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Northwest Hills

Quiet West Austin Neighborhood Home to Many Students

Overview

Northwest Hills, and it's most densely populated central area, Far West, is a unique combination of upscale west Austin homes, business offices, and apartments that reflects the needs of a growing central city. Professionals and their families live in close proximity to students and young people; medical professionals drive their cars to work as students take the UT shuttle of Capital Metro buses towards Downtown.

The central artery in the Northwest Hills area is Far West Boulevard, which runs west from Loop 1 as the landscape gradually shifts from office buildings to restaurants to a public school to expensive single-family homes. The commercial area between Loop 1 and Mesa is the heart of the neighborhood, with both local and national businesses bustling at all times. Just off the boulevard is where most of the apartments are located, and where most of the students live. Streets like Wood Hollow and Greystone are heavily populated with complexes, but are lined with trees and fit in nicely with the tone of the more "grown up" neighborhood around them. On Far West just beyond Hart Lane is the neighborhood's Murchison Middle School, and excellent AISD school known for the large outdoor track and enormous hill along Far West where hang-gliding students can be seen practicing during good weather.

Many of the homes in the area justbeyond Mesa Drive exemplify the west Austin style: large, single-family homes with large garages on lots with landscaped yards, and mature trees. The most common design features are limestone and brick, and as you navigate the curvy expanses of the neighborhood north or south you'll find consistently beautiful homes with small pockets of commercial space near the major thoroughfares.

Northwest Hills is a neighborhood that balances the best features of West Austin living, with proximity to the Highland Lakes and beautiful outdoor features, with convenient access to everything in north and central Austin. Capitol of Texas Highway and Loop 1 form the western and eastern borders, and F.M. 2222 and Spicewood Springs Road to the south and north are excellent access points for all the necessary conveniences.

What to do

The central Far West area is the commercial center for Northwest Hills. On Far West, you can find food, shopping, and necessary conveniences, as well as medical offices and commercial spaces. Check out the shopping centers that line Far West between Loop 1 and Mesa for local businesses and chain stores such as H.E.B., Blockbuster Video, Mr. Gatti's Pizza, and more.

One of the most popular shops in the neighborhood is Northwest Hills Pharmacy. This business has been a popular shop for Northwest Hills residents for years, with home hardware, a wonderful floral department, gifts, and a full-service pharmacy; it's a great spot for a last minute gift on the way to a party.

There are a variety of restaurants along the boulevard, mostly consisting of national chains and larger businesses, but a few popular local spots are present as well. El Arroyo Mexican, an Austin casual-dining favorite with great margaritas, has a location on Wood Hollow that's a busy weeknight spot frequented by neighborhood residents. There's also two great pizza shops, Mangia Pizza, a Chicago-style local pizza chain popular for it's original location on Guadalupe Street near UT Austin, and Austin's Pizza, which offers NY-style pizza as well as cold beer. Further south just off of Loop 1 is ZuZu Handmade Mexican Food, an awesome local restaurant with fresh ingredients andhealthy preparation that's a great alternative to typical Tex-Mex.

The Northwest Hills area is also a greatplace to get outdoors. The beautiful Bull Creek District Park is the perfect place to take an afternoon with the dogs – this is one of few parks in Austin with no lease law. The scenic cliffs and waterfalls make for an excellentafternoon enjoying the sun. Another wonderful spot is the ever-popular Mt. Bonnell lookout, technically located in Covert Park, which is a great spot for a picnic or some late-afternoon relaxation. The sunset overlooking Lake Austin is one of the best in Austin, and this is also a great place to check out at night, with beautiful views of the lake-front properties and the Austin skyline.

Why live here?

Northwest Hills is a beautiful west Austin neighborhood with much to offer, and whether you're a student, young professional, or family, you'll find the location convenient and the amenities ample. If you're looking to live and work in central Austin but you prefer a more green, suburban environment, Northwest Hills is a great place to be.

Quick Facts

Household Income

$67,901

Recent Job Growth

2.73%

Median Home Value

$585,000

Median Home Age

27

Appreciation (2007)

4.05%

Percentage Renting

41.96%

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