Nestled near downtown Austin, this historic and vibrant neighborhood is one of the city’s most sought-after areas. Between its tree-lined streets, unique shopping spots, delectable dining options, and a lively community, Clarksville manages to combine the best of urban living with a cozy, residential vibe. Dating back to the 1870s, Clarksville is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Austin and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since the 1970’s. Charles Clark, a freed slave, established the area as a place that other freed slaves could live and begin their lives after the Civil War. Although many of the original homes and landmarks are gone, Clarksville still holds a unique, historic charm. At the same time, Clarksville residents enjoy urban amenities like walkable shopping, bars and restaurants. Plus, when you want to go Downtown, you are a long walk or short drive to the Moody Theater, Stubbs, Second St, 6th St or Rainey Street. Scroll Down to Read our Clarksville Neighborhood Guide.
Clarksville Homes for Sale
Clarksville Neighborhood Map
Clarksville is bordered by Mopac on the west, North Lamar on the East, Enfield Road to the North and West 5th Street to the South. Explore other Central Austin neighborhoods in our Central Austin Neighborhood Guide. Scroll down to continue reading our Clarksville neighborhood guide.
Clarksville Zip Code
Clarksville is in Austin’s 78703 zip code.
What’s It Like Living in Clarksville?
Clarksville beautifully encapsulates Austin’s charm—a blend of rich history and modern conveniences. Conveniently located just minutes from downtown, the area offers a quieter, laid-back alternative to the buzz of the city center, while still keeping you connected to all the action. Residents love taking strolls through the peaceful streets and enjoying the close-knit, welcoming atmosphere.
While it’s steeped in history (Clarksville is one of the oldest surviving freedmen’s towns in the U.S.), the neighborhood balances tradition with a modern edge. It’s home to a mix of long-time Austin residents, young professionals, and families, creating a diverse and harmonious community.
Why Residents Move to Clarksville
- Proximity to Downtown: You’re only a stone’s throw away from Austin’s entertainment hubs and offices.
- Walkability and Charm: Whether it’s a quick walk to the local coffee shop or a scenic morning jog, Clarksville offers an incredibly walkable neighborhood.
- Top Schools Nearby: Families are drawn to the strong schools and family-friendly parks.
- Community Vibes: It’s not the kind of neighborhood where you’ll go unnoticed. Residents often greet each other in passing, and there are plenty of opportunities to connect through local events or neighborhood groups.
What Do the Houses Look Like?
Clarksville’s varied housing provides options to suit different tastes and budgets. Architectural styles in the neighborhood range from classic bungalows and Craftsman-style homes to sleek, modern builds.
- Historic Homes: Enjoy the charm of Victorian homes, many of which have been meticulously preserved to retain their original detailing.
- Modern Gems: For those seeking contemporary luxury, you’ll also find modern properties with open-concept layouts and state-of-the-art designs.
- Condos and Apartments: Ideal for young professionals, Clarksville offers a range of upscale apartment complexes and condominiums, some featuring incredible views of the Austin skyline.
Despite its upscale vibe, Clarksville retains an understated aesthetic that avoids the cookie-cutter feel of some suburban developments.
Clarksville Homes
Like many Central Austin neighborhoods, Clarksville is experiencing quite a bit of infilling, which is changing the landscape of the neighborhood. The original homes were small (1,200 sqft or less) bungalows on relatively large lots or 2,000sqft+ “mansions”. While you’ll still find many 1910s and 1920s homes, most of them have either been remodeled extensively, or are quickly snapped up by developers looking to build something brand new. Builders are scraping the small bungalows to build large, modern single family homes, or 2-unit condos. The 2-unit condos usually look (and live) more like single family homes. There are just two of them on one lot. Square footage in Clarksville averages around 1900 because of the increasing number of expansions and new constructions.
Clarksville Neighborhood Tour
Average Clarksville Home
The average home in Central Austin’s Clarksville neighborhood meets the following profile:
- 3 bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms
- 1,900 sq ft
- 1/10 – 1/3 acre lots
Because of the mix of older homes built about a century ago combined with the remodels, expansions and rebuilds, Clarksville homes are not cookie cutter homes. Scroll down to continue reading our Clarksville neighborhood guide.
Clarksville Property Tax Rate
The property tax rate in Central Austin’s Clarksville neighborhood is 1.8092% as of the 2023 tax year, down from 1.9749% as of the 2022 tax year. The property tax rate was 2.1767% as of the 2021 tax year.
Clarksville Schools
Children who live in Central Austin’s Clarksville neighborhood are served by the Austin ISD and will likely attend the following schools:
- Mathews Elementary - 8/10
- O'Henry Middle - 6/10
- Austin High - 8/10
School ratings reflect Great Schools ratings as of January 2025. Ratings are subject to change at any time. Please verify ratings and boundaries with the school district.
Clarksville Sold Data – What Clarksville Homes Actually Sold For
What sold recently in Clarksville and for how much? Where can I find pictures of homes that actually sold? How many days does it take to sell a home in Clarksville? How many homes are currently for sale in Clarksville? What’s the median sold price in Clarksville? What does the 90 day historic market trend look like in Clarksville? How’s the Clarksville market trending?
All of these questions (and more!) can be answered on our Clarksville Sold Data Report.
Scroll down to continue reading our Clarksville neighborhood guide.
Fun Things to Do in Clarksville
While the area is smaller than other neighborhoods, there’s no shortage of fun activities to enjoy.
- Explore West Austin Park: A great family spot with a playground and open areas for picnics or lounging.
- Clarksville Park: 1 acre park that offers Basketball Courts, Baseball/Softball Fields, Picnic table, a play ground and a wading pool to cool off in during the summer months.
- Walking Tours: Learn about Clarksville’s historic roots on a local walking tour.
- Gallery Hopping: Art enthusiasts can explore neighborhood galleries that showcase works from both local and international artists.
- First Thursdays (in nearby neighborhoods): Participate in monthly cultural events and markets that often spill into Clarksville.
The Best Restaurants and Bars
Food enthusiasts will find an array of outstanding restaurants and bars in the neighborhood. From casual cafes to fine dining experiences, Clarksville’s culinary scene has something for everyone.
- Clark’s Oyster Bar: A local favorite for oysters and seafood. Don’t miss their lobster rolls!
- Josephine House: Perfect for brunch or a cozy dinner, this petite eatery offers farm-to-table freshness.
- Jeffrey’s: Offering a fine-dining experience, this steakhouse is a go-to for celebratory dinners and date nights.
- Nau’s Enfield Drug: A truly unique spot, Nau’s serves classic burgers and milkshakes in a charming, old-school soda fountain setting.
Want to grab drinks? Head to Jeffrey’s bar for craft cocktails or choose between Clark’s wine list and their signature martinis. Scroll down to continue reading our Clarksville neighborhood guide.
Best Coffee Shops and Work-Friendly Spots
For coffee lovers and remote workers, Clarksville doesn’t disappoint with its booming coffee scene.
- Caffe Medici: A go-to for remote workers, this café features premium espresso and plenty of seating.
- Sweetish Hill Bakery and Cafe: Known for their baked goods and cozy atmosphere, it’s perfect for a quick coffee break.
- Wright Bros. Brew & Brew (nearby): While not quite in Clarksville, this spot is worth the short trip for its great coffee and craft beer selection—plus plentiful outlets for your laptop.
If you love working in inspiring, intimate spaces, these spots are bound to keep you productive and caffeinated.
Where to Find the Best Shopping
Clarksville is home to a mix of one-of-a-kind shops and local boutiques.
- Waterloo Records (nearby): Music lovers can explore a curated collection of vinyl records and CDs.
- Antique Small Shops: Discover treasures in some of Clarksville’s vintage and thrift stores.
- Local Boutiques: Find trendy clothing and accessories in small, independently owned stores, often showcasing Austin-based brands.
For mainstream shopping, downtown and nearby districts like South Congress are just a short car ride away.
Fun Things to Do in Clarksville
While the area is smaller than other neighborhoods, there’s no shortage of fun activities to enjoy.
- Explore West Austin Park: A great family spot with a playground and open areas for picnics or lounging.
- Walking Tours: Learn about Clarksville’s historic roots on a local walking tour.
- Gallery Hopping: Art enthusiasts can explore neighborhood galleries that showcase works from both local and international artists.
- First Thursdays (in nearby neighborhoods): Participate in monthly cultural events and markets that often spill into Clarksville.
Staying Active Outdoors
For fitness and outdoor enthusiasts, Clarksville offers several options to help you live an active lifestyle.
- Town Lake Trail (nearby): A scenic trail perfect for biking, jogging, or taking your dog for a stroll.
- Castle Hill Fitness (nearby): From Pilates to yoga, this fitness center offers options for all levels.
- Swimming and Tennis: Nearby pools and courts make it easy to stay active without traveling far.
For those who love being outdoors, Clarksville’s shaded streets and access to Austin’s best green spaces make staying fit easy and enjoyable.
Why Clarksville Is Perfect for Your Next Home
Whether you’re drawn to its history, dining options, warm community, or proximity to downtown, Clarksville provides an ideal mix of convenience and charm. From peaceful living to vibrant city connections, it’s no surprise many are making Clarksville their home.
If you’re looking for your dream property in Clarksville, take the next step today. Connect with one of our trusted local agents to discuss your options or set up a tour of available homes. Clarksville could be the neighborhood you’ve been searching for. Thanks for reading our Clarksville neighborhood guide.
Central Austin Realtor Specializing in Clarksville
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Rebecca Jacks and Raymond Stoklosa are Central Austin Realtors specializing in Clarksville homes. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home in Clarksville, Rebecca and Raymond know the area well and have the experience and tools necessary to make your next real estate transaction stress free. For more info about who we are and how we work, check out Buying a Home in Clarksville and Selling a Home in Clarksville.
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