5905 Balsam HOLW, Austin, TX 78731

Cat Mountain takes its name from an actual geological feature - a ridgeline along the eastern edge that early settlers thought resembled a crouching cat. Whether you see the cat or not, what you will see from nearly every lot are unobstructed Hill Country views stretching west toward Lake Travis, and those views are the reason people pay what they pay to live here. Cat Mountain occupies a prime stretch of northwest Austin between Loop 360 to the east, FM 2222 to the north, and the western reaches of the 78731 zip code. Downtown is about 15 minutes via 360 to MoPac, and the Arboretum sits less than 10 minutes north. The 360/2222 intersection anchors daily errands. Lake Austin is accessible from nearby boat ramps, and the western edge backs up to the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, which means your backyard neighbor might be a golden-cheeked warbler rather than another family. The housing stock reflects three decades of custom building on hilly terrain. Texas Traditional and Ranch-style homes account for about 35%, often featuring single-story layouts with limestone exteriors and covered patios oriented toward western views. Mediterranean homes make up 25%, with stucco facades and barrel tile roofs. Hill Country Contemporary designs represent roughly 20% and tend to be newer builds. Lot sizes range from a third of an acre to a full acre. Most homes fall between 2,500 and 5,000 square feet, with pricing from the high $700s for dated homes up to $2.5 million for updated custom builds with strong view corridors. Cat Mountain feeds into Austin ISD, specifically Doss Elementary and Murchison Middle School, both carrying strong academic reputations. Doss draws families from across the 78731 zip code, and the school's performance is a consistent factor in home values. For high school, most students attend Anderson High School, which offers International Baccalaureate programming. Some families opt for private schools like St. Andrew's Episcopal or Regents School, both within a short drive. The lifestyle centers on the outdoors. Bull Creek District Park is essentially the neighborhood's back yard, with swimming holes, hiking trails, and shade. The 360 Bridge Overlook sits at the southern edge. Mount Bonnell is a short drive north, and Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve offers guided nature walks. For dining, Chez Zee has been the neighborhood bistro for decades, serving brunch and comfort food. Siena Ristorante Toscana handles date nights. Jack Allen's on 360 is the reliable weeknight choice. County Line on the Lake does barbecue with water views, and Roaring Fork serves upscale Western American food. Cat Mountain is more affordable per square foot than Westlake Hills and Rob Roy to the south, which carry Eanes ISD premiums. It offers larger lots and more mature landscaping than newer developments in Steiner Ranch or River Place. And it provides a more residential setting than Great Hills to the north. The tradeoff is that some homes from the 1980s and early 1990s may need roof replacements, HVAC updates, and kitchen renovations running $100,000 to $200,000. Cat Mountain makes sense for buyers who want Hill Country views without moving 30 minutes from downtown. It fits families who value Doss Elementary and Anderson High and do not want the Eanes ISD premium. And it works for anyone who prioritizes natural setting over manicured suburban aesthetics. If walkability matters more than views, look at Tarrytown or Rosedale. But if you want to watch the sunset from your back porch and make it to a downtown dinner in 15 minutes, Cat Mountain is hard to beat.