About Northwest Hills
Northwest Hills is an established residential area in northwest Austin, in Travis County, within the 78731 zip code between Loop 1 (MoPac), U.S. 183, and Loop 360. Developed largely from the 1960s through the 1980s on the hilly, wooded terrain north of the city core, it is one of Austin's older and more settled hillside neighborhoods, known for tree-lined streets, cul-de-sacs, and quick access to major employment centers.
Homes in Northwest Hills are predominantly single-family residences, ranging from mid-century ranch and split-level houses to extensively renovated and rebuilt custom homes that take advantage of the elevation and long views. The area also includes condominiums and townhomes near its arterial roads and a small amount of commercial property. Based on current MLS activity, list prices span a wide range — from the high $100,000s for condominiums to well over $7 million for large custom estates — with a single-family median around $1 million, reflecting the mix of original 1970s houses and high-end rebuilds side by side.
Northwest Hills is served by Austin ISD. Based on MLS listing data, most homes attend Doss Elementary, Murchison Middle School, and Anderson High School, while a portion of the area is zoned to Highland Park Elementary, Lamar Middle School, and McCallum High School. Both feeder patterns run through well-regarded Austin ISD campuses, and the fine-arts academies at Lamar and McCallum draw students from across the city, giving families more than one path through the district depending on the exact street.
Northwest Hills offers direct access to MoPac, U.S. 183, and Loop 360, placing downtown Austin, the University of Texas, and the Domain within roughly 15 to 20 minutes. Major employers including Apple's north Austin campus and the corporate offices at the Domain are a short drive north, and the hospital systems along the MoPac corridor are close by. Neighborhood retail runs along Far West Boulevard, with larger shopping and dining at the Arboretum and the Domain minutes away.
The area's setting in the hills gives it substantial green space for a location so close to the urban core. The Bull Creek greenbelt, Northwest District Park with its swimming pool, and Great Hills and Balcones district parks border or sit within the neighborhood, offering trails, creek access, and sports facilities. Between its central-northwest location, mature character, strong Austin ISD feeders, and easy reach to jobs, retail, and parkland, Northwest Hills remains one of the more durable established neighborhoods in this part of the city, with relatively low turnover and steady demand.
Living in Northwest Hills
Northwest Hills has a quiet, established residential character, with winding streets that follow the natural contours of the hills and mature tree cover throughout. The area appeals to families, professionals, and long-term residents who value proximity to downtown and major employers without living in the urban core. Homes range from original mid-century houses to fully modernized properties, and turnover tends to be lower than in newer suburbs, giving the neighborhood a settled, owner-occupied feel.
Daily life is anchored by the neighborhood retail along Far West Boulevard and the larger shopping and dining at the Arboretum and the Domain minutes away. Outdoor options are strong: the Bull Creek greenbelt, Northwest District Park with its swimming pool, and Great Hills and Balcones district parks provide trails, sports, and creek access. Commutes downtown or to the tech corridors north are straightforward via MoPac and Loop 360, and the area's central-northwest location keeps most of Austin within a short drive.
Frequently Asked Questions
What school district is Northwest Hills in?
Northwest Hills is served by Austin ISD. Most homes attend Doss Elementary, Murchison Middle, and Anderson High, with a portion zoned to Highland Park Elementary, Lamar Middle, and McCallum High.
How much do homes cost in Northwest Hills?
Based on current listings, prices range from the high $100,000s for condominiums to over $7 million for large custom homes, with a single-family median around $1 million.
Where is Northwest Hills in Austin?
Northwest Hills is in northwest Austin in the 78731 zip code, in the hills between MoPac (Loop 1), U.S. 183, and Loop 360, north of downtown.
How far is Northwest Hills from downtown Austin?
Downtown Austin and the University of Texas are about 15–20 minutes away via MoPac, and the Domain and Apple’s north campus are a short drive north.
What is there to do in Northwest Hills?
Bull Creek District Park, Northwest District Park, and Great Hills Park offer trails and pools, and the Arboretum and the Domain provide shopping and dining nearby.
