Welcome to Northwest Hills
Established neighborhood with great Hill Country sceneryNorthwest Hills is an established suburban neighborhood characterized by rolling knolls. The neighborhood is also sometimes referred to as Far West for its main commercial strip along Far West Boulevard, which forms Northwest Hills’ northeastern border. Northwest Hills is peaceful and predominantly residential while being within easy reach of northwest Austin’s shopping, dining, and high-tech employers. Highway 360 to the west and the MoPac Expressway to the east are both easily accessible.
The development of Northwest Hills began in the 1950s. Most homes were constructed during the ‘60s, ‘70s, and ‘80s, with extensive remodeling and refurbishment bringing them up-to-date in the decades since. Others have been torn down completely and replaced with stylish contemporary custom-builds. The most common home styles here include Colonials, California ranches, and Tuscan villas. There are also modern apartment complexes such as the Bridge offering a refined, resort-like lifestyle.
What to Love
- Peaceful residential streets
- Highway access
- Diverse real estate
- Family-focused community
- Hill Country views
- Open space
People & Lifestyle
Northwest Hills is a family-focused community, with many having lived in the neighborhood for generations. It combines the convenience of city access with a closeness to nature, as many properties back onto canyons or have well-maintained yards taking in captivating Texas Hill Country views. Northwest Hills is also home to Austin’s largest Jewish population, and a 40-acre Jewish cultural complex includes schools, synagogues, and community organizations.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
Businesses along Far West Boulevard include branches of Starbucks and Austin’s popular local Epoch Coffee chain, recognizable national retailers and services, and a variety of local independent boutiques. Dining highlights within the neighborhood include a great barbecue at The County Line and delicious cakes, treats, and coffees at Russell’s Bakery. Northwest Hills is also home to Austin Galleries, which offers art appraisals and sells artwork dating back to the 19th century.
Things To Do
Northwest Hills is surrounded by open space, hiking trails, verdant greenery, and water. Mount Bonnell has been attracting tourists since the 1850s, as the hiking trails ascending to its summit at 775 feet above sea level take in majestic views over Lake Austin, the city, and the surrounding Texas Hill Country. Bull Creek meanders west of Northwest Hills before joining the Colorado River to the neighborhood’s south. The banks of this 11-mile creek are lined with beautiful green space and scenic viewpoints, including the 40-acre Bull Creek District Park. The heavily-forested wilderness of the Shinoak Valley Greenbelt is located within Northwest Hills, and several of its residential streets feature homes backing out directly onto it.
Schools
Northwest Hills is zoned to the Round Rock Independent School District. Highlights include:
- Laurel Mountain Elementary, Public, K-5
- Kathy Caraway Elementary, Public, PK-6
- Hill Elementary, Public, PK-5
- Canyon Vista Middle, Public, 6-8
- Anderson High School, Public, 9-12
