North Loop is a quaint, vintage Austin neighborhood with many older homes of various sizes, but mostly bungalow style. The neighborhood is convenient to downtown and the University of Texas. North Loop borders I-35, providing convenient access to the rest of the city. The proximity to the university makes it popular among students and others who travel to the campus.

The population is an eclectic mix. The neighborhood is popular among students and young professionals and families, but there are also artists and longtime residents who have been here for decades.

North Loop, sometimes referred to as Northfield or NoLo, is a quiet, safe neighborhood located in the north central part of town. North Loop has much of the charm and convenience of the more well-known Hyde Park area, just to the south, but at more affordable housing prices.

Many of North Loop's homes date back to the origins of the neighborhood just after World War II. The majority of the homes in North Loop are two bedroom, one bath homes around 1,000 square feet, and were built in the 1940s and 1950s. Many have been renovated and are in like-new condition.

Years ago, the neighborhood was largely residential with just some local retail shops. Today, there are also many cafes, coffee shops, bars, and restaurants open to capitalize on the walkability of the neighborhood and the many residents looking for local dining and live music options.

So many new eateries and lounges have appeared here that some are calling this north Austin's answer to South Congress. Like South Congress, the businesses in North Loop Strip hold regular block parties, every quarter in this case, where they have sales and invite bands to perform in the street.

The hub of the neighborhood, as it has been for decades, is still the North Loop strip, a row of  locally owned and independent restaurants and retail shops along North Loop Boulevard, many of whose owners live in the neighborhood. North Loop strip is one of the "Independent Business Investment Zones", set up by the Austin Independent Business Alliance to help promote independent business districts in the city.