296 Thompson Rd, Dale, TX 78616

Signal Hill is one of the smaller, quieter neighborhoods in southwest Austin's 78748 zip code, the kind of place where neighbors actually wave from their driveways and most homes have been owned by the same families for years. Built primarily across two phases in the 1990s and early 2000s, Signal Hill sits at a price point that has become rare in Austin - a median around $425,000 puts it well below most of the city's established neighborhoods, which makes it one of the more accessible entry points into Austin ISD school zones. Signal Hill sits in southwest Austin near the intersection of Slaughter Lane and Manchaca Road, with quick access to MoPac and I-35 for downtown commutes that run about 20 minutes outside of rush hour. South Austin's commercial corridor along Slaughter Lane handles weekly errands - H-E-B, restaurants, and shopping all within five minutes. The neighborhood backs up to wooded land that gives it a more rural feel than its proximity to major roadways would suggest. The housing stock is straightforward Texas suburban - traditional and ranch-style homes built mostly between 1995 and 2005, with brick and stone facades, two- and three-car garages, and the kind of practical layouts that hold their value because they work for families. Lots range from 0.15 acres in the older sections to about 0.5 acres in the larger phase, with most homes between 1,800 and 3,200 square feet. Pricing typically falls between $375,000 and $525,000, with some larger lots and updated homes pushing higher. Signal Hill is served by Austin ISD. Baranoff Elementary handles the elementary years and has a steady reputation for solid academics and engaged parent involvement. Bailey Middle School serves the middle school years, and most students continue to Akins High School. The schools are close enough that walking and biking are realistic options for elementary kids, which adds to the neighborhood character. The lifestyle here is straightforward suburban with strong access to outdoor space. The Slaughter Creek Trail runs nearby for runners and cyclists. South Austin's restaurant scene along Slaughter and Manchaca handles casual dining and date nights. Onion Creek Metropolitan Park is a short drive south for hiking and disc golf. And the proximity to MoPac means Lady Bird Lake, Zilker, and downtown are all within reach for weekend plans. Signal Hill works for families and first-time buyers who want Austin ISD schools without paying central Austin prices. It is more affordable than Circle C Ranch to the west and has more established trees and lot sizes than the newer Hays CISD developments further south. The tradeoff is that Signal Hill is small - inventory turns over slowly because owners tend to stay - so when something does come on the market, it usually moves fast. For buyers who can be patient and act decisively, this is one of the better-value pockets in southwest Austin.