.jpg?w=1000)
10 Safest Neighborhoods in Austin For Students
Austin’s safest nieghborhoods for secure living
Table of Content
Austin is one of the most exciting cities in the USA for students. It has live music, brilliant universities, great food, and a buzzing social scene. Whether you are starting your first semester or moving mid-course, Austin genuinely has something special to offer. But before you pack your bags, one thing matters most: where you live. Finding the safest neighborhoods in Austin is the very first step to a happy, stress-free student life. Safe areas help you focus on your studies, sleep better, and enjoy your time fully. This guide covers the top 10 safest neighborhoods in Austin, each chosen for low crime rates, student-friendly vibes, and genuine community warmth. Let us help you find your perfect home here.
Top 10 Safest Neighborhoods in Austin for Students
From quiet suburban streets to walkable communities near campus, these Austin safest neighborhoods offer low crime rates, solid transport links, and a welcoming feel for every student. Here are the top 10 picks to help you settle in with real confidence.
1. Circle C Ranch
Average Rent: $1,300–$1,650/month
Crime Rate: One of the lowest violent crime rates in all of Austin
Nearest University: St. Edward's University
Best For: Students who want peace, green space, and suburban comfort
Circle C Ranch is consistently ranked the safest neighborhood in Austin by multiple data sources. Crime sits well below Austin's city average, both violent and property types. Wide, well-lit streets and plenty of parks make evening walks feel completely relaxed. Families settle here long-term, which creates a stable, close-knit community. Rents start around $1,300 per month, making it one of the best austin safe suburbs for students who want peace without breaking the bank.
2. Tarrytown
Average Rent: $1,500–$2,000/month
Crime Rate: Very low
Nearest University: University of Texas at Austin
Best For: Students wanting campus access without city-centre noise
Tarrytown is one of the most loved and safest neighborhoods in Austin. It sits just three miles from Downtown Austin, and the commute to UT is quick and easy. Streets are walkable and lined with lovely old trees. Long-time residents form a tight community that naturally keeps crime low. Property and violent crimes are both well below the city's average. If you want student apartments in Austin that blend safety with superb location, Tarrytown is a brilliant choice.
3. Mueller
Average Rent: $1,400–$1,800/month
Crime Rate: Top three for safety
Nearest University: University of Texas at Austin
Best For: Students who love modern, walkable, community-focused living
Mueller is a planned community where every street and park is designed with people in mind. That smart design naturally reduces crime. Open spaces and an active community presence make it one of the safest neighborhoods in Austin. Mueller Lake Park keeps the area lively and safe all day. For students searching for student housing in Austin, Mueller offers modern apartments close to the city. Everything is within short walking distance, like shops, cafés, and eateries, with no car needed.
4. Hyde Park
Average Rent: $1,100–$1,500/month
Crime Rate: 4.629 per 1,000 residents
Nearest University: University of Texas at Austin
Best For: Short walk to the University of Texas
Hyde Park is a student favorite and one of the best-known, safest Austin neighborhoods. It sits just north of UT Austin with a very low violent crime rate despite its dense, central location. Bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks are all nearby. Rent is more affordable than in Tarrytown. As the go-to safest neighborhood in Austin Texas, for UT students, it combines campus access, community warmth, and real affordability, a difficult mix to beat anywhere in the city.
5. Northwest Hills
Average Rent: $1,200–$1,600/month
Crime Rate: Very low
Nearest University: Concordia University Texas
Best For: Students who prefer a quiet suburban feel inside city limits
Northwest Hills feels like a proper suburb but sits firmly inside city limits. It is one of the best Austin Texas safest neighborhoods, thanks to tight-knit community bonds and long-term residents who genuinely look out for each other. No heavy tourist traffic, no nightlife, just quiet, predictable, safe streets. Bus routes connect you to university campuses with ease. If you want a safe Austin suburb that still stays connected to city life, Northwest Hills ticks every single box.
6. Barton Hills
Average Rent: $1,300–$1,700/month
Crime Rate: Low as per 2026 APD data
Nearest University: St. Edward's University
Best For: Nature-loving students who want green space and solid safety
Barton Hills is the perfect pick for students who love the outdoors. It sits next to Barton Creek Greenbelt, one of Austin's finest natural spaces. Upgraded trail lighting makes evening walks genuinely safe. The residential layout of quiet streets and low-rise flats naturally deters crime. Rates are declining year-on-year per the 2026 Austin Police data. It is a real standout among safest neighborhoods Austin TX, for students who need that green space to decompress after long study sessions.
7. West Lake Hills
Average Rent: $1,600–$2,200/month
Crime Rate: A+ safety rating on Niche
Nearest University: University of Texas at Austin
Best For: Students who want premium safety in a small, upscale suburb
West Lake Hills is one of Austin's most prestigious and secure spots. Residents say you can walk anywhere without any fear. Crime is extremely low, one of the very best in the entire Austin metro area. With just over 3,000 residents, the community is small, and everyone knows each other. This is one of the finest, safest Austin suburbs for students who prioritize peace of mind above everything. The drive to UT and central Austin is short, calm, suburban life with brilliant city access.
8. Steiner Ranch
Average Rent: $1,400–$1,900/month
Crime Rate: Very low
Nearest University: University of Texas at Austin
Best For: Students who want maximum security and a resort-like setting
Steiner Ranch sits near Lake Austin and Lake Travis. Private security patrols run around the clock. Active homeowner associations put safety first for every resident. Kids freely walk to school here. Residents jog at dusk without a second thought. That tells you everything about how safe this place truly is. Among the safest neighborhoods in Austin, Steiner Ranch is uniquely structured for security. A car helps with the commute, but the quality of life and safety here are genuinely exceptional.
9. Shady Hollow
Average Rent: $1,200–$1,600/month
Crime Rate: 11.8 per 1,000 residents
Nearest University: Austin Community College
Best For: Students who want affordable safety in a green, peaceful suburb
Shady Hollow is a quiet, green suburb ten miles southwest of Downtown Austin. Crime is well below national averages. Greenbelts, parks, and nature trails surround the area. It is one of the most genuine, safest area in Austin TX that also stays affordable. No nightlife, just real peace and security. Neighbours look out for each other here. It is ideal for students who study online or commute just a few days each week and want a truly calm home base.
10. Cedar Park
Average Rent: $1,200–$1,700/month
Crime Rate: Low
Nearest University: University of Texas at Austin
Best For: Students wanting tranquil suburban living with great parks and schools
Cedar Park wraps up this list of the safest neighborhoods in Austin in great style. It is a growing suburban city north of Austin. Niche gives it an A for safety. Residents love it for its parks, schools, and welcoming atmosphere. Crime is low across both violent and property categories. Rents are reasonable compared to central Austin options. As one of the safest suburbs of Austin TX, Cedar Park is a smart, affordable, and genuinely secure choice for students settling into a new home.
General Student Safety Tips
Staying safe in Austin is easy when you stay switched on. Here are quick tips for students:
1. Walk well-lit routes at night and avoid unfamiliar shortcuts.
2. Use official rideshare apps or public buses in the evenings.
3. Share your live location with a trusted friend when heading out.
4. Register your details with your university's welfare or safety team.
5. Lock your apartment and car; property crime is the most common risk in Austin.
6. Join local student neighborhood groups online for real-time community updates.
Finding safe, affordable apartments in Austin Texas is straightforward with amber. It connects students with verified, quality accommodation across Austin's most secure areas. Whether you need student apartments in Austin near UT or a quiet room in Hyde Park or Mueller, amber has options for every budget. Properties are vetted for safety, quality, and great amenities. Here are some excellent options to explore:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the safest neighbourhood in Austin Texas?
Circle C Ranch is consistently ranked the safest neighborhood in Austin Texas, with extremely low crime rates and a strong, family-oriented community that creates genuine stability.
Are there safe areas in Austin for international students?
Yes, Hyde Park, Mueller, and Tarrytown are all excellent, safe options. All three sit close to UT Austin.
What are the safest suburbs of Austin TX?
Cedar Park, West Lake Hills, and Shady Hollow rank among the very best safe Austin suburbs for students and families.
Is accommodation in Austin affordable in safe neighbourhoods?
Yes, areas like Hyde Park and Shady Hollow offer safe living from as low as $1,100–$1,300 per month.
Which Austin areas should students be cautious about?
Rundberg, Montopolis, and parts of East Riverside have higher crime rates than the city average. Always research an area thoroughly before signing any lease.