Austin neighborhood guide
Barton Hills, Austin, Texas
Tucked between Zilker Park and the Barton Creek Greenbelt, just southwest of downtown, Barton Hills was first sold in 1956 as the world’s largest air conditioned subdivision. Today it is a wooded, hilly neighborhood where the springs and the trails are part of everyday life.
One of Austin’s oldest places to gather
People were drawn to the springs here long before there was a neighborhood. According to the Barton Hills Neighborhood Association, artifacts show Native American camps near Barton Springs about 11,000 years ago, and in a 1955 survey map there were almost no houses between Rabb Road and the creek.
Uncle Billy’s springs
In 1837, William “Uncle Billy” Barton patented the land near the springs. He named the main springs for his daughters Parthenia, Eliza and Zenobia, ran a gristmill and kept two baby bison to amuse visitors.
An air conditioned debut
Barton Hills was featured in Austin’s 1956 Parade of Homes as the world’s largest air conditioned subdivision. It was platted in six sections, with about 1,585 lots planned across roughly 535 acres.
Homes ahead of their time
Before the big subdivision, builder A.D. Stenger built a small enclave of contemporary homes along Rundell Place and Airole Way, with low sheltering roofs, clerestory windows and decks reaching into the treetops.
Price points
What homes cost in Barton Hills
Barton Hills mixes original mid century ranch homes, remodels, new builds on hillside lots and a handful of condo communities, so prices cover a wide range.
Condos in the neighborhood can come in far below these figures, with Homes.com reporting a median of about $406,000 for two bedroom sales. Renovated homes and new construction near the Greenbelt sit at the top of the range.
Market figures are from third party sources as of 2026, are not guaranteed and change often. Ask us for current sales on any street you are considering.
Schools
Which schools serve Barton Hills
Barton Hills is in Austin ISD. Zoning can change, so families should always check the address they are considering.
- Barton Hills Elementary sits right in the neighborhood on Barton Hills Drive and is commonly zoned for Barton Hills.
- O. Henry Middle School is commonly zoned for the neighborhood.
- Austin High School is commonly zoned for the neighborhood.
Buyers should verify the schools for any address they are considering on the Austin ISD website.
Downtown Austin, a short drive from Barton Hills.
Why residents love it
Nature at the back door, the city at the front
Barton Hills feels tucked away, with hilly streets and big trees, yet downtown, South Lamar and Zilker Park are only minutes away.
- Trailheads into the Barton Creek Greenbelt from the neighborhood.
- Barton Springs Pool and Zilker Park right next door.
- A neighborhood elementary school on Barton Hills Drive.
- A Fourth of July parade, a garden club and an active neighborhood association.
- Quick access to downtown, South Lamar and South Congress.
Buying or selling in Barton Hills
Guidance from a team that knows south Austin
Caroline lives in south Austin and knows Barton Hills well. Homes here can involve slopes, older systems, mature trees and, for some streets, extra traffic during big events at Zilker Park like Austin City Limits. We help you weigh all of it, whether you are hoping to buy or preparing to sell.
Want to find out more about Barton Hills?
Ask us about homes, streets, schools or timing. We are happy to help, with no pressure.
Already live in Barton Hills?
Join the neighbor list for community gatherings and local updates.
Barton Hills questions
Where is Barton Hills in Austin?
Barton Hills is just southwest of downtown Austin, beside Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool and the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
What ZIP code is Barton Hills in Austin?
Barton Hills is in ZIP code 78704.
How far is Barton Hills from downtown Austin?
Barton Hills is about three miles southwest of downtown Austin, just across Lady Bird Lake and beside Zilker Park, so downtown is a short drive or bike ride away.
What school district is Barton Hills in?
Barton Hills is in Austin ISD. Barton Hills Elementary, O. Henry Middle School and Austin High School are commonly zoned for the neighborhood. Buyers should verify the schools for any address they are considering.
How much does a home in Barton Hills cost?
Homes.com reports a 12 month median sale price of about $1.34 million for Barton Hills, and about $1.66 million for single family homes. Condos can sell for a fraction of that. Ask us for current sales on the streets you are considering.
Keep exploring
Nearby neighborhoods
Curious about Barton Hills?
Whether you are hoping to find a home here or thinking about selling, we are happy to talk through the next sensible step.
Contact Thence House Group
Back to Austin
Thence House Home
Or call 737-403-5262 · hello@thencehouse.com