Although it certainly qualifies as a major city, Austin considers itself more of a large “small town,” and the Lone Star capital takes pride in that status. The intriguing merger of urban, rural, and suburban energies becomes particularly clear in Austin’s most residential neighborhoods, where denizens appreciate a slower pace of life and a more engaged sense of community, while also enjoying close proximity to bars, restaurants, and shops. 

A prime example can be found in Crestview, a North Central Austin enclave popular among University of Texas students and faculty due to its proximity from campus. Crestview features a housing inventory primarily comprised of single-family homes, quick access to the MoPac Expressway and I-35, and a strong community spirit that makes it a perfect place to set down roots without sacrificing big-city amenities. 

Homes and Pricing

Most houses in Crestview are single-family models characterized by architectural trends popular in the 1950s and 1960s; cottages and small craftsman-style abodes are particularly prevalent, and while many are in fact post-World War II structures, even the more recently-built structures borrow that mid-century aesthetic.

While homebuyers seeking a condo or an attached home aren’t out of luck in Crestview, the vast majority of housing inventory in the neighborhood comes in the form of single-family homes. According to Neighborhoods.com listings, current prices in Crestview begin in the high $300s and range up to $1 million, with a median value of $450,000. 

Suburban Vibe Within City Limits

The home styles available in Crestview provide clear evidence of its desire to maintain a small-town charm even while located within a city like Austin. Crestview also has an active neighborhood association that hosts events for residents, heads area improvement pilot programs, and encourages both new and long-time homeowners to attend meetings and make their voices heard.

This community is also home to local organizations that bring residents together such as Voices of the Violet Crown, an independent project established in 2003 that focuses mostly on the Brentwood and Crestview neighborhoods of North Central Austin. This project, which also includes a website, features stories of neighbors creating community.

Also, the nonprofit organization Violet Crown Community Works, made up of Brentwood and Crestview residents, supports neighborhood enhancement projects, including the spring Violet Crown Festival.

Close to UT Campus

The University of Texas community already considers Crestview an excellent option for students and faculty seeking a close-knit neighborhood that's still relatively close to campus. CapMetro's 803 express bus will take Crestview residents to the UT campus in a direct 45-minute ride, and those who own cars can make it to the university in under 20 minutes. If you work in the major business center of Downtown Austin, the 803 also heads there from Crestview (a 45-minute ride), and driving will take between 15 to 20 minutes each way.

What It’s Like to Live Here

Crestview appeals to families, professionals, and students alike thanks to its suburban style, highly rated schools, 1950s-inspired look, and assortment of local bars and restaurants. Combined with an easy commute to downtown and UT, Crestview shouldn’t be overlooked by Austin house hunters.

While Crestview doesn’t have a major park within neighborhood boundaries, residents can easily access Brentwood Neighborhood Park and Beverly S. Sheffield Northwest District Park. Both parks include athletic fields, tennis courts, playgrounds, and picnic areas, and the larger Sheffield Park also has a swimming pool and trails for hiking and biking.

Crestview residents seeking indoor workout options can take advantage of the numerous gyms and studios like Texas Kettlebell Academy, Yoga Yoga North, and CrossFit Renew. 

Considering Crestview’s residential vibe, its robust bar and restaurant scene may come as a surprise. Nevertheless, the area contains numerous popular watering holes and eateries, with still more located just outside neighborhood limits.

Cult classic taqueria Tacodeli has a Crestview outpost, serving breakfast tacos and a renowned take on queso. Those in search of a refreshing and nutritious beverage can check out JuiceLand, an Austin mini-chain specializing in cold-pressed juices and vegan bites. For a more upscale (but still approachable and delicious) dining experience, head just south of Crestview to Barley Swine, a locavore haven with a New American prix-fixe menu and one of Austin’s finest happy hour deals. 

Crestview and its adjacent neighborhoods are also home to numerous drinking establishments, like the super dog-friendly Yard Bar, the convivial sports bar The Local Post Pub, and the super-quirky, Christmas-themed Lala’s Little Nugget.

Families settling in Crestview benefit from excellent local public schools. The neighborhood is served by the Austin Independent School District, the fifth-largest public school system in Texas. Some of the schools that serve Crestview residents include Gullett Elementary School, Wooten Elementary School, and Lamar Middle School.