20-something moving to Austin. Where to live?

I graduate from college this year and have accepted a job in Austin. The problem is, I've only been once and have to find a house before I move out there. I want to be close to the action (wherever that is) but I also want a yard for my dog and to be spaced out enough that my neighbors aren't living on top of me. I'll be living alone in a house so safety is obviously a big concern. Ideally the neighborhood would be filled with youngish singles and couples and not more than 30 minutes to my work (downtown). Which area(s) will fit my needs?

78704

That covers a wide area, so target the Zilker area, just West of South Lamar, anywhere from just South of the river to about where Manchaca comes off Lamar.

Alternately you can look at the area East of S. Lamar, again South of the River, up to about West Mary & Lamar.

Anywhere in these areas will be under 2 miles to downtown, and are generally fun neighborhoods, with good cheap restaurants and bars (particularly the strip on Barton Springs, off S. Lamar heading West).

There is also a lot of action on S. Congress (what they now call SoCo), but if you live too close to there, it will be expensive. Living where I suggested is still less than 2 miles from there also.

Try to find a non-liberal neighborhood.

It will probably depend on what your budget is. If it is less than $1000/mo, you will probably have to settle for either living in a complex or duplex instead of a house, going for a less "safe" neighborhood (ie, live further east), and/or having a longer than 30 minute commute.
If you want to avoid crime, avoid East Riverside, East Austin (I'd say East of Airport Blvd, but many would said avoid anything East of I-35), and the Rundberg area in North Austin.
Around Zilker is a nice area, as is S Mopac (near the greenbelt), South Congress & South First areas in South Austin, Tarrytown, Hyde Park (lots of students though), North Loop area is cool too. Anything North of Oltorf, West of I-35, East of Loop 360 and South of 2222 is a safe bet. Outside of that, NW is generally nice, as is SW.

Just wanted to add, that despite what the person below me says, I wouldn't recommend moving to the east side without checking out the property you are thinking about first. There are good areas and not so good areas, so it really depends on who your neighbors are. I live on the east side and on my street, half of it is nice and quiet, and the other half is people with trashed out yards and dilapidated roofs. Stray dogs are also a bigger problem over here too.

My rent $975 a month for my 3/2 house with a yard and garage plus a washer and dryer. The catch? Well if you listen to the people its cause I live on the East Side, MLK and Airport to be specific, but you know what I've never had any problems with crime of any type over here and its been 3 years now. Also my house is brand new and property values are growing insainly so if your buying a house to its a good investment. Now to address why people think this area is bad. I think by bad all the "liberal" people mean the minorities in the area. And you know what they're cool as **** too and will look out for you, your house, and your safety. Its a good community and f everyone who talks trash about the East Side, except riverside, that place does suck.

Anywhere but Tx or OKIE!

South Congress! My husband and I (we are 27) moved from Chicago and live on Congress near Olthorf. Such a great area...it's higher priced BUT you can walk to restaurants and bars and shopping.

Hyde Park, Travis Heights, West 6th, Campus area, Zilker park, South Congeress. Depending on your budget you should be able to find a good place around there.