The Local Neighborhood Guide by a Native Austinite
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2020 was a challenging year, to say the least. While the pandemic did disrupt home sales in the spring of 2020, which is usually considered one of the hottest two seasons for real estate, the market quickly made an impressive rebound. Real estate experts have reported that the surge in home sales toward the end of 2020 actually made up for the spring market losses. Westhorn agents are experts on the intricacies of Austin and its surrounding areas. The importance of being guided by an agent with deep market knowledge and expertise on every street, neighborhood, and community is more essential now than ever before.
Neighborhoods
Located in the rolling hills of West Austin, Barton Creek is one of Austin’s largest and oldest neighborhoods. Just 20 minutes from downtown, the exclusive neighborhood offers picturesque views, spacious homes and is surrounded by two of Austin’s most popular parks.
An established, but ever-changing neighborhood in the heart of the action. Considered the epicenter of cool, this South Austin neighborhood benefits from its proximity to oodles of cool shops and hot restaurants (many along with nearby South Lamar), a spectacular string of trails and refreshing waterways, and easy access to downtown.
Where Austin’s dynamic past and sky’s-the-limit future converge, it’s no wonder that an increasing number of residents are so drawn to the city’s energetic hub. Downtown is dotted with historical reminders of the enterprising frontier town Austin once was (see the built-for-a-cattle-baron Driskill Hotel) and is abuzz with the creative energy of the start-ups and tech companies that have been relocating here.
Often noted as the gateway to the Texas Hill Country, Dripping Springs features rolling hills and plenty of space to spread out. Dripping Springs is home to many excellent parks and recreation areas as well as award-winning wineries and the Deep Eddy Distillery.
Often noted as the fastest growing neighborhood in Austin, the eclectic and trendy eastside area has a new, robust restaurant scene and has become a popular home choice for many Austinites. East Austin is often referred to as an “authentic” view of Austin due to its unique vibe and culture.
Just 15 miles northwest of downtown Austin sits some of the area’s most scenic and luxurious neighborhoods. The Lake Travis neighborhoods are considered those bordering the Colorado River as it widens into a lake and they become highly sought-after havens for those seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The once quiet town Cedar Park has become one of the hottest Austin suburbs to buy a home in recent years. CP boasts all the advantages of being close to city attractions and jobs while offering its residents a small-town lifestyle.
A master-planned utopia for those who seek peak livability. Dreamed up as a New Urbanist village with more than 6,200 homes, Mueller is still expanding, adding new residents, restaurants, and retailers every week. As it keeps growing, Mueller’s mixed-use community continues to be the epitome of thoughtful, sustainable urban design.
A serene, mostly residential haven worth the short commute. The dozen of subdivisions tucked into the limestone mesas and glens between Mopac and Lake Austin sprang up between the fifties and the eighties, solidifying this neighborhood as a commuter’s paradise. With breathtaking panoramas and peaceful green spaces, it has become a densely populated residential refuge.
A traditional, tight-knit enclave just west of the city’s core. What was once farmland is now one of the most desirable neighborhoods in Austin, located just a few minutes away from downtown. Devoted residents, who love the community solidarity and the quiet, tree-lined streets, tend to put down deep roots here, so when homes become available, they’re snapped up fast.
An elegant, advantageously located homebase. Fashioned after the “garden suburbs” popular during the City Beautiful Movement, Travis Heights has always benefited from its close proximity to downtown and to now-bustling I-35. But this elegant respite has never absorbed the hectic pace of life just beyond its comfortable borders.
Incorporated as an independent suburb in 1953, West Lake Hills, with its hilly terrain and tranquil residential streets, only feels far-flung from Austin’s bustling core. A mere six miles west of downtown, this family-friendly pocket is a sought-after community.
“As a native Austinite born and raised, all of these neighborhoods have a special place in my memories and life. If you have not explored these neighborhoods in person, I would urge you to give me a call to discuss! I love speaking with new people and helping them achieve their goals!
About the Author
Marcus Roper
Broker Associate / Compass Real Estate
Principal / The Westhorn Group
Marcus began his career as a real estate analyst at Goldman Sachs in Dallas, Texas. His team was responsible for the investment of Goldman’s capital into real estate portfolios.
Marcus has since then established himself as a Realtor® & Broker in the Western areas of Austin, specializing in high-end new construction, boutique listings, staging & design, and a seamless client experience.
Marcus enjoys viewing and playing live music, exercising on Town Lake, and playing golf at Barton Creek & Austin County Clubs.
