Barton Hills was first developed in the 1940s but grew in the 1950s after Austin’s Annual Parade of Homes when its slogan was “the largest air conditioned suburb in the world.” Now that air conditioning is a standard amenity for every Austin home, residents choose Barton Hills for its hilly, tree lined streets and charming, ranch style homes. Barton Hills Elementary frequently gets top marks, which attracts residents with kids. Most of the homes you see today were originally built in the 1950s and 1960s. Though most homes have been updated, expanded or torn down and rebuilt to satisfy the modern buyer, you will still find some homes in original condition. Nestled in the heart of South Austin, this sought-after neighborhood combines stunning natural beauty with the energy of urban living. From its welcoming community to its eclectic food scene and endless outdoor activities, it’s no wonder why Barton Hills real estate is in high demand. If you’re looking for a centrally located neighborhood that’s bike able or Uber-able to South Austin and Downtown Austin, Barton Hills is a great place to start your search. Scroll Down to Read our Barton Hills Neighborhood Guide.
Barton Hills Homes for Sale
SEARCH ALL BARTON HILLS HOMES FOR SALENo Email Required!
Barton Hills South Austin Neighborhood Map
Barton Hills is bordered by Barton Creek to the east and south, Barton Springs Road to the north, Robert E Lee, Rabb Road and Rae Dell Road to the west. Explore other South Austin neighborhoods in our South Austin Neighborhood Guide.
What Does Barton Hills Look Like?
Barton Hills radiates charm with its tree-lined streets, rolling hills, and proximity to Barton Creek Greenbelt. The lush greenery provides a peaceful and scenic backdrop that feels like an oasis amidst the hustle of South Austin.
The neighborhood’s design feels notably cohesive, with a mix of mid-century ranch-style homes, updated modern builds, and newer luxury properties. It’s ideal for those looking for a balance between nature and convenience, as everything you could need is just around the corner.
What’s It Like Living in Barton Hills?
Living in Barton Hills feels like having the best of both worlds. It offers a suburban feel but is anchored in Austin’s vibrant culture. Imagine waking up to birds chirping, taking a morning stroll down a shaded sidewalk, and then making your way to a trendy coffee shop for a freshly brewed latte.
The community vibe here truly stands out. Residents are friendly and often host events like neighborhood potlucks, dog meetups, and yoga in the park. It’s a place where you’ll feel a sense of belonging the moment you move in.
How’s the Commute to and From Barton Hills?
Commuting from Barton Hills is easy and stress-free for most residents. The neighborhood is conveniently located near major roads like Lamar Boulevard and MoPac Expressway, making access to downtown and other popular areas a breeze.
Whether you’re headed to work, planning a weekend adventure, or running errands, you’ll appreciate the straightforward routes Barton Hills offers.
Why Do Homebuyers Choose Barton Hills?
- Proximity to Downtown: It’s just a 10-15 minute drive to downtown Austin.
- The Greenbelt: The Barton Creek Greenbelt offers 12 miles of hiking, biking, and swimming, making it a haven for nature lovers.
- Excellent Schools: Barton Hills Elementary is one of the top-rated schools in the city.
- Culture and Convenience: Discover a neighborhood that’s just as welcoming as it is conveniently located, with shops, eateries, and activities nearby.
What Do the Houses Look Like?
The real estate offerings reflect the neighborhood’s mid-century roots with a modern twist. You’ll find many single-story ranch homes from the 1950s-1970s, renovated with updated kitchens, open-concept layouts, and energy-efficient upgrades.
For those seeking something newer, there are sleek modern-style homes that boast open floor plans, large windows that bring the outdoors in, and tech-forward amenities. On average, properties in Barton Hills range from $700,000 to well over $1 million, depending on size, location, and finishes.
Looking for expert guidance in navigating the Barton Hills real estate market? Our Barton Hills buyer’s agents specialize in finding homes that fit your lifestyle and preferences.
Barton Hills Neighborhood Tour
Average Barton Hills Home
The average home in South Austin’s Barton Hills neighborhood has the following profile:
- 3 bedrooms
- 2 bathrooms
- 1,958 sq ft
Barton Hills Sold Data – What Barton Hills Homes Actually Sold For
What sold recently in Barton Hills 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 Barton Hills? How many homes are currently for sale in Barton Hills? What’s the median sold price in Barton Hills? What does the 90 day historic market trend look like in Barton Hills? How’s the Barton Hills market trending?
All of these questions (and more!) can be answered on our Barton Hills Sold Data Report.
Barton Hills Property Tax Rate
The property tax rate in South Austin’s Barton Hills 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.
Barton Hills Schools
Children who live in South Austin’s Barton Hills neighborhood are served by the Austin ISD and will likely attend the following schools:
- Barton Hills Elementary - 9/10
- Zilker Elementary - 10/10
- 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.
Best Coffee Shops to Work in Barton Hills
Grab your laptop and Wi-Fi password—Barton Hills is home to some of the coziest spots for remote work. These are our top picks:
- Radio Coffee & Beer – A quirky haven that serves top-notch coffee during the day and a stellar selection of beer by night.
- Bouldin Creek Cafe – Known for its ethically sourced coffee and laid-back vibe, perfect for brainstorming over a cold brew.
- Patika – A local favorite serving expertly brewed lattes and a selection of light eats.
- Summermoon – One of our personal favorites for coffee. Try their Moon milk!
- Once Over Coffee – Indoor seating plus a beautiful, shaded outdoor patio with a peaceful setting.
Favorite Restaurants and Bars
Barton Hills doesn’t disappoint when it comes to dining options. Whether you’re in the mood for casual bites or fine dining, here are some must-visits:
- Odd Duck – A favorite among locals for its inventive small plates and farm-to-table focus.
- Chi’Lantro – Home to Korean-Mexican fusion dishes that will tantalize your taste buds.
- The Broken Spoke – The iconic Texas honky-tonk where you can enjoy live music and classic Southern cooking.
- P Terry’s Burger Stand – Iconic Austin fast food burger stand that originated in this downtown Austin spot and has grown with several locations.
For a nightcap, try The Highball, known for its signature cocktails and retro vibes.
Where to Stay Active Indoors
- CrossFit Central: If you’re looking for a CrossFit style gym, CrossFit Central Downtown is the only place to go. Rated top CrossFit gym in Austin, they have amazing coaching, a close knit community and several classes per day.
- SoLa CrossFit: Need a CrossFit gym a little closer to home? Try SoLa Crossfit on Lamar.
- Gold’s Gym: With two locations, one downtown and one south on 290, you’ll find your traditional gym with weights and cardio equipment and even some classes.
Where to Stay Active Outdoors
Barton Hills offers endless opportunities to stay fit, both indoors and outdoors.
- Barton Creek Greenbelt – Whether you enjoy hiking, mountain biking, or swimming, the Greenbelt has something for everyone. Popular spots include Twin Falls and Gus Fruh.
- Zilker Park – Just a short distance away, Zilker Park is great for jogging, picnics, and paddleboarding on Lady Bird Lake.
- Castle Hill Fitness – A premier gym with yoga, Pilates, and spin classes, just a stone’s throw from the neighborhood.
Fun Things to Do Nearby
One of the joys of living in Barton Hills is having so much to do nearby. Here are just a few activities locals love:
- Barton Springs Pool – Cool off in Austin’s favorite natural spring-fed pool.
- South Congress Avenue – Explore boutiques, vintage stores, and plenty of spots for people-watching.
- Austin City Limits Festival – Held annually at Zilker Park, it’s one of the biggest live music events in the country.
- Barton Creek Square Shopping Mall – Indoor mall with big box retailers, casual and fine dining restaurants, local shops and a movie theater.
- Zilker Botanical Gardens – One of Austin’s beautiful places to spend a relaxing afternoon. Go during the week for free parking. And, you can bring your dog! Check them out and then head to Zilker Park Boat Rentals for a great afternoon.
- Walk to One of Austin’s Festivals in Zilker Park – Held year round, there are several festivals big and small.
- Walk Down Barton Springs Road – There are several shops, restaurants, bars and coffee shops on Barton Springs Road. When you find one you like, stop and enjoy a meal, cup of coffee or glass of wine.
Grocery Shopping in Barton Hills
Barton Hills residents have a few grocery shopping options. The closest major grocery store is Central Market in the Westgate Shopping Center. They are kind of like Whole Foods, just a bit cheaper. Whole Foods is just over Lake Austin on 5th St. HEB is at the corner of Oltorf and S Congress and would be my last resort. Though recently remodeled, it still isn’t my favorite. Try Central Market or Whole Foods first.
Your Barton Hills Dream Home Awaits
Barton Hills seamlessly blends urban energy with suburban tranquility, making it one of the most desirable neighborhoods in South Austin. With its welcoming community, beautiful homes, and access to parks, trails, and culture, Barton Hills truly has it all.
If you’re considering buying a home here, don’t go it alone. Our expert Barton Hills buyer’s agents are ready to guide you every step of the way. Start your Barton Hills home search today!
South Austin Realtor Specializing in Barton Hills
Rebecca Jacks and Raymond Stoklosa are South Austin Realtors specializing in Barton Hills homes. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell a home in Barton Hills, 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 Barton Hills and Selling a Home in Barton Hills.
