When researching Austin schools and neighborhoods, there are some areas that don’t get the credit they deserve. Most of these overlooked areas are located in highly rated sections of school districts that, as a whole, aren’t as well rated as others. The larger districts, like the Austin ISD, span a much wider geographical area and have over 100 schools to maintain. If you only look at district ratings, the larger districts are inferior to smaller districts like the Eanes ISD, Dripping Springs ISD and Lake Travis ISD that have less than 10 schools each. If you’re looking for highly rated schools, but aren’t finding what you’re looking for in a smaller district, perhaps it’s time to explore the best sections of the larger school districts. Here, we’ll break down some options for you if you want to live in South Austin but need highly rated schools.
Best South Austin Neighborhoods for Schools
If you’re looking to live in South Austin and want highly rated public schools, you can spend hours researching GreatSchools.net. Or, you can scroll below and see we’ve done the research for you. To help you turbocharge your home search, we’ve listed the best South Austin neighborhoods for schools. We’ve given you a bit of info about each neighborhood, a link to get more information and also mapped them out if you’d prefer a visual.
Best South Austin Neighborhoods for Schools Mapped
Here is a mapped version of our best South Austin neighborhoods for schools list.
Circle C
Distance to Downtown Austin: 18 minutes, 12.5 miles
Zip Code: 78739
Elementary School: Baranoff (8/10), Bear Creek (9/10), Clayton (8/10), Kiker (8/10) or Mills (9/10)
Middle School: Gorzycki or Bailey
High School: Bowie
Average Price: $892,890
Median Price: $835,000
With top rated schools, three amenity centers, several pocket neighborhoods, new construction, established neighborhoods, on-site restaurants, shopping and easy access to Downtown, it is easy to see why Circle C has become so desirable. Like most other large, master planned communities, homes in Circle C range from a basic one story starter home to luxury living on the golf course. This range of choices gives buyers in all stages of life options within the community. If you’re looking for master planned community living and want to be as close to Downtown possible in the best school district, Circle C is a great place to start your search.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Circle C Neighborhood Guide.
Circle C Neighborhood Map
Circle C Homes for Sale
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Meridian
Distance to Downtown Austin: 21 minutes, 15.7 miles
Zip Code: 78739
Elementary School: Baldwin (8/10)
Middle School: Gorzycki (9/10)
High School: Bowie (7/10)
Average Price: $1,129,320
Median Price: $820,000
Located adjacent to Circle C, Meridian is often confused as being part of Circle C, but it is a separate neighborhood under a separate HOA. Meridian was built in sections with the majority of homes built from the early 2000’s to 2014 by some of Austin’s most respected builders. Built over a shorter time period than Circle C, you can expect homes to have similar features like open floor plans, gourmet kitchens with granite counters and a luxury level finish out. Meridian residents also enjoy access to the community pool and amenity center as well as an on-site elementary school.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Meridian Neighborhood Guide.
Meridian Neighborhood Map
Meridian Homes for Sale
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Ridgeview
Distance to Downtown Austin: 18 minutes, 12.5 miles
Zip Code: 78737
Elementary School: Baldwin (8/10)
Middle School: Gorzycki (9/10)
High School: Bowie (7/10)
Average Price: $744,667
Median Price: $750,000
Most known for its extremely low tax rate (1.7007% as of 2022), Ridgeview is one of the few places where you can find brand new construction that won’t break the bank when the tax assessor sends their bill. And, with a resort style community pool and amenity center, you won’t even have to sacrifice amenities in exchange for the low tax rate. Conveniently located off 290, Ridgeview is an ideal place for someone who commutes and doesn’t want to spend more than a minute or two to get on the main road. On the flip side, Ridgeview schools are not located within the boundaries of the neighborhood, making walking your kids to school impossible. That being said, there are buses, so you won’t have to drive them either. If you’re looking for brand new or newer construction with highly rated schools and a low tax rate, Ridgeview is a great place to start your search.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Ridgeview Neighborhood Guide.
Ridgeview Neighborhood Map
Ridgeview Homes for Sale
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Village at Western Oaks
Distance to Downtown Austin: 15 minutes, 11 miles
Zip Code: 78749
Elementary School: Mills (9/10) or Patton (7/10)
Middle School: Gorzycki (9/10) or Small (7/10)
High School: Bowie (7/10) or Austin (6/10)
Average Price: $653,871
Median Price: $635,000
Village at Western Oaks is one of the more established South Austin neighborhoods. Built in the 1980s through early 2000’s, you’ll see mature trees and more unique looking homes. Nearly 2,500 homes sit in the Village at Western Oaks, some governed by an HOA and others outside its boundaries. Residents who are looking for the best rated schools tend to choose the southern section of the neighborhood, which attends the same schools as Circle C. If you like neighborhoods with a more established feel, or are looking to save a few minutes off your commute, Village at Western Oaks is an ideal place to start your search.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Village at Western Oaks Neighborhood Guide.
Village at Western Oaks Neighborhood Map
Village at Western Oaks Homes for Sale
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Heights at Loma Vista
Distance to Downtown Austin: 18 minutes, 11.8 miles
Zip Code: 78749
Elementary School: Mills (9/10)
Middle School: Gorzycki (9/10)
High School: Bowie (7/10)
Average Price: $935,000
Median Price: $927,000
Heights at Loma Vista is a small, ~150 home neighborhood just north of Circle C. Homes sit on larger than average, ¼ acre lots. Some have Hill Country views and others city views. The main access is from 1826, so although the Heights at Loma Vista is closer to Downtown than, say, Circle C, it feels farther out. 1826 is not as developed as the area along MoPac, but still gives residents easy access to 290, 71 or MoPac. If you’re looking for an acre or more, try neighboring the Estates at Loma Vista, which is about half the size, but feeds to the same highly rated schools.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Heights at Loma Vista Neighborhood Guide.
Heights at Loma Vista Neighborhood Map
Heights at Loma Vista Homes for Sale
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Granada Estates
Distance to Downtown Austin: 19 minutes, 12 miles
Zip Code: 78737
Elementary School: Baldwin (8/10) or Clayton (8/10)
Middle School: Gorzycki (9/10)
High School: Bowie (7/10)
Average Price: $913,700
Median Price: $880,000
Granada Estates is the oldest neighborhood on our list, but also the most affordable for someone looking for ½ acre or larger lots. Homes were built in the 1970s and 1980s, so you’ll find both remodeled homes and homes in original condition, making it ideal for someone looking to put their own touches on a house. Residents can choose to belong to the voluntary HOA for access to the pool and tennis courts, but membership is not mandatory. If you’re looking for a smaller house (1,500-2,900 sq ft) and lot size is most important, Granada Estates is a great choice.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Granada Estates Neighborhood Guide.
Granada Estates Neighborhood Map
Granada Estates Homes for Sale
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Lewis Mountain Ranch
Distance to Downtown Austin: 20 minutes, 13.4 miles
Zip Code: 78737
Elementary School: Baldwin (8/10) or Clayton (8/10)
Middle School: Gorzycki (9/10)
High School: Bowie (7/10)
Average Price: $1,181,000
Median Price: $1,262,000
Lewis Mountain Ranch is another, small (~100 home) neighborhood in Southwest Austin just south of 1826 and 290. Homes were built in the early 1990s and sit on 1.5-3.5 acre lots. With the expansive yards, many have outdoor living areas with pools. With so few houses, we rarely see too many homes on the market, so if you’re targeting Lewis Mountain Ranch, you’ll need to have some patience. The low turnover is indicative of how much owners like living in the neighborhood.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Lewis Mountain Ranch Neighborhood Guide.
Lewis Mountain Ranch Neighborhood Map
Lewis Mountain Ranch Homes for Sale
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Shady Hollow
Distance to Downtown Austin: 21 minutes, 13.7 miles
Zip Code: 78739 & 78748
Elementary School: Baranoff (8/10)
Middle School: Bailey (6/10)
High School: Bowie (7/10)
Average Price: $694,714
Median Price: $670,000
Built over several decades (1970s-early 2000s), Shady Hollow is a mesh of some very different sections. This variation is something buyers have grown to appreciate. The earliest sections have modest sized homes that sit on large, ½ acre, tree filled lots. The newest sections have larger homes on smaller lots, more like what you’d expect in a newer master-planned community. If you’re looking for an estate sized lot, you can also find that in Shady Hollow in the Estates of Shady Hollow. Parents love the convenience of the schools. Baranoff Elementary and Bailey Middle are located within the neighborhood, making drop off and pick up much easier. If you’re looking for a master planned community that has a unique and close knit feel, Shady Hollow is an ideal place to start your search.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Shady Hollow Neighborhood Guide.
Shady Hollow Neighborhood Map
Shady Hollow Homes for Sale
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Bridges of Bear Creek
Distance to Downtown Austin: 23 minutes, 15.1 miles
Zip Code: 78739 & 78748
Elementary School: Baranoff (8/10)
Middle School: Bailey (6/10)
High School: Bowie (7/10)
Average Price: $716,235
Median Price: $669,000
Bridges at Bear Creek is the newest subdivision in the Baranoff Elementary school district built between 2008-2016. This neighborhood is not as well known as neighboring Shady Hollow, but once buyers start exploring the area, those looking for newer construction migrate their search over to the neighborhood. Like many other master planned communities, Bridges at Bear Creek has three options for buyers. A section of affordable, modest sized homes on small lots, a section of large homes on estate sized lots and a third section of moderate sized homes on larger than average lots. Though Bridges at Bear Creek homes are governed by an HOA, the neighborhood does not have any amenities. If a move-in home is more important than amenities, Bridges at Bear Creek is an ideal choice.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Bridges at Bear Creek Neighborhood Guide.
Bridges at Bear Creek Neighborhood Map
Bridges at Bear Creek Homes for Sale
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Brodie Springs
Distance to Downtown Austin: 19 minutes, 12.8 miles
Zip Code: 78739
Elementary School: Baranoff (8/10)
Middle School: Bailey (6/10)
High School: Bowie (7/10)
Average Price: $941,567
Median Price: $909,700
Brodie Springs is located just south of Brodie Lane and Slaughter Lane and was built by some of Austin’s most respected builders in the late 2000’s and early 2010’s. Brodie Springs is the go to choice for home buyers who don’t need expansive yards and would prefer a large home with a grander level of finish out inside. With just over 100 homes, Brodie Springs doesn’t generally have an abundance of inventory, so if you find something, you’ll probably want to act quickly. If you are targeting the Baranoff Elementary school district, but want to be as far north as possible to avoid the slow down on Brodie Lane in the morning, Brodie Springs is an ideal choice..
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Brodie Springs Neighborhood Guide.
Brodie Springs Neighborhood Map
Brodie Springs Homes for Sale
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Oak Parke
Distance to Downtown Austin: 18 minutes, 12.1 miles
Zip Code: 78749
Elementary School: Baranoff (8/10)
Middle School: Bailey (6/10)
High School: Bowie (7/10)
Average Price: $668,438
Median Price: $667,500
Oak Parke is one of South Austin’s best kept secrets. With the same schools as Shady Hollow, closer to MoPac, Oak Parke is where those who want easier access to Austin live. The neighborhood has an exit on Brodie Lane and another on Slaughter Lane, so no matter where you’re going, you can get there easily. Built in the 1990s, homes are new enough to have the open floor plan, but established enough to have mature trees and character. Oak Parke also has a community pool and park and with only about 300 homes, you’re only a few minutes walk or drive from both.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Oak Parke Neighborhood Guide.
Oak Parke Neighborhood Map
Oak Parke Homes for Sale
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Estates of Bauerle Ranch
Distance to Downtown Austin: 23 minutes, 14.6 miles
Zip Code: 78748
Elementary School: Baranoff (8/10)
Middle School: Bailey (6/10)
High School: Bowie (7/10)
Average Price: $650,250
Median Price: $650,250
Though the Estates of Bauerle Ranch belongs to Bauerle Ranch, the limited access between the two (walking access through the greenbelt), makes residents associate more with Shady Hollow than with Bauerle Ranch. Buyers are drawn to Bauerle Ranch because it is surrounded by greenbelt and trails, but still only 20 minutes from Downtown Austin. With less than 100 homes on five streets, homes in the Estates of Bauerle Ranch don’t come up too often. But, when they do, they usually don’t last long.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Estates of Bauerle Ranch Neighborhood Guide.
Estates of Bauerle Ranch Neighborhood Map
Estates of Bauerle Ranch Homes for Sale
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Olympic Heights West
Distance to Downtown Austin: 24 minutes, 15.7 miles
Zip Code: 78748
Elementary School: Baranoff (8/10)
Middle School: Bailey (6/10)
High School: Bowie (7/10)
Average Price: $473,158
Median Price: $475,000
Olympic Heights West is the last section of larger, Olympic Heights. Olympic Heights West is unique because it belongs to the Olympic Heights HOA, but kids attend Bowie High School instead of Akins High School. Homes were built in the early 2010’s and have upgraded finishes when you compare the standard level of finish out in Olympic Heights. If you’re looking for the most affordable neighborhood in South Austin with highly rated schools, Olympic Heights West is a great place to start your search. Thanks for reading our best South Austin neighborhoods for schools post.
For more info and to search homes for sale, visit our Olympic Heights West Neighborhood Guide.
Olympic Heights West Neighborhood Map
Olympic Heights West Homes for Sale
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Median and average prices were calculated from ACTRIS data between 2/1/2021-1/31/2022. School ratings are GreatSchools ratings as of June 2024.
Buying in One of the Best South Austin Neighborhoods for Schools?
Our team of experienced buyer’s agents know these best South Austin neighborhoods for schools well. We can help you find the right neighborhood for your family and help you negotiate the best deal on a home. Check out our Austin Home Buyers page to learn more about our team. Then, call us at (512) 827-8323, email us at info@11OaksRealty.com to schedule a no obligation consultation.
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