Market Overview for Highland
There are 27 active listings in Highland with a median list price of $610K and a median sold price of $429K.
Homes average 34 days on market.
Over the past 30 days, 2 homes have sold, with 48 sales in the past 12 months.
The average price per square foot is $425.
About Highland
Highland is a neighborhood in central-north Austin, Texas, situated in Travis County approximately 4 miles north of the Texas State Capitol. The area is centered around the Highland Mall redevelopment site at the intersection of Airport Boulevard and I-35, within the 78752 zip code. The neighborhood sits between the North Loop district to the south and the Windsor Park area to the east. Highland has undergone significant transformation since Austin Community College acquired the former Highland Mall property in 2012, converting it into its flagship campus and mixed-use district.
The housing stock in Highland includes a mix of mid-century ranch homes from the 1950s and 1960s, renovated bungalows, and newer townhome and condominium developments built in the 2010s and 2020s. Single-family home prices typically range from the low $400s to the upper $600s, with townhomes and condos from the mid-$200s to the low $400s. Lot sizes for older homes are generally 6,000 to 8,000 square feet. The neighborhood has seen significant gentrification and infill development as its central location became more desirable.
Highland is served by Austin Independent School District. Students in this area typically attend Lee Elementary, Lamar Middle School, and McCallum High School. McCallum High School offers a fine arts academy and has earned consistent TEA Met Standard ratings. Austin ISD enrolls approximately 73,000 students across roughly 120 campuses throughout the city.
The neighborhood's location along I-35 and Airport Boulevard provides direct access to downtown Austin in 10 to 15 minutes. Capital Metro's MetroRail Red Line has a station at the Highland development, providing commuter rail service to downtown and Leander. The ACC Highland campus and surrounding retail development have added dining, shopping, and community college services to the area. North Loop Boulevard, one block south, is known for its independent shops, vintage stores, and restaurants.
Living in Highland
Highland's population reflects central Austin's diversity, with a mix of longtime residents, students, and younger professionals drawn by the urban location and relative affordability compared to neighborhoods closer to downtown. Median household income in the 78752 zip code is approximately $55,000 to $65,000. The neighborhood has a higher-than-average percentage of renters, reflecting its proximity to Austin Community College and its urban density. The population is ethnically diverse, with significant Hispanic and Asian representation.
Daily life in Highland centers on the North Loop commercial district and the ACC Highland development. North Loop Boulevard features locally owned businesses including Epoch Coffee, the Aristocrat Lounge, and Treasure City Thrift. Grocery options include an H-E-B on Airport Boulevard and Asian grocery stores along North Lamar. Reilley Elementary School Park provides a playground, basketball courts, and walking paths. The Capital Metro Red Line station at Highland provides transit access to downtown without driving. Bartholomew District Park, approximately 1 mile east, offers a swimming pool, sports fields, and trails. The Mueller development, approximately 2 miles southeast, adds additional dining, retail, and the Thinkery children's museum.
Things to Do in Highland
- ACC Highland Campus: Austin Community College's flagship campus, built in the former Highland Mall, with a performing arts center, public library, and dining. The mixed-use redevelopment opened in phases starting in 2014.
- North Loop District: A commercial strip along North Loop Boulevard with independent shops, vintage stores, Epoch Coffee, and restaurants. Located one block south of the Highland area.
- Bartholomew District Park: A 46-acre Austin Parks Department park approximately 1 mile east with a public swimming pool, sports fields, disc golf course, and walking trails.
- Mueller Development: A 700-acre mixed-use development on the former Robert Mueller Municipal Airport, approximately 2 miles southeast, with dining, retail, parks, and the Thinkery children's museum.
- Capital Metro Red Line: Commuter rail service connecting the Highland station to downtown Austin's Convention Center station, with additional stops in East Austin, Crestview, and north to Leander.
Major Employers in Highland
- Austin Community College (Education): ACC's Highland campus is the district's flagship location, part of a community college system serving over 70,000 students across 11 campuses in the Austin area.
- Capital Metro (Transportation): Austin's public transit agency operates bus and rail service throughout the metro area, with administrative offices in the north Austin corridor.
- Austin ISD (Education): Austin Independent School District employs approximately 11,000 staff across roughly 120 campuses throughout the city.
- St. David's Medical Center (Healthcare): A 350-bed hospital on East 32nd Street, approximately 2 miles south, providing emergency, cardiac, and surgical services.
Highland Schools
Highland is served by Austin ISD, a district of approximately 73,000 students. The neighborhood falls in the McCallum High School feeder pattern.
School District: Austin ISD
Public Schools
- Lee Elementary - Austin ISD elementary school serving the Highland and North Loop area.
- Lamar Middle School - Austin ISD middle school serving grades 6-8 in the central-north Austin area.
- McCallum High School - Austin ISD high school with a fine arts academy, approximately 1,700 students, and 24 varsity sports programs.
Pre-Schools
- Stepping Stone School - Private preschool and early education center in the north Austin area.
- Children's Courtyard - Early childhood education center along the I-35 corridor in north Austin.
Private Schools
- St. Stephen's Episcopal School - A top-rated private school in the Austin area offering middle and high school education.
- Griffin School - A progressive private school in Austin serving elementary and middle school students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Highland neighborhood in Austin?
Highland is in central-north Austin, Texas, centered around the intersection of Airport Boulevard and I-35 in the 78752 zip code. It is approximately 4 miles north of downtown Austin in Travis County.
What school district is Highland Austin in?
Highland is served by Austin Independent School District. Students typically attend Lee Elementary, Lamar Middle School, and McCallum High School.
What do homes cost in Highland Austin?
Single-family homes in Highland typically range from the low $400s to the upper $600s. Townhomes and condos range from the mid-$200s to the low $400s. The area has a mix of mid-century homes and newer infill development.
Is Highland Austin a good neighborhood?
Highland is a centrally located Austin neighborhood with direct I-35 access and a Capital Metro Red Line station. The ACC Highland campus redevelopment has added retail, dining, and community services to the area. North Loop Boulevard provides walkable independent shops and restaurants.
How far is Highland from downtown Austin?
Highland is approximately 4 miles north of downtown Austin. The drive takes 10 to 15 minutes via I-35, and the Capital Metro Red Line provides commuter rail service from the Highland station to the Convention Center station downtown.
