6505 Laurelwood Dr, Austin, TX 78731

Spectacular home in Cat Mountain area - fantastic layout, lots of mature trees, private backyard, and relaxing pool/spa combo. This 4 bedroom, 3 1/2-bathroom home sits on 0.4 acres with a dedicated office with separate entrance. Private fenced backyard, seating areas around the pool, shed, raised gardens, dog run, etc. This house has fresh paint inside and outside. The updated kitchen is equipped with stainless steel appliances, gas cook top, granite counter tops, a large breakfast bar and is open to the dining area and living room. The living room boasts lots of daylight through the many windows, with a view of the greenbelt behind the house and pool area. The beautiful gas fireplace is a focal point in the living area. The large primary bedroom and bathroom are on the south side of the house with jacuzzi style tub, walk in shower, and oversized walk-in closet with cabinets and shelving. The second bedroom with en suite bathroom is on the north side of the house and features a soaking tub, walk in shower, walk in closet and private patio. Bedrooms 3 and 4 are at the front of the house. The large, dedicated office can be used for business, tutoring, counseling, or as a playroom or exercise room. It has a separate entrance door. A new roof was installed in 2023, with gutters all around. The property has an automatic sprinkler system, tankless water heater, whole house fan and other features that make this home spectacular. This property is situated within walking distance of the Bull Creek Greenbelt, which has many trails to enjoy. The location is superb, with close proximity to Lake Austin, the Austin Country Club, The Arboretum, The Domain, and much more. This is a must-see gem.

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.