Northwest Hills isn't just a neighborhood - it's a welcoming community with a rich history and stunning natural beauty. The highlight is its gentle topography anchored by the Bull Creek Greenbelt to the west, providing panoramic Texas Hill Country views and breathtaking sunsets. Located in Travis County's coveted 78731 and 78759 zip codes, this neighborhood offers an ideal blend of scenic beauty and urban convenience.
Developed between the 1960s and 1980s, Northwest Hills has become a beloved spot for homebuyers looking to settle down in Northwest Austin. Nestled between Hwy 183 to the north and FM-2222 to the south, it's perfectly situated with easy access to Hwy 360 and MoPac along scenic Mesa Drive. Downtown Austin is just 8 miles away, putting restaurants, live music, and nightlife within easy reach.
Explore the complete Northwest Hills community on our website
Northwest Hills truly has something for everyone when it comes to architectural styles. The neighborhood features a diverse mix of:
Classic mid-century modern homes (primarily from the 1960s-1970s)
Traditional ranch-style properties with spacious layouts
Contemporary gems with modern design elements
Timeless classics with elegant features
Custom-built luxury homes with premium finishes
Homes here typically offer generous living spaces averaging over 2,700 square feet, with layouts featuring 3-6 bedrooms. While many homes maintain their original architectural charm, numerous properties have undergone interior renovations highlighted by fresh paint, modern kitchen appliances, and updated flooring. Exterior materials vary widely, including brick, stone, stucco, and hardiplank/wood, giving each home its unique character and charm. The diverse housing stock ensures options for various preferences and budgets.
Based on the most recent market data (as of May 2, 2025), Northwest Hills continues to show strong property values and consistent buyer demand. The current statistics reveal:
Average Sales Price: $1,435,937
Median Days on Market: 9 days
Average Home Size: 3,124 square feet
Average Year Built: 1983
Average Lot Size: 0.29 acres
Average Price Per Square Foot: $459.02
Northwest Hills remains one of Austin's most desirable neighborhoods, with home values consistently appreciating over time. The neighborhood's premium location, excellent schools, and beautiful setting contribute to strong property values and continued buyer interest. The market in Northwest Hills tends to move quickly, with well-priced homes often receiving multiple offers. Buyers interested in this neighborhood should be prepared to act decisively when the right property becomes available. As the premier Northwest Hills Realtors, Joe & Cara Keenan of Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate have extensive knowledge of current market conditions and can help you navigate this competitive landscape.
Northwest Hills features generous lot sizes that showcase the area's natural beauty. Many properties are nestled on hillside lots, offering distinct advantages:
Elevated positions providing stunning views of the Austin skyline or Texas Hill Country
Lots typically ranging from 0.25 to 0.5 acres, with some larger estates
Mature landscaping with magnificent Live Oak trees creating natural shade
Terraced yards that work with the neighborhood's natural topography
Privacy between homes due to thoughtful spacing and natural vegetation
The overall aesthetic blends suburban comfort with Hill Country charm. Streets wind gently through the neighborhood, following the natural contours of the land. The combination of established trees, well-maintained properties, and elevation changes creates a distinctive and appealing neighborhood character.
Northwest Hills residents enjoy an excellent selection of dining options both within and near the neighborhood, making this area a foodie's paradise with diverse culinary experiences:
El Dorado Cafe: A fantastic Mexican restaurant with delicious salsas, excellent enchiladas, crispy tacos, and a diverse selection of "Platos Fuertes" with a choice of side. Our personal favorite! Great for lunch or dinner and easiest with a reservation.
Galaxy Café: Popular for casual American dining in a family-friendly atmosphere, offering all-day breakfast, gourmet salads, and delicious burgers perfect for a quick bite or relaxed meal.
5280 Burger Bar: Originally from Denver, this gourmet burger joint brings elevated burger creations made with fresh, locally sourced ingredients, hand-cut fries, and craft beer.
Epoch Coffee: A beloved local coffee shop perfect for remote work or casual meetings, known for its laid-back vibe and quality brews.
Siena Ristorante Toscana: Upscale Italian dining in a beautiful Tuscan-inspired setting, featuring rustic Italian dishes, handcrafted pastas, and fine wines just minutes from Northwest Hills.
Troy: Features exceptional Turkish and Mediterranean cuisine with authentic flavors and generous portions.
Azul Tequila: A fantastic Mexican restaurant with delicious salsas, excellent enchiladas, crispy tacos, and a diverse selection of "Platos Fuertes" plus a great selection of tequilas.
Saffron Austin: Highly-rated for its Indian cuisine offering rich, authentic flavors and warm hospitality.
Another Broken Egg Cafe: Popular brunch spot with creative breakfast options and a relaxed atmosphere.
Kapatad: A family-owned restaurant serving authentic Filipino dishes like Pancit, Sisig, Adobo, and Lechon, bringing generations-old recipes from Santa Rita, Pampanga to Austin.
For grocery shopping, Texas's favorite grocery store, H-E-B, anchors the neighborhood with an excellent selection including kosher options. Additional shopping options are available at nearby centers along FM-2222 and at The Domain just 5 miles north.
As the #1 Realtors in Northwest Hills, Joe and Cara Keenan of Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate understand that access to great dining options is a top priority for many homebuyers considering this exceptional neighborhood.
Northwest Hills offers an abundance of recreational opportunities for active lifestyles, making it one of Austin's most sought-after neighborhoods for outdoor enthusiasts:
Bull Creek District Park: A natural oasis featuring limestone formations, swimming holes, and multiple trail access points at Valburn Drive and Greystone. Perfect for hiking, mountain biking, and trail running with scenic waterfalls and creek crossings.
Bright Leaf Preserve: A 216-acre nature preserve offering guided hikes and environmental education programs in a serene setting.
Mount Bonnell: Just 4 miles from the neighborhood, this landmark offers 106 steps leading to breathtaking panoramic views from 785 feet above Austin - the city's highest point and a perfect spot for sunset viewing.
Barton Creek Greenbelt: A quintessential Austin experience with multiple entry points and trails for all skill levels, plus natural swimming holes like Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls.
St. Edward's Park: A peaceful hiking destination with rocky trails, shaded paths, and creek access - ideal for families and nature lovers.
Loop 360 Boat Ramp: Less than 5 miles away, providing access to Lake Austin for boating, paddleboarding, and kayaking adventures.
Loewy Family Playground: A community favorite featuring innovative play structures and comfortable shade canopies, perfect for younger children.
Westover Hills Club: Features LED-lit tennis courts and a lap pool for year-round recreation and fitness.
Austin FC Soccer: The professional soccer team plays at the 20,500-seat Q2 Stadium just 4 miles away, offering the excitement of 17 home games per season. Joe and Cara are season ticket holders - ask Keenan Group about the games, stadium, transportation, or any other details!
The Domain: Austin's premier shopping destination just 5 miles north, featuring luxury retailers, restaurants, and entertainment options.
Downtown Austin: Just 8 miles away, providing easy access to live music venues, restaurants, and nightlife.
As the #1 Northwest Hills Realtors, Joe and Cara Keenan frequently take clients to explore these natural attractions, helping homebuyers discover the exceptional recreational opportunities that make this neighborhood so special.
As an avid ultrarunner, Joe Keenan has logged thousands of miles on these Northwest Hills trails while preparing for prestigious marathons including Chicago and Boston. His intimate knowledge of every trail, switchback, and hidden gem in the area comes not just from being a Realtor, but from countless early mornings and weekend runs exploring the neighborhood's natural beauty. Need trail recommendations? Joe can personally guide you to the best routes based on your experience level and goals - just one more way the Keenan Group offers truly local expertise that goes beyond real estate.
Discover more family-friendly spots in our guide: Best Places to Play in Northwest Hills
Northwest Hills is served by the Austin Independent School District (AISD), with schools that are highly rated and sought after by families prioritizing education. Take a look at the links below, which will take you to the Texas Tribune ratings for each school, which includes student-teacher ratios, overall demographics, and accountability ratings.
Elementary (K-5):
Doss Elementary - Received an accountability rating of A for the 2021-2022 school year. Features approximately 811 students with a 15.5:1 student-teacher ratio.
Highland Park Elementary - Received an accountability rating of A for the 2021-2022 school year. Serves approximately 643 students with strong academic programs.
Middle School (6-8):
Murchison Middle School - The only International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle School in Austin ISD, offering global education programs and strong STEM curriculum.
Lamar Middle School - Features a Fine Arts Academy with specialized programs in visual arts, theater, dance, and music.
High School (9-12):
Anderson High School - Received an accountability rating of A for the 2021-2022 school year. Offers an International Baccalaureate program and classes through cooperation with Austin Community College.
McCallum High School - Received an accountability rating of A for the 2021-2022 school year. Known for its excellent Fine Arts Academy.
St. Theresa's Catholic School (PK-8) - Faith-based education with strong academic programs
Austin Jewish Academy (PK-6) - Combines academic excellence with Jewish values and traditions
Paragon Prep (K-8) - Focuses on accelerated curriculum and individualized learning
The combination of strong public schools and quality private options makes Northwest Hills particularly attractive to families with school-aged children. School ratings and boundaries can change, so it's always recommended to contact the schools directly for the most current information.
Northwest Hills offers excellent connectivity to the rest of Austin:
Major Highways: Conveniently located between Highway 183 (north) and FM-2222 (south), with easy access to Highway 360 and MoPac
Downtown Commute: Just 8 miles to downtown Austin, typically a 15-20 minute drive in normal traffic
Tech Corridors: Quick access to major tech employers along the 183 corridor and in The Domain area
Airport Access: Approximately 20-25 minutes to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport via MoPac and 290
Public Transit: Served by CapMetro bus routes connecting to major employment centers
Biking: Some dedicated bike lanes, though the hilly terrain can be challenging for casual cyclists
The neighborhood's central location in Austin's northwest quadrant makes it ideal for professionals working throughout the metropolitan area.
Northwest Hills began development in the 1960s and continued growing through the 1980s, establishing itself as one of Austin's premier residential communities. The neighborhood was thoughtfully planned to preserve the natural landscape while creating comfortable suburban living spaces. The community culture is characterized by:
Strong neighborhood pride and active community involvement
A blend of original residents and newcomers creating multi-generational diversity
Family-friendly atmosphere with numerous community activities
Active neighborhood association that organizes events and advocates for residents
Strong sense of community with neighborly connections
Perfect balance of privacy and community engagement
Residents often describe Northwest Hills as offering an ideal combination of established neighborhood charm with convenient access to all that modern Austin has to offer.
Beyond the restaurants mentioned earlier, Northwest Hills residents enjoy access to a variety of local businesses and services:
Far West Boulevard Shopping Center: A convenient hub of neighborhood services
Crenshaw Athletic Club: A local fitness facility with tennis courts and various programs
Great Hills Country Club: Nearby access to golf, swimming, and social activities
Far West Pharmacy: An independent pharmacy offering personalized service
Local medical and dental practices: Providing convenient healthcare options
Specialty boutiques and service providers: Catering to the neighborhood's needs
View our Northwest Hills Business Directory for a complete list of local establishments.
These local businesses contribute to the neighborhood's self-contained feel while still being connected to the broader Austin community.
Northwest Hills represents an excellent long-term investment opportunity in Austin's real estate market. The neighborhood's established reputation, quality schools, central location, and limited supply of homes contribute to consistent property value appreciation. For investors considering rental properties:
Strong rental demand from professionals and families
Attractive to tenants seeking quality schools
Premium rental rates compared to many Austin neighborhoods
Long-term tenant stability, particularly for family rentals
Potential for both long-term residential leases and executive rentals
The neighborhood's location near major employers, including tech companies and medical facilities, ensures ongoing demand for quality rental housing.
Residents consistently highlight several aspects of Northwest Hills that make it special, and as the premier Northwest Hills Realtors, the Keenan Group has gathered numerous testimonials from satisfied clients who've either sold or found their dream homes in this exceptional neighborhood:
"My wife and I have been friends with Cara Keenan and Joe Keenan for many years. Cara Keenan helped me find and purchase a low-end Section 8 property in East Austin over 13 years ago. And she also sold it for me this last August for a lot more than I thought we could. Joe Keenan has handled the leasing of two other rental properties that we have had since we purchased them around 12 years ago. Cara Keenan outperforms every time I have called upon her. This latest sale of our home on Edgefield also netted hundreds of thousands more than I thought it would prior to it even going on MLS. So, needless to say, my wife and I only have rave reviews for Cara Keenan and Joe Keenan." - Jerry
"We are always blown away by Joe Keenan and Cara Keenan and their team! They have served us with two other closings in the past and they continue to step up to the challenge. We love working with them and always feel that they have given us the most personal, reliable, amazingly competent and pleasant attention. We see them not only as professional real estate partners, but as friends. They are the BEST! Could not ask for more." - Kathy and Dave
"Joe and Cara Keenan with Compass helped us find the perfect home in the Northwest Hills area of Austin. We know that we would not have even seen or heard of the opportunity if it weren't for Joe and Cara's connections in the area."
Residents particularly appreciate:
The spectacular views and natural beauty: The elevated position of many homes offers breathtaking panoramas of the Texas Hill Country and Austin's skyline.
The strong sense of community: Neighbors know each other, look out for one another, and create a welcoming atmosphere that's increasingly rare in growing cities.
The excellent schools: The highly-rated schools in Northwest Hills are a primary reason many families choose this neighborhood and stay for generations.
The central location: With downtown just 8 miles away and major employment centers easily accessible, residents enjoy convenient commutes while living in a peaceful setting.
The outdoor lifestyle: The abundance of parks, trails, and natural areas provides endless opportunities for recreation without leaving the neighborhood.
The architectural diversity: From classic mid-century modern gems to contemporary custom homes, the varied housing stock appeals to diverse tastes and needs.
The mature trees and established landscaping: The magnificent Live Oak trees and thoughtfully maintained gardens create a lush, inviting atmosphere throughout the neighborhood.
Many Northwest Hills residents choose to stay in the neighborhood for decades, often upgrading to different homes within the area as their needs change - a testament to the neighborhood's enduring appeal. The Keenan Group, led by Joe and Cara Keenan, has helped multiple generations of families find their perfect Northwest Hills home, creating lasting relationships that extend far beyond the transaction.
As the #1 Realtors in Northwest Hills with over 25 years of specialized experience in this highly sought-after neighborhood, Joe and Cara Keenan of Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate offer this expert guidance for prospective buyers:
Be prepared to act quickly: With homes selling in a median of just 9 days, the limited inventory means desirable properties move rapidly. Having financing pre-approved and being ready to make confident decisions is essential.
Understand the value proposition: While the average price of $1.4M+ may be higher than some Austin neighborhoods, the combination of location, schools, and setting justifies the investment. Northwest Hills properties tend to hold their value exceptionally well over time.
Consider long-term potential: Many homes built in the 1960s-1980s offer opportunities for updates or expansions that can significantly increase value. Look beyond the current condition to envision what a property could become.
Work with neighborhood experts: Having Realtors with specific Northwest Hills expertise like Joe and Cara Keenan can provide access to off-market opportunities and insight into fair market values. Their deep understanding of neighborhood nuances is invaluable.
Explore the entire neighborhood: Different sections of Northwest Hills offer varying views, lot sizes, and architectural styles. The areas around Mesa Drive, Far West Boulevard, and Greystone each have their own distinct character and advantages.
Visit at different times: Experience the neighborhood during morning commute, weekend activities, and evening hours to get a complete picture of traffic patterns, noise levels, and community dynamics.
Consider schools carefully: Even if you don't have school-aged children, the excellent schools significantly impact property values and resale potential. Understand the specific school assignments for any property you're considering.
Look for unique features: Properties with hill country views, mature oak trees, or particularly private settings often command premium prices but provide exceptional quality of life benefits.
Joe and Cara Keenan of Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate have helped numerous clients find their ideal Northwest Hills home and would be delighted to guide you through this exceptional neighborhood. Their intimate knowledge of Northwest Hills comes from both professional expertise and personal connection - they live and work in this community, giving them unique insights that benefit both buyers and sellers.
For a complete homebuying guide specific to Northwest Hills, visit our blog
The Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate, led by Joe and Cara Keenan, specializes in Northwest Hills real estate and would be delighted to provide a personalized tour of the neighborhood. As the #1 Northwest Hills Realtors with over 25 years of experience, Joe and Cara bring unmatched expertise to your home search:
Deep Local Knowledge: Joe and Cara Keenan live and work in Northwest Hills, giving them unique insights that benefit both buyers and sellers.
Proven Track Record: Consistently ranked in the Top 1% of Austin Realtors, the Keenan Group's success is built on exceptional service and results.
Neighborhood Specialists: With specialized experience in Northwest Hills, Joe and Cara understand the nuances of each pocket within this desirable area.
Extensive Network: Access to off-market properties and a wide range of potential buyers through their extensive professional connections.
Strategic Approach: Whether you're buying or selling, the Keenan Group develops customized strategies to achieve your real estate goals.
Contact Joe and Cara Keenan at:
Phone: (512) 415-7653
Email: [email protected]
Address: 4206 Venado Dr, Austin, TX 78731
Website: https://www.TheKeenanGroup.com
Instagram: @keenan.group
Facebook: Keenan Group at Compass
Take the first step toward finding your dream home in Northwest Hills by connecting with the area's premier Realtors today. Visit the Keenan Group Northwest Hills home and condo search website for more information about Northwest Hills and to see current listings in the neighborhood.
20,141 people live in Northwest Hills Austin - Premier 78731 Neighborhood, where the median age is 42 and the average individual income is $72,141. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Northwest Hills Austin - Premier 78731 Neighborhood has 10,196 households, with an average household size of 2. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. Here’s what the people living in Northwest Hills Austin - Premier 78731 Neighborhood do for work — and how long it takes them to get there. Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau. 20,141 people call Northwest Hills Austin - Premier 78731 Neighborhood home. The population density is 5,733.832 and the largest age group is Data provided by the U.S. Census Bureau.
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Cara & Joe are dedicated to helping you find your dream home and assisting with any selling needs you may have. Contact us today to start your home searching journey!
