5404 Ridge Oak Dr, Austin, TX 78731

New Lower Price in central Austin Texas, this stunning home has been updated and is located in the highly sought-after Highland Park West neighborhood on a beautiful tree-lined street. Enjoy spectacular views of the Downtown skyline and the UT Tower from the formal living room and secondary bedrooms. The kitchen has been upgraded with stainless steel appliances, including a Thermador slide-in gas range and dishwasher, granite counters, a breakfast bar and two sinks. Step outside to the luxurious covered outdoor living area, which features a custom-installed competition-grade offset "stick burner" BBQ pit with a natural gas starter and hybrid gas grill, Lueder stone flooring and IPE decking, built-in spacious seating, lighting, and more. This area is perfect for outdoor living and entertainment. The primary bedroom suite is a true retreat, complete with separate closets, double vanities, a spacious walk-in shower with a multi-shower head system that includes a rain shower and body jet sprays and private access to the covered patio and backyard areas. The professional landscaping includes majestic live oaks, Monterey oaks, pecan trees, and crepe myrtles, along with smart outdoor lighting and sprinkler system. The attached 2-car garage is located at the back of the home, with additional parking and partially level back yard areas. The home also has the potential to be renovated further by adding a second story, as per the amended restrictions. Other recent updates include a 30-year composition roof (2021), exterior and interior painting, some lighting fixtures (2023). The location is excellent, just minutes from downtown and within walking distance to Perry Park, coffee shops, restaurants, and much more. All information contained in this listing is deemed reliable but not guaranteed - Buyers must verify all information. Don't miss this opportunity to own this exceptional home.

Highland Park West has the highest concentration of original mid-century ranch homes still standing in any Austin neighborhood west of MoPac. While other areas have torn down their 1950s houses to build new, Highland Park West has largely preserved its character, and that combination of period homes, big lots, and a live oak canopy with 60 years of growth gives the neighborhood a feel that no new construction can reproduce.

Highland Park West sits between MoPac to the east, Mount Bonnell and Lake Austin to the west, Bull Creek Road to the north, and Balcones Drive to the south. Downtown is about 12 minutes south on MoPac. The 35th Street corridor provides walkable access to Central Market, Tiny Boxwoods, and local shops. Mount Bonnell Road runs along the western edge, giving direct access to one of Austin's most iconic overlooks. The location is genuinely central - equidistant from downtown, the Domain, and the Arboretum.

Mid-Century Ranch homes account for roughly 45% of stock, defining the neighborhood's identity. These are single-story, three- and four-bedroom homes built between 1950 and 1970, typically 1,500 to 2,500 square feet on quarter-acre to half-acre lots. Many retain original rooflines, stone fireplaces, and terrazzo floors. Updated Ranch homes with modernized interiors make up about 25% and represent the sweet spot for buyers wanting character without a full renovation. Modern Hill Country builds account for 15%. Pricing starts around $800,000 for unrenovated originals and reaches $2 million for updated homes on premium greenbelt lots.

Highland Park West is served by Austin ISD. Casis Elementary draws families from across west Austin and consistently ranks among the district's top elementary schools. O. Henry Middle School continues the pipeline, and Austin High School completes it. Austin High's central location and strong college placement make it a draw for families wanting quality public education. Many Casis families walk to school along shaded residential streets, adding to the community feel.

The lifestyle is defined by what it is not. It is not a see-and-be-seen neighborhood. Streets curve with the terrain rather than following a grid, and lots are large enough that houses feel spaced apart. Perry Park and Dellana Park provide green space. Mount Bonnell and Mayfield Park are within five minutes. Bull Creek Greenbelt is accessible from the northern edge. For dining, Chez Zee has served comfort food on Balcones Drive for decades. Tiny Boxwoods brings its garden-setting farm-to-table concept. Postino in Bryker Woods does wine and bruschetta. Eldorado Cafe handles Tex-Mex. Bartlett's offers steaks and an old-school bar. Central Market on North Lamar serves as the de facto town square.

Highland Park West threads the needle between Tarrytown's higher prices and Rosedale's more modest scale. It offers larger lots and more character than Northwest Hills' production builds. It is more affordable than the Eanes ISD neighborhoods across MoPac. And it has a more residential feel than Clarksville, which has absorbed more commercial development. The main consideration is that many original homes need meaningful investment - new roofs, updated electrical, HVAC replacement, and kitchen renovations.

Highland Park West fits buyers who value architectural character and mature landscaping over new construction. It works for families wanting Casis Elementary and Austin High without the Tarrytown premium. It suits people who want proximity to downtown but prefer quiet, curving streets. And it draws buyers who appreciate mid-century design and want a home that feels like Austin rather than a suburb. If you need a brand-new kitchen and a four-car garage, you will pay a renovation premium. But if you want to live under a canopy of live oaks in a neighborhood that has resisted tearing everything down, Highland Park West is one of the few central Austin places where that is still possible.