- Schools: Austin ISD, Eanes ISD
- Year Homes Built: 1950s – present
- Average List Price: $2,544,405 (May 2015)
- Style of Homes:Â Mid-Century Ranch, Traditional, Modern
- Nearby Restaurants: Blue Dahlia Bistro, Tokyo Sushi, Pizza Nizza
- Nearby Shopping: Barton Creek Square Mall
- Nearby Attractions & Amenities: Rollingwood Park, Zilker Park, Zilker Botanicals, Lake Austin
Although many people think of it as an Austin neighborhood, Rollingwood is actually a small city of its own- and a highly regarded one at that, having been recently named “the No. 1 suburb in Texas” by Niche. Located six miles west of downtown Austin near Loop 360, the area was founded by developer George Hatley of the George B. Hatley Company in 1945, when he purchased the 382.76 acres of land for a mere $67,690. He called the land Rollingwood Addition, installing the city’s original water system with surplus field old pipes and naming most of the streets after his relatives or participants in the company.
The Village of Rollingwood and its first city council and town marshal were established in 1955, and a decade later, the town was incorporated, its nearly 400 residents having decided on a mayor-council form of government. By 1970, Rollingwood’s population had doubled and has continued to grow at a steady pace ever since-to around 1,600 in 2014.
The architectural style in Rollingwood is eclectic; its mostly single-family homes definitely aren’t of the cookie cutter variety and range from 1950s mid-century ranch (several were designed by renowned architect A.D. Stenger) to new homes in both modern and traditional styles. They are situated on wide, hilly streets with big, mature trees and great views of Austin. When you add in its laid-back but civic-minded attitude, good city services and offerings such as a beautiful park and pool, and ideal location – close to downtown, Zilker Park, Lake Austin and Westlake’s amenities – it’s no wonder that Rollingwood real estate can be pricey. And, as might be imaged, turnover among its residents – made up of families and professionals, as well as a strong artistic community – is low. Still, houses do go on the market, so be sure to enlist the help of a good realtor (Blairfield Realty knows a few!) so you’re among the first to find out when a new listing is available.
Today, Rollingwood mostly continues to maintain its independence from its neighboring cities, Austin and Westlake. It has its own police services and volunteer fire department with some backup police support provided by the Westlake Police Department and Travis County Sheriff’s Department on an as-needed basis. It became part of the Eanes Independent School District in the late 1960s, although a small section of the city’s students are zoned to Barton Hills Elementary, O. Henry Middle School and Austin High, which are Austin Independent School District schools.
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