Neighborhood Profile: Bryker Woods

• Schools: Bryker Woods Elementary, O.Henry Middle School, Austin High School
• Year Homes Built: 1930s – 1940s
• Average List Price: $861,740 (July 2015)
• Style of Homes: Bungalow, Cottage
• Nearby Restaurants: 34th St Cafe, P.Terry’s, Kerbey Lane Cafe
• Nearby Attractions & Amenities: Bailey Park, Shoal Creek Park, Seiders Springs Park, Seton Medical Center

One of Central Austin’s most coveted neighborhoods is the charming and convenient Bryker Woods. Located just northwest of the University of Texas and bordered by North Lamar Blvd to the east, MoPac freeway to the west, 35^th Street to the north and Westover Road to the south, Bryker Woods manages to achieve a quaint feel while remaining in the heart of Austin’s hustle and bustle. 

The area that comprises Bryker Woods has been residential since the first half of the 20^th century, though due to its location on the west side of Shoal Creek, the building of reliable bridges across the flood-prone creek was critical to the area’s growth. In 1936, the name Bryker Woods was applied to a couple of specific sections around the area; over the course of the ensuing decades, that name was adopted for the entire neighborhood.

Development in Bryker Woods was heaviest between around 1936 and 1940, when several homes using the bungalow or cottage design were constructed. In general, a classic Bryker Woods home is characterized by its modest size, front porch, open front yard and rear garage. The streets of Bryker Woods are still peaceful and walkable, but even with this intimate, neighborly feel, residents can still take advantage of the many nearby shopping areas, major traffic arteries and even one of Austin’s major healthcare districts – just moments away from their front doors. 

The Bryker Woods Neighborhood Association was founded in 1983 and actively works to maintain the residential and historic character of the neighborhood. This work is critical, as the area around 35^th Street and MoPac continues to increase in density, with more and more commercial and large-scale residential projects underway. In addition, the BWNA organizes an annual Fourth of July Parade, as well as various Neighborhood Night Out events.  

The neighborhood is recognized on the National Register of Historic Places by the United States Department of Interior for its historic significance. It is also part of the wider Old West Austin Historic District (OWAHD), along with the nearby Enfield and Pemberton Heights areas. 

Schoolchildren attend Bryker Woods Elementary, located in the heart of the neighborhood, and are zoned to O.Henry Middle School and Austin High School. The lower and middle school campus of St. Andrews Episcopal School is also located in the southeast corner of the neighborhood.

The average listing price for active houses in Bryker Woods is $861,740. 

Related Articles
Neighborhood Profile: Rollingwood
Neighborhood Profile: Mueller
Neighborhood Profile: Tarrytown