each of the connected theme gardens—like the Taniguchi Japanese Garden and the Hartman Prehistoric Garden—during a casual stroll. The botanical gardens are a great spot to bring the kids or for a relaxed daytime date with a friend or partner.

Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum

The Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum displays the work of Charles Umlauf and other artists in both a museum and a garden environment. It’s a unique experience to enjoy art while surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors. The botanical gardens are a great spot to bring the kids or for a relaxed daytime date with a friend or partner.

Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail

This 10-mile hike-and-bike trail is a natural gem right in the heart of Austin. As one of Austin’s most recognized and popular recreational trails, the hike and bike goes around Ladybird Lake, allowing you to visit Zilker Park, Barton Springs, Auditorium Shores, and more.

The trail is well-maintained year-round and has stopping points along the way, making it a great option for cyclists and pedestrians at every fitness level.

Zilker Nightlife and Attractions

There’s no shortage of attractions in Zilker. Here’s our list of the best nightlife spots in the area and other top attractions:

ZACH Theatre

Located on South Lamar, the ZACH Theatre has been an Austin staple since 1932. This intimate theatre hosts a diverse assortment of plays and musicals, including children’s shows. The theatre also hosts education and outreach programs, camps, and classes for kids as well.

Zilker Hillside Theatre

Zilker Hillside Theatre’s mission is to “sustain the legacy of serving the entire Austin community through the magic of performing”. And with an audience of over 45,000 people annually, they’re making good on their promise by providing award-winning free entertainment right inside Zilker Park.

Alamo Drafthouse Lamar Union

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema is a local movie theatre chain that has become a staple for Austinites. In the spirit of keeping Austin Weird, Alamo is not your average movie theatre.

In addition to unique programming and events, Alamo Drafthouse also offers a full bar and menu of delicious food, served right at your seat. It’s all the makings for the best date night—all in one spot!. See the latest films, your favorite classics, and even some hidden treasures at the Lamar Union location.

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