There are so many great places to live in Austin that it helps to have an expert on your side. The Neighborhood Guide presented by Kuper Sotheby's International Realty gives you insider access from the agents who live and work there, providing in-the-know info about your possible new community.

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While Hanan Lowell was introduced to the world of real estate as a young girl, coming from a family of land developers, civil engineers, and remodelers, this University of Texas at Austin alumna actually started her career in music as an opera singer.

Having received two more degrees from the Juilliard School in New York City and lived around the world, the native Texan came full circle when she returned to Austin for a main role and to work with graduate students in a master class at UT.

Once back in the city, Circle C was at the top of places to live.

“It is so highly sought-after and was on my radar even back in my days at UT,” she says. “I love its low-key, cool vibe.”

Now, as a real estate agent, she finds it so rewarding to help clients achieve their own goals of selling and buying homes in Austin — especially in one of her favorite neighborhoods.

“I think the gem of Circle C is the people who live here,” says Lowell. “Circle C is a super-friendly, inviting community with excellent schools and amazing amenities. There's a high rate of participation in activities — farmers markets, food truck nights, live music, recreation, you name it — and smiles everywhere you turn.”

It’s also close to downtown — a mere 12 minutes or so — yet far enough to get some of breathing room at the end of a long, busy day.

Lowell offered up a few of her personal favorites about life in Circle C. Here's her guide to the area:

Where to eat & drink
Lil'Doddy — which is Hopdoddy Burger Bar’s little brother — along with Torchy's, and Taco Deli are Austin favorites in Circle C, says Lowell.

Also nearby is Kerbey Lane Café for comfort food classics and the longstanding Austin institution Hyde Park Bar & Grill.

An amateur chef in the kitchen? The neighborhood has its own HEB, and a Whole Foods is less than 10 minutes away.

Where to play
“We have so many trails that you can enjoy here,” says Lowell. “I think that's a real draw for Circle C: just walk out the door and you can have an awesome day.”

She also recommends hopping on a bike and exploring the Veloway, getting some yummy goods at the Friday Farmers Market, and attending live music nights in the neighborhood.

What to see
Close by is one of Austin’s most iconic gardens: the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.

“The gardens delight young and old with seasonal events, including nocturnal light shows, a playful yearly installation of forts for children to climb and explore, local flora and fauna sales, and much more,” says Lowell.

Where to live
While some homes are builder specs, updated once or twice over, there are smatterings of custom builds and some luxury builders in the newer portions of the community.

“They truly range in home size and lot size, and the large-scale remodels are absolutely stunning,” says Lowell, who also loves the fantastic trees in the neighborhood. “One of the things I like to enjoy is the amount of care to include local plants in the landscape design of this area,” she adds.

A recent listing of Lowell’s at 5504 Ballenton Lane is a prime example of the diversity among the 5,000-plus homes in Circle C.

The custom-built, 4,200-square-foot cottage-style home sits on half an acre in a cul-de-sac with a generous backyard and pool.

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Hanan Lowell works and plays in Circle C. For more information on buying and selling a home in the area, click here, email hanan@hananlowell.com, or call 646-342-8968.