Travis Heights
Welcome toThe neighborhood
Sitting atop rolling hills just south of Lady Bird Lake, Travis Heights is a leafy enclave known for its historic homes, curving streets and abundant green space. It’s one of Austin’s first planned suburbs and offers architectural diversity ranging from 1920s cottages to contemporary remodels. The neighborhood borders South Congress Avenue, providing residents with immediate access to boutiques, live music and dining.
Austin's oldest and most storied neighborhood
Travis Heights isn't just one of Austin's most desirable neighborhoods — it's one of its oldest. Established in 1887 as Austin's second-oldest platted neighborhood, Travis Heights sits on dramatic limestone bluffs that rise 40 to 80 feet above Lady Bird Lake, depending on which street you stand on. That topography is not merely scenic. It is the neighborhood's defining physical characteristic and one of the primary reasons its property values have consistently outpaced the broader 78704 zip code.
Homes on the upper Travis Heights streets command sweeping views of Lady Bird Lake and the downtown Austin skyline to the north — a prospect that is genuinely rare in a city that has largely grown outward across flat terrain rather than upward on meaningful bluffs. The Lady Bird Lake hike-and-bike trail runs along the neighborhood's northern edge, providing direct trail access to Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and downtown without ever needing a car.
For buyers, Travis Heights represents the convergence of everything Austin's most discerning buyers want: historic character, irreplaceable views, walkability to South Congress, and a residential community that has maintained its identity through decades of the city's rapid growth. The median price in 2026 hovers near $950,000 — reflecting a neighborhood where supply is structurally limited and demand has never meaningfully softened.
What makes Travis Heights irreplaceable
Limestone Bluff Views
Upper Travis Heights streets sit 40–80 feet above Lady Bird Lake on a dramatic limestone escarpment. Sweeping views of the lake and the downtown Austin skyline from your own home — genuinely rare in a city built largely on flat terrain.
Historic Bungalows
A collection of early 1900s and mid-century bungalows that carry Austin's history in their framing and foundation. Many have been thoughtfully renovated while preserving the architectural character that gives the neighborhood its soul.
Walk to South Congress
Travis Heights sits just east of South Congress Avenue — Torchy's Tacos, Home Slice, Perla's, boutique shops, and live music are all within walking distance. It's one of the few Austin addresses where you can genuinely leave the car at home for a night out.
Lady Bird Lake Trail Access
The hike-and-bike trail along Lady Bird Lake borders the northern edge of Travis Heights. Morning runs, evening paddles, and weekend kayaking are part of daily life here — not a special occasion.
Stacy Park & Pool
Stacy Park — with its beloved community pool, tennis courts, and shaded greenspace — is the neighborhood's backyard and gathering point. On summer evenings, it's one of the most genuinely community-feeling places in all of Austin.
Deep History
Established in 1887, Travis Heights carries more history than almost any residential neighborhood in Austin. The streets, the architecture, and the landscape all reflect a depth of character that newer neighborhoods simply cannot replicate.
The View Factor
Why upper Travis Heights homes command a premium
The limestone escarpment that defines Travis Heights creates something genuinely unusual in a flat Texas city: elevation. Upper-street homes — particularly those facing north toward the lake — have views of Lady Bird Lake and the downtown Austin skyline that buyers pay a meaningful premium for, and that cannot be blocked or built out. It's a permanent, structural advantage that reflects in pricing and in how long these homes stay on the market.
Where Travis Heights residents spend their time
Dining & Coffee
- Home Slice Pizza — Austin pizza institution on South Congress
- Perla's — gulf coast seafood on the SoCo corridor
- Torchy's Tacos — the original location, steps away
- Hopdoddy Burger Bar — premium burgers on South Congress
- Bouldin Creek Café — beloved vegetarian café nearby
- La BBQ — James Beard-recognized barbecue east of the neighborhood
Parks & Outdoors
- Lady Bird Lake Hike & Bike Trail — northern boundary of neighborhood
- Stacy Park & Pool — beloved community park with summer pool
- Barton Springs Pool — spring-fed swimming (short bike ride)
- Zilker Park — 351 acres of green space (short bike or walk)
- Fairview Park — neighborhood park with courts and playgrounds
Shopping & Daily Life
- South Congress retail corridor — walkable local boutiques
- South 1st Street shops and coffee — minutes away
- Whole Foods on South Lamar — premium grocery nearby
- Farmers markets on South Congress — weekly access
- H-E-B on South Lamar — full grocery a short drive
Schools (Austin ISD)
- Travis Heights Elementary — the neighborhood's own school
- Fulmore Middle School
- Travis High School
- Several Montessori and private options nearby in 78704
- Easy access to UT Austin campus (10 minutes)
Who calls Travis Heights home
View buyers who understand that Lake and skyline views on limestone bluffs are a permanent, irreplaceable asset
Outdoor enthusiasts for whom the Lady Bird Lake trail is a daily ritual, not a weekend trip
Architecture lovers drawn to the authentic early-1900s character that no new construction can replicate
Families who want South Congress walkability and a neighborhood school with a genuine community around it
Why People LoveTravis HeightsThe blend of nature and city conveniences. Residents enjoy walking along Stacy Park and the Blunn Creek Greenbelt and swimming at the Big Stacy Pool. The neighborhood’s sense of community, walkability and proximity to downtown make it popular with families and young professionals
Frequently Asked Questions
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The neighborhood is zoned to Travis Heights Elementary, Fulmore Middle and Travis High
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Only minutes to downtown via South Congress Avenue or I‑35. Many residents bike or scooter.
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Yes. SoCo’s shops and restaurants, plus the weekly SFC Farmers’ Market, are nearby. Parks like Little Stacy and Big Stacy offer playgrounds and pools.
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