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Bouldin Creek

Bouldin Creek

Suburban Neighborhood in Austin, Texas

Travis County 78704
$1,150,406 Average Value
$307 Average Price per Sq Ft
1 Home For Sale

Keepin' it weird despite many changes

The popular slogan "Keep Austin Weird" truly knows no bounds, but if ever there was a community to embody that spirit, it would arguably be Bouldin Creek. Before Austin became a major tech hub, it was a sleepy college town, and by the mid 20th century neighborhoods on the south side of Lady Bird Lake, like Bouldin Creek, were known as an economical haven for artists, university students and free spirits. Sitting between two rushing creeks, the quaint but quirky neighborhood was a hilly hermitage full of cutesy cottages and locally owned businesses all within walking distance of natural escapes and cultural centers. But now that a swathe of Fortune 500 tech companies sit across the river, changes have occurred to the neighborhood's business scene and home prices, which makes Bouldin Creek harder to pin down. It isn't quite the hippy hideaway it once was, but many of the aspects that made it popular to begin with have stuck around. “It’s one of the most popular neighborhoods in the city,” says Realtor Kumara Wilcoxon of Kuper Sotheby's International. “It’s just such a special place for a lot of reasons. It’s beautiful, it’s convenient. There are great restaurants and shopping that you can walk to when you live in Bouldin Creek.”
The Bouldin Creek neighborhood is one of the oldest in the city.
The Bouldin Creek neighborhood is one of the oldest in the city.
Bouldin Creek is a popular neighborhood for families located in Austin, Texas.
Bouldin Creek is a popular neighborhood for families located in Austin, Texas.
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An ever-changing gallery of Craftsmans and postmodern designs

Developed most heavily between 1910 and 1920, Bouldin Creek is partly known for its colorful homes shrouded by pecan trees, with each one different from the last, demonstrating an all-embracing motif. There is a huge variety of home designs, eclipsing the story of Austin as a whole over the past 70 years by showcasing the remains of a once sleepy college town that became a bustling tech hub. Cutesy Craftsman-style cottages from the 1920s now sit next door to cozy midcentury modern ranchers, which sit next to sleek postmodern and international-style homes built in the last 20 years. Some homes are even custom designed by renowned regional architects like Michael Hsu and Steve Zagorski. Condos and townhouses also dabble the neighborhood, with most options built in the last 5 years and expressing modern architectural stylings. This all causes Bouldin Creek to be one of Austin's most expensive neighborhoods, with an average price per square foot of $705, even for many of the community's smaller cottages and ranchers. Condos and townhouses tend to range in price from $900,000 to $1.2 million, while single-family homes range from $800,000 to over $3 million.
The Bouldin Creek neighborhood offers many different styles of homes.
The Bouldin Creek neighborhood offers many different styles of homes.
Many homes in Bouldin Creek
have delightful front porches.
Many homes in Bouldin Creek have delightful front porches.
Newer four bedroom homes have been built in Bouldin Creek.
Newer four bedroom homes have been built in Bouldin Creek.
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Terry Blacks Barbecue, New Orleans-style cafes and local grocery stores

One of the strongest indicators of change in Bouldin Creek is in its business scene. "This area, the South Lamar corridor and the neighborhoods on both sides of it, have changed dramatically in the last few years," says Realtor Kevin Haines of Realty Austin, a city resident of over 30 years. "South Lamar is the business district that locals mostly use, and a lot of the cool old haunts have disappeared," Haines adds, referring to now-closed institutions like the Horseshoe Lounge, which have been replaced by modern shopping centers and apartment complexes along Lamar. Despite the changes, residents stay local by shopping and dining in the neighborhood, which still contains a number of beloved businesses. Terry Black's Barbecue is among Austin's most widely revered smokehouses, having won numerous awards and frequently ranking in Texas Monthly's annual list of top 50 barbecue joints around the state. Elizabeth Street Cafe is a newer business, an offshoot of the popular New Orleans brunch spot. Its menu of Vietnamese cuisine and its bakery next door attract dozens of brunch goers every weekend. Down the street, the vegetarian hangout of Bouldin Creek Cafe has long offered a more bohemian vibe in contrast to the chic, colorful interiors at Elizabeth Street Cafe. For groceries, some residents continue to shop at longstanding locally owned markets in and around the neighborhood, like the Austinite Market. But some prefer to shop at newer supermarkets nearby, like the H-E-B on South Congress Avenue.
The Continental Club offers rock, country, jazz, and blues acts nightly in Bouldin Creek.
The Continental Club offers rock, country, jazz, and blues acts nightly in Bouldin Creek.
Restaurants are plentiful in Bouldin Creek.
Restaurants are plentiful in Bouldin Creek.
Bouldin Creek Cafe is an easy favorite for residents of Bouldin Creek.
Bouldin Creek Cafe is an easy favorite for residents of Bouldin Creek.
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Long waterfront bike rides through Butler Metro Park

With its own neighborhood parks, plus Butler Metro Park and all of Austin's other riverfront parks across the street, Bouldin Creek is easily one of the most park-laden city neighborhoods. Natural escapes abound in green pockets throughout the neighborhood, like Nicholas Dawson Neighborhood Park, Mary Dawson Park and the 1-mile West Bouldin Creek Greenbelt Trail loop. Residents can ride the greenbelt to reach Butler Metro Park, where a whole host of amenities await them, including modern playgrounds, night-lit fountains, a pitching and putting green, a dog park and access to the Colorado River. The Ann and Roy Butler Hike and Bike Trail passes through Butler Metro Park along the river, offering cyclists and joggers a way to access Butler Shores at Town Lake, Zilker Metropolitan Park and all the other parks on the north shore of Lady Bird Lake.
Enjoy the fresh air at the Town Lake Metro Park in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood.
Enjoy the fresh air at the Town Lake Metro Park in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood.
Town Lake Metro Park is also known as Lady Bird Lake in Bouldin Creek.
Town Lake Metro Park is also known as Lady Bird Lake in Bouldin Creek.
Residents taking a stroll thru Town Lake Metro Park in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood.
Residents taking a stroll thru Town Lake Metro Park in the Bouldin Creek neighborhood.
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Flea markets, turkey trots and Shakespeare in the park

Bouldin Creek is positively loaded with creative and characteristically weird activities. Butler Metro Park is partly known for its recreation, but is also famous for its cultural institutions and wealth of public events. The Long Center for Performing Arts is the city's go-to setting for operas, ballets, orchestra concerts and Shakespeare productions, as well as community events like an annual Thanksgiving Day 5-mile Turkey Trot. The Dougherty Arts Center also offers a multitude of artsy events, including discussion panels with local artists. The Palmer Events Center hosts a variety of flea markets throughout the year, including the City-Wide Vintage Sale and the Big Ole Queer Market. Back in the neighborhood, the Warren Wildlife Gallery hosts an annual Fall Festival featuring vendors, family programming and live music. The Twin Oaks Library Branch also offers programming for all ages, including senior book clubs and Lego Labs for kids.

Pedestrian bridges bypass downtown commuter traffic

Directly across Lady Bird Lake from downtown, Bouldin Creek is a short ride away from major employers and downtown activity. Bordered by Lamar Boulevard and 1st Street, the neighborhood has two major thoroughfares that reach across the lake into downtown, although traffic can be heavy during peak commuting hours and at midday. Interstate 35 is also a little over a mile east, offering a way to bypass downtown for locales further north. To get around the neighborhood, some residents rely on CapMetro buses. Some also walk using the neighborhood's sidewalks, or bike using separated lanes, although the neighborhood's hills deter some.
Bouldin Creek sits just south of Austin's thriving downtown districts.
Bouldin Creek sits just south of Austin's thriving downtown districts.
A walk through the Bouldin Creek neighborhood is time well spent.
A walk through the Bouldin Creek neighborhood is time well spent.
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Garden plots and chicken coops at Becker Elementary

Students in Bouldin Creek begin school at Becker Elementary, which has an A rating from Niche and affords students a chance at green thumbing with chicken coops out back and a garden plot for each classroom. The next step is Lively Middle School, which has a B rating and offers a magnet academy for humanities, law and international studies. The last step is Travis Early College High School, rated B-minus. Through a partnership with Austin Community College, Travis Early College High students can earn early college credits and can even graduate with an associate's degree already under their belt.
Austin High School, a historic and prestigious public high school in Austin, Texas.
Austin High School, a historic and prestigious public high school in Austin, Texas.
Students from Mt. Bonnell and Westfield can attend O Henry Middle School.
Students from Mt. Bonnell and Westfield can attend O Henry Middle School.
Becker Elementary exists to create and engage all students in a joyful and inclusive learning.
Becker Elementary exists to create and engage all students in a joyful and inclusive learning.
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Things to consider

With the neighborhood situated between two rushing tributaries to Lady Bird Lake, the neighborhood is very prone to flooding. Flood zones surround the neighborhood, with the most hazardous areas being along East and West Bouldin Creek and along the neighborhood's share of Barton Springs Road. Many homeowners have flood insurance as a precaution. The neighborhood also contends with an above average crime rate. The CAP Index Score for Bouldin Creek is two points higher than the national average, but mostly for nonviolent crimes, and the overall crime remains lower in Bouldin Creek than in most downtown neighborhoods.
Tom Jakob
Written By
Tom Jakob
Alex Gray
Photography Contributed By
Alex Gray
Tyler Newbold
Video By
Tyler Newbold

Agents Specializing in this Area

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Schools

Source:
GreatSchools: The GreatSchools Rating helps parents compare schools within a state based on a variety of school quality indicators and provides a helpful picture of how effectively each school serves all of its students. Ratings are on a scale of 1 (below average) to 10 (above average) and can include test scores, college readiness, academic progress, advanced courses, equity, discipline and attendance data. We also advise parents to visit schools, consider other information on school performance and programs, and consider family needs as part of the school selection process. View GreatSchools Rating Methodology

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jennifer Lamm, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Parks in this Area

Transit

Airport

Austin-Bergstrom International

24 min drive

Bus

1514 Bouldin & Monroe

Bus

1006 Bouldin & Columbus

Bus

1401 Bouldin & Elizabeth

Bus

2324 S 1st & Oltorf

Bus

1214 S 1st & Gibson

Bus

1816 S 5th & Mary

Bus

501 Bouldin & Barton Springs

Crime and Safety

1 - Low Crime, 10 - High Crime Bouldin Creek US
Homicide 3 4
Sexual Assault 4 4
Assault with Weapon 3 4
Robbery 5 4
Burglary 8 4
Motor Vehicle Theft 8 4
Larceny 9 4
Crime Score 6 4

Source: WhatIsMyCrimeRisk.com

Bouldin Creek Demographics and Home Trends

Housing Trends

Median List Price
$399,900
Median Sale Price
$380,000
Median Single Family Sale Price
$380,000
Median Townhouse Sale Price
$254,000
Median Change From 1st List Price
0%
Last 12 months Home Sales
36
Median Home Sale Price YoY Change
14%
Average Price Per Sq Ft
$307

Neighborhood Facts

Number of Homes in Neighborhood
1,278
Number of Homes for Sale
1
Median Year Built
1957
Months of Supply
0.30
Average Single Family Home Size Sq Ft
1,718
Below the national average
1,924
Average Townhouse Size Sq Ft
1,483
Average 2 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
1,324
Average 1 Bedroom Size Sq Ft
823
Median Lot Size Sq Ft
5,662

Open Houses

  • Saturday, Aug 2
    1 - 4pm

    913 Christopher St, Austin, TX 78704

    $1,500,000

    • 4 Beds
    • 3 Baths
    • 2,352 Sq Ft
    • 913 Christopher St
    • New 18 days ago

    Nestled on a corner lot under a canopy of mature trees, 913 Christopher Street delivers the rare combination of thoughtful design, prime location, and true livability in the heart of ultra-desirable Bouldin Creek. Fully remodeled with a significant addition in 2015, this 4-bedroom, 3-bath home offers an open and airy floor plan with high-end finishes and energy-conscious updates throughout. The

    Agent Photo
    Cody Julian
    Compass RE Texas, LLC
    (737) 259-4840
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  • Sunday, Aug 3
    2 - 4pm

    902 W Live Oak St, Austin, TX 78704

    $1,490,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 2.5 Baths
    • 2,225 Sq Ft
    • 902 W Live Oak St

    SELLERS ARE MOTIVATED! This Bouldin Creek modern home is both gorgeous and environmentally friendly featuring hardwood floors, mill wood chip stairs, and phenomenal architecture. Thoughtfully renovated in 2021, the home features an open floor plan with a dream kitchen including Thermador appliances, quartz countertops, solid wood cabinets, designated dining area and a living area with glass

    Heather Witbeck Compass RE Texas, LLC

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  • Wednesday, Jul 30
    4 - 6pm

    1700 S 6th St, Austin, TX 78704

    $3,099,000

    • 3 Beds
    • 4 Baths
    • 3,266 Sq Ft
    • 1700 S 6th St

    Welcome to 1700 S 6th St., a thoughtfully curated modern farmhouse in one of Austin’s most beloved neighborhoods. Designed and built at the leading edge of the white siding movement, this one-of-a-kind residence stands apart with its authentic materials, architectural vision, and deep attention to detail. Featured in Houzz, Crate & Barrel, Loft Home, and Spectacular Women of Architecture, this

    Trey Phillips Moreland Properties

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Distribution of Home Values

Source: Public Records

Homes for Sale

Homes for Rent

Interested in learning more about homes in this area? Reach out to Jennifer Lamm, an experienced agent in this neighborhood.

Average Home Value





Source: Public Records

Property Mix - Square Feet

This Neighborhood Has More Renters

Demographics

Total Population
4,242
Median Age
39
Population Density
9 ppl/acre
Population under 18
18.8%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
10.3%
Below the national average
19.1%

Finances

Median Household Income
$108,389
Significantly above the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$142,807

Education and Workforce

High School Graduates
94.8%
College Graduates
70.2%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
24.7%
% Population in Labor Force
80.8%
Above the national average
65.1%

Weather

Annual Precipitation
37''
Average Winter Low Temperature
42°F
Average Summer High Temperature
97°F
Annual Snowfall
0''

Area Factors

Very Bikeable

Bike Score®

74 / 100

Very Walkable

Walk Score®

81 / 100

Good Transit

Transit Score®

56 / 100
Source: Walk Score
Source: Walk Score

Sound Score® measures the noise level of any address. Transit Score® measures access to public transit. Bike Score® measures the bikeability of any address.

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Disclaimer: Certain information contained herein is derived from information provided by parties other than Homes.com. Our sources include: Accuweather, Public Records and Neustar. All information provided is deemed reliable, but is not guaranteed to be accurate and should be independently verified.
NEIGHBORHOOD
Bouldin Creek