The History of Barton Hills

The history of Barton Hills dates back to 1837, when William “Uncle Billy” Barton set up his homestead in the area. Although he named the natural springs he found in the area after his daughters, it was his surname that stuck. Today, many roads, springs and neighborhoods in the area bear his name. It took more than 100 years, however, for the Barton Hills neighborhood to begin development. In fact, the area didn’t really get noticed until it was featured in the Austin’s Parade of Homes event in 1956. Today, most of the homes in the neighborhood were built in the 1970s and 80s, though some older and some newer homes can be found in the area.

Things to Do in Barton Hills

Although there are only a few cafes and stores in the immediate area, numerous commercial centers can be found within a short drive from Barton Hills. Driving south on Lamar will lead residents to a number of shopping centers. In addition, Barton Hills is only minutes away from downtown Austin, where residents can enjoy a number of dining, shopping and recreational opportunities.

Barton Hills is also located close to a number of natural wonders, including the nearby Barton Springs Pool. As the fourth largest natural spring in all of Texas, Barton Springs Pool offers residents with a place to go for a cool swim. The 358 acre Zilker Park is also a short walk away from the neighborhood.

The Barton Hills Economy

Although it is an older neighborhood, with many of its homes having been constructed in the 70s and 80s, Barton Hills still features numerous high-end, luxury homes that are valued at over $1 million. At the same time, houses can be found in the neighborhood within the $200,000 range, making it possible to find a home to suit nearly any budget. In addition, Barton Hills is located within a short driving distance from downtown Austin, which provides it residents with plenty of employment opportunities to explore.