Barton Hills

An epicenter of cool in one of the most dynamic cities in the U.S., this South Austin neighborhood benefits from its proximity to downtown and to the Lamar Blvd. and South Congress/South First street corridors. Vibrant and ever-changing, Barton Hills offers cultural and commercial delights, as well as refreshing waterways and lush greenspace.

​​​​​​​Barton Hills is bisected by a creek that flows into the Colorado River. Understandably, it has been prime real estate since well before homesteader “Uncle Billy” Barton settled by the famous springs in 1837. Spanish missionaries, Native Americans, and even dinosaurs precede today’s Barton Hills’ lucky residents, who flock there for much the same reason as those that came before. Homes in the area range from original mid-century one-story homes to modern multi-level properties. The dense residential portions of Barton Hills also offer apartment complexes and condos.

Like the rest of South Austin, Barton Hills embraces the city’s unofficial motto to “Keep Austin Weird.” Its laid-back vibe attracts young and older residents alike. Zilker Park is practically your 350-acre backyard, with Austin’s best known natural feature, Barton Springs as your swimming pool. Poolside people-watching is unbeatable at Barton Springs. Despite this proximity to the action, Barton Hills feels a world away from both the city and the crowds.

​​​​​​​Outdoor adventure-lovers will love that one of the best urban trails in the state, the Barton Creek Greenbelt runs right through the heart of this neighborhood. Trails wind through its eight hundred verdant acres, making it feel more like a lush island than a concrete jungle.

For a leafy oasis with an undercurrent of art and culture, Barton Hills can't be matched. You can immerse yourself in the 20th-century art of Charles Umlauf amidst a shady garden of native plants at the artist's namesake museum and garden. See the biggest names in music at the jam-packed Austin City Limits Music Festival.

​​​​​​​Living in 78704 is a feast for foodies, music lovers, theater-goers, and coffee aficionados. From casual take-out from beloved food trucks to several-course dinners by award-winning chefs, Barton Hills is a place to indulge all five senses. The venerable ZACH Theater, The Long Center, and Palmer Events Center.

• Lady Bird Lake. Connected to Zilker Park, Lady Bird Lake provides a break from the concrete and construction. Happy dogs and humans enjoy four seasons of fresh air on the 10-mile loop hike and bike trail. Rent a kayak or a paddleboard from the Texas Rowing Company or simply enjoy some stunning city views.
• Zilker Park. Adjacent to Lady Bird Lake, this 350-acre municipal park is Austin’s playground. Providing much-needed green space in an expanding metropolis, it also plays host to events of all kinds including Austin City Limits and Blues on the Green.
• Austin City Limits Music Festival. For two weekends every October, Austin’s Zilker Park is filled with music and a half-million people. Since 2002, the festival has attracted musicians of every genre. There's even a kids stage for family-friendly festival-going.
• Barton Springs Pool. Taking a dip in Barton Springs, a 3-acre spring-fed pool in the middle of Zilker Park, is a quintessential Austin summer activity. Bring a picnic, enjoy the sea of Austin humanity, and cool off from triple-digit temps in the 68-70-degree water.
• Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum. Just blocks outside of Austin’s urban core, you can immerse yourself in a quiet and shady oasis of native Texas plants and experience the art of noted 20th-century American sculptor, Charles Umlauf.
• ZACH Theater. Founded in 1932, ZACH Theater is the longest continuously running theater company in the state of Texas and one of the ten oldest in the country. Serving up homegrown and reproductions to entertain the entire family, you can always find something inspiring happening at ZACH.
• Barton Creek Greenbelt. Get lost in Austin's crown jewel, a 7.25-mile-long natural wildlife and plant habitat. Adventure-loving Austinites can enjoy 12 miles of trails, swim at one of the many swimming holes and waterfalls, or try out their rock-climbing skills on the greenbelt.