Zilker / Barton Hills, Austin — Neighborhood Guide for Relocators

Zilker and Barton Hills are Austin's top neighborhoods for outdoor enthusiasts. With Barton Springs, Zilker Park, and miles of greenbelt trails all walkable from your door, this is where Austin's outdoor lifestyle peaks — and home prices reflect it.

Nature lovers' paradise right in the city. Older homes with character, big trees, and that laid-back Austin vibe. The greenbelt trails start in your backyard, Barton Springs is a 5-minute walk, and Zilker Park hosts ACL Festival every fall. The tradeoff: prices are steep and climbing, and parking during festival season tests your patience.

Walk Score

Bike Score

$750K

Avg Home

10 min

To Downtown

Neighbor Score

Long-term residents vs. short-term rentals

Mixed use

72%

Residents

Long-term neighbors

28%

Short-Term Rentals

Airbnb, Vrbo, etc.

ResidentsShort-term rentals

Mixed — STR pockets near Zilker Park, more residential in Barton Hills proper

Best for

Outdoor enthusiastsSwimmersTrail runnersNature lovers

A day in Zilker / Barton Hills

What a typical weekday looks like here

For a remote worker living in this neighborhood

6:30 AM

Morning swim at Barton Springs (free before 8 AM, and the water is always 68°F).

8:00 AM

Coffee from Radio Coffee & Beer on the way home, dripping dry in the sun.

9:00 AM

Work from home with the windows open and greenbelt sounds as background noise.

12:30 PM

Pack a lunch and eat at Zilker Park under the pecan trees.

3:00 PM

Afternoon run on the Barton Creek Greenbelt trail — 7 miles of shaded limestone paths start a block away.

5:30 PM

Cool down with a dip in the springs again (the locals' move).

7:30 PM

Dinner at Uchi on South Lamar, then a sunset walk along Lady Bird Lake.

Real estate

Homes for sale in Zilker / Barton Hills

Sample listings — prices and availability change often

$785,000

2100 Barton Hills Dr

3 bed2 bath1,680 sqft

Mid-Century

$695,000

1610 Treadwell St

3 bed2 bath1,500 sqft

Bungalow

$850,000

2408 Kinney Rd

4 bed3 bath2,100 sqft

Remodeled Ranch

See all homes in Zilker / Barton Hills on Zillow →

Test-drive this neighborhood

The best way to know if a neighborhood is right? Spend a weekend there.

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FAQ

Common questions about Zilker / Barton Hills

Is Zilker expensive?

Yes. Zilker/Barton Hills is one of Austin's priciest neighborhoods at $750K average. You're paying for location: central Austin, walkable to nature, and close to downtown. It's Austin's equivalent of living next to Central Park.

What's Barton Springs like?

Barton Springs is a natural spring-fed pool in Zilker Park that stays 68°F year-round. It's the heart of Austin's outdoor culture and a daily ritual for many residents. Free before 8am, $5 after.

Is Zilker good for remote workers?

Excellent if you value outdoor breaks during the workday. Many remote workers here start with a morning swim at Barton Springs, work from home or a nearby coffee shop, and hit the greenbelt trails in the afternoon. The lifestyle is hard to beat.

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Zilker / Barton Hills

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