Research Guides: Austin Newcomer: Finding a Place to Live

Choosing a Neighborhood

AreaVibes
Livability scores based on metrics for each city, including: amenities, cost of living, crime rates, education, employment, housing and weather.
Austin Relocation Guide
Austin-specific information about housing, neighborhoods, schools, jobs and more.
City of Austin CrimeViewer
Data consists of Part I crimes (murder, rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, theft, auto theft, and arson) and Part II crimes (all other offenses: criminal mischief, trespassing, etc).
Trulia Crime Data in Austin
Uses crime reports to provide information on the relative safety of homes in the U.S. Select an Austin Neighborhood and use the map to learn more about crime activity in and around Austin.

Apartment Finder
Apartment List
Apartments.com
PadMapper Apartment listings from several sources like Craigslist, Padlister, Rent.com and more..
Resources for Renters Resources from the Neighborhood Housing and Community Development (NHCD) to help eligible Austinites secure safe, fair, and affordable housing.
Yelp! Austin Apartment Locators Listings and reviews for apartment locator services in the Austin area.

Austin Home Search
For Sale by Owner
Realtor.com
Redfin
Resources for Homebuyers Resources from the City's Housing Department to help eligible Austinites achieve home ownership.
Trulia
Yelp! Austin Real Estate Agents Listings and reviews for real estate agents in the Austin area.

100 Questions Every First-Time Home Buyer Should Ask
From the most trusted name in real estate, a new and updated edition of the indispensable guide that helps first-time buyers land the home of their dreams.
Every Tenant's Legal Guide
Renters have many legal rights--learn yours and how to protect them!
The only book of its kind, Every Tenant's Legal Guide gives you the legal and practical information you need (plus dozens of sample letters and forms) to find a great rental and landlord.
Home Buying Kit for Dummies
Getting ready to navigate the ever-changing housing market? This guide is packed with tips for getting the best deal on your new home.
The Just Right Home
By covering every step of choosing a home—from the broad strokes, such as city vs. suburb and buy vs. rent, to specific details of energy use and building materials—The Just Right Home helps readers understand not only what they want in a home but what they need.
Renters' Rights
This book on renter and tenant rights discusses topics such as how to break a lease and leave early, sublet an apartment, handle unwelcome landlord intrusions, resolve roommate disputes, get a landlord to make repairs, collect a full security deposit after move out, fight discrimination or retaliation, and put one's best foot forward when applying for a rental.