6.7 out of 10

Garrison Park

Ranked 26th best neighborhood in Austin
30.2107156794068 -97.8019959702363
Great for
  • Parks & Recreation
  • Peace & Quiet
  • Clean & Green
  • Parking
  • Safe & Sound
Not great for
  • Nightlife
  • Childcare
  • Medical Facilities
  •  
  •  
Who lives here?
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • Singles
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+

Reviews

4/5 rating details
  • Safe & Sound 3/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 2/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 5/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
2yrs+

"Garrison Park from a 30-something point of view"

I moved to this area into a single-family residence in 2010. I've lived in Austin since 1998. Houses are pretty affordable here. There is a central road called Emerald Forest, which has a really good bike lane. I can bike from my house up to downtown or UT campus (where I work) following various bike lanes. And the neighborhood is quiet and low key. You are not going to find many hipsters or UT students in this area. It's not that "cool," but I like it because I don't have to fight for parking or pay a lot to live here.

It's 7 miles south of downtown, near the 1 and 10 bus lines that would take you north, but most people have cars. There are 2 Gold's Gyms along William Cannon and 1 at Ben White. I have a Golds membership therefore I rate this neighborhood high on fitness because of the bike lane plus the gyms. There are other gyms and studios in the area. You are also 3 miles or less from many grocery stores - Sprouts, Central Market South, HEB William Cannon and HEB Brodie (which is a bigger and more fancy HEB than the former). Brodie is not too far away and has a lot of eating and shopping but you will probably have to drive there.

Crime has been a problem in the past, as with other lower cost neighborhoods. My house was broken into in 2011, and I got an alarm system afterwards and it has been ok since then. In general, the people of the neighborhood are trying to put a stop to the crime and grow as a real community with the Woodhue Neighborhood Association. http://armadilloparkna.wordpress.com

I have lived downtown on 4th street, and I will say that this neighborhood beats it on noise, price and traffic. Same with Hyde Park. I lived there next door to some students and experienced a lot of noise at night. Of course, both 4th and Hyde Park are great places, more busy and walkable than this one. But that's a brief comparison for you.

One of my favorite activities here is relaxing with a book at Garrison Pool on a summer weekend. Parking is free and entrance to the pool is $3. Stop at Cherry Creek Catfish on the way home. Yum!
Pros
  • Neighborhood pool
  • Access to gyms
  • Quiet
  • Cheap real estate
  • Many restaurants
  • Diverse neighborhood
  • Armadillo Park
Cons
  • Some Crime
  • Will need own car
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 4/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 3/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 5/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"A beautiful, safe and commuter-convenient neighborhood with character"

Garrison Park is a pleasant, well-established residential neighborhood located in South Austin, just south of 290/71, and equidistant from the nearby Mopac Expressway and I-35. The metrorail runs right through here, so this neighborhood has great access to downtown Austin for commuters.

Garrison Park boasts many small locally-owned restaurants with character, a 24 hour coffee house called Strangebrew, Austin Coffee, plus places right in the center of the neighborhood to pick up fro-yo, sushi, or tacos. The Manchaca Road Branch Library, is a great little city library with superfast wifi.

Garrison Park is home to the colorfully named Armadillo Neighborhood Park, a 2 acre wooded area threaded with hiking trails. It’s quite a simple park—a little taste of nature without any amenities. But the city has announced that they will soon be installing garbage cans here. So, maybe a few amenities after all?

Overall, a beautiful, safe and convenient neighborhood with character and soul.
Pros
  • Armadillo Park
  • 24 hour coffeeshop
  • Cheap real estate
  • Family friendly
Cons
  • Traffic getting out of Garrison Park
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Families with kids
  • LGBT+
CindyMoss
CindyMoss Have you actually been here? There's a train that runs through, but it is not Metrorail. You cannot use it to get downtown. I think that may be planned, but it is not reality at this time.
2yrs+
MargaretMyrick
MargaretMyrick Yes, to be clear, the metrorail does NOT run through Garrison Park. It is south of 78704, somewhat cheaper. The city of Austin is upgrading Armadillo Park beyond just adding trash cans. Pictures can be viewed here https://www.facebook.com/FriendsOfArmadilloParkAustinTexas
2yrs+
Add a comment...
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 3/5
  • Peace & Quiet 3/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 2/5
  • Parking 2/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"A Premier South Austin Neighborhood With Plenty of Green Space"

One of the older South Austin neighborhoods, the Garrison Park area has many tree-lined streets and affordable housing. There are neat single family homes here for as little as $160,000 and condominiums can be bought for $100,000. It's easy and inexpensive to get to almost any part of the city with Capitol Metro bus and rail lines, and it's a relatively short commute to downtown and all of the shopping and dining experiences it has to offer.

It's home to Garrison Park, which is a great place for children to play and adults to walk, bike, or jog among abundant green space and beauty. It also has plenty of nature trails to be explored and swimming pool to help you beat the simmering Texas heat in the summer. Garrison Park is served by the Austin Independent School District and there are also private school options in the area. It's a safe neighborhood by Austin standards and a good place to raise a family without spending a bundle of money. The neighborhood is also bordered by several good Mexican, Italian, and Chinese restaurants.
Pros
  • Cheap real estate
  • Family friendly
  • Many restaurants
  • Diverse neighborhood
Cons
  • Not much Austin personality
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • Tourists
  • LGBT+
  • Students
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 3/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 2/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 3/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 4/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"Quiet, affordable living in a central location"

Garrison Park offers the best in plenty of different ways. An older neighborhood, it has one really great, specific benefit for long Texas summers: shade. Most of the old growth trees have been at full maturity for decades, so the entire neighborhood has become a great place to beat the heat. Access to both the large Garrison pool and the park itself are handy perks as well, especially in warmer months.

In addition to all this, it's just a short trip to downtown and all the features and points of interest that can be found there. With easy access all around south Austin, this is a great neighborhood that won't be too costly to call home.

Major points of shopping as well as all the great landmarks of south Austin are all easy to access from this sleepy and centrally located neighborhood. Convenient bus service and quiet streets allow for lots of ways to get around. Traffic isn't much of a problem here, so no matter if your destination is a few miles away, or even north of the river, you won't find it a difficult commute. There is a lot here to be enjoyed, and the cost of living won't break the bank.
Pros
  • Cheap real estate
  • Family friendly
Cons
  • Not much Austin personality
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
3/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 3/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 4/5
  • Shopping Options 3/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 5/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 3/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Schools 3/5
2yrs+

"Family-friendly at the expense of some cool factor"

This far south Austin neighborhood is pleasant, affordable, and somewhat non-descript. It is not so far south that the commute to Austin’s center, including downtown, the University of Texas and Lady Bird Lake, is terribly inconvenient. But it is far enough away from these points that the core elements of Austin’s personality, its funkiness and coolness, gets a bit watered down.

Located below W. Stassney Lane and above William Cannon Drive, with its western border falling somewhat east of Brodie Lane and South 1st Street marking the eastern border, Garrison Park is made up of nice houses, friendly neighbors, nice restaurants nearby…basically everything one needs for a pleasant living experience. This is not the place for those looking to immerse themselves in Austin culture or seeking the action of the music and arts scene. It is more for those looking for a nice neighborhood to raise a family that is fairly convenient to the core of the city. Many Hispanic families call this area home, as well as young families, couples and seniors, who maintain a strong sense of community here.

Housing remains fairly affordable in this part of town, with prices averaging in the low $200s for a modest-sized home. Schools servicing this area include Cunningham and Odom Elementary schools, Covington Middle School and Crockett High School. Located in the midst of this neighborhood is Garrison Park, which includes a playground, picnic areas, ball fields, and a swimming pool popular with families.
Pros
  • Diverse neighborhood
  • Cheap real estate
Cons
  • Not much Austin personality
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Students
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 5/5
  • Clean & Green 5/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 5/5
  • Eating Out 5/5
  • Nightlife 1/5
  • Parks & Recreation 5/5
  • Shopping Options 2/5
  • Gym & Fitness 3/5
  • Internet Access 5/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 5/5
  • Cost of Living 3/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 5/5
  • Public Transport 2/5
  • Medical Facilities 3/5
  • Schools 3/5
  • Childcare 4/5
2yrs+

"Fresh produce and nature"

I wish I lived in this neighborhood solely for its proximity to the Sunflower Farmer’s Market. Unfortunately, it’s not actually a farmer’s market, and they don’t sell local produce, but it’s as good as you can get for a grocery store. They have the greatest selection of meats, fruits and vegetables of all the grocery stores in Austin, and honestly they’re not even expensive. It’s just that if you don’t live really close, it’s hard to get up the enthusiasm to get over there. But while Whole Foods can get a bit snooty, this place is way chill and not too overwhelming. The pool is also nice for the 100+ degree summers we have to suffer through. It’s probably better than just lying in a cold bath and moaning like I do most of the time at my place. It’s also close to Barton Creek and all the good time nature stuff up that way, and taking a dip in Barton Creek Pool is the best way to spend a hot July afternoon anyway. I think this is as close as you want to live to the airport, unless you’re a travelling professional and you want to have an easy ride to and from your home. Overall, if you can find a cute place for a reasonable price, this is an excellent area.
Pros
  • Cheap real estate
  • Family friendly
  • Many restaurants
Cons
  • Will need own car
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+
  • Trendy & Stylish
  • Beach Lovers
4/5 rating details
  • Neighborly Spirit 4/5
  • Safe & Sound 4/5
  • Clean & Green 3/5
  • Pest Free 4/5
  • Peace & Quiet 4/5
  • Eating Out 4/5
  • Nightlife 3/5
  • Parks & Recreation 3/5
  • Shopping Options 4/5
  • Gym & Fitness 2/5
  • Internet Access 4/5
  • Lack of Traffic 4/5
  • Parking 4/5
  • Cost of Living 4/5
  • Resale or Rental Value 4/5
  • Public Transport 3/5
  • Medical Facilities 4/5
  • Schools 4/5
  • Childcare 3/5
2yrs+

"South Austin Charm"

Garrison Park is a healthy mix of suburbia, resale shops and restaurants that well suit those who are looking to raise a family in one spot for many years to come. W. Stassney and William Canon both serve as the neighborhood borders and have an adequate number of restaurants for those who like to go out and eat. Between these two major avenues is an intricate network of streets with single family homes and apartment complexes. S. Manchaca Rd. on the west end is lined with numerous thrift shops as well as both public and private schools. Garrison Park is a functional miss match of both urban and suburban appeal.

To further ad to the local benefits, the housing in this are is very affordable with house selling prices staying within the $100,000s and rent prices seldom exceeding $850. The actual Garrison Park has a community pool, which comes in handy during Austin's hot summer days and there are a higher number of automotive shops encircling the neighborhood. The landscape is bordering that of the western portions of Austin where the hills become higher and the limestone begins to show itself. There are few bus stops and routes that extend to this community, but the vast majority of residents already own a personal vehicle. For both single professionals and families, Garrison Park is a peaceful yet active suburb that serves many purposes beyond simply providing a physical shelter.
Pros
  • Cheap real estate
  • Many restaurants
  • Family friendly
Cons
  • Will need own car
Recommended for
  • Professionals
  • Singles
  • Families with kids
  • Retirees
  • LGBT+

Best Neighborhoods to Live In

Best Cities to Live In

Tell everyone what you love about your neighborhood!

Leave a Review

Have a question?

How are schools? Is the area safe? What about public transit options?" Why not ask our community of locals!

Ask Now

Selling or Renting Your Home?

Maximize the selling price of your home by sharing what you love about your suburb to increase its appeal...

Leave a Review

Corporate Relocation Manager?

Enable your employees to share local knowledge in a private, trusted environment with those relocating... while building community.

Learn More