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Bouldin Creek Austin - Homes, Schools, and Market Guide

A walkable 78704 neighborhood of craftsman bungalows and contemporary infill between South First Street and South Congress - minutes from Lady Bird Lake and downtown Austin.

#1 ABoR Team 2024$1B+ Career Sales1,000+ Homes Sold

Written by Joe and Cara Keenan - 25+ years selling in south-central Austin's most walkable neighborhoods.

5.0 · 176+ reviews#1 Team - Austin Board of Realtors (2024)$1B+ career sales

Austin Neighborhood Guide

Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Guide - Austin TX 78704

Bouldin Creek homes for sale in 78704. Craftsman bungalows, South First corridor, walkable to SoCo and Lady Bird Lake. Austin's #1 team.

Who is the best realtor in Bouldin Creek?

The Keenan Group at Compass is the #1 Austin Board of Realtors team (2024), with 25+ years, 1,000+ homes sold, and $1B+ in career volume serving Bouldin Creek. Joe and Cara Keenan represent buyers and sellers in Bouldin Creek with data-driven pricing, full-scale marketing, and direct access to qualified luxury buyers.

Source: Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate, Austin TX

Luxury Buyer Fit Snapshot

Compare Bouldin Creek on price, schools, and lifestyle access before scheduling private tours.

Buyer Fit

Best for buyers evaluating current inventory depth and value pockets in Bouldin Creek.

Lifestyle Fit

Austin ISD (78704) helps anchor school-driven search and day-to-day livability.

Keenan Group Authority

#1 Team - Austin Board of Realtors (2024)25+ Austin experience$1B+ career volume
ZIP codes
78704
School district
Austin ISD
Active listings
22 active listings

Written by the Keenan Group - Joe Keenan and Cara Keenan, Austin's #1 real estate team (Austin Board of Realtors 2024). 25+ years, 1,000+ transactions, $1B+ career sales.

What is Bouldin Creek like in Austin?

Bouldin Creek is a neighborhood in Austin's 78704 ZIP code, south of Lady Bird Lake between South First Street and South Congress Avenue. In the 12 months to October 15, 2026, 63 homes sold in Bouldin Creek at a median price of $1.14M and a median of $636 per square foot, based on MLS closed sales; 22 homes are listed for sale now.

As of · Austin MLS (ACTRIS)

Bouldin Creek homes for sale

  • 78704 neighborhood between South First Street and South Congress, walkable to Lady Bird Lake
  • Austin ISD: Galindo or Zilker Elementary, Lively Middle School, Travis High School

Source: Written by Joe and Cara Keenan - 25+ years selling in south-central Austin's most walkable neighborhoods.

Bouldin Creek At A Glance
School District
Median Price
$1.14M
Active Listings
Median DOM
68 days
Median $/sqft
$636

Trailing 12 months ending October 15, 2026 · Keenan Luxury Market Index, MLS closed sales

Map & Boundary

Bouldin Creek Neighborhood Map

Active Listings

22

Loading Map...

Bouldin Creek homes for sale, schools, and articles

Overview

Why Buyers Choose Bouldin Creek

Bouldin Creek is where walkability meets character in south Austin. It is one of the few neighborhoods where you can walk to dinner on South First, bike to Lady Bird Lake in 5 minutes, and be downtown in 10 - all while living on a tree-lined street with 1940s craftsman bungalows and well-designed contemporary infill on the same block. That combination of location, walkability, and architectural variety is what drives demand.

The housing stock is a mix of original craftsman and ranch-style bungalows from the 1930s-1960s alongside modern new builds and extensive renovations. Lot sizes typically run 5,000-7,000 square feet - smaller than suburban neighborhoods but large enough for a yard. The teardown-to-rebuild cycle is active here, with contemporary 3-4 bed homes replacing smaller originals on desirable lots.

  • South First Street corridor runs along Bouldin Creek's western edge with independent restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques. This is the daily dining and social anchor for the neighborhood.
  • Lady Bird Lake hike-and-bike trail is a 5-10 minute walk or bike ride from most Bouldin Creek homes. Direct trail access is one of the strongest lifestyle amenities in Austin.
  • South Congress (SoCo) runs along the eastern edge, providing access to Austin's most iconic retail and entertainment street without the noise of living directly on it.
  • Becker Elementary, long the neighborhood school, closed after the 2025-26 school year; Austin ISD reassigned its students to Galindo or Zilker Elementary.
Market Data

Current Bouldin Creek Market Data

In the 12 months ending October 15, 2026, 63 homes sold in Bouldin Creek at a median price of $1.14M, with a median of 68 days on market and a median of $636 per square foot (Keenan Luxury Market Index, from MLS closed sales).

As of October 15, 2026, Bouldin Creek had 22 active and 7 pending listings, with 4.2 months of supply and a 92% sale-to-list ratio in the 12 months ending October 15, 2026.

  • Median sale price, 12 months ending October 15, 2026: $1.14M
  • Closed sales, 12 months ending October 15, 2026: 63
  • Active listings as of October 15, 2026: 22
  • Product filter: Single Family Residence only
  • Price bands: review the live comp set by property type, lot, condition, and street-level position
Location & Commute

Daily Geography in Bouldin Creek

Bouldin Creek sits immediately south of Lady Bird Lake between South First Street (west) and South Congress Avenue (east). The neighborhood is roughly bounded by Oltorf Street to the south and the lake to the north. It is one of the most centrally located residential neighborhoods in Austin - closer to downtown than most neighborhoods north of the river.

The walkability is real, not theoretical. Most Bouldin Creek residents walk to South First restaurants multiple times per week, bike to Lady Bird Lake for morning exercise, and drive downtown only when they need to. The Congress Avenue bridge is a 10-15 minute walk from the neighborhood's northern edge.

  • Downtown Austin: 5-10 minutes by car, 15-20 minutes by bike, walkable via Congress Avenue bridge.
  • Lady Bird Lake trail: 5-10 minute walk from most Bouldin Creek homes.
  • South First Street restaurants and shops: Walkable from anywhere in the neighborhood.
  • South Congress (SoCo): Walkable along the eastern edge, 5-minute drive from western portions.
  • Zilker Park and Barton Springs: 10-minute drive or 15-minute bike ride west.
  • Austin-Bergstrom Airport: 15-20 minutes via I-35 or South Congress to 71.
  • UT Austin campus: 10-15 minutes north via Congress or Lamar.
Culture

Local Anchors That Shape the Neighborhood

Bouldin Creek has the feel of a small town within a city. The streets are quiet, people walk their dogs, and neighbors know each other - but world-class dining and entertainment are a 5-minute walk away. That tension between residential calm and urban access is what makes it work.

  • South First Street dining: Lenoir, Loro, Odd Duck (before relocation), Thai Fresh, and a rotating mix of independent restaurants. This corridor has become one of Austin's best dining streets - comparable to Burnet Road but with a more intimate, walkable scale.
  • Bouldin Creek Cafe: The neighborhood's namesake restaurant and a long-time Austin institution for vegetarian comfort food and morning coffee.
  • Elementary schools: Austin ISD reassigned Becker Elementary students to Galindo or Zilker Elementary when Becker closed after 2025-26; confirm the campus for each address.
  • Lady Bird Lake trail access: Multiple access points within walking distance. The trail is the daily fitness and recreation anchor for the neighborhood.
  • South Congress entertainment: Live music at the Continental Club, boutique shopping, and Austin's most photographed retail street are all within walking distance.
  • Bouldin Creek Greenbelt: A small greenway that runs through the neighborhood, providing tree cover and a walking path that connects residential blocks.

The challenge in Bouldin Creek is change. The neighborhood's character was built by modest bungalows on small lots, and the teardown cycle is replacing some of that with larger, more expensive homes. Long-time residents worry about losing the neighborhood's personality. New buyers are drawn by the same character that redevelopment threatens. That tension is real and ongoing.

Comparison

How Bouldin Creek Compares to Nearby Alternatives

Bouldin Creek buyers typically compare with Travis Heights, Zilker, South Congress, and Barton Hills. All are in the 78704 orbit, and the decision usually comes down to walkability preferences, lot size, and price tolerance.

  • Compared with Travis Heights: Travis Heights is immediately east across South Congress with more elevation, larger lots, and slightly higher prices. Travis Heights has more Craftsman-era homes and better views. Bouldin Creek has better walkability to South First dining.
  • Compared with Zilker: Zilker is west of Bouldin Creek with larger lots and proximity to Zilker Park and Barton Springs. Prices are similar or slightly higher. Zilker has more of a quiet residential feel; Bouldin Creek is more urban-walkable.
  • Compared with South Congress: South Congress (as a residential area) overlaps with Bouldin Creek's eastern edge. Living directly on SoCo means more noise and tourist foot traffic. Most residents prefer the quieter blocks a few streets west - which is Bouldin Creek.
  • Compared with Barton Hills: Barton Hills is south and west with more elevation and proximity to Barton Creek Greenbelt. Larger lots and more mid-century homes. Less walkable to dining but closer to nature.
  • Compared with Clarksville: Clarksville is north of the river with a similar walkable, village-like character. Bouldin Creek offers comparable walkability at a lower price point south of the lake.
Keenan Group

The Keenan Perspective on Bouldin Creek

#1 ABoR Team 2024$1B+ Career Sales1,000+ Homes Sold

Bouldin Creek is one of the neighborhoods where walkability directly translates to value. Buyers who live here consistently report using their cars less than they expected - and that daily convenience compounds into genuine quality of life improvement. We recommend Bouldin Creek to buyers who want urban walkability without living in a high-rise, and who are willing to accept smaller lots as the tradeoff.

The most common mistake we see is buyers who underestimate the competition. Preparation, pre-approval, and fast decision-making matter here more than in most Austin neighborhoods.

  • #1 Austin Board of Realtors Team in 2024
  • $1B+ career volume and 1,000+ transactions completed
  • Deep knowledge of the 78704 market including Bouldin Creek, Travis Heights, and Zilker
  • Experience navigating competitive multiple-offer situations in high-demand central Austin neighborhoods

We add value in Bouldin Creek by helping buyers move quickly and strategically in a competitive market. That means pre-offer due diligence on lot dimensions, zoning, flood risk, and renovation potential - so you can make a strong offer with confidence on day one rather than losing the house while you figure out the details.

Frequently Asked

Quick Answers About Bouldin Creek

Bouldin Creek is 5-10 minutes from downtown Austin by car and walkable via the Congress Avenue bridge (15-20 minutes on foot). Lady Bird Lake trail is 5-10 minutes' walk from most homes. The UT campus is 10-15 minutes north. This is one of the closest residential neighborhoods to downtown Austin.

Bouldin Creek is in ZIP code 78704. This ZIP also covers Travis Heights, portions of South Congress, and areas south toward Oltorf. 78704 is one of Austin's most in-demand ZIP codes for walkability and central location.

Bouldin Creek is served by Austin ISD. The school path is Galindo or Zilker Elementary (Becker Elementary closed after 2025-26), Lively Middle School, and Travis High School. Always verify address-level campus assignments before making an offer.

Both are in 78704 and walkable to Lady Bird Lake. Travis Heights has larger lots, more elevation, and slightly higher prices. Bouldin Creek has better walkability to South First Street dining and a more compact, urban feel. Travis Heights has more Craftsman-era architectural character. Both are excellent central Austin neighborhoods.

The Keenan Group is the #1 Austin Board of Realtors Team (2024) with deep experience in the competitive 78704 market. With $1B+ in career sales, we help buyers navigate multiple-offer situations, evaluate renovation potential on small lots, and make fast, informed decisions in Bouldin Creek's fast-moving market. Contact us at (512) 415-7653.

The Keenan Group at Compass is the #1 ranked team by the Austin Board of Realtors (2024) with 25+ years serving Bouldin Creek. Joe and Cara Keenan have completed 1,000+ career transactions and $1B+ in career sales volume, with deep expertise in Bouldin Creek pricing, schools, and market dynamics. Contact Keenan Group for a confidential consultation: (512) 415-7653.

To list your home in Bouldin Creek, start with the Keenan Group - Austin's #1 Board of Realtors team (2024). The process: a pricing analysis built on live Bouldin Creek market data and recent sales, a full marketing plan (professional media, the Compass network, and our private-exclusive channel), and negotiation through closing. Keenan Group's median days on market is 13, including off-market, private, and pocket sales that close at zero days on market. Contact the Keenan Group to list your home: (512) 415-7653.

The Keenan Group at Compass is the #1 ranked team by the Austin Board of Realtors (2024) and a luxury listing specialist in Bouldin Creek - 25+ years, 1,000+ homes sold, and $1B+ in career volume. Joe and Cara Keenan represent sellers with data-driven pricing, full-scale marketing, and direct access to qualified luxury buyers. Contact the Keenan Group: (512) 415-7653.

Best Restaurants Near Bouldin Creek

Where Bouldin Creek buyers and residents actually eat - from date night to weeknight favorites.

NameCuisine / TypePriceHighlightsLast verified
Bouldin Creek Cafe
1900 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
Vegetarian/Vegan$
  • The neighborhood's living room since 2000
  • Woman-owned, scratch-made vegetarian food and solid coffee in a laid-back patio setting
2026-03-27
Elizabeth Street Cafe
1501 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
Vietnamese/French Bakery$$
  • Vietnamese classics and French pastries in a pink-hued dining room with a garden patio
  • The banh mi and macarons both deliver
2026-03-27
Lenoir
1807 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
New American/Hot Weather Food$$$
  • Michelin-recognized wine garden serving what they call 'hot weather food' - lighter dishes built for Texas heat
  • The back patio under string lights is one of the most romantic spots in south Austin
2026-03-27
Nomade Cocina
1506 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
Yucatecan/Coastal Mexican$$$
  • Yucatecan kitchen with wood-fired cooking, heirloom masa, and sustainably caught seafood
  • The tropical patio feels like a different city entirely
2026-03-27
Le Calamar
1600 S 1st St, Austin, TX 78704
French Bistro$$$
  • Michelin Guide French bistro with Texas touches on South First
  • Small plates, natural wines, and a zinc bar that feels pulled from the Marais
2026-03-27
Mattie's at Green Pastures
811 W Live Oak St, Austin, TX 78704
Southern American$$$
  • Historic 1890s estate with peafowl roaming the grounds
  • Southern cooking and one of Austin's best brunches under century-old oak trees
2026-03-27
Odd Duck
1201 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
New American/Farm-to-Table$$$
  • Chef Bryce Gilmore's farm-to-table restaurant that started as a food trailer and earned a Michelin nod
  • Seasonal small plates meant for sharing
2026-03-27
Aba
1011 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Mediterranean$$$
  • Modern Mediterranean with California influence right on South Congress
  • The rooftop patio has downtown skyline views
2026-03-27
Perla's Seafood and Oyster Bar
1400 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Seafood$$$
  • SoCo's go-to seafood patio
  • Raw bar, Gulf oysters, and whole fried fish under the live oaks
2026-03-27
Phoebe's Diner
533 W Oltorf St, Austin, TX 78704
American Diner/Brunch$$
  • Classic diner cooking done right on Oltorf
  • The chicken biscuit and migas are local favorites
2026-03-27
Home Slice Pizza
1415 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Pizza$$
  • New York-style pizza on South Congress that has been packing the house since 2005
  • The whole pies and slices both hold up
2026-03-27
Terry Black's Barbecue
1003 Barton Springs Rd, Austin, TX 78704
Texas BBQ$$
  • Fourth-generation Black family BBQ at the north edge of the neighborhood
  • Brisket, beef ribs, and housemade sausage smoked over post oak
2026-03-27
Loro Asian Smokehouse & Bar
2115 S Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX 78704
Asian/BBQ Fusion$$
  • A collaboration between Odd Duck's Bryce Gilmore and Franklin BBQ's Aaron Franklin
  • Thai-inspired sides meet Texas smoked meats
2026-03-27
Jo's Coffee
1300 S Congress Ave, Austin, TX 78704
Coffee/Cafe$
  • Home of the 'I Love You So Much' mural - one of Austin's most photographed spots
  • Good coffee, solid breakfast tacos, and prime people-watching on the SoCo sidewalk
2026-03-27

Best Trails & Outdoor Spots Near Bouldin Creek

Trails and outdoor activities that buyers and locals ask about most.

NameHighlights
Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail (Lady Bird Lake)
  • 10-mile loop, Easy, Paved multi-use trail
  • The crown jewel of Austin's trail system
Barton Springs Pool
  • 3 acres, Easy, Natural spring-fed swimming pool
  • A 68-degree spring-fed pool in Zilker Park that holds about 32 million gallons
Barton Creek Greenbelt
  • 12+ miles of trails, Easy to Moderate, Natural hiking/biking trail
  • Over 12 miles of limestone trails following Barton Creek south and west from Zilker Park
West Bouldin Creek Greenbelt
  • 1.2 miles, Easy, Neighborhood greenway trail
  • A neighborhood loop trail following the actual Bouldin Creek through the greenbelt
Zilker Metropolitan Park
  • 350+ acres, Easy, Urban park
  • Austin's flagship park where Barton Creek meets Lady Bird Lake
Blunn Creek Greenbelt
  • 1.5 miles, Easy to Moderate, Natural hiking trail
  • A quieter trail on the east side of South Congress running through St
Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum
  • 0.5 miles of garden paths, Easy, Sculpture garden/trail
  • A shaded sculpture garden along Barton Creek near Zilker Park with over 130 works by Charles Umlauf

Things To Do Near Bouldin Creek

Family favorites, date night ideas, and local experiences close to the neighborhood.

NameHighlights
South Congress Avenue Shopping
  • Austin's most walkable shopping strip
  • Allen's Boots for western wear, Big Top Candy Shop for nostalgia, Prima Dora for local gifts, and dozens of boutiques
Continental Club
  • Open since 1957, this is one of the venues that earned Austin the 'Live Music Capital' title
  • Blues, country, rockabilly, and soul seven nights a week
Hotel San Jose
  • Liz Lambert's minimalist boutique hotel on SoCo doubles as a cultural hub
  • Courtyard concerts, pop-up art markets, and one of the best bar patios in Austin
South Congress Hotel
  • A modern boutique hotel with a rooftop pool, lobby bar, and multiple dining options including Cafe No Se and Otoko (omakase sushi)
  • The ground-floor shops and restaurants are open to the public
Austin Museum of Popular Culture (SouthPop)
  • Nonprofit arts space celebrating Austin's music and poster art heritage since 2003
  • Rotating exhibits of concert posters, photography, and memorabilia
"I Love You So Much" Mural at Jo's Coffee
  • Austin musician Amy Cook spray-painted this love note to Liz Lambert on the side of Jo's Coffee in 2010
  • It became one of the most photographed spots in Texas
Zilker Botanical Garden
  • Themed gardens across several acres inside Zilker Park, including a Japanese garden, dinosaur fossil trackway, and native Texas plant collections
  • Quiet on weekday mornings
SUP / Kayak on Lady Bird Lake
  • Multiple rental spots along the south shore of Lady Bird Lake offer stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes by the hour
  • No motorized boats allowed, so the water stays calm
Texas School for the Deaf Campus
  • A 65-acre campus established in 1856 - one of the oldest institutions in Austin
  • The grounds are beautiful and the campus hosts public events including sporting events and community gatherings
Compare

How Bouldin Creek Compares

Side-by-side comparison with similar Austin neighborhoods based on price range, school district, and location.

Bouldin CreekCurrent
Median Price$1.14M
Active Listings22
Median Price$1.05M
Active Listings23
View Guide
Median Price$1.58M
Active Listings10
View Guide
Median Price$1.42M
Active Listings15
View Guide
Median Price$838K
Active Listings21
View Guide

Median sale price, trailing 12 months ending October 15, 2026 · Keenan Luxury Market Index, MLS closed sales. Contact Keenan Group for a personalized comparison.

Bouldin Creek Real Estate Market

Homes in Bouldin Creek sell for around $636 per square foot, roughly 2.1 times the City of Austin median of $297.

Bouldin Creek market data as of October 2026
MetricBouldin CreekCity of Austin
Median Sold Price (12M)$1.14M$603K
Median Days on Market68 days52 days
Sale-to-List Ratio92.1%93.4%
Median $/sqft (typical home)$636$297
Active Listings223,260
Homes Sold (12M)638,844
Months of Supply4.24.4

Data as of . Source: Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate, Austin MLS (ACTRIS). City of Austin reflects closed sales within its city limits over the trailing 12 months.

How Bouldin Creek Compares

Bouldin Creek compared to nearby neighborhoods
NeighborhoodMedian PriceSchool DistrictZIPActive Listings
Bouldin Creek (you are here)$1.14MAustin ISD7870422
Travis Heights$1.05MAustin ISD7870423
Barton Hills$1.58MAustin ISD7870410
Zilker$1.42MAustin ISD7870415
South Congress$838KAustin ISD7870421

Median sale price, trailing 12 months ending October 15, 2026 · Keenan Luxury Market Index, MLS closed sales

Last updated

What Clients Say About Bouldin Creek

Real experiences from buyers and sellers in this neighborhood

View all testimonials
Bouldin Creek

Cara Keenan and Joe Keenan are ridiculously good at what they do. They helped us sell our house, and we are so happy that we had them on our side throughout. A couple of things, in particular, stand out. Cara Keenan did a fabulous job of assessing exactly where we needed to put work into our house before selling it to really convince potential buyers of its value and where we didn't need to put in work, and things would be fine. After that, Cara Keenan and her team went way above and beyond what I ever expected from a real estate agent. They found good contractors, oversaw every aspect of the work, from painting to electrical to various repairs, and stepped in every time anything went wrong to get it fixed before we even started worrying. When we finally put our house on the market, Cara Keenan and Joe Keenan expertly navigated a complicated multiple-offer situation in a way that resulted in a much better outcome for us than we expected. An agent less expert could easily have fumbled that one. We are so happy that we were working with Cara Keenan and Joe Keenan. You cannot go wrong with this team.

Joey Fishkin

Home Seller in Bouldin Creek, Austin, TX, 78704

Bouldin Creek
Joe sold our Bouldin Creek house when we moved to Portland. The neighborhood has changed a lot since we bought in 2012 and Joe helped us understand what our house was actually worth in today's...Read more

Joe sold our Bouldin Creek house when we moved to Portland. The neighborhood has changed a lot since we bought in 2012 and Joe helped us understand what our house was actually worth in today's market. He pulled every comparable sale on our street and two blocks out, then showed us how the teardown lot values were driving prices. We sold for almost double what we paid. Joe was methodical and transparent with the data, which made us confident in the final number.

G. Sloan

Bouldin Creek
Cara Keenan and Joe Keenan are tremendous agents. As an out of town buyer, they could not have been more helpful in dealing with all the little things I was unable to do. I am so lucky to have them...Read more

Cara Keenan and Joe Keenan are tremendous agents. As an out of town buyer, they could not have been more helpful in dealing with all the little things I was unable to do. I am so lucky to have them working on my behalf.

Alan Miller

Out-of-Town Buyer in Austin, TX

Bouldin Creek

Austin's #1 Real Estate Team · 2024 Austin Board of Realtors

The Keenan Group in Bouldin Creek

$862/sqft

Bouldin Creek luxury homes ($2M-$10M) · indicative

Bouldin Creek home sales at all price points, last 12 months: $1.14M median sale · 68 median days on market · 92.1% of list

#1ABoR Team 2024
$1B+Career Sales
1000+Homes Sold
25+Years Experience

Source: Keenan Group at Compass · Updated October 2026