Market Overview for Balcones
There are 22 active listings in Balcones with a median list price of $1.6M and a median sold price of $1.5M.
Homes average 55 days on market.
Over the past 30 days, 11 homes have sold, with 48 sales in the past 12 months.
The average price per square foot is $586.
About Balcones
Balcones (also known as Balcones Park) is a northwest Austin neighborhood in the 78731 zip code, located in the hills between Lake Austin and Camp Mabry. The neighborhood sits within the broader Northwest Hills / Balcones area of Austin, and is best known for its spacious 1950s ranch homes on large lots, mature tree canopy, and rolling limestone terrain.
Lot sizes in Balcones Park average approximately 0.4 acres — substantially larger than most central Austin residential lots — and homes range in size from approximately 1,550 to over 7,000 square feet, with an average size around 3,270 square feet. The original homes are typically mid-century ranch or split-level designs, many of which have been updated or expanded. The neighborhood's interior streets stay quiet thanks to the larger lots and the hilly terrain, which limits through-traffic.
The neighborhood is served by Austin ISD. Downtown Austin is approximately 5 to 7 miles southeast, typically 15 to 20 minutes by car via MoPac (Loop 1) or 35th Street. Balcones Country Club, a private club operated on invitation membership, is nearby and gives the broader Balcones area its name.
Balcones Park is an established community rather than a master-planned development, so there is no single HOA covering the whole neighborhood, and the streetscape has kept much of its 1950s and 1960s character. The neighborhood is part of the broader 78731 zip code — which also contains Northwest Hills, Cat Mountain, and Highland Park West — and is one of several north-central Austin neighborhoods known for larger lots and mature trees. Buyers often cite the combination of central location, larger-than-typical Austin lots, tree canopy, and proximity to both Lake Austin and Camp Mabry as the reasons they chose Balcones Park over denser parts of central Austin.
Living in Balcones
Balcones sits in the rolling hills of northwest Austin between Lake Austin and Camp Mabry, with mature trees and winding streets that give the neighborhood a lower-density feel than most central Austin areas. The 0.4-acre average lot size is a defining characteristic — homes have room for larger yards, mature trees, and private outdoor spaces that are rare closer to downtown.
Daily amenities are accessible along 35th Street, MoPac, and Far West Boulevard. Grocery options include Central Market and H-E-B within a short drive, along with restaurants and retail along Far West and Mesa Drive. The Domain and north Austin employer corridor are approximately 5 miles north.
For outdoor recreation, Mount Bonnell — one of the highest points within Austin at 775 feet, with a stairway of limestone steps leading to a scenic overlook — is approximately 2 miles west. The Bull Creek Greenbelt and Bright Leaf State Natural Area offer hiking and protected Hill Country habitat in the surrounding area. Lake Austin provides boating and water access at nearby public and private ramps.
Balcones Country Club offers a private 18-hole golf course operated on invitation membership, along with other club amenities. The neighborhood is served by Austin ISD. Downtown Austin is approximately 5 to 7 miles southeast, typically 15 to 20 minutes by car via MoPac or 35th Street.
Things to Do in Balcones
- Hike to the top of Mount Bonnell: Mount Bonnell, approximately 2 miles west of Balcones Park, is one of the highest points within Austin at 775 feet above sea level. A stairway of roughly 100 limestone steps leads to a scenic overlook with views of Lake Austin, the 360 Bridge, and the Hill Country.
- Explore the Bull Creek Greenbelt: Bull Creek Greenbelt runs along Bull Creek through northwest Austin with natural-surface trails, swimming holes, and limestone ledges. The greenbelt is a popular destination for hiking, dog walking, and cooling off in the creek.
- Visit Bright Leaf State Natural Area: Bright Leaf State Natural Area is a 216-acre nature preserve in northwest Austin with guided hiking on a trail system that protects native Hill Country habitat. Access is by scheduled guided hikes to protect the preserve's ecology.
- Play golf at Balcones Country Club: Balcones Country Club operates a private 18-hole golf course in northwest Austin along with other club amenities. Membership is by invitation, and the club gives the broader Balcones neighborhood its name.
- Boat on Lake Austin: Lake Austin is accessible from boat ramps near the Balcones area and supports boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. The lake does not allow jet skis but is a popular destination for year-round water recreation.
Major Employers in Balcones
- Camp Mabry (Government / Military): Camp Mabry, adjacent to Balcones Park, is the headquarters of the Texas Military Department (Texas National Guard), employing military and civilian personnel. The campus also hosts the Texas Military Forces Museum.
- Austin ISD (Education): Austin Independent School District operates multiple campuses serving the Balcones / Northwest Hills area, employing teachers, administrators, and support staff.
- Northwest Hills professional corridor (Professional Services): Medical offices, law firms, financial advisory practices, and professional services line the Far West Boulevard and Mesa Drive corridors near Balcones Park, providing local professional employment.
- The Domain and north Austin tech employers (Technology): The Domain mixed-use district and surrounding tech employers — including offices for Apple, Indeed, and others — are approximately 5 miles north of Balcones Park via MoPac, providing accessible tech-sector employment.
Balcones Schools
Balcones is served by Austin ISD. Campus zoning depends on the specific address within the neighborhood — use Austin ISD's school finder to confirm elementary, middle, and high school assignments by street address.
School District: Austin ISD
Public Schools
- Highland Park Elementary
- Casis Elementary
- Lamar Middle
- O Henry Middle
- McCallum High School
- Austin High School
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Balcones neighborhood in Austin?
Balcones (also known as Balcones Park) is a northwest Austin neighborhood in the 78731 zip code, located in the rolling hills between Lake Austin and Camp Mabry. Downtown Austin is approximately 5 to 7 miles southeast.
What kind of homes are in Balcones Park?
Balcones Park is known for spacious 1950s ranch homes on larger lots averaging approximately 0.4 acres — substantially larger than most central Austin lots. Home sizes range from approximately 1,550 to over 7,000 square feet, with an average size around 3,270 square feet.
Is Balcones Park a gated community?
No, Balcones Park is not gated. The neighborhood's quiet character comes from its winding streets, hilly terrain, and larger lots rather than a gate. Balcones Country Club (a private invitation-membership club nearby) gives the broader area its name but is separate from the residential neighborhood.
What school district serves Balcones Park?
Balcones Park is served by Austin ISD. Specific elementary, middle, and high school campus assignments vary by address within the neighborhood — use Austin ISD's school finder to confirm zoning.
How far is Balcones Park from downtown Austin?
Downtown Austin is approximately 5 to 7 miles southeast of Balcones Park, typically 15 to 20 minutes by car via MoPac (Loop 1) or 35th Street.