Highland Park West Balcones Neighborhood Guide

Highland Park West Balcones is a large area that was once several different neighborhoods. Over time, these neighborhoods combined to join one neighborhood association – The Highland Park West Balcones Neighborhood Association or HPWBNA for short. Known for its mature landscaping, tall trees, large lots and breathtaking views of Downtown Austin, Highland Park West Balcones has a lot to offer its residents. Nestled between Lake Austin and Mopac, residents enjoy all the amenities and conveniences of Downtown without the hustle and the bustle. Families and pet owners prefer Highland Park West Belcones to other Central Austin neighborhoods because of the spacious lots. The Highland Park West Balcones Neighborhood Association is very active so if Downtown living isn’t your thing, you’ll have plenty to do within the boundaries of your neighborhood. Movies Night at Perry Park, Easter Egg Hunt, 4th of July Parade and Picnic, Picnic at the Park and National Night Out are just a few of the events planned yearly. Scroll Down to Read our Highland Park West Balcones Neighborhood Guide.

Highland Park West Balcones Homes for Sale

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Highland Park West Balcones Neighborhood Map

Highland Park West Balcones is bordered by Mt Bonnell Road to the West, W 35th St and Old Bull Creek Rd to the South, MoPac to the East and Ranch to Market 2222 to the North. Explore other Central Austin neighborhoods in our Central Austin Neighborhood Guide. Scroll down to continue reading our Highland Park West Balcones neighborhood guide.

Highland Park West Balcones Zip Code

Highland Park West Balcones is located in Austin’s 78731 zip code.

What It’s Like Living in Highland Park West Balcones

Highland Park West Balcones offers residents a peaceful, suburban-like atmosphere while being just a short drive from the hustle and bustle of Downtown Austin. This neighborhood is known for its tree-lined streets, friendly neighbors, and a strong sense of community. Whether you’re grabbing coffee at a local shop or joining a fitness class at the park, you’re bound to bump into a familiar face.

The area strikes a perfect balance, offering both tranquility and quick access to Austin’s vibrant culture, live music, and endless food scene.

Who Lives in Highland Park West Balcones?

The residents here are a mix of families, young professionals, and retirees. Families often gravitate to the area for its proximity to top-rated schools, such as Highland Park Elementary, and its kid-friendly amenities like nearby parks and recreational spaces. Move-up homebuyers are drawn to the spacious homes and larger lots, while professionals love the easy commute to Downtown Austin.

It’s an ideal community for those looking for a laid-back lifestyle without sacrificing access to urban amenities.

The Neighborhood’s Topography and Layout

One of the first things you’ll notice is the neighborhood’s stunning topography. Highland Park West Balcones is perched on hilly terrain, offering sweeping views of Austin’s rolling green hills and the nearby Mount Bonnell.

The area is dotted with mature oak trees, giving the streets a lush, shaded appearance. The winding roads and scenic overlooks make it a beautiful place for a walk or bike ride. It’s not uncommon to catch a breathtaking sunrise or sunset right from your own backyard.

What Does the Neighborhood Look Like?

Highland Park West Balcones stands out with its blend of classic and contemporary architecture.

Classic Ranch-Style Homes: Built in the 1950s and 60s, many homes retain their mid-century charm while offering modern updates.
Luxurious Renovations: Over the years, several of the older homes have been beautifully renovated, combining contemporary aesthetics with timeless designs.
Large Lots and Privacy: The homes here sit on generously sized lots, often surrounded by mature trees, creating a sense of privacy that’s hard to find closer to downtown.

This neighborhood is all about space—space to grow, entertain, and enjoy the outdoors.

Highland Park West Balcones Homes

Homes in Central Austin’s Highland Park West Balcones neighborhood are known for its large lots, tall trees and charm. The average home in Highland Park West Balcones is about 2800 sq ft, but home sizes range from 900 sq ft – 7000 sq ft throughout the neighborhood.

Why Homebuyers Choose Highland Park West Balcones

What makes Highland Park West Balcones stand out among Austin’s many neighborhoods? Here are just a few reasons homebuyers are falling in love with this area:

Proximity to Downtown: Just a 10-15 minute drive gets you to Downtown Austin, making it convenient for work or play.
Top-Rated Schools: Families flock here for access to Highland Park Elementary and other highly-regarded education options.
Community Living: From neighborhood events to active local groups, the community spirit here is undeniable.
Nature at Your Doorstep: With nearby parks and green spaces, it’s perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

How’s the Commute?

One of the perks of living in Highland Park West Balcones is the convenient commute. Located just west of Mopac Expressway, it provides quick access to Downtown Austin, UT Austin, Tech Ridge, and other business hubs. For those working in Central Austin, commute times can range from 10 to 20 minutes, depending on traffic.

Highland Park West Balcones Subdivisions

Highland Park West Balcones is divided further into several subdivisions:

Photos of Highland Park West Balcones Homes

Real Estate in Highland Park West Balcones

Highland Park West Balcones Average Home

The average home in Central Austin’s Highland Park West Balcones neighborhood has the following profile:

4 bedrooms
3 bathrooms
2,800 sq ft

Highland Park West Balcones Property Tax Rate

The property tax rate in Central Austin’s Highland Park West Balcones neighborhood is 1.8092% in 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.

Highland Park West Balcones Schools

Children who live in Central Austin’s Highland Park West Balcones neighborhood are served by the Austin ISD and will likely attend the following schools:

Casis Elementary - 10/10
Highland Park Elementary - 9/10
Lamar Middle - 7/10
O'Henry Middle - 6/10
Austin High - 8/10
McCallum 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.

Highland Park West Balcones Sold Data – What Highland Park West Balcones Homes Actually Sold For

What sold recently in Highland Park West Balcones 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 Highland Park West Balcones? How many homes are currently for sale in Highland Park West Balcones? What’s the median sold price in Highland Park West Balcones? What does the 90 day historic market trend look like in Highland Park West Balcones? How’s the Highland Park West Balcones market trending? All of these questions (and more!) can be answered on our Highland Park West Balcones Sold Data Report.

Local Favorite Restaurants and Bars

When it’s time to grab a bite or enjoy a night out, try these popular spots near Highland Park West Balcones.

Russell’s Bakery & Coffee Bar: A cozy spot for breakfast pastries or a light lunch. Known for its beautiful, decorated cakes and cookies, Russells Bakery and Coffee Bar has become a coffee and brunch spot for Highland Park West Balcones home owners as well. They have a nice patio where you can enjoy a relaxing morning with a pastry and a book.
Chez Zee American Bistro: An upscale yet comfortable restaurant known for its decadent desserts and eclectic American menu. For brunch, they have about 12 different variations of eggs benedict alone as well as your typical brunch fair with a gourmet twist. They also serve lunch, dinner and desserts on a daily basis.

Staying Active and Enjoying the Outdoors

Highland Park West Balcones offers no shortage of ways to stay fit and active.

Bright Leaf Preserve: Perfect for hiking and reconnecting with nature without venturing far from home.
Mount Bonnell: A short drive away, this iconic Austin landmark provides stunning views and is great for a leisurely climb.
Pease Park: Just a quick trip from the neighborhood, offering sports courts, trails, and even hosts annual festivals.
Bike Balcones Drive: Balcones Drive is a great place to get a great workout. No need for fancy equipment or expensive gyms. Just get your bike out and ride up Balcones Drive. The steep hills attract many cyclists including Lance Armstrong who calls Highland Park West Balcones home. While you riding, make sure to check out the estate sized homes.

For gym-goers, there are also a variety of fitness studios and centers within a short drive.

Things to Do in Highland Park West Balcones

Local residents love the easy access to these popular attractions and activities:

Shopping at The Village Shopping Center: Boutique stores and specialty shops make this a go-to destination.
Seasonal Events and Farmers Markets: Join the community at one of the many seasonal events where neighbors gather for food, music, and fun.
Hike Mount Bonnell: Don’t let the “hike” fool you. Mt Bonnell attracts more tourists than hikers because of its breathtaking views of the Hillcountry and Downtown Austin. After climbing a hundred or so stairs, you’ll a pavilion with an overlook atop Mt Bonnell (Austin’s highest peak) where you’ll find some of the most spectacular views in the entire city. It’s also a great spot to check out the beautiful homes on Waters Edge Drive.
Perry Park: Located next to Highlands Elementary School, Perry Park is the only official park in the City of Austin. Perry Park has a ton of amenities – picnic tables, playground equipment, soccer fields, running track, wooded hiking trails, lighted tennis courts, basketball court and a pavillion for parties. Though maintained by the City of Austin and Highland Elementary, Highland Park West Balcones residents have been instrumental in getting the many improvements approved. There is plenty of parking behind Highland Park Elementary School at 4900 Fairview Drive.
Austin Museum of Art – Laguna Gloria: Located at the Southwest corner of Highland Park West Balcones, Austin’s Original Museum of Art gives a unique history of art and nature. Visitors can tour a 1916 Italian villa complete with art exhibits and periodic educational discussion of art history as well as the beautiful 12 acre grounds overlooking Lake Austin. If you’ve been to the museum before and just enjoy the grounds, you can bring your computer for their free wireless internet and take in the surroundings.
Texas Military Forces Museum – Located in the Southeast corner of Highland Park West Balcones, the Texas Military Forces Museum displays the history of the Texas Military Forces – during both war and peace time – from the 1823 and the first militia in Stephen F. Austin’s colony to the present day. There are 5 different exhibit areas chronicling different parts of the story. Great different activity for an afternoon.
Bright Leaf Preserve – Bright Leaf Preserve, located in the center of Highland Park West Balcones neighborhood, was acquired by Georgia Lucas who purchased this land in 34 real estate transactions and left it to the City so Austin could enjoy this beautiful land. Voted best hiking in Austin, Bright Leaf is a popular destination for hikers of all skill levels because you can choose the hike and distance. The free guided hikes on the second Saturday and Sunday of each month, are also popular among Highland Park West Balcones residents. Check the schedule for several special events throughout the year.

Golf in Highland Park West Balcones

Westwood Country Club is a members-only country club so you’ll need to be a member or a guest of a member to play this course.

Grocery Shopping Near Highland Park West Balcones

Grocery shopping in Highland Park West Balcones is pretty convenient with 4 grocery stores in close proximity. Randalls is located at the northeast corner and just south of Highland Park West Balcones. Central Market is due east and HEB is about a mile or so north of Highland Park West Balcones. Scroll down to continue reading our Highland Park West Balcones neighborhood guide.

Make Highland Park West Balcones Your Home

Highland Park West Balcones is more than a neighborhood; it’s a lifestyle. With its top-rated schools, stunning surroundings, and sense of community, it’s no surprise this area is a favorite among Austin families, professionals, and retirees alike. Whether you’re setting down roots or taking the next step in your real estate plans, Highland Park West Balcones offers everything you need to live a fulfilling, connected life.

If you’re ready to explore properties in this incredible neighborhood or want to learn more, get in touch with our team of local real estate experts today. Finding your dream home in Highland Park West Balcones starts with the right guidance.

Central Austin Realtor Specializing in Highland Park West Balcones

Rebecca Jacks and Raymond Stoklosa are Central Austin Realtors specializing in Highland Park West Balcones homes. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home in Highland Park West Balcones, 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 Highland Park West Balcones and Selling a Home in Highland Park West Balcones.