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Barton Hills

Barton Hills

Suburban Neighborhood in Austin, Texas

Travis County 78704, 78735, 78746

$1,357,856 Average Value
$611 Average Price per Sq Ft
54 Homes For Sale

Hill Country lifestyle adjacent to downtown Austin

Texas Hill Country attracts buyers for its stunning landscape and the wealth of outdoorsy activities found across it. But living there comes with the cost of proximity to the things Austin is best known for – hip eateries, a toe-tapping music scene and cultural centers. Just across Lady Bird Lake from downtown, the undulating, leafy streets of Barton Hills – one of the city's most coveted neighborhoods – offer exactly that in a scenic locale on the precipice of Hill Country. Not to mention it has high-performing public schools that give the prestigious options found deeper in the hills a run for their money. "The big draw is that you get the Hill Country right in the middle of Austin," says neighborhood resident and Realtor Kevin Haines of Realty Austin. "You're right in the middle of the city, but it doesn't feel like it because you've got this huge Greenbelt running the middle of the neighborhood."

The Barton Hills neighborhood comprises six square miles of the most wanted area in the city.
The Barton Hills neighborhood comprises six square miles of the most wanted area in the city.
Barton Hills has plenty of exciting things to offer and is just minutes from downtown Austin.
Barton Hills has plenty of exciting things to offer and is just minutes from downtown Austin.
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Garden strolls and disc golf at Zilker Metropolitan Park

Zilker Metropolitan Park – the crown jewel of Austin's parks – flanks the northern end of Barton Hills, offering immediate access to 350 sprawling acres of activities, including a disc golf course, sand volleyball pits, a dog park, a rugby field and rocks to climb. If looking for a more leisurely pastime, a stroll through the botanical gardens or the Umlauf Sculpture Garden might be the cure. Not to mention the park is lined with walking paths and hiking trails, like the Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail, which connects with pedestrian bridges to reach parks on the north shore of Lady Bird Lake. The Barton Creek Greenway is ideal for quiet nature hikes, totaling 7.5 miles of rugged trail that snakes through a sublime canopy of greenery along Barton Creek, leading to a number of hidden swimming holes popular with locals. But every activity in the park pales in comparison to the Barton Springs Municipal Pool, easily one of Austin's most famous attractions. The 3-acre spring-fed pool pumps out millions of gallons of water daily, usually sitting around 70 degrees Fahrenheit, making it a popular swimming spot year-round. Barton Springs is also the only known place on earth where the Barton Springs Salamander can be found – an endangered species that helped earn the pool's status as a federally protected habitat.

Many people enjoy walking the Ann & Roy Butler Hike and Bike in Barton Hills.
Many people enjoy walking the Ann & Roy Butler Hike and Bike in Barton Hills.
The residents of Barton Hills have neighborhood access to the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
The residents of Barton Hills have neighborhood access to the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
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A-rated schools within walking distance

Some buyers are enticed by the neighborhood's high-performing and community-oriented schools, beginning with Barton Hills Elementary, rated A-minus by Niche and located right along the Greenway. "It's walkable from quite a bit of the neighborhood," Haines says. Barton Hills Elementary emphasizes a green-minded education with numerous environmental programs, including a composting program and an organic vegetable garden where students grow produce to donate to local food banks. The next step is O. Henry Middle School, which also has an A-minus Niche score and offers a variety of both fine art and STEM courses. O. Henry Middle is also a member of the national STEM program Project Lead The Way. For grades 9 through 12, students attend Austin High School, an A-rated school just across Lady Bird Lake in Downtown. Open since 1881, Austin High School is the oldest continuously operating public high school in Texas. But the school keeps up with the modern age by offering four specialty academies that students enroll in, each offering a variety of unique educational experiences, such as guest speakers and travel opportunities.

Barton Hills Elementary School provides a quality education.
Barton Hills Elementary School provides a quality education.
Austin High School is a top rated public school in Austin, Texas.
Austin High School is a top rated public school in Austin, Texas.
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Meeting neighbors at parades and ACL Festival

There are tons of ways to meet neighbors in Barton Hills, including a number of smaller neighborhood activities, like a Fourth of July Parade. "The elementary school is how a lot of folks come together, like the carnival every fall, so if you've got kids there, you're going to events all the time," Haines says. Zilker Metropolitan Park is also a magnet for events and other activities. The Austin Nature and Science Center plays home to rotating exhibits throughout the year in addition to frequent programs and events, including summer camps for kids. But with Austin being dubbed the "live music capital of the world," no event in Zilker Metropolitan Park compares to the two-weekend jamboree of Austin City Limits Festival. "Believe it or not, when I go to ACL Fest, I see lots of my neighbors there," Haines says.

Old haunts and newer businesses spice up Lamar Boulevard

Lamar Boulevard is one of the main commercial strips for South Austin and it has long been known for its community of local institutions that helped establish the area's characteristically weird vibes. But quite a few of the strip's "cool old haunts," as Haines calls them, have closed their doors over the years, replaced by chains and new businesses. Multiple big box stores and supermarkets can now be found in a variety of shopping centers like Lakehills Plaza, including a Target and a Sprouts Market. But several institutions still remain, such as the Broken Spoke – one of the oldest and most famous honky tonk bars in Texas. Up the road, Matt's El Rancho has continued to satisfy customers with its renowned brisket tacos since opening in 1952. Residents can still get their caffeine fix and cafe meals from Kerbey Lane Cafe – a beloved neighborhood meetup point open since 1980. "That area, personally, is my favorite area in Austin," says Realtor Lexi Castles of Compass RE Texas. "It's got a lot of the old Austin vibes and a lot of the old restaurants like Jackson Pub, it's got the music, Peter Pan Mini Golf. But then it's also got all the new, more trendy restaurants. So, it's a really, really cool place."

Head over to the Broken Spoke for live music, great food and a honky tonk time.
Head over to the Broken Spoke for live music, great food and a honky tonk time.
Matt's El Rancho ha been drawing crowds with enchiladas & margaritas since 1952.
Matt's El Rancho ha been drawing crowds with enchiladas & margaritas since 1952.
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From midcentury modesty to postmodern luxury

As Austin continues its trend of rapid growth, Barton Hills continues to evolve with it. Especially over the last 10 years, midcentury ranchers shrouded in small thickets of ash and live oak trees are filling out the edges of their lots. "Because this neighborhood has big lots and the houses have got some separation, a lot of the 1970s and 60s style houses over here, if they're not in good condition, they're being torn down. And what they're being replaced with is luxury stuff," Haines says. This trend includes a wide variety of newer home designs, including some whacky postmodern homes with luxury fixtures like floor-to-ceiling windows and backyard pools. The trend has widened the price range for single-family homes considerably. Some original midcentury designs still sell for around $550,000, but many are purchased for over $1 million. Meanwhile, those newer luxury homes can fetch prices that typically begin at $1 million and sometimes go over $3 million.

Smaller classic style homes can still be found around Barton Hills.
Smaller classic style homes can still be found around Barton Hills.
Modern styled homes tend to replace older builds in Barton Hills.
Modern styled homes tend to replace older builds in Barton Hills.
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Frequent traffic on Lamar Boulevard

Although students walk to school and the Greenway adds some shortcuts, Barton Hills' topography makes it less walkable for some residents. Most rely on a car to get around but traffic in South Austin, especially along Lamar Boulevard, is constant. For an alternative option, some residents use CapMetro bus routes on Lamar Boulevard for trips into and around the city.

Flooding and erosion on Barton Creek

With a rushing creek forming its northern edges, flood zones abut half the neighborhood. In fact, the neighborhood sits on the precipice of Hill Country – a region highly prone to flash flooding due to its long dry spells followed by sudden downpours. But the canyon that Barton Creek follows is several feet lower than the elevation of most homes, protecting most properties from even the worst of floods. However, rushing flood waters can still present a risk of mudslides and erosion.

Tom Jakob
Written By
Tom Jakob
Leigh Christian
Photography Contributed By
Leigh Christian
Houston Knight
Video By
Houston Knight

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Gregg Klar, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Austin-Bergstrom International

25 min drive

Bus

3000 Lamar & Barton Skyway

Bus

Barton Springs (Zilker Park)

Bus

Mopac & Barton Skyway

Bus

2220 Barton Springs (Zilker)

Bus

Mopac & Zilker

Bus

Brodie Oaks Station (Sb)

Bus

Spyglass & Barton Skyway

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Barton Hills US
Homicide 2 4
Sexual Assault 3 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 4 4
Burglary 4 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 5 4
Larceny 5 4
Crime Score 4 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Demographics and Home Trends

Home Trends

Median Price (12 Mo)
$1,114,000
Median Single Family Price
$1,472,500
Median Townhouse Price
$984,250
Median 2 Bedroom Price
$509,950
Median 1 Bedroom Price
$399,000
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$611
Number of Homes for Sale
54
Last 12 months Home Sales
92
Months of Supply
7.00
Median List Price
$1,349,000
Median Discount From 1st List Price
7%
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
4%

Home Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,757
Median Year Built
1972
Avg. Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,728
Below the national average
1,935
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,803
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,237
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
945
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
7,405

Open Houses

  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 3pm

    2406 Rock Terrace Cir, Austin, TX 78704

    $1,849,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,519 Sq Ft
    • 2406 Rock Terrace Cir

    Located on a flat, private lot in Barton Hills, 2406 Rock Terrace Circle is a mid-century modern home updated by renowned architect Tim Cuppett. This one-story residence offers 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms, blending classic design with modern updates.The open floor plan features brand-new engineered European white oak flooring, clean lines, and large windows that connect indoor and outdoor

    Agent Photo
    Katherine Wright
    Moreland Properties
    (512) 967-8593
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  • Sunday, Apr 27
    1 - 4pm

    1203 Hollow Creek Dr Unit 101, Austin, TX 78704

    $439,999

    • 1 Bed
    • 1 Bath
    • 678 Sq Ft
    • 1203 Hollow Creek Dr
    • Unit 101
    • New 1 day ago

    Amazing location in the heart of 78704, just a few blocks from Austin’s most desirable attractions including Barton Springs, the Umlauf Sculpture Garden, Zilker Park, and Downtown Austin. This completely high-end, remodeled, one-bedroom showcases waterproof vinyl flooring and tile throughout, quartz countertops, and designer tiles. Lots of natural light, vaulted ceilings in the living areas,

    Maria Hudson RE/MAX Capital City

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  • Saturday, Apr 26
    2 - 4pm

    2004 Westridge Dr, Austin, TX 78704

    $2,990,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3.5 Baths
    • 3,100 Sq Ft
    • 2004 Westridge Dr
    • New 4 days ago

    Welcome to 2004 Westridge Dr, a breathtaking contemporary retreat nestled on a peaceful street in Austin’s sought-after Barton Hills neighborhood. This spacious 3,100 sq. ft. home features 4 bedrooms, 3.5 bathrooms, and a low tax rate with no HOA—offering the perfect blend of privacy, luxury, and convenience.Step inside to discover a bright and open living space with floor-to-ceiling windows,

    Brooke Steele Compass RE Texas, LLC

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Gregg Klar, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value




Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
8,205
Median Age
37
Population Density
6 ppl/acre
Population under 18
17.6%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
11.4%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$89,205
Above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$116,944

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
97%
College Graduates
75.9%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
30.4%
% Population in Labor Force
84.7%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
37''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
97°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Bikeable

Bike Score®

52 / 100

Car-Dependent

Walk Score®

32 / 100

Some Transit

Transit Score®

39 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Barton Hills