Clarksville: A Checkerboard of Modern Chic and Historic Charm

Make Your Next Home an Investment in Austin’s Future

The neighborhood dates back to the 1860s. Many of the area’s older homes have been remodeled or expanded with modern additions. Listings for sale range from modest dwellings of 500 square feet or less to large, sprawling estates with over 6,500 square feet of living space.

History buffs will enjoy a visit to the Haskell House, which showcases the basic board-and-batten Cumberland-style architecture of most of the homes built in this area after the Civil War. Behind the Haskell House sits the community garden, a source of great pride for neighborhood residents, many of whom volunteer their time to maintain it.

While the historic district has managed to retain the feel of old Austin, real estate in the area has kept up with the times, offering all of the modern amenities commonly found in the country’s most high-tech, wired cities.  Long-time Austinites frequently mention Clarksville as the neighborhood that best reflects the city’s historic charm and classically progressive Austin vibe.

Children in Clarksville attend the highly rated Mathews Elementary School, O. Henry Middle School and Stephen F. Austin High Schools. (Matthews is conveniently located in the center of the neighborhood.) There are also several preschools nearby, including the Casa Montessori Child Development Center.

The Fun, Pet-Friendly Place to Live and Fall in Love

Austin is known as a “dog friendly” town. The off-leash area in West Austin Park is a dog lover’s dream. On any given day, pet lovers and dogs of all shapes and sizes are at the park enjoying the fresh air and sunshine. More than just a welcome place for pets, the park is a popular destination for family fun with its supervised swimming pool, a toddler’s playscape (complete with child-safe swings), a basketball court and picnic tables.

West Austin Park isn’t the only popular spot in the neighborhood that gives homeowners the chance to enjoy outdoor recreation. Mary Francis Baylor Park, often referred to as Clarksville Park, has a covered playground and basketball court, as well as shaded picnic tables and a splash pad with overhead sprinklers and a children’s wading pool. The two parks are just half a mile apart, guaranteeing year-round outdoor fun.

“We love the small-town feel and close proximity to the big city,” says Christina Martell, an advertising professional who has lived in the neighborhood for more than two years. “We moved here because it was close to work and right next to Clarksville Park, but we’ve fallen in love with the retro charm of the neighborhood.”

The Friendliest Vibe in Town

Homeowners in the area take pride in their reputation for being welcoming and inclusive. Not only does almost everyone you see on the street wave and say hello, but community involvement is also strong. The Clarksville Community Development Corporation is one of the most active neighborhood organizations in the city. Besides working to maintain the character of the neighborhood, the CCDC sponsors events such as the Annual Ice Cream Social, Potlucks in the Park and Family Fun Fest. CCDC also heads maintenance of the Clarksville Community Garden.

“Most people around here are very friendly, especially at the dog park where it’s like a reunion when I take my neighbor’s dog Turbo down for a visit,” says Rob Hemphill, who has lived in the neighborhood on and off for more than four years. “And everybody loves Fresh Plus. You see your neighbors here all the time.” (In addition to Fresh Plus, a convenient grocery store that offers fantastic local produce, locals flock to the nearby 80,000-square-foot Whole Foods flagship store.)

The neighborhood hangouts, restaurants and shops, as well as the shady, tree-lined streets and charming neighborhood parks make it easy to see why most people who own a home in Clarksville say they will never leave their beloved neighborhood.