Tarrytown is one of Austin, Texas’s premier neighborhoods, with gorgeous homes and a serene lifestyle. It sits beside Lake Austin, giving people access to fun water activities, but it’s also in Central Austin near downtown — the best of both worlds.

The area has a population of around 20,000, larger than comparable neighborhoods like Pemberton Heights, yet it maintains an idyllic small-town vibe that feels separate from Austin’s urban environment.

For luxury buyers looking for a quaint, convivial neighborhood, this is a haven. Living in Tarrytown keeps you close to the exciting parts of the city while providing a peaceful vibe and cozy atmosphere. Here’s everything you need to know about living here.

Overall Vibe & Lifestyle

Tarrytown is a luxurious, charming neighborhood with a tight-knit community. It’s one of the classic old-money neighborhoods in the Old West Austin National Register Historic District, with large estates, a calm vibe, oak-tree canopies and affluent residents. Many families have lived here for generations and most are full-time residents, so it’s easy to get to know your neighbors — but it’s not stuffy.

The lakeside setting brings a relaxed, easygoing atmosphere. It’s simultaneously swanky and endearing, with children running around parks and neighbors throwing community barbecues. With highly rated public schools, stunning homes, waterfront properties and slow streets, it’s perfect for young families, lake lovers, retirees and affluent professionals who enjoy a slower pace.

Safety & Walkability

Tarrytown is considered one of the safest neighborhoods in Austin, with a crime rate roughly 45% below the national average. Neighbors look out for one another, and it isn’t an area people commonly drive through on a commute, keeping it quieter than other neighborhoods.

It’s pedestrian-friendly, with minimal traffic. Residents can stroll and say hello to neighbors, walk to the various parks, or visit nearby restaurants and stores. It’s a very quiet, family-oriented place where people are quick to report crime and check in on one another.

Natural & Built Environment

Part of the neighborhood sits on Lake Austin along the Colorado River, which strongly shapes the community. People can eat at waterside restaurants or dip their feet in at the public boat dock. Reed Park, Triangle Park and West Enfield Park are all right in Tarrytown, as is the Lions Municipal Golf Course. With large green spaces where wild peacocks roam and decks that sit right on the water, the landscape is full of natural beauty and architectural delights.

Have a drink on Contemporary Austin’s lakeside Laguna Gloria campus or launch a small boat from the Walsh Boat Landing. Pups can run free at Red Bud Isle, a 17-acre off-leash dog park and walking loop. Locals also have easy access to the Deep Eddy Pool, a spring-fed natural swimming hole that helps you cool off in the Austin heat. Magically, the neighborhood feels like its own small town, with natural destinations and urban amenities close by.

Design & Architecture

Tarrytown’s architecture is diverse, so there’s a property to suit everyone. You’ll find mid-century ranch houses, post-war cottages and contemporary custom luxury builds, often featuring native Texas limestone, black-stained cedar, dark masonry, raw steel and warm white oak, plus a handful of luxe condos. Many homes sit on spacious lots, and strategic design blocks visibility from the street for added privacy.

Like nearby Pemberton Heights, Tarrytown’s streets are lined with mature oak trees and limestone features for a heritage vibe — but you’ll also spot palm trees, elms and other eye-catching greenery. From little park ponds to houses right on the lake, the community has a unique, scenic environment.

Housing at a Glance

Here’s an overview of the typical homes in Tarrytown:

Metric	Description
Age	20–100+ years old (substantial original housing from the 1920s–1970s)
Type	Mostly single-family homes with some duplexes and condos
Styles	Mid-century ranch houses, post-war cottages and contemporary custom luxury builds
Size	1,500–5,000+ square foot interiors, averaging around 3,300 square feet
Layout	3–6 bedrooms and 2–6 bathrooms, with spacious living areas, home offices and guest suites
Unique Features	Native Texas limestone, black-stained cedar, dark masonry, raw steel and warm white oak materials

Real Estate Snapshot

Below is a summary of the Tarrytown real estate market:

Metric	Description
Prices	Median listing price is $1.7–1.9 million, around $617 per square foot; smaller homes can sell below $1 million while renovated estates and lakefront properties can reach $5 million
Market Demand	Strong but selective luxury-market demand; homes currently spend a median of about 56 days on the market
Inventory	Approximately 50–55 active listings at any given time
Buyer Profile	Affluent professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, established Austin families, UT faculty and luxury buyers relocating to Austin
Pricing Context	One of Austin’s premier residential neighborhoods, with prices substantially above the citywide median, in a similar luxury tier to Pemberton Heights and West Austin
Investment Pattern	Primarily a long-term luxury residential investment — limited land, mature trees, large lots, central location and Lake Austin proximity support long-term value
Other	Established as a subdivision in 1915 and known for an unusually mature tree canopy and a mix of historic and modern homes; no overarching HOA, with character shaped by city regulations

Amenities & Local Conveniences

For those living in Tarrytown, there are many amenities nearby. From boat launches and lakefront patios to a variety of green spaces, residents enjoy an outdoorsy lifestyle, plus a wealth of stores and restaurants along West 35th Street to the northeast.

For essentials and convenience, the neighborhood is right by the South MoPac Expressway, so you can get places quickly. There’s also an H-E-B nearby for groceries, plus a wide range of medical facilities, including specialized offices, Ascension Seton Medical Center, primary care and pediatric services.

Schools & Education

Tarrytown is part of the Austin Independent School District (AISD), which encompasses nearby schools like Tarrytown Preschool, Casis Elementary, O. Henry Middle School and Austin High School. There are also private schools residents choose, such as Kirby Hall and Saint Andrews Episcopal School, though most private schools are closer to downtown, about 20 minutes away, which may be too long a commute for some parents.

The neighborhood is near UT Austin, making it a wonderful area for higher education. Austin Community College, St. Edward’s University and Huston-Tillotson University are also only a few miles away.

Commuting & Location

Located in the Old West Austin National Register Historic District, Tarrytown has a central location appealing for many reasons. It sits east of Lake Austin on the Colorado River, giving residents a lakeside lifestyle, but it’s also next to the South MoPac Expressway, making travel easy. Below are common drive times from Tarrytown:

Destination	Drive Time (Approximate Non-Peak)
The University of Texas at Austin	10–15 minutes
Texas State Capitol Complex	10–15 minutes
Downtown Central Business District	10–15 minutes
Austin Central Library	10–15 minutes
Lady Bird Lake	15–20 minutes

Quirks & Perks

Living in Tarrytown comes with its own perks and quirks. It’s a wonderful area for avid boaters and fishers, or anyone who likes a cool dip in the lake during hot summers. Whether it’s the convenient location or highly rated schools, the area has no shortage of perks.

There are a few quirks, too. The streets are very narrow and winding, and many lack sidewalks — the light traffic keeps walking safe, but it’s worth knowing. The atmosphere is also very slow-paced and sleepy, so it doesn’t deliver the excitement of some other Austin neighborhoods.

Neighborhood Logistics

Tarrytown has no master homeowners association, but residents must follow certain rules. Because of its location in the historic district, the city imposes several building and zoning rules, mostly about the number of units on a single lot and where new homes can be built. For those who want a community organization, there’s the voluntary Tarrytown Alliance Neighborhood Association, which looks out for the neighborhood’s interests. There are also smaller HOAs on certain streets or condo buildings, such as Tarrytown Terrace, Province Condominiums, Hartford Road and La Chenay.