Hill Country
An “anything goes” spirit and surprisingly quiet streets.
Considered the epicenter of cool, this South Austin neighborhood benefits from its proximity to oodles of cool shops and hot restaurants (many along nearby South Lamar), a spectacular string of trails and refreshing waterways, and easy access to downtown.
Barton Hills, which is bisected by a creek that flows into the Colorado River, was named for a pioneering homesteader who settled by the area’s famous springs in 1837. He was hardly the first to recognize this lush swath as prime real estate; evidence of old Spanish missions, Native American camps, and even dinosaur tracks have been found here. These days, it’s hunters and those who love the outdoors who flock to the 78704 zip code.
What to Expect
An “anything goes” spirit and surprisingly quiet streets.
Like most of South Austin, Barton Hills embraces the city’s unofficial motto to “Keep Austin Weird,” and its laid-back vibe attracts millennials and older residents alike. And while it may be close to the action, the neighborhood itself feels sealed off from the fun-loving crowds who descend on Zilker Park and Barton Springs.
The Lifestyle
An infectious enthusiasm for the great outdoors.
One of the best urban trails in the state, the Barton Creek Greenbelt runs right through the heart of Barton Hills. With seven miles of pathways amid eight hundred verdant acres, it feels like a lush island in the middle of Austin’s concrete jungle. The 351-acre Zilker Park, which borders the Colorado River just south of downtown, is another delightful respite.
Unexpected Appeal
The energetic swirl of art, music, and culture.
In addition to its natural beauty, Barton Hills also stimulates with its pockets of culture. Admire outdoor artwork at the intimate Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, or sing along with the biggest names in music at the jam-packed Austin City Limits Music Festival that takes over Zilker Park each fall. No matter your preference, the area is full of art-forward activities for all.
The Market
A medley of choices, from quaint cottages to cutting-edge split-levels.
Some of the area’s first homes, modest one-stories built in the forties and fifties, still stand, though many are being replaced with decidedly more modern (and taller) substitutes. A smattering of apartment complexes and condos are sprinkled throughout the dense residential streets, too.
You'll Fall in Love With
Having Barton Springs in your backyard.
Austin’s best-known natural feature is Barton Springs, a concrete-ringed watering hole fed by the chilly springs that burble up from the Edwards Aquifer. Even though some half a million people take a dip here each year (the people-watching is excellent), you’ll come to think of it as your own private pool.
Available Homes in Hill Country
$1,275,000
5 Beds 4 Baths 4,197 SqFt
448 Stephen F Austin BLVD, Bastrop, TX 78602
$799,000
5 Beds 4.5 Baths 3,822 SqFt
225 Fontainebleau ST, Georgetown, TX 78628
$475,000
4 Beds 2.5 Baths 2,797 SqFt
1010 Winding Creek PL, Round Rock, TX 78665
$624,900
3 Beds 2.5 Baths 2,526 SqFt
254 Dayridge DR, Dripping Springs, TX 78620
Based on information from Unlock MLS (alternatively, from ACTRIS) for the period through 12/07/2025. Neither the Board nor ACTRIS guarantees or is in any way responsible for its accuracy. All data is provided “AS IS” and with all faults. Data maintained by the Board or ACTRIS may not reflect all real estate activity in the market.
Information being provided is for consumers’ personal, non-commercial use and may not be used for any purpose other than to identify prospective properties consumers may be interested in purchasing. Some IDX listings have been excluded from this website.
Data last updated: 12/07/2025 04:50