Balcones Park Real Estate: Luxury Living with Spectacular Views
Nestled within the serene hills of West Austin, Balcones Park is a prestigious neighborhood and one of Austin’s most desirable communities. Many hillside properties offer a premium view of the nearby downtown Austin skyline and the sparkling tranquility of Lake Austin. With several parks and nature preserves in the area, Balcones Park is a haven for active residents who enjoy the great outdoors and spectacular views.
“It’s so easy to stay active here,” says Sarah Vickers, a freelance web designer who works from home. She moved here in 2007 and says that the recreational spots really help her relax. “There’s so much around here to explore and such variety. I can go hiking on Mt. Bonnell, go swimming in Lake Austin, or play any sport at one of the local parks.”
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Contact MaureenA Perfect Combination of Privacy and Convenience
While the neighborhood is within just a few minutes of a wide variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options, when locals crave the glitter and lively energy of downtown Austin, they’re less than 15 minutes away. For vacations or work travel, the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport can be reached in about 20 minutes.
Development of Balcones Park began in 1952 and continues today. Because of the neighborhood’s extreme popularity, teardowns and rebuilds are not uncommon as smaller, older homes are sold, only to be replaced with new multi-million dollar custom-built luxury estates.
In addition to the neighborhood’s other attractions, both elementary schools serving the community — Casis Elementary and Highland Park Elementary School — have earned the vaunted “Exemplary” ranking from the Texas Education Agency.
Although the luxurious homes are very private, the neighborhood is very social and active. “I see my neighbors a lot,” Sarah says. “We’re all active people, so we always run into each other on the hiking trail or at the neighborhood diner. We are all great friends and stay very close.” On weekends, residents organize movie nights and ball games at the local parks, and the local neighborhood association always has events and activities planned.
“It’s the friendliest neighborhood I’ve ever lived in,” Sarah says. “People tend to move here and stay friends for life.”
“It’s Like Having a National Park in my Backyard”
On a bright, sunny Austin day, a small group of nature enthusiasts make their way through the trails of Bright Leaf Preserve, Austin’s largest natural area, which is located at the northwest corner of the neighborhood. Led by Evan Amon, a Preserve volunteer, the group stops to take in the lush scenery and fresh air as Amon discusses the wildlife, pointing out rare wildflowers along the wooded path.
Suddenly, Evan spots a small black and white bird with a bright yellow head on a low bush. The group clamors excitedly in a hushed whisper — they are lucky enough to have caught a glimpse of the Golden Cheeked Warbler, an endangered species indigenous to Central Texas. Without missing a beat, James Lodoss, an engineering lead at AMD, captures the exceptionally rare moment with his camera.
“The Preserve is absolutely Austin’s best-kept secret,” James says. “Most people have been to Mt. Bonnell, but very few have heard of this place. They’re truly missing out on the best of Texas nature.”
Because guided tours are the only way to enter the preserve, it’s much less crowded than similar trails in Austin. James has been a Balcones Park resident for about three years, and this is his second visit to Bright Leaf Preserve. “It’s a beautiful hike, not too strenuous, and there’s lots of shade,” James says. His camera is filled with pictures of wildlife, as well as some great views of the Westlake hills and Lake Austin. “It’s like having a national park in my backyard. It definitely makes me proud to be in Texas.”
A Vacation — At Home
With an enviable selection of dining and shopping options nearby, as well as some of Austin’s best schools, Balcones Park residents get to enjoy all the best Austin has to offer, along with tranquility and natural scenery that can’t be found anywhere else.
“This neighborhood really has it all,” says Chereen Fisher, an event organizer for Planview Inc., and one of the event managers for the Balcones Area Neighborhood Association. “It’s got friendly neighbors, a great location and all the natural beauty of Austin.”
After dinner, the Fisher family enjoys a quick hike up Mt. Bonnell before it gets dark. Completing their short climb up the rock slab stairs to reach the peak, the three settle down for their reward: a stunning view of downtown Austin and the cliffs along the Colorado River, as the brilliant orange sun slowly dips below the shimmering Lake Austin horizon.
“Most people probably only see this kind of beauty at a vacation spot,” Chereen laughs. “I call it home.”
