Austin Neighborhood Guide: The Domain

If you’re planning on moving to Austin, TX, you’re likely trying to figure out the best neighborhoods in Austin to rent an apartment, and which one would be the right fit for you. The Domain, located in the high-tech corridor of northwest Austin, TX, is a close-knit community that’s close to all the action, whether you’re looking for amazing food, top-notch shopping, luxury apartments, or fantastic entertainment.

Want to rent an apartment in The Domain? Read our guide below to learn more about the best restaurants, coffee shops, nightlife, gyms, outdoor activities, and other things to do in this neighborhood.

Where to go out to eat

Whether you want to dine out at a fancier spot or just have some grab-and-go lunch, The Domain has plenty of options to choose from. Visit Second Bar + Kitchen in the Archer Hotel for an unparalleled farm-to-table experience brought to you by local chef David Bull. While the entire menu is to die for, we recommend starting with the black truffle pomme frites!

You can also find plenty of upscale and elevated restaurant chains to enjoy in The Domain. Try Culinary Dropout for comfort food and Flower Child for healthier fare.

For quick lunch options, Velvet Taco has a location in the area, and Blenders & Bowls is always a reliable choice. 

Where to get groceries

Whole Foods, an Austin-born grocery franchise, has a beautiful location right within The Domain for easy shopping, delivery, and pickup. Trader Joe’s and H-E-B are also a quick drive away if Whole Foods doesn’t have what you’re looking for. 

Where to get coffee

You’ll have plenty of places to choose from when it comes to getting your daily dose of caffeine. Houndstooth Coffee, a local coffee franchise, serves up all of your favorite espresso drinks, and even makes a mean Texas-shaped waffle if you’re the kind of person who likes to post pictures of your food (and who isn’t these days?). 

Another great coffee shop in The Domain is Summer Moon Coffee, a local roaster offering wood-fired and fair-trade coffee, along with vegan pastry options. If you want a little sugar with your latte, look no further than Bakery Lorraine, which serves fresh pastries, sweets, and sandwiches—and an adorable kids menu!

Things to do

While The Domain is in the heart of Austin, there are plenty of places to go if you’re in the mood for a little nature and green space. Balcones District Park features hiking trails with babbling creeks, and sports courts where you can play tennis and volleyball.

Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park, a 293-acre park less than 10 minutes from your doorstep, is the perfect spot to enjoy a picnic, with miles of hiking trails, a swimming pool, and playgrounds for the kids. 

You can also take a quick hike up Mount Bonnell for sweeping panoramic views of downtown Austin, the Colorado River, and the rolling green hills of the Texas Hill Country.

If you need some retail therapy, you’ll be able to get some great shopping done at The Domain Shopping Center. This outdoor shopping center features enough popular stores and restaurants that you’ll never get bored. 

Local gyms

You won’t be starved for your favorite fitness classes here, with gyms like SoulCycle, Orangetheory, PureBarre, and CorePower Yoga right in the area. If you’re just looking for a treadmill or somewhere to lift weights, Gym One also offers a massive fitness center just a few minutes away.

Additionally, many apartments in the area also have a fitness center and/or a resort-style pool as an amenity. If you’re looking at apartments in the area, be sure to check out their website and floorplans to confirm whether you even need a gym membership in the first place!

Nightlife

Nestled safely away from Austin’s craziest nightlife, Punchbowl Social and Somersault Innovative Cocktails are the perfect location for a night out without the crowds. Additionally, you can hear some great live music without venturing all the way downtown by visiting Rock Rose District, with bars like the Rose Room, Lavaca Street Bar, and 77° Rooftop to choose from. You can also get some great happy hour deals here! 

In the mood for a movie? IPIC Theaters offers a full sensory experience with lounge chairs and full-service dining. 

Transportation

It’s relatively easy to get around The Domain on foot, and the area also has one of the fanciest CapMetro stations in all of Austin, Domain Station, with routes connecting you to downtown Austin and South Austin for as little as $1.25. While Austin is primarily a driving city, you can also get around without a car by using Uber or Lyft.

Rent a great apartment in The Domain 

If you like the idea of moving to The Domain, Landing offers furnished apartments in Austin, TX, for rent, with flexible lease terms, concierge services, seamless transfers, and all the high-end amenities you need. Browse our available apartments in The Domain, or contact us to learn more about how a Landing membership works.

Still looking for the right Austin neighborhood for you? Browse our guides for other Austin neighborhoods:

• Your Guide to Barton Hills
• Your Guide to Downtown Austin
• Your Guide to East Austin
• Your Guide to Hyde Park
• Your Guide to Milwood
• Your Guide to Mueller
• Your Guide to South Congress
• Your Guide to South Lamar
• Your Guide to the North Loop
• Your Guide to Zilker