The Beverly Hills of Austin
Situated on the banks of the Colorado River and surrounded by natural amenities, Rollingwood is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in the Austin area. The millionaires of Silicon Hills flock to Rollingwood for its proximity to the city, award-winning schools, ample space for custom-made homes and one of the lowest municipal tax rates in the state of Texas, according to Crystal Olenbush, a resident and Realtor with Austin Real Estate. “I call it the Beverly Hills of Austin because it’s so close to the city and pretty dense for the cost per square foot,” she says. “You have the walkability of getting to the music festivals and the various festivals at Zilker Park. You can get almost anywhere within 15 minutes. Within a couple of miles or less you kind of have anything and everything you would need.”
Sold-out football games and an award-winning school system
One of Rollingwood’s major draws is the Eanes Independent School District, the No. 1 best public school district in the state, according to Niche. Kids can start at Eanes Elementary School before heading to Hill Country Middle School, both of which receive an A-plus from Niche. Teens can go to Westlake High School, another A-plus school and the No. 2 best public high school in the Austin area, according to Niche. The high school is renowned for its football program, which has a record of winning state championships and produced NFL greats like Nick Foles, Drew Brees, Justin Tucker and Sam Ehlinger. “The community goes to all of the football games,” Olenbush notes. Some of Austin’s best private schools are also in the Rollingwood area.
Sophisticated mansions of all shapes and sizes
Homes in the area cater to Austin’s growing millionaire population. Modern mansions, custom-built chateaus and sprawling estates in gated communities dot the hills of Rollingwood. Some homes sit on heavily wooded lots or the Colorado River, while others have views of the city skyline. Homeowners seek some of Austin’s best architects to construct homes that highlight Rollingwood’s idyllic beauty with glass walls, rooftop terraces, natural materials and floor-to-ceiling windows that open to elegant patios and pools. Homes range in price from about $2.75 million for revamped ranches to more than $10 million for contemporary custom-built mansions. Olenbush says potential home builders can expect to pay at least $2.5 million for empty lots ready to be developed. “The lowest tax rate in the city is located in the Rollingwood and West Lake Hills area, so even though the prices are higher the tax rate is lower than most areas,” she adds.
Close to Zilker Park and country clubs
Rollingwood straddles Zilker Park, Austin’s prized urban park and the site of concerts, community events and festivals like the Austin City Limits music festival. Locals enjoy picnicking on the vast green space with views of the city skyline, playing on the disc golf course, visiting the Zilker Botanical Garden and swimming at Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed pool that averages 68 degrees year-round. Rollingwood Park is a neighborhood treasure at the heart of the community where kids can play on the playscape, jog on one of the park’s trails and enjoy picnics at the pavilion. At the upper portion of the park, also known as Hatley Park, residents cheer on youth sports leagues on pristine playing fields. The city is home to some of Austin’s premiere country clubs and golf courses like the private Austin Country Club and Barton Creek Country Club. There’s also Lions Municipal Golf Course, a historic public golf course. Boaters enjoy the water on Lady Bird Lake, while outdoor enthusiasts and athletes love going to the Barton Creek Greenbelt for hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing and swimming.
Easy access to shopping and dining
Bee Cave Road serves as the town’s major thoroughfare and connects residents to shopping and dining. The West Woods shopping center has big box stores like Michaels and CVS as well as beloved local restaurants like Las Palomas, a go-to spot for authentic Mexican food. Residents pick up groceries at Trader Joe’s and H-E-B. For a special occasion, try Sway, a hip Thai restaurant offering dishes packed with fresh seasonal flavors intended to be shared with family and friends at communal tables. Residents are also a short drive away from all the culture, nightlife and entertainment the state capital has to offer.
Less than 5 miles from downtown Austin
In addition to stunning homes and a stellar school district, many residents choose to live in Rollingwood for hassle-free travel into Austin. “A lot of people that are even living in other parts of central Austin will move to Rollingwood because of the traffic flow,” Olenbush says. “I love the convenience. I don’t sit in traffic. Ever.” Rollingwood is less than 5 miles from downtown Austin and 13 miles from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport. Bee Cave Road connects to the MoPac Expressway, another vital corridor.
Faith and community in Rollingwood
Faith plays a large role in the lives of Rollingwood’s residents. “We have a church on every block. Churches are very important to the community,” Olenbush says. “Between seeing people at church or at school or the grocery store or restaurants, I feel like there’s a strong sense of community in this area.” Those looking to connect and give back to the community can join the Rollingwood Women’s Club or the Rollingwood Gentlemen’s Club, which host fundraisers and get-togethers throughout the year.
Live music and events in Zilker Park
Residents are within walking distance of year-round entertainment at Zilker Park. In addition to the Austin City Limits music festival, the park hosts an annual spring Kite Fest, a free summertime concert series called Blues on the Green, and a winter Trail of Lights.
Written By
Leslie Klosterman
Photography Contributed By
Leigh Christian
Video By
Christian Gortler
