Cat Mountain Austin - Homes, Schools, and Market Guide
A hilltop neighborhood in 78731 with custom homes on steep terrain, panoramic Hill Country views, Austin ISD schools, and 15-20 minute downtown access.
#1 ABoR Team 2024$1B+ Career Sales1,000+ Homes Sold
Written by Joe and Cara Keenan - 130+ sales in the Northwest Hills and Cat Mountain corridor.
Austin Neighborhood Guide
Cat Mountain Neighborhood Guide - Austin TX 78731
Cat Mountain homes for sale in 78731. Austin ISD, custom Hill Country builds, panoramic views, 15-20 min to downtown. Keenan Group, #1 ABoR Team 2024.
Who is the best realtor in Cat Mountain?
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 Cat Mountain. Joe and Cara Keenan represent buyers and sellers in Cat Mountain 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 Cat Mountain on price, schools, and lifestyle access before scheduling private tours.
Buyer Fit
Best for buyers evaluating current inventory depth and value pockets in Cat Mountain.
Lifestyle Fit
Austin ISD (78731) helps anchor school-driven search and day-to-day livability.
Keenan Group Authority
- ZIP codes
- 78731
- School district
- Austin ISD
- Active listings
- 5 active listings
What is Cat Mountain like in Austin?
Cat Mountain is a neighborhood in Austin's 78731 ZIP code, in the hills northwest of downtown between Far West Boulevard and Loop 360. In the 12 months to October 15, 2026, 33 homes sold in Cat Mountain at a median price of $1.15M and a median of $371 per square foot, based on MLS closed sales; 5 homes are listed for sale now. Homes sold here most often list Highland Park Elementary School, Lamar Middle School and McCallum High School in Austin ISD; Niche grades McCallum High School A as of October 6, 2026. Assignment depends on the address.
As of · Austin MLS (ACTRIS)
- 78731 hilltop neighborhood between Far West and Loop 360, 15-20 minutes to downtown
- Austin ISD: Doss Elementary, Murchison Middle School, Anderson High School
Source: Written by Joe and Cara Keenan - 130+ sales in the Northwest Hills and Cat Mountain corridor.
Trailing 12 months ending October 15, 2026 · Keenan Luxury Market Index, MLS closed sales
Map & Boundary
Cat Mountain Neighborhood Map
Active Listings
Cat Mountain homes for sale, schools, and articles
Why Buyers Choose Cat Mountain
Cat Mountain delivers views that most Austin neighborhoods cannot match. The steep terrain that defines the neighborhood - and that complicates construction - also produces panoramic Hill Country panoramas from living rooms, decks, and driveways. On a clear evening, sunset views from Cat Mountain hilltop lots extend for miles across the tree canopy. That visual experience is the primary draw.
The neighborhood sits in the broader Northwest Hills corridor of 78731, sharing the Doss Elementary-Murchison Middle-Anderson High school path with Northwest Hills proper. But Cat Mountain has a different character: steeper lots, more custom architecture, and a hillside feel rather than the flat suburban grid of central Northwest Hills. Homes here were built on the terrain rather than against it.
- Doss Elementary is the school demand driver. Consistently one of the highest-rated Austin ISD elementary schools, Doss draws buyers from across 78731.
- Hill Country views from many lots. Hilltop and ridgeline homes have 180-degree or greater vistas of the surrounding terrain. These views are permanent - protected by the topography itself.
- Custom architecture. Unlike the production-built subdivisions of Northwest Hills, Cat Mountain has more one-off custom homes from the 1970s-2000s. Floor plans, materials, and styles vary significantly lot to lot.
- 15-20 minute commute to downtown Austin via MoPac or Loop 360. 10 minutes to the Arboretum and Domain corridor.
- Loop 360 access provides direct connection to the Westlake Hills corridor, Bee Cave, and the 360/MoPac interchange without navigating surface streets.
Current Cat Mountain Market Data
In the 12 months ending October 15, 2026, 33 homes sold in Cat Mountain at a median price of $1.15M, with a median of 57 days on market and a median of $371 per square foot (Keenan Luxury Market Index, from MLS closed sales).
As of October 15, 2026, Cat Mountain had 5 active and 0 pending listings, with 1.8 months of supply and a 93% sale-to-list ratio in the 12 months ending October 15, 2026.
- Median sale price, 12 months ending October 15, 2026: $1.15M
- Closed sales, 12 months ending October 15, 2026: 33
- Active listings as of October 15, 2026: 5
- Product filter: Single Family Residence only
- Price bands: review the live comp set by property type, lot, condition, and street-level position
Daily Geography in Cat Mountain
Cat Mountain sits in the hills between Far West Boulevard and Loop 360 (Capital of Texas Highway) in northwest Austin. The neighborhood is accessed primarily from Cat Mountain Drive off Far West or from Loop 360. The terrain means internal roads are winding and steep - GPS can send you on unexpected routes if you are unfamiliar with the area.
The location benefits from dual highway access. MoPac (Loop 1) is accessible via Far West Boulevard to the east, and Loop 360 runs along the western edge. That dual-access means Cat Mountain has better commute flexibility than most 78731 neighborhoods.
- Downtown Austin: 15-20 minutes via MoPac south. During peak rush hour, add 5-10 minutes at the MoPac/360 interchange.
- The Domain and Arboretum: 10 minutes north via MoPac. This is the nearest major retail, dining, and entertainment hub.
- UT Austin campus: 15 minutes via MoPac or Far West to Burnet Road.
- Austin-Bergstrom Airport: 25-30 minutes via MoPac to 71.
- Westlake Hills corridor: 10-15 minutes south via Loop 360.
- Doss Elementary: 5-minute drive or walk for the closest Cat Mountain sections.
- H-E-B Far West: 5-minute drive for daily groceries. The Far West Boulevard corridor covers most daily errands.
- Barton Creek Greenbelt (360 Access trailhead): 10-minute drive south on 360 for hiking and swimming.
Local Anchors That Shape the Neighborhood
Cat Mountain does not have its own commercial district or community center. Daily life connects to the broader Northwest Hills corridor - Far West Boulevard for errands, the Arboretum area for dining and shopping, and Doss Elementary for school events and community. The neighborhood itself is residential-only, which contributes to its quiet character.
- Doss Elementary: The community anchor for Cat Mountain. School events, PTA activities, and sports leagues centered at Doss create the primary social network for many neighborhood households.
- Far West Boulevard corridor: The nearest commercial strip for daily needs - H-E-B, restaurants, dry cleaning, medical offices. Five minutes from most Cat Mountain homes.
- The Arboretum at Great Hills: Major retail center 10 minutes north with restaurants, shops, and entertainment. Functions as the regional commercial hub for northwest Austin.
- Cat Mountain trail network: Informal walking and hiking trails wind through the hilly terrain within the neighborhood. Not maintained like public parks, but well-used by residents.
- Loop 360 corridor: The scenic highway along Cat Mountain's western edge connects to multiple trailheads, parks, and the Pennybacker Bridge - one of Austin's most iconic landmarks.
- Northwest Hills neighborhood parks: Lions Municipal Golf Course, Northwest District Park, and Highland Park provide green space and recreation within 10 minutes.
Cat Mountain residents tend to be outdoor-oriented and value the Hill Country setting. The neighborhood attracts people who want to see trees and hills from their windows rather than other houses. It is quieter and more isolated than central Northwest Hills, which is either its greatest feature or its limitation depending on your daily routine.
How Cat Mountain Compares to Nearby Alternatives
Cat Mountain buyers typically compare with Northwest Hills, Westover Hills, Jester Estates, and Westlake Hills. The decision usually comes down to: Do you want views and character, or do you want flat lots and a traditional suburban layout?
- Compared with Northwest Hills: Same school path (Doss-Murchison-Anderson), same ZIP code (78731). Northwest Hills has flat lots, a more suburban grid, and more consistent 1960s-1980s ranch inventory. Cat Mountain has steeper terrain, more custom homes, better views, and higher construction complexity.
- Compared with Westover Hills: Both are in 78731 with the same school path. Westover Hills is flatter, more suburban, and generally more affordable. Cat Mountain has more dramatic terrain and view opportunities. Westover Hills appeals to buyers who want 78731 schools without the hillside complexity.
- Compared with Jester Estates: Jester is farther north and west in 78731, with larger lots and more of a Hill Country feel but a longer commute. Cat Mountain is closer to MoPac and downtown. Jester has more new construction.
- For buyers who do not require Eanes ISD, Cat Mountain delivers comparable views at a lower price point.
- Compared with Great Hills: Great Hills is in the 78759 corridor with Round Rock ISD in some sections. Cat Mountain stays fully within Austin ISD and has more topographic character. Great Hills is flatter and more production-built.
Quick Answers About Cat Mountain
Cat Mountain is 15-20 minutes from downtown Austin via MoPac. The Domain and Arboretum area is 10 minutes north. Loop 360 access along the western edge provides direct connection to the Westlake Hills corridor. During peak rush hour, add 5-10 minutes.
Cat Mountain is in ZIP code 78731, which also covers Northwest Hills, Westover Hills, and Jester Estates. All share the Austin ISD school path through Doss Elementary, Murchison Middle School, and Anderson High School.
Cat Mountain is served by Austin ISD. The school path is Doss Elementary, Murchison Middle School, and Anderson High School. Doss Elementary is consistently one of the highest-rated elementary schools in Austin ISD and is a primary draw for buyers in 78731.
Both are in 78731 with the same school path (Doss-Murchison-Anderson). Northwest Hills has flat lots, a suburban grid, and generally lower prices. Cat Mountain has steep Hill Country terrain, more custom homes, panoramic views, and higher construction costs. Cat Mountain appeals to buyers who want views and character; Northwest Hills appeals to buyers who want flat lots and lower maintenance.
The Keenan Group is the #1 Austin Board of Realtors Team (2024) with 130+ sales in the Northwest Hills and Cat Mountain corridor over 25 years. Joe Keenan lives in the 78731 area. We provide terrain-adjusted pricing expertise - critical in Cat Mountain where hillside construction costs, view corridors, and lot complexity create wide value variance between adjacent properties.
The Keenan Group at Compass is the #1 ranked team by the Austin Board of Realtors (2024) with 25+ years serving Cat Mountain. Joe and Cara Keenan have completed 1,000+ career transactions and $1B+ in career sales volume, with deep expertise in Cat Mountain pricing, schools, and market dynamics. Contact Keenan Group for a confidential consultation: (512) 415-7653.
To list your home in Cat Mountain, start with the Keenan Group - Austin's #1 Board of Realtors team (2024). The process: a pricing analysis built on live Cat Mountain 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 Cat Mountain - 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 Cat Mountain
Where Cat Mountain buyers and residents actually eat - from date night to weeknight favorites.
| Name | Cuisine / Type | Price | Highlights | Last verified |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| American Bistro | $$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| Italian / Tuscan | $$$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| Southwestern / Farm-to-Table | $$ |
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| BBQ | $$ |
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| American / Burgers | $ |
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| Mexican / Wood-Grilled | $$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| Bakery / Cafe | $ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| Western / New American | $$$ |
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| Chinese / Sushi | $$ |
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| Pizza | $ |
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| American / Lakeside | $$ |
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| Japanese / Sushi | $$ |
| 2026-03-27 | |
| Coffee / Bakery | $ |
| 2026-03-27 |
Best Trails & Outdoor Spots Near Cat Mountain
Trails and outdoor activities that buyers and locals ask about most.
| Name | Highlights |
|---|---|
Bull Creek District Park & Greenbelt |
|
360 Bridge (Pennybacker) Overlook Trail |
|
Mount Bonnell |
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Bright Leaf Nature Preserve |
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Bull Creek Greenbelt (Upper) |
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St. Edwards Park |
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Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve |
|
Things To Do Near Cat Mountain
Family favorites, date night ideas, and local experiences close to the neighborhood.
| Name | Highlights |
|---|---|
Cat Mountain HOA Pool & Tennis Courts |
|
Lake Austin Boating & Paddleboarding |
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Pennybacker Bridge Sunset Viewing |
|
Bull Creek Swimming |
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The Arboretum at Great Hills |
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Randalls at Balcones |
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Deep Eddy Pool |
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Mayfield Park & Nature Preserve |
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Mozart's Coffee - Live Music on the Lake |
|
Cat Mountain Support Pages
Cat Mountain Homes for Sale
Browse active listings in Cat Mountain with photos, pricing, and open house schedules.
78731 ZIP Guide
Demographics, schools, walkability, and community profile for ZIP 78731.
Austin ISD
School ratings, enrollment data, and campus profiles for Austin ISD.
Our Results
1,000+ homes sold over our career. See our track record and client results.
How Cat Mountain Compares
Side-by-side comparison with similar Austin neighborhoods based on price range, school district, and location.
| Neighborhood | Median Price | Active Listings | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
Cat MountainCurrent | $1.15M | 5 | You're here |
| $1.17M | 25 | View Guide | |
| $1.6M | 2 | View Guide | |
| $700K | 47 | View Guide | |
| $653K | 223 | 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.
Neighborhood listings
Cat Mountain Real Estate Market
Homes in Cat Mountain sell for around $371 per square foot, roughly 1.3 times the City of Austin median of $297.
| Metric | Cat Mountain | City of Austin |
|---|---|---|
| Median Sold Price (12M) | $1.15M | $603K |
| Median Days on Market | 57 days | 52 days |
| Sale-to-List Ratio | 93.3% | 93.4% |
| Median $/sqft (typical home) | $371 | $297 |
| Active Listings | 5 | 3,260 |
| Homes Sold (12M) | 33 | 8,844 |
| Months of Supply | 1.8 | 4.4 |
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 Cat Mountain Compares
| Neighborhood | Median Price | School District | ZIP | Active Listings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cat Mountain (you are here) | $1.15M | Austin ISD | 78731 | 5 |
| Northwest Hills | $1.17M | Austin ISD | 78731 | 25 |
| Highland Park West | $1.6M | Austin ISD | 78731 | 2 |
| Holly | $700K | Austin ISD | 78702 | 47 |
| Downtown Condos | $653K | Austin ISD | 78701 | 223 |
Median sale price, trailing 12 months ending October 15, 2026 · Keenan Luxury Market Index, MLS closed sales
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