Highland Park West

 

You have now entered a peaceful area in West Austin. The first thing you’ll notice is a mature landscape along rolling hills, with tree-lined streets and beautiful views of downtown Austin. Everything you could want from a bustling downtown area is minutes away, and yet in the Highland Park West neighborhood, the hustle and bustle take a back seat. Life focuses more on relaxation, beautiful views, open green space, and a slower pace.

 

Living on a hill offers many natural perks. There are fabulous views to be had, not only of downtown Austin but of Lake Austin as well. There are also many parks and nature preserves that give a suburban feel to an urban area. Walking, hiking and biking are popular activities. Most of the houses are large, and so are the lots, and much dates back to mid-century life and construction. The architecture includes mid-century modern, ranch style and modern new construction.  There is also much history to be discovered, such as Camp Mabry, an Army Post from 1892 that is still active.

 

Drew Marye, owner and Broker of The Marye Company, lives, works and plays in Highland Park West.  Contact him today for all of your real estate needs.

• Fabulous views of downtown Austin and Lake Austin
• Gorgeous sunsets on nearby Mount Bonnell in Covert Park
• Many parks, nature preserves, and open green space
• Tree-lined streets with large homes and lots
• Close to upscale restaurants, boutiques, and shopping centers
• Quick access to Highway 1 (MoPac) for easy Austin travel

Peaceful living is essential to residents of Balcones Park / Highland Park West. Walking, hiking, biking, and golfing are popular activities. It’s easy to get to work and shop in nearby downtown Austin with all its amenities, and then quiet living with a suburban feel welcomes residents back after an active day. Locals enjoy movie nights in Perry Park, Easter egg hunts, and a 4th of July parade and picnic.

The neighborhood coffee shop and bakery are Russell’s Bakery & Coffee Bar, and the German chocolate cake is out of this world. Dessert-first people will want to move on to Chez Zee American Bistro for a great brunch, including their signature crème brûlée French toast. Look no further than Fonda San Miguel for the best interior Mexican cuisine. Try the Pescado Veracruzano or hang out for a happy hour at the bar.

 

Make your outdoor spaces beautiful with the best selection in town from Shoal Creek Nursery, and why not grow your own fruit while you’re at it? Speaking of the outdoors, the historic Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve is a 23-acre park with hiking trails, lush palm trees, gardens, and peacocks. Mount Bonnell Park and its scenic overlook with views of Lake Austin and the hill country is a popular destination, and the hike to the top is short and relatively easy. 

The annual Highland Park West 4th of July Parade is fun for the locals, who often decorate their cars in competition and cheer on those who do. It’s still possible to have that small-town feel in big-town America. The Camp Mabry Open House/Muster Day is a chance to learn about the history of Texas back when it was a republic. Re-enactors from different periods join in, and they also have a WWII battle reenactment. In addition, there’s a museum to visit.

The Highland Park West area is served by the Austin Independent School District and is notable for the following schools.