How Walkable is North Burnet in Austin, TX?

Despite a new commuter rail station and steady mixed-use development nearby, North Burnet in Austin, TX still lands at 45 on the Walk Score scale—squarely in the "Car-Dependent" tier. The area has been attracting development as part of Austin's northwest tech and retail corridor, with apartment complexes and commercial projects filling in along Burnet Road and the MoPac Expressway frontage.

Walkability in the Austin area

North Burnet's 45 sits above the Austin metro average of 37 but well below the urban core neighborhoods that score 70 or higher. Among peers at similar price points, Montopolis (44) and Franklin Park (40) score comparably, while MLK (49) edges slightly ahead. West Austin (45) matches exactly despite a vastly higher price tag.

Austin's overall walkability hinges on proximity to the urban center. The MetroRail Red Line now stops at McKalla Station on North Burnet's southern edge, connecting the neighborhood to downtown in about 25 minutes. But the surrounding street network was built for cars, with wide arterials, limited sidewalks, and large surface parking lots separating commercial uses from residential areas.

What a Walk Score of 45 means

North Burnet's Walk Score of 45 means most errands require a car. Large-format retail and restaurants exist along Burnet Road and near The Domain to the north, but the distances between destinations and the lack of continuous sidewalks make walking impractical for most trips. The transit score of 40 (Some Transit) reflects the MetroRail station and a handful of bus routes, though frequency drops off quickly away from the main corridors. The bike score of 59 (Bikeable) suggests some cycling infrastructure exists, but arterial traffic and disconnected paths limit practical bike commuting.

Why do buyers choose North Burnet?

North Burnet appeals to buyers who want proximity to Austin's northwest employment centers and retail at a lower price point than more walkable neighborhoods. The median sale price here is about $158,000—a fraction of what nearby walkable areas command. West Austin matches the walk score at 45 but costs over $1.8 million at the median. MLK (49) comes in around $522,000, and even Montopolis (44) sits at $338,000. Homes in North Burnet spend a median of 220 days on market, reflecting a slower pace than the city's more competitive core neighborhoods where listings move in 40 to 60 days.

Walkability may improve over time. Capital Metro's Project Connect initiative added the McKalla Station in 2024 and plans further Red Line frequency improvements, which could gradually shift the neighborhood toward more transit-oriented development.

Limited to neighborhoods with at least 10 home sales in the period.

All data comes from Redfin and represents a three-month rolling average ending July 2026. This article has been generated, in whole or in part, using generative artificial intelligence (AI) technology, with input from Redfin head of economics research Chen Zhao. While efforts have been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of this information, you should independently verify all data, facts, and citations contained in this article before relying on it for any purpose. This information is not a substitute for advice from a real estate agent, financial advisor, or other licensed professional. Check the Redfin Data Center for additional in-depth housing market data.