Shady Hollow: An Active Community in a Park-Like Setting
Shady Hollow is a long-established neighborhood that lives up to its name. Before the first home was ever built, developers made it a point to protect old growth trees and thousands more have been planted, creating a park-like setting extending throughout the community and into every yard. With protected natural areas for creek flows and several parks, deer, rabbits, a wide variety of birds and an occasional fox can sometimes be seen within the natural greenbelt along Slaughter Creek.
25 minutes southwest of downtown and about 30 minutes from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, Shady Hollow is just outside Austin’s city limits, so residents enjoy lower taxes than neighbors just a mile away.
Development in Shady Hollow dates back to the 1970s and continued through 2010. Homes in this area include a wide range of styles and sizes, from smaller ranch homes to large estates. Many of the older homes have been updated and improved with modern design features.
The active neighborhood association brings homeowners together, lending Shady Hollow a small town atmosphere where neighbors know each other’s names. “New residents are pleasantly surprised because people still stop and greet you here,” says Darin Laracuente, the homeowner association general manager. “People like to get to know neighbors. In a nutshell, it’s a mature, beloved, close-knit, friendly community where everyone knows and likes their neighbors. It’s a great place to live.”
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Contact VincentOutdoor Recreation and More
Homeowners in Shady Hollow enjoy a multitude of recreational amenities, including 4 beautiful parks situated throughout the community. Capistrano Pool and Park is located on the west side of the neighborhood and is home to the community swimming pool, a wading pool for small children, tennis courts, basketball courts, two playgrounds and outdoor grills, all under the canopy of the beautiful mature trees that Shady Hollow is known for.
The community swim team, the Shady Hollow Stingrays, is part of the Capital City Summer League Swim Club. In 2014, the Stingrays celebrated 30 years of competitive swimming. The community also hosts tennis tournaments throughout the year.
Across Brodie Lane, you’ll find Shady Hollow’s Doe Run Park, which features the David C. Ellis Community Center. The community center is available to homeowners for meetings, parties, banquets, or even weddings. On the grounds, you’ll find basketball courts, tennis courts, and a playground. The community center is the hub of the neighborhood and many social activities take place.
Gatling Gun Park is home to the community’s soccer and baseball fields, hike-and-bike trails, and on-site grills for your next barbeque. Shady Hollow West Park offers several nature trails to explore the natural surroundings and a playground for the kids.
“Events and organizations, like the Boy Scouts, gardening club, and the Kiwanis Club’s pancake breakfasts at the community center create a real friendly and close sense of community,” says Peggy Rusk, a mom relaxing at the community pool. Sitting nearby, Peggy’s friend Laura Morales agrees. “I love how Shady Hollow neighbors become close, through Shady Hollow social events like the Fourth of July parade, Easter egg hunt, and Halloween haunted house,” says Laura.
Highly Rated Schools and Too Many Stores and Restaurants to Mention
Although you’d never guess from the neighborhood’s lush natural surroundings, there are over 450 stores and restaurants within a 10-minute drive of Shady Hollow. Just about any shopping or dining experience imaginable is within easy reach.
Homeowners are also attracted to the neighborhood’s outstanding and convenient schools. In fact, Shady Hollow’s public schools are some of the most highly ranked schools in the district. Baranoff Elementary School was awarded an “Exemplary” rating from the Texas Education Agency (TEA), while Bailey Middle School and Bowie High School were both awarded the well-regarded “Recognized” rating. Baranoff Elementary and Bailey Middle Schools are both conveniently located within Shady Hollow. Bowie High School is just minutes away on Slaughter Lane.
“It Just Feels Like Home”
Residents in the shaded, wooded paradise of Shady Hollow enjoy rich, active lives with an abundance of convenience and natural beauty. The majestic trees temper Austin’s summer heat, and backyard and park barbeques bring neighbors together to relax in laid-back comfort and friendship. Metropolitan Austin’s nearby amenities and cultural activities are also appealing, while the neighborhood itself continues to feel like a warm, small-town community.
“Growing up in Shady Hollow was great,” says Cathleen Wenger, who spent much of her childhood there. When deciding to purchase their first home, Cathleen and her husband knew they wanted to buy a home in the community. “I love the well-built houses with plenty of character and huge yards with canopies of big beautiful trees. It just feels like home to me.”
