The History of Zilker

The history of the Zilker neighborhood dates back to 1918, at which time Andrew Jackson Zilker deeded the 35 acres around Barton Springs to Austin. It wasn’t until the late 1920s, however, that the first home was actually constructed in the area. The majority of the land at the west end of the neighborhood was privately owned until the late 1940s, at which time the city used eminent domain to force the owner in order to sell the land to the city.

Things to Do in Zilker

The Zilker neighborhood is home to a number of popular restaurants and retail establishments as well as the beautiful Zilker Park. The 351 acre Zilker Park is considered to be the “heart of Austin” and features Barton Springs, which is a natural pool that is fed by the waters of Barton Creek. Here, residents can enjoy a refreshing swim or they may rent canoes or kayaks in order to explore Town Lake. A variety of special events also occur in Zilker Park on a regular basis, including the lighting of the Zilker Christmas tree, the Austin City Limits Music festival and the Barton Springs driving championship.

The Zilker Economy

Thanks to its close proximity to downtown Austin, Zilker residents are able to easily commute to the city and take advantage of all of the excellent employment opportunities the area has to offer. As might be expected for a neighborhood set amidst such a beautiful setting, homes in the Zilker neighborhood can easily cost well over $1 million. At the same time, there are plenty of homes available in the low $200,000 range as well, making there a home available in Zilker to suit nearly anyone’s budget and needs.