Neighborhood Profile: Clarksville

• Schools: Austin Independent School District, Matthews Elementary, O’Henry Middle School, Austin High School
• Year Homes Built: 1910 – 1920s
• Style of Homes: American Craftsman, Victorian
• Average List Price: $877,139
• Nearby Restaurants: Jeffrey’s, Nau’s Drugstore, Cafe Medici, Sweetish Hill Bakery, Galaxy Cafe, Wink, Cipollina
• Nearby Shopping: Waterloo Records, Book People, Whole Foods
• Nearby Attractions & Amenities: West Austin Park, Clarksville Park, Baylor Street Art Wall, W. 6th St Art Galleries

The Clarksville neighborhood, located just west of downtown, is considered one of Austin’s most desirable neighborhoods for its rich history and close proximity to the city’s vibrant heart. Although its technical boundaries are Waterson Avenue and W. 10^th Street from north to south, and West Lynn and MoPac from east to west, the area encompassed by Enfield to W. 6^th Street and N. Lamar to MoPac is commonly considered to be part of Clarksville. Residents attend Mathews Elementary, O. Henry Middle School and Austin High School.

Established in 1871 by Charles Clark, a former slave, Clarksville was one of the first freedman’s towns west of the Mississippi. Prior to that time, it was the location of slave quarters for at least some of the slaves who worked for Governor Elisha Pease, whose plantation, Woodlawn, was situated just north of the area in Old Enfield. During the 20^th century, the neighborhood’s demographics changed significantly, with land speculation and gentrification driving many African Americans out of the area and a new wave of European immigrants settling in the neighborhood. The old neighborhood was also altered by the construction of MoPac during the 1970s. Still, Clarksville’s cultural, architectural and historic identity lives on, and in recognition of its unique and valuable history, Clarksville was inducted into the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

Because of their age (predominantly 1910s and 1920s), homes in Clarksville tend to be on the smaller size and primarily include American Craftsman bungalows and late Victorians as well as a some condos and apartments. Even so, properties in the neighborhood command a hefty price tag: market comps for the last six months show an average list price of $877,139 and average selling price of $928,273, or $394.67 per square foot.

An urban walker’s paradise, Clarksville is home to cafes and restaurants that will fit any budget, from legendary fine dining establishment Jeffrey’s to old-fashioned soda fountain Nau’s Drugstore. Other highly-rated area eateries include Cipollina, Café Medici, Wink, Café Josie, Clark’s Oyster Bar, Josephine House, Galaxy Café and Z’Tejas Southwestern Grill. And don’t forget the venerable Sweetish Hill Bakery, a locally owned sweet shop that has been going strong for 35 years and counting.

Residents will be delighted at the shopping options, too—from the art galleries on W. 6^th Street to Waterloo Records, BookPeople, Whole Foods and the numerous clothing stores and boutiques along N. Lamar.

Sound like the neighborhood for you? Blairfield agent Monica Blackburn has a great new listing at 705 Patterson Avenue that will go fast! Contact her at 512.695.7881 for details and to take a look today.

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