NORTH CENTRAL NEIGHBORHOODS
ALLANDALE
Allandale neighborhood originally was established in the 1930s. Back then it was considered to be well outside the city of Austin boundaries. The neighborhood now is considered central. Oh my, how Austin has grown.
Pride in ownership is evident. Young families and empty nesters alike care for the meticulously landscaped homes with large backyards on tree-lined streets. The neighborhood is bordered by Burnet Road to the east, MoPac to the west, Anderson Lane to the north and North Loop to the south. Students in Allendale attend Austin Independent School District schools, some of the very best performing in town. There are also a few private options as well.
An ideal neighborhood to raise a family. It is safe and quiet with a strong home owner’s association. Single family homes are abundant with a few condominiums and apartments as well. The Northwest District Park has playgrounds, a fishing pier and lots of lovely green space. You don’t have to venture far to find something to eat, as the west border has excellent Mexican and Greek restaurants.
Hot Spots:Monkey Nest, Hatcreek Burgers, Picnik, The Peached Tortilla, Phil’s Icehouse, Ginny’s Little Longhorn Saloon, Fonda San Miguel
Outdoor Attractions: Northwest Recreation Center, Beverley Sheffield Park
Schools These Students Attend: Gullet Elementary, Lamar Middle School, McAllen High School
Price Range: $220,000 – $550,000
BRENTWOOD
Brentwood is a popular neighborhood considered a part of Austin’s urban core. Due to the increase in value, new construction is sprouting up amongst original 1940’s bungalows creating a comfortable eclectic Austin feel.
The neighborhood is located near UT as well as several high-tech companies. Brentwood’s convenient location and limitless charm attract students, tech professionals and young families alike.
Many of the homes are one-story and have a low to medium pitched roof and simple, rectangular shapes on verdant, tree-lined streets. The combination of original residents and a growing number of young professionals create a strong community which fits perfectly into the style of Austin.
Hot Spots: Austin Diner, Stiles Switch BBQ, Picnik, Monkey Nest, Brentwood Social House, Draught House Pub & Brewery, Workhorse Bar
Outdoor Attractions: Brentwood Park, Beverley Sheffield Park
Students attend these schools: Brentwood Elementary School, Lamar Middle School, McCallum High School, Brentwood Christian School
Price Range: $357,500 – $594,000
CRESTVIEW
Typical homes in the area range from 1,100 to 1,200 square feet with 2 bedrooms, 1 bath, or 3 bedrooms, 1 bath. A standout feature of the neighborhood is that Crestview properties measure around 9,000 square feet, while comparable neighborhood properties measure about 6,500 square feet.
Restaurants, retail and entertainment are ever expanding in the area. A big contributor is the redevelopment of what was once a chemical plant into residential and retail units.
Hot Spots: Summer Moon Coffee, Genuine Joe, Tumble22, Little Deli, Planet Fitness, Black Swan Yoga
Outdoor Attractions: North Austin Optimist, Brentwood Neighborhood Park, Highland Neighborhood Park and Reznicek Fields
HIGHLAND
Located near Hwy 183 and Interstate 35, an easy commute from Williamson County or downtown Austin, the Highland Neighborhood enjoys a mix of longtime, retired homeowners and younger families. Because of its affordability and still central location, it has become a popular choice among first time home buyers.
With an influx of first time home buyers and investors improving the area, along with an active home owners association, Highland is quickly becoming the best place to be. It offers easy access to highways and top-notch restaurants and shopping, along with a short drive to the University of Texas and Downtown Austin.
Homes were built in the 1950s and 1960s on a smaller scale ranging between 1,000 and 1,200 square feet. The average make up of a home is 3 bedroom, 1 bath n a .25-acre lot. Here, you can find fully remodeled homes for less than what you could get in a trendier neighborhood nearby.
Hot Spots: University of Texas, The Domain
Outdoor Attractions: Highland Park
Schools These Students Attend: Brown or Reilly Elementary, Webb Middle School and Lanier or McCallum High School
HIGHLAND HILLS
The winding streets of Highland Hills feature single family homes on very private lots thanks to an abundance of mature shade trees. It is an attractive neighborhood with many homes situated along stunning vistas with views of nearby canyons and the city. Often considered a “hidden treasure”, Highland Hills is very close to town with the privacy of a far away destination.
Homeowners enjoy a great, family atmosphere with lots of young children and families. Blue Ribbon schools are not far away. The neighborhood is very walkable and pedestrian friendly but also conveniently located near many attractions. Highland Hills is less than 15 minutes to the heart of the business district or to the Arboretum Shopping Center and Great Hills.
Many residents belong to the nearby Crenshaw Athletic Club which has a fitness center, indoor heated pool and large gymnasium. It even offers a preschool and various camp programs.
Homes often feature shining hardwoods, large kitchens, open living spaces and landscaped yards with traditional exteriors. Some have been remodeled while others allow the opportunity for new homeowners to add their custom touch.
Hot Spots: El Arroyo, Chez Zee, Arboretum Shopping Center, Azul Tequila
Outdoor Attractions: Allen Park, Crenshaw Athletic Club
Schools These Students Attend: Highland Park, Doss Elementary, Lamar, Murchison Middle and McCallum Anderson High
NORTH SHOAL CREEK
North Shoal Creek is an older, centrally located neighborhood established in the 1960s to mid-1970s. It is named for the creek and forested area that runs through north Austin, almost down to the lake.
The area offers a suburban feel with its older, but well-maintained homes.
Ranch-style, single family homes, newly renovated apartment complexes and condominiums surround the shady, tree-lined streets. The setting is quiet and peaceful. It is mostly residential, but has businesses and shops along its borders. Shoal Creek is also in close proximity to technology companies which attracts young professionals.
The neighborhood is pedestrian friendly and integrates bus routes, biking trails and sidewalks. It is located next to retail and recreational facilities, many of which are local businesses like The Alamo Drafthouse. The main thoroughfare of West Anderson Lane has seen major redevelopment and now features trendy hot spots unique to Austin.
Hot Spots: Sprouts, Fresh Plus, Hop Doddys, Olive Garden, Jack Allen's, Shu Shu's Asian Cuisine, Buddy's Place
Outdoor Attractions: Attractions: Shoal Creek Bike Route
Schools These Students Attend: Pillow Elementary, Burnet Middle and Anderson High School
ROSEDALE
Like many Central Austin neighborhoods, Rosedale’s past is gently intertwined with its present. It is located in the northern part of Central Austin.
Those who have resided in the area all their lives share this neighborhood with young professionals and young families. The area has over 1,400 homes of varying architecture. Some of the charming 1930-1940s cottages have given way to new construction, bringing vitality and excitement to the area.
Rosedale has close proximity to the central business district, the University of Texas and all major thoroughfares. Within walking distance lie a variety of businesses, an extensive network of medical service, grocery stores and restaurants.
Located in the heart of the neighborhood, Ramsey Park has a swimming pool, tennis courts, playgrounds and picnic areas.
Hot Spots: 26 Doors Shopping Center, Central Market
Outdoor Attractions: Ramsey Park, Mt. Bonnell, Shoal Creek Greenbelt
Schools These Students Attend: Park Elementary, Bryker Woods Elementary, O’Leary Middle School, Austin High/northern end Highland Park, Lamar Middle School, McCallum High School
WOOTEN
The Wooten neighborhood is on the north side of the city and is bordered by Research Blvd and West Anderson Lane. It is an affordable neighborhood with a mix of single family homes, apartments and townhomes.
Residents keep their homes and yards well-maintained and have neighborhood watch programs in place. They are committed to working together to keep improving their community.
Wooten is a quieter, more laid back neighborhood with a strong community spirit.
It sees a diverse mix of families, professionals and students. Being close to public transportation like the Capitol Metro, makes a downtown commute easier.
For dining, shopping and nightlife, residents tend to head outside the neighborhood’s boundaries. It is only a ten minute drive to downtown or the university.
Hot Spots: The Domain, The Arboretum, Arbor Walk, Olive Garden, Summer Moon, Planet Fitness, The Original Pinballz Arcade
Outdoor Attractions: Wooten Neighborhood Park
Schools These Students Attend: Wooten or Brown Elementary, Burnet Middle, Redeemer Lutheran, Lanier High School, St. Louis Catholic School
