Market Overview for Old West Austin
There are 15 active listings in Old West Austin with a median list price of $1.4M and a median sold price of $1.4M.
Homes average 57 days on market.
Over the past 30 days, 5 homes have sold, with 47 sales in the past 12 months.
The average price per square foot is $764.
About Old West Austin
Old West Austin is a historic residential area encompassing some of the city's most established neighborhoods west of downtown, including portions of Tarrytown, Bryker Woods, and the streets between MoPac Boulevard and Exposition Boulevard. The area's history stretches back to the early 1900s, when Austin's established residents built stately homes on large, tree-shaded lots along the winding streets west of Shoal Creek, creating a residential character that has endured for more than a century.
Homes in Old West Austin range from approximately $800,000 for smaller homes on modest lots to over $3 million for large estate properties on premium streets. The architectural variety is notable, with well-preserved examples of Craftsman, Tudor Revival, Colonial Revival, Ranch, and mid-century modern styles coexisting on the same blocks. Many homes feature deep setbacks, established gardens, and the kind of mature live oak canopy that takes decades to develop.
Old West Austin is served by the Austin Independent School District (Austin ISD). Students typically attend Casis Elementary, O. Henry Middle School, and Austin High School. Casis Elementary is one of Austin ISD's most in-demand elementary campuses, and Austin High School sits along Lady Bird Lake as one of the district's largest high schools.
Downtown Austin's offices, restaurants, and cultural venues are 5-10 minutes east, and many locations are reachable by bicycle or on foot. MoPac provides quick north-south access, while Lake Austin Boulevard connects to the Westlake and Zilker areas. The neighborhood's walkability, historic character, and proximity to Lady Bird Lake and Zilker Park make it one of Austin's most in-demand residential areas.
Living in Old West Austin
Old West Austin represents the top tier of established central Austin living. Properties from $800K to over $3M offer stately homes on deep, tree-shaded lots with the architectural heritage — Craftsman, Tudor, Colonial, mid-century modern — that gives this area its distinctive identity. The streets wind through mature live oak canopy that creates a neighborhood feel entirely separate from the urban activity minutes away.
Daily life blends urban convenience with residential tranquility. Downtown is 5-10 minutes east, and many residents commute by bicycle. Lady Bird Lake, Zilker Park, and the Barton Springs area are within minutes. Casis Elementary and Austin High School serve the neighborhood through Austin ISD. The premium pricing reflects what buyers consistently confirm: Old West Austin offers central Austin's most complete package of location, character, schools, and green space.
Things to Do in Old West Austin
- Lady Bird Lake Trail: 10-mile hike-and-bike trail circling Lady Bird Lake, accessible from the neighborhood — Austin's signature outdoor recreation destination for running, cycling, and kayaking.
- Zilker Park: Austin's 351-acre metropolitan park within minutes, home to Barton Springs Pool, the Zilker Botanical Garden, and the Zilker Hillside Theater.
- Barton Springs Pool: 68-degree spring-fed swimming pool in Zilker Park, open year-round and a short drive or bike ride from Old West Austin.
- Tarrytown Shopping: Local shops, cafes, and restaurants along Exposition Boulevard and Lake Austin Boulevard serving the west Austin community.
- Deep Eddy Pool: Historic spring-fed pool on Lake Austin Boulevard, one of the oldest swimming pools in Texas and a neighborhood landmark.
- Mozart's Coffee Roasters: Popular lakeside coffee house on Lake Austin Boulevard with outdoor decks overlooking Lake Austin — a west Austin institution.
Major Employers in Old West Austin
- Downtown Austin Employers (Technology & Professional Services): Tech companies, law firms, and financial services 5-10 minutes east
- University of Texas at Austin (Higher Education): Flagship university within 10 minutes, employing over 24,000
- State of Texas (Government): State Capitol complex and agencies within 10 minutes
- Ascension Seton Medical Center (Healthcare): Major hospital on West 38th Street approximately 5-10 minutes north
- Austin ISD (Education): School district with campuses and administrative offices throughout central Austin
Old West Austin Schools
Old West Austin is served by Austin ISD. Students typically attend Mathews Elementary or Casis Elementary or Bryker Woods Elementary for elementary school, O Henry Middle School for middle school, and Austin High School for high school.
School District: Austin ISD
Public Schools
Private Schools
- St. Andrew's Episcopal School - Well-known K-12 private school in the west Austin area offering preschool through 12th grade
- Austin Montessori School - Montessori school serving children through middle school in west Austin
Higher Education
- University of Texas at Austin - Flagship state university within 10 minutes, enrolling approximately 55,000 students
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Old West Austin?
Old West Austin is a historic residential area west of downtown encompassing established neighborhoods including portions of Tarrytown and Bryker Woods, between MoPac and Exposition Boulevard. The area dates to the early 1900s with stately homes on large, tree-shaded lots.
How much do homes cost in Old West Austin?
Homes in Old West Austin range from approximately $800,000 for smaller homes to over $3 million for estate properties. The wide range reflects the architectural diversity from Craftsman bungalows to grand Colonial and Tudor Revival estates.
What school district is Old West Austin in?
Old West Austin is served by Austin ISD. Students attend Casis Elementary, one of the district's most in-demand campuses, O. Henry Middle School, and Austin High School on Lady Bird Lake.
How far is Old West Austin from downtown?
Old West Austin is 5-10 minutes from downtown Austin, and many downtown destinations are reachable by bicycle or on foot. Lady Bird Lake and Zilker Park are also within minutes.
What makes Old West Austin desirable?
Old West Austin offers a strong combination in central Austin: historic architecture, century-old tree canopy, in-demand Austin ISD schools (Casis Elementary, Austin High), and walking/biking proximity to downtown, Lady Bird Lake, and Zilker Park.
Is Old West Austin walkable?
Yes, Old West Austin is one of Austin's most walkable areas. Downtown, Lady Bird Lake trails, Zilker Park, local shops along Exposition Boulevard, and Deep Eddy Pool are all accessible on foot or by bicycle.
