Welcome to North Central Austin
A quaint, easy, and enviable life in the heart of Austin.
Some of Austin’s most quaint homes protected by mature, towering trees are found in North Central Austin, located between Downtown Austin and The Domain. North Austin's real estate landscape showcases historic homes boasting architectural details from a forgotten era that are just steps away from parks, public gardens, and old-fashioned pleasures from simpler times. These hip neighborhoods are also very close-knit with neighbors frequently seen strolling down the sidewalks at sundown.
North Central Austin is an easy place to live, perfectly situated between it all. The Domain, one of the city’s newer urban hotspots is home to lively bars, second locations for some of downtown’s most popular restaurants, and a number of high-end boutiques and shops, while downtown’s exciting nightlife scene is a short drive south. With so many conveniences located in every direction, those who dwell within these central neighborhoods feel at ease in the heart of one of the nation’s fastest-growing cities.
What to Love
- A perfect halfway location between The Domain and downtown
- Rarely more than a few minutes drive to Interstate 35, Mopac, or Highway 183
- Quaint streets lined by mature, protected trees
- Charming North Austin homes for sale to choose from
- Original architecture reminiscent of old Austin’s eclectic aesthetic
Local Lifestyle
Those who live in North Central Austin live an enviable, coveted lifestyle. Residents enjoy a quiet, suburban aesthetic, all while never remaining more than a few minutes from trendy eateries, buzzy bars, and other iconic Austin sites. Being located between The Domain and downtown is not only great for weekend fun but also makes commuting to offices easy. In recent years, The Domain has especially grown with the construction of a new Northside district and the addition of several towers housing major corporate offices.
Dining, Entertainment, and Shopping
North Central Austin’s diverse culinary scene boasts casual and high-end options, with a few local favorites all found just blocks from home. Since 1980, Kerbey Lane Cafe has been an Austin go-to for brunch, classic comfort foods, and other Texan specialties. The Kirby queso is coveted, pancakes are famously fluffy, and lemon poppyseed French toast has a cult following of its own.
An iconic Austin grab-and-go staple is found at P. Terry’s. Much more than a fast food joint, P. Terry’s uses antibiotic and hormone-free meat on flavorful, juicy burgers topped with their famous sweet and tangy “secret sauce” paired with perfectly crispy shoestring fries.
In Hyde Park, Quack’s and Antonelli's Cheese Shop are two neighboring businesses that are not to be missed. Unique cheeses and essential charcuterie accompaniments are found at Antonelli’s, one of Hyde Park’s gems since 2010. Just around the corner, holiday pies, seasonal cookies, and cakes for all of life’s occasions are the specialty of Quack’s 43rd Street Bakery.
Some of Austin’s best-rated eateries are also found along Airport Boulevard. Komé began as a small food truck and has now grown into a popular brick-and-mortar shop, serving some of Austin’s best sushi. Nearby, Quality Seafood offers a diverse menu, cooking classes, and other activities in addition to their vast selection of fresh Gulf seafood available for those looking to pick up something to take home.
Jack Allen’s Kitchen is another Austin fave known for its Texan-infused southern favorites. Every meal starts off with a complimentary sampling of their famous pimento cheese, with their green chili gravy chicken-fried steak, bacon-wrapped Texas quail, and Baja fish tacos being some of the tastiest treats in town.
Things To Do
Shoal Creek runs through the western portion of the neighborhood, and the Shoal Creek Trail is a great spot to enjoy a Saturday morning stroll. Extending all the way downtown, the trail tops out at just over five miles long, offering a sense of solitude in the heart of the city. North Central Austin is also home to the Hancock Golf Course, founded in 1899. This public, nine-hole par 35 course boasts rolling green hills, views of Waller Creek, and a rich Austin history.
Schools
North Central Austin is home to some of the city’s best schools, both public and private. A few of the best-rated campuses in the area include:
- Lee Elementary School, prekindergarten-6th grade; Lee boasts a sixth-grade leadership institute allowing participants to mentor younger students, develop skills for the 21st century, and head up campus projects, among other tasks
- Brentwood Elementary School, prekindergarten-5th grade; Niche.com placed Brentwood Elementary just outside the top 10% of all public elementary schools in Texas
- St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, kindergarten-12th grade; the best private school in the city is also among the best in the state boasting a perfect graduation rate and scores on college entrance exams far higher than the average
