It is easy to drive right by the entrance to Travis Country on Southwest Parkway. The well-maintained sign bearing the image of the Alamo hero William Barrett Travis on the edge of Republic of Texas Drive is unobtrusive. Those zooming west on the parkway after exiting Mopac don’t know that they are passing right by one of the best kept secrets in Austin.
This neighborhood of tree-lined streets offers a wide array of architectural styles. The shady yards along Travis Country Circle are nicely landscaped. Families ride by on bicycles or joggers give a friendly wave as they pass. Kids of all ages are playing in yards or swinging on ropes from the strong branches of the towering Live Oaks. Squirrels and birds dart from yard to yard, as friends and neighbors chat by their mailboxes.
Calling itself “Austin’s first environmentally planned neighborhood,” building started in the early 1970s in this woodsy area just west of the Barton Creek Greenbelt. In fact, it can be a fun day of hiking from the neighborhood, through the greenbelt all the way to Zilker Park. Building continued through the early 2000s, creating a unique blend of home styles.
House prices generally range from the upper-200s to the mid-400s. There are modest two bedroom homes all the way to newer five bedroom homes. Although many of the interiors have been remodeled over the years, the homes in the original section of Travis Country still retain their charm with serene courtyards at the entrances and attractive stonework. There are both single and two-story homes, expansive open floor plans to cozy bungalows, making it a perfect neighborhood for those from all walks of life.
The active homeowners association, with a staffed office and grounds crew, maintains the two parks in the neighborhood. There are pools, tennis courts, basketball courts and playgrounds at both parks. The Blue Valley Park, the larger of the two, has a duck pond which is home to an intrepid flock of ducks and a goose. Walking trails criss-cross the neighborhood, offering great places for exploration with children and dogs. Those new to Travis Country won’t lack for something to do. It is easy to get involved with a monthly newsletter, swim teams, tennis lessons and regular social events.
There are good public schools, like Oak Hill Elementary just a short drive away. Students from this quiet, family neighborhood also attend O. Henry Middle School and Austin High School. It is convenient to many private schools as well, like the Regents School, which is located along the western edge of the neighborhood, and St. Andrews Upper School.
The next time you are zipping down Southwest Parkway, take a moment to make the turn at Republic of Texas Drive. You will find that Travis Country is more than just a pleasant neighborhood conveniently located to both downtown and the Hill Country, restaurants and shopping. It is a great place to start a family, raise kids or even retire. Residents of Travis Country will easily find a niche, make friends and enjoy one of Austin’s best kept secrets.
Ki serves as a realtor in Austin Texas. His business offers a searchable database of the Austin MLS. The site has information for potential buyers on Austin real estate and Travis Country real estate.
[tags]Travis Country, austin real estate, austin mls, greenbelt, neighborhood parks, Southwest Pa[/tags]
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