An easy 15-minute drive from downtown and home to many of Austin’s large employers, North and Northwest Austin are considered Austin’s “second downtown.” The Domain and Domain NORTHSIDE are walkable outdoor districts that include luxury retail stores, local restaurants, and entertainment. Most of the neighborhoods around North Austin are quiet, well-established, family-oriented neighborhoods with solid and close-knit communities. Some areas evoke images of 1950s Americana with large shady trees and modest one-story homes that have been renovated to meet today’s standard of living while keeping their historic exteriors well preserved. Other neighborhoods showcase ranch-style homes with larger lots and well-tended yards, and as the area continues to grow, one can also find new construction popping up nearby. With miles of hiking trails and babbling creeks, the Balcones District Park is where you’ll find most of the residents from this area on any given weekend. North Austin is a desirable location in a quiet community where residents can reap the benefits of the downtown vibe without the high cost.