A distinguished and historic corner of early Austin
Judges Hill is a deeply established neighborhood right off of downtown, and although it might not be a designated historic district, its story is nonetheless inseparable from Austin's early history. As the Judges Hill Neighborhood Association notes, it remains the last primarily residential neighborhood in downtown Austin. But long before the modern era, “Judges Hill was one of the first cohesive neighborhoods outside of the original 14 block, 1 sq. mile survey of Austin by Edwin Waller in 1839,” says Austin historian Phoebe Allen. “When I walk through Judges Hill and look at the homes, I feel as if I am walking with those early residents.” Lawyers, attorneys and, of course, judges were among the community’s earliest inhabitants, who each day descended the hill to the Texas State Capitol Building. The neighborhood would later become home to other prominent Texans by the time of the 20th century. Today, residents of all backgrounds have the advantage of living in an architecturally distinguished pocket community with a spacious park next door and downtown activity a few blocks east.
Judges Hill has many Colonial style homes surrounded by matured oaks.
The proximity to downtown from Judges Hill is only a few blocks.
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Picturesque and classical homes on the National Register of Historic Places
The streets of Judges Hill mostly follow a grid pattern, with some narrow passageways reflecting the neighborhood’s pre-automobile history. Some of the historic homes in Judges Hill are among Austin’s oldest, built shortly after Texas achieved statehood. Others were completed during the early 20th century. Many are designated historic landmarks, and some are even listed on the National Register of Historic Places. There have even been past efforts to designate the whole neighborhood as a historic district. Though some structures have been converted into offices or inns, plenty remain as private residences. Architectural styles include an array of Greek and Colonial Revivals, Tudor-styles, Queen Annes, and Prairie-style American Foursquares. Because of the diversity of homes represented in Judges Hill, prices vary widely. Most homes sell for between $500,000 and $1 million, but others sell for above $3.5 million. Some newer condos have helped bring down pricing options to a more modest range of $275,000 to $600,000.
Judges Hill is a Historic Texas Neighborhood.
There are also one story bungalow-style homes in Judges Hill.
Historic homes are plentiful throughout Judges Hill.
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Leisurely bike rides through Pease District Park
Pease District Park sits across Lamar Boulevard from the neighborhood and is the primary outdoor escape for residents of Judges Hill, if not all of its surrounding neighborhoods. Many residents go there to play a game of sand volleyball, cool off in the splashpad or pay a visit to Malin the Troll, an 18-foot-tall troll sculpture made of recycled wood that is often used as a jungle gym. Others go there to take a ride on the Shoal Creek Greenbelt Trail through a shady grove of live oak trees, and many Austinites even use the trail to make trips across the city. "It's really interesting that people can get on that trail, and they can go to all the downtown events, or they can go to the lake and just have a bike ride," says executive director for the Shoal Creek Conservancy Ivey Kaiser. "They can go to the farmers market downtown, or they can take their kids to school, which we see a lot of people do with cargo bikes."
Sit and relax while taking in the sun next to Shoal Creek.
Active living is easy in Judges Hill.
The Shoal Creek Greenbelt is the perfect place to relax.
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History tours, neighborhood cleanups and Eeyore's Birthday
Pease Park is the site of the annual Eeyore's Birthday celebration, a not-so-ho-hum party that began as a small picnic for students at the University of Texas at Austin the week before final exams start. Although the event celebrates a famously pessimistic cartoon character created by A. A. Milne, the event is more importantly a fundraiser for local non-profits that features live music, food vendors and a variety of kid-friendly activities like arts and crafts. The spectacle and its traditions, like a maypole dance, make it among the most important citywide events to lend Austin its characteristically "weird" reputation. For something a bit less raucous, the Judges Hill Neighborhood Association holds events such as receptions for new members, neighborhood picnics and an annual spring cleaning event. Sometimes, the historic homes of Judges Hill will even be open for tours organized by Preservation Austin.
Cajun classics from Shoal Creek Saloon
With downtown a short hike away, residents have ample options for entertainment and shopping. Groceries, convenience stores and restaurants, whether local or national chains, are within walking distance of many homes, including a Target and Orange Market less than half a mile away from Judges Hill. While the neighborhood isn't exactly a culinary hotspot, residents still find eating options just east and south of Judges Hill. Clay Pit Contemporary Indian Cuisine offers traditional and inventive spins on spicy and savory Indian recipes like tandoori chicken, as well as a wine menu with more than 100 selections. Meanwhile, crawfish boils, fried catfish and other Cajun dishes at the Shoal Creek Saloon remain a popular casual option.
The Clay Pit Indian cuisine is located on Guadalupe Street in the heart of Judges Hill.
Shop at the Orange Market near campus for the quick necessities.
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Texas' oldest high school offers STEM programs
Neighborhood students begin school as Casis Elementary, which has an A rating from Niche and offers class sizes that are smaller than the national average of 17 students per teacher. The next step is O. Henry Middle School, which is rated A-minus. For their last four years of school, students attend Austin High School, an A-rated school that is the oldest public high school in Texas and is a member of the national STEM program Project Lead The Way.
Bryker Woods Elementary School: Nurturing minds and shaping futures.
Uncover a world of learning at Austin High School, a beacon of education.
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A walkable neighborhood with bus lines and highways
The neighborhood sits between two major east-west downtown thoroughfares – Martin Luther King Jr Boulevard and 15th Street. Both streets connect also with Lamar Boulevard west of the neighborhood for north-south trips. Although Austin is largely a car-dependent city, Judges Hill provides a few alternatives, such as sidewalks for pedestrians.
15th street is the southern border of Judges Hill. Just south is House Park, a sports stadium.
Shoal Creek and the Shoal Creek Greenbelt run just past Judges Hill.
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Things to consider
Like all of Austin's waterways, Shoal Creek is prone to flash flooding. A special hazard flood zone abuts the neighborhood's west, and recent examples from 2015 and 2022 demonstrating how destructive these floods can be. But the neighborhood has a higher elevation than most of its surroundings, largely protecting it from major floods. Furthermore, most homes are not within the flood zone, except for some along Shoal Creek Boulevard. The neighborhood also has a higher than average CAP Index Score of 8, mostly due to nearby student activity and higher rates of nonviolent crimes, like car break ins.
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Tucked behind lush greenery and a private street-facing wall in prestigious Judges Hill, this architect-designed sanctuary is a masterclass in quiet luxury and refined modernism.Designed and hand-built by renowned architect and custom builder Blake Dollahite, who has been previously featured in Dwell magazine, this bespoke home offers a rare blend of architectural integrity, minimalist
Situated in the heart of Austin’s historic Judge’s Hill neighborhood, this fully renovated triplex offers a rare opportunity for investors, preservationists, or those seeking multi-unit living just minutes from downtown. Originally built in 1935 by Walter E. Long using bricks salvaged from UT’s “Old Main” building, the property blends historic character with modern updates and strong income
**Showings begin May 12. The property is currently tenant-occupied through the end of July. While the listing is active now, closing and possession can take place beginning in August. Please contact the listing agent to schedule a showing***Gorgeous and spacious 3-bedroom, 2.5-bath townhome with an attached 2-car garage, ideally located just steps from UT and Downtown Austin. This rare end-unit
Lantana Apartments are an alternate option in the southern edge of West Campus. Lantana is technically located in the Downtown Austin zip code of 78701. A popular location for anyone wanting to be near everything, while not being in the heart of West Campus. Lantana provides one to three bedroom floor plans for lease. You will be right next to several fast-food restaurants on MLK. Latana
Great central location. 3 bedroom 3 1/2 bath - 2 car garage. Chestnut Place Condominium. Stainless steel appliances, Central heat and air system. Crown molding, vaulted ceilings, skylights. Open floor plan with lots of light. Hardwood floors downstairs, new carpet upstairs. Private courtyard off of living room and downstairs master bathroom. Easy access to downtown Austin in historic area.
Interested in learning more about homes in this area?
Reach out to
Joe Schleis,
an experienced agent in this neighborhood.
Average Home Value
Source: Public Records
Property Mix - Square Feet
This Neighborhood Has More Renters
Demographics
Total Population
410
Median Age
34
Population Density
7 ppl/acre
Population under 18
13.4%
Below the national average
23.8%
Population over 65
14.6%
On par with the national average
19.1%
Finances
Median Household Income
$72,499
On par with the national average
$71,702
Average Household Income
$110,273
Education and Workforce
High School Graduates
99%
College Graduates
86.2%
Significantly above the national average
34.1%
Advanced Degrees
37.2%
Above the national average
13.3%
% Population in Labor Force
67.9%
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®
80/ 100
Very Walkable
Walk Score®
89/ 100
Good Transit
Transit Score®
64/ 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.
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.
