Barton Hills

Barton Hills is a neighborhood located in Austin, Texas, known for its rolling hills and scenic views of Lady Bird Lake and the Texas Hill Country. The area is surrounded by Zilker Park, Barton Creek Greenbelt, and the Colorado River, making it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts like Lance Armstrong and Kenny Chesney. Residents of Barton Hills have easy access to Downtown Austin, South Congress, and 6th Street, which offer a wide range of entertainment options, including the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the South by Southwest conference. The neighborhood is also close to St. Edward's University, Huston-Tillotson University, and the University of Texas at Austin, which are attended by students like Matthew McConaughey and Renée Zellweger.

Geography

Barton Hills is situated in the southern part of Austin, Texas, near the intersection of Barton Springs Road and South Lamar Boulevard. The neighborhood is bounded by Zilker Park to the north, Barton Creek to the west, and Lady Bird Lake to the east, which is a popular spot for Kayaking and Paddle-boarding. The area's geography is characterized by rolling hills, scenic valleys, and Wildlife corridors, making it a unique and desirable place to live, with nearby attractions like the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and the Zilker Botanical Garden. The neighborhood is also close to the Barton Creek Greenbelt, a 7.9-mile hiking trail that runs along Barton Creek and offers stunning views of the surrounding hills and Waterfalls, similar to those found in Big Bend National Park and Guadalupe Mountains National Park. Residents of Barton Hills can enjoy outdoor activities like Hiking, Biking, and Rock climbing in the nearby Hill Country, which is also home to the Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park and the Enchanted Rock.

History

The history of Barton Hills dates back to the early 20th century, when the area was first developed as a residential neighborhood, with influences from Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Kahn. The neighborhood was named after William Barton, a Texas Revolution veteran who settled in the area in the 1830s, and is also near the Barton Springs pool, a popular swimming spot that was developed in the 1920s by Andrew Jackson Zilker. During the 1960s and 1970s, Barton Hills became a hub for Counterculture and Folk music, with venues like the Armadillo World Headquarters and the Continental Club hosting performances by Janis Joplin, Willie Nelson, and Stevie Ray Vaughan. The neighborhood has also been home to many notable residents, including Walter Cronkite, Dan Rather, and Liz Carpenter, who have worked at institutions like the University of Texas at Austin, Texas State University, and the Lyndon B. Johnson School of Public Affairs. Today, Barton Hills is a thriving community with a strong sense of history and culture, with nearby landmarks like the Texas State Capitol and the LBJ Presidential Library.

Demographics

As of the 2020 census, the population of Barton Hills is approximately 5,000 people, with a diverse range of ages, incomes, and occupations, similar to those found in San Francisco, California and Seattle, Washington. The neighborhood is known for its high level of education, with many residents holding degrees from top universities like Harvard University, Stanford University, and the University of California, Berkeley. The median household income in Barton Hills is around $100,000, with many residents working in fields like Technology, Healthcare, and Education, at companies like Google, Amazon, and Dell. The neighborhood is also home to a thriving community of Artists, Musicians, and Writers, with many residents involved in the local Arts scene, including the Austin Symphony Orchestra and the Ballet Austin. Residents of Barton Hills can enjoy a wide range of cultural events and activities, including the Austin Film Festival and the Texas Book Festival, which are attended by authors like Lawrence Wright and Sarah Bird.

Economy

The economy of Barton Hills is driven by a mix of industries, including Technology, Healthcare, and Tourism, with major employers like Dell, IBM, and the Seton Healthcare Family. The neighborhood is home to many small businesses and startups, including Software companies and Consulting firms, which are supported by organizations like the Austin Chamber of Commerce and the Texas Entrepreneurship Exchange. The area is also a popular destination for Tourists, with many visitors drawn to the neighborhood's unique shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues, like the Continental Club and the Stubb's BBQ. Residents of Barton Hills can enjoy a wide range of dining options, including Tex-Mex restaurants like Matt's El Rancho and Chuy's, as well as Food trucks and Farmers' markets, which are similar to those found in Portland, Oregon and Asheville, North Carolina. The neighborhood is also close to major employers like Apple, Google, and Amazon, which have offices in North Austin and Downtown Austin.

Culture

Barton Hills is known for its vibrant cultural scene, with a wide range of events and activities throughout the year, including the Austin City Limits Music Festival and the South by Southwest conference. The neighborhood is home to many Art galleries, Music venues, and Theaters, including the Bass Concert Hall and the Long Center for the Performing Arts. Residents of Barton Hills can enjoy a wide range of cultural attractions, including the Blanton Museum of Art, the Bullock Texas State History Museum, and the LBJ Presidential Library, which are similar to those found in Washington, D.C. and New York City. The neighborhood is also close to the Austin Symphony Orchestra and the Ballet Austin, which perform at venues like the Dell Hall and the Long Center. The area is also home to many Festivals and Parades, including the Austin Pride Parade and the Texas Book Festival, which are attended by authors like Lawrence Wright and Sarah Bird.

Transportation

Barton Hills is located near several major transportation routes, including Interstate 35 and US Highway 290, which provide easy access to Downtown Austin, Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, and the surrounding Hill Country. The neighborhood is also served by the Capital Metropolitan Transportation Authority (CapMetro), which offers bus and rail service to destinations throughout the city, including the University of Texas at Austin and the Texas State Capitol. Residents of Barton Hills can also enjoy a wide range of alternative transportation options, including Biking and Walking trails, as well as Car-sharing and Ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft. The neighborhood is also close to the MoPac Expressway and the US Highway 183, which provide easy access to the surrounding suburbs and the Texas Hill Country, including destinations like Fredericksburg, Texas and Kerrville, Texas.