5203 Backtrail Dr, Austin, TX 78731

Well-loved Cat Mountain classic. Beautifully updated spacious three-bedroom 2.5-bathroom floor plan boasting multiple living spaces both indoors and outdoors. Generously sized lot with a stunning front yard featuring a grove of mature oak trees. The living room creates a luxurious space to relax with the family or entertain guests, complete with a central fireplace surrounded by a dramatic feature wall, as well as a high ceiling with elevated windows that allow plenty of natural light to illuminate its gorgeous details. The second living room opens to a magnificent screened-in porch. The master bedroom offers access to the balcony and affords a view of a rich profusion of surrounding treetops. Thoughtful updates have been made throughout including recently installed wood floors, renovated kitchen, a newer roof, and fresh paint throughout. Pre-inspected to add to your peace of mind.

Northwest Hills is a family neighborhood in 78731, built in the 1960s-80s on wooded half-acre lots between MoPac and Loop 360. Median home price $1.19M. Austin ISD schools — Doss Elementary and Murchison Middle rank among the district's best. 12 minutes to UT campus, 15 to downtown.

The housing stock is predominantly single-story ranch and split-level homes on lots averaging 0.3-0.5 acres with mature live oak and cedar canopy. Most original homes are 1,800-3,000 sq ft. A renovation wave has been updating kitchens and adding square footage without tearing down — the lot sizes accommodate additions well. Active listings typically number 15-25 at any given time.

Daily life revolves around the schools and the outdoors. Bull Creek for weekend wading, Mount Bonnell for sunset hikes (8 minutes from the neighborhood), Northwest District Park for soccer and the playground. Far West corridor handles weeknight dining — Saffron, 5280 Burger, Yamas. The Arboretum and Domain are 10 minutes north for shopping. HEB on Far West is the neighborhood grocery hub.

What makes Northwest Hills the family value play in Central Austin: Doss/Murchison school quality at roughly half the Eanes ISD price point, lot sizes that rival Westlake, and a 15-minute commute that beats the suburbs. The tradeoff is Austin ISD (good but not Eanes) and 1960s-80s housing stock that often needs updating.