Unbeknownst to many people, the cottonwood tree has a special significance in Texas lore. The tree’s name in Spanish is álamo de Virginia, which lent its name to a particular chapel in San Antonio that was surrounded by groves of cottonwood trees. To this day, the name of the Alamo is lodged in the memory of every self-respecting Texan. The tree also served as the inspiration for the name of the Cottonwood neighborhood in Hutto, an area tucked into the northeast corner of the intersection of Highways 130 and 79, about 30 miles north of downtown Austin. “Convenience is one of the primary attractions of the neighborhood,” says Realtor and Hutto resident Kimberly Dale, who has been representing transactions in the area for more than a decade. “It’s so easy to get on the highway to go to Austin, which is where most people who live here work. You literally have quick access to everything.” That includes easy access to any of the neighborhood’s multiple parks and other amenities, as well as to the nearby Baylor Scott and White Medical Center in Taylor, which is less than 15 minutes away by car.
Hutto Elementary School has met the standard rating and is located in the Cottonwood community.
Hutto's downtown is full of unique shops and restaurants in Cottonwood.
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Affordable homes near the Austin area
The median price of real estate in Cottonwood is about $390,000, and buyers should expect to pay an average of $200 per square foot. Both of those amounts are far below what buyers in Austin should expect to pay, and that affordability is another attractive feature, according to Dale. “Price points are a huge draw for people who are moving here,” says Dale. “I am seeing a lot of families moving here from Austin, especially people who work in the tech industry. They love their jobs but want to live outside the city and not have a terrible commute." A cozy two-bedroom/one-bathroom bungalow can sell for $237,000, and a spacious four-bedroom/four-bathroom farmhouse-style home can sell for $850,000.
The City of Cottonwood is a great place to live, work, play, and develop.
Homes in Hutto Town Square are set back on large lots with sidewalks in front.
Durango Farms offers 8 different two story homes.
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Highly rated Hutto Independent Schools
Cottonwood is districted to the Hutto Independent School District, which earns a B rating from Niche. Students in the neighborhood can attend Cottonwood Creek Elementary, Hutto Middle and Hutto High School. Cottonwood Creek earns a B from Niche, Hutto Middle earns a B-minus and Hutto High School earns a B-plus. Students at Hutto High School can participate in any of over 30 school-sponsored clubs, and they have the opportunity to play more than 20 varsity-level sports. Alternatively, parents can avail themselves of several private schools in the area, including St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, which is rated as the best private school in the Austin area by Niche.
Hutto High School is classified as a 6A school by the UIL in the Cottonwood neighborhood.
Hutto Middle School serves students in grades 6th through 7th in Cottonwood.
Cottonwood Creek Elementary is located in the Cottonwood neighborhood.
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Home repair and hot apple pie
When it’s time to stock up on groceries, neighborhood residents head to Hutto Grocery Store, less than a mile south of the neighborhood. Both Home Depot and Lowe’s are in the neighborhood, making it easy for residents to get their home essentials. Walmart Supercenter is located about four miles west of the neighborhood for other shopping needs. When it’s time to dine out, the Texan Café and Pie Shop is a favorite destination for classic American fare and homemade pie.
The Hutto General Store features specialty gifts and Hutto town swag in Cottonwood.
Just a cozy little cafe with a growing reputation for home cooking in Cottonwood.
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Indoor and outdoor recreation
For outdoor recreation, residents of Cottonwood have multiple parks to choose from, including Fritz Park, which features a playground, a basketball court, a horseshoe pit, tennis courts and a walking trail, all spread out over 33 acres. For those who prefer their recreation to be indoors, Patriot Sports and Fitness is located in the northern section of the neighborhood, offering personal training, group classes and fitness machines. But arguably the most popular outdoor attraction in Cottonwood – and probably in all of Hutto – is the statue of Henrietta the Hippo, the unofficial mascot of Hutto (and the official mascot of Hutto High School). While a hippo might seem an odd choice for a small Central Texas town, there’s a story here. In fact, there are several stories. The most popular version involves a traveling circus that stopped in Hutto in 1915, and a hippo took the opportunity to escape from the train that was carrying her. The ensuing chaos shut down rail service throughout the state while the hippo was lured back onto the train, a process that took several hours. Today, visitors flock to see the statue of Henrietta and have their picture taken with her on East Street.
Welcome to Fritz Park located in the Cottonwood neighborhood.
Local legend says that a hippo escaped from a circus train that stopped in Hutto in 1915.
Many people head over to Fritz Park for a jog on the trail.
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
On average, homes in Cottonwood, Hutto sell after 58 days on the market compared to the national average of 52 days. The median sale price for homes in Cottonwood, Hutto over the last 12 months is $343,000, down 10% from the median home sale price over the previous 12 months.
This beautifully finished 2022 Ashton Woods Cartwright floor plan combines thoughtful design with premium upgrades. The open-concept layout features 9' ceilings, Crushed Ice interior paint, and durable Willowcrest Plus luxury vinyl plank flooring, creating a bright, modern feel throughout. The kitchen stands out with 42" cabinetry, quartz island, Artigiano herringbone backsplash, McAllister
This beautiful single-family home is move-in ready and brimming with charm, offering no HOA and an unbeatable location.Step inside to a spacious, open floor plan featuring a formal dining room, breakfast area, and a versatile studio—perfect for a home office or creative space. The kitchen is truly the heart of the home, with a large island, extended peninsula bar, tray ceiling, and
Dream Home Alert! Built by the renowned Coventry Homes in 2021, this stunning residence in Hutto Town Square comes with the added peace of mind of a builder’s warranty through 2032. Large windows fill every area with natural light, while the open concept kitchen, dining, and family room flow seamlessly on this highly desirable floor plan. This like-new house features your master retreat, office
Backyard oasis in Hutto! This 4-bedroom, 2-bath home features an open-concept layout filled with natural light. The spacious kitchen with quartz countertops, tile backsplash, large island and stainless steel appliances flows seamlessly into the living and dining areas. Primary en-suite features spa inspired bathroom w/dual vanities, oversized walk-in shower and two walk-in closets. The home also
Lovely corner lot with 4/2 split floor plan. Entire interior remodel. New luxury vinyl flooring and carpet in bedrooms. Crisp, clean kitchen with stainless appliances, quartz countertops and beautiful cabinetry. Bathrooms have been updated with new lighting, vanities, mirrors and paint. Large backyard is ready for a playscape or trampoline, garden and more! Immediate availability. Great location,
Rare opportunity on this modern smart home in Hutto, built in 2022 and offering just over 2,000 sq. ft. of flexible living space. Features include 4 bedrooms, 3 full baths, and a possible 5th bedroom option (adding a door to the office space) perfect for guests, a home office, or multigenerational living. The open layout flows into a gas chef’s kitchen with sleek finishes, while smart home
Don’t miss this spacious 4-bedroom home located in one of Hutto’s most sought-after neighborhoods. Featuring an open floor plan, generous living spaces, and a functional layout perfect for families or entertaining. Conveniently located near schools, shopping, and major highways—this home offers both comfort and convenience. A must-see!
Lovely corner lot with 4/2 split floor plan. Entire interior remodel. New luxury vinyl flooring and carpet in bedrooms. Crisp, clean kitchen with stainless appliances, quartz countertops and beautiful cabinetry. Bathrooms have been updated with new lighting, vanities, mirrors and paint. Large backyard is ready for a playscape or trampoline, garden and more! Immediate availability. Great location,
Welcome to Resia Hutto Square, where spaciousness meets invitation in our thoughtfully designed apartments. Every detail has been carefully considered to create a living space that feels both expansive and warm. Built-in shelves provide a stylish and functional storage solution, ensuring you have ample space to display your favorite decor or store cherished belongings. Step into the modern
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