Where to Buy
Local real estate experts reveal Austin's hottest neighborhoods in 2018
Can you hear it? That’s the sound of thousands of soon-to-be Austinites packing their boxes into U-Hauls nationwide. By now, the SXSW throngs are thinning out, but in all likelihood, more than a few festivalgoers are planning a move to the Capital City. Before the Austin real estate market heats up even more, we polled some local realtors to find out five of the city’s hottest ZIP codes to call home.
78745
This Westgate-adjacent area is a more budget-friendly alternative for those looking to keep things central. With its proximity to Central Market and loads of popular dining options, the area is a hugely popular spot. “Price increases on homes in the adjacent ZIP codes are exceedingly making 78745 look like a bargain,” says Tom Thornton, Realty Austin. Laurel Seymour of Keller Williams Realty agrees. “It's a great alternative for people that can't afford 78704 or don't want to pay $500,000 for a shack in Central Austin,” she says.
Travis Country
Southwest Austin continues to be one of the city’s most sought-after areas, and this suburb within the suburbs is still a hot ticket. “Trails, greenbelt access, good schools, community sport courts and pools, and a quiet feel all attract great interest to new listings,” says Thornton.
Gracywoods
Enter the Domain. Located just east of the bustling North Austin development, Gracywoods has multiple greenbelts and parks sprinkled through the area. “It's a great neighborhood for families and professionals who like to be near the Domain social scene,” says Seymour. “As it turns out, people love the one-stop shop for a quick Soulcycle class, followed by brunch and then some shopping, all within a close proximity to their home,” says Seymour.
Cuernavaca
According to statistics taken from the Austin Board of Realtors in 2016 and 2017, homes in Cuernevaca are among the highest appreciating in the city. More than just a neighborhood, Cuernavaca is a street that runs from Bee Caves to Lake Austin, and has multiple neighborhoods that branch off of it. “A lot of people refer to the general area as ‘Cuernavaca,'" says Seymour. "It’s one of the most eclectic spots in the Westlake area. There are homes built in the early 1900s next to brand new construction, and everything from tiny houses to mansions and condos to multi-acre lakefront estates.”
Scenic Brook/ Windmill Run
“This is the most affordable neighborhood in Southwest Austin, sandwiched between the high price point areas of Circle C, Bee Caves, Barton Creek, and Lantana Hills,” says Justin Rourke of Keller Williams Realty. “There's a growing remodel scene as long-term owners are getting older and moving out,” he says. Vast hills and ample limestone, solid foundations and avoidance of flood plains also make this area desirable. And with family-friendly venues such as Via 313, Stubb's B-B-Q at Graceland Grocery, and Jester King popping up in the area, it’s a can’t-miss.
