A post-grad neighborhood guide for UT Austin grads who want good vibes, real friends, and an apartment that actually fits their life

Graduating from UT Austin is a wild feeling. One minute you’re walking past the Tower pretending you’re not emotional, the next minute you’re staring at a job offer email thinking, “Okay… where do I live now?”

Dallas. Houston. Staying in Austin. All great options. All very different vibes.

For most UT Longhorns after graduation, the biggest mistake isn’t the job they take — it’s picking the wrong neighborhood. Your apartment location means everything your first year out of college. It affects your social life, your routine, your stress level, and honestly… how much fun you’re having.

Below is a Longhorn-specific breakdown of the TOP 3 areas in Dallas, Houston, and Austin where UT grads consistently move — and actually love living. Same theme across all of them: young professionals, social energy, and neighborhoods that don’t feel like an extension of campus (in a good way).

🤠 Best Areas for Longhorns in Dallas

Dallas is one of the top landing spots for UT grads. Big career opportunities, strong young-professional culture, and neighborhoods that are basically designed for post-college life.

1) Uptown Dallas

If Dallas had a “UT grad starter pack,” Uptown would be item number one. Uptown Dallas is easily the most popular area for UT Austin graduates moving to Dallas. It’s extremely walkable, packed with modern apartment buildings, and full of other 22–27-year-olds trying to meet people and build a routine.

• Walkable bars, coffee shops, and restaurants
• Rooftop pools and fitness-focused apartment buildings
• Easy access to Katy Trail and downtown
• Social without feeling like a college bar scene

2) Victory Park

Victory Park is Uptown’s sleeker cousin. This area is popular with Longhorns working in finance, consulting, law, or tech who want a high-rise, city feel without being surrounded by crowds every night. You’re close to Uptown, downtown, and major sporting events, but the vibe is a little calmer and more polished.

• Luxury high-rise apartments
• Skyline views
• Easy commute downtown
• A slightly more grown-up feel

3) Lower Greenville

Lower Greenville is for Longhorns who want character over cookie-cutter. This area has tree-lined streets, walkable bars, patios, live music spots, and a neighborhood feel that’s hard to find elsewhere in Dallas. Apartments tend to be smaller, but the lifestyle is the draw.

• Nightlife without clubs
• Walkable local spots
• Charm over high-rises
• Social but relaxed vibe

🚀 Best Areas for Longhorns in Houston

Houston often surprises UT grads — mostly because of how much space you get and how fun the neighborhoods actually are.

1) The Heights

The Heights is one of the most popular neighborhoods for UT Austin grads moving to Houston. It’s trendy, social, and community-driven. You’ll find coffee shops, breweries, patios, trails, and plenty of other young professionals who just moved to Houston and are figuring it out too.

• Strong young-professional presence
• Great food and coffee scene
• Walkable pockets and trails
• Social but not overwhelming

2) Midtown Houston

Midtown is Houston’s most common first-stop neighborhood for UT grads. It’s close to downtown jobs, filled with other 20-somethings, and packed with bars and restaurants. Midtown makes it easy to meet people quickly — which is huge when you’re new to the city.

• Nightlife nearby
• Convenience and proximity to downtown
• Lively, social environment
• Great “new to Houston” starter area

3) Montrose

Montrose is creative, artsy, and full of character. This area attracts Longhorns who want something unique. Apartments range from modern to quirky, and the neighborhood is known for its food scene, bars, and walkability.

• Culture and creativity
• Local restaurants and bars
• Less cookie-cutter
• Personality over polish

🌆 Best Areas for Longhorns Staying in Austin (Post-Grad Edition)

Staying in Austin after graduation is a great move — just make sure you level up from student neighborhoods.

1) East Austin

East Austin is where many UT Austin graduates land post-college. It’s full of new apartment buildings, breweries, restaurants, and young professionals. You’re close to downtown and major employers without being surrounded by undergrads.

2) South Congress (SoCo)

SoCo is peak Austin energy. Living here means walkability, style, music, food, and constant activity. Apartments are popular with UT grads who work downtown or want everything nearby.

3) Mueller

Mueller is the underrated option UT grads end up loving. It’s quieter, beautifully planned, and full of parks, trails, and modern apartments — while still close to downtown and major job hubs.