What is now known as the Brentwood neighborhood of Austin, Texas was once a beautiful cotton farm. Then, in the late 1940s, the city of Austin annexed the farm, which was north of the city limits. The farm was adjacent to Brentwood Elementary, and the city used the land to establish the Brentwood Neighborhood Park and open the school in 1951. Today, few would know of Brentwood’s rural past without reading about it, because today the neighborhood is completely modern. In fact, Brentwood has become one of Austin’s busiest and trendiest neighborhoods.
Today, Brentwood residents tend to be professors or college students (the university is just a short drive away) or professionals. The nearby high-tech companies ensure that many engineers, high-tech workers, and even politicians choose to call Brentwood home. All of these diverse residents have no problem finding the perfect home in this neighborhood. Brentwood offers some apartments as well as a good selection of single-family homes. Many houses feature hardwood floors and many modern conveniences.
Residents of this neighborhood enjoy quiet, tree-lined streets and charming homes that feature attractive design. Prices in the Brentwood real estate market are strong and the local real estate markets continue to grow. Many of the homes are located north of 45th, east of Lamar, west of Burnet, and south of Justin Lane. Lamar gives a quick drive to the university and Mo-Pac gives a quick ride to the residents south or north. Brentwood homes tend to be conveniently located, and most residents love the fact that they don’t have to spend hours commuting every day. Many residents also enjoy views of the tree-lined creek that winds its way up Arroyo Seco.
There are many reasons to love living in Brentwood. The neighborhood is noted for its old-fashioned native burger joints and bars dating back to the 1950s. In fact, Brentwood real estate has a number of independent and locally grown businesses. The famous “Keep Austin Weird” campaign encourages local Austin businesses, and this slogan is one that Brentwood has certainly embraced!
Bikers and hikers enjoy Arroyo Seco and Brentwood Park and Pool. If you like the outdoors, you will surely enjoy these green spaces. You’ll also love the Violet Crown Festival held each May to celebrate music, art, food, and local residents. If you’re ready to go in, try the Alamo Drafthouse on Anderson Lane, voted the number one movie theater in the country by Entertainment Weekly. Instead of heading to a super center, try the HEB on Burnet for your grocery needs. Be sure to try Top Notch, the burger joint you may recognize from the “Dazed and Confused” movement. Threadgill’s is another famous local restaurant, as famous for its food as it is for the fact that Janis Joplin started here. If you want to get out of the community, try a day trip to the beautiful Lakeway along scenic FM 2222.
If you have a family, Brentwood offers great recreation and great homes, as well as great schools. The community is home to McCallum High School, with an excellent record and strong AP program, and Brentwood Elementary, which received a Gold Performance Award in writing and science. Private schools in the area include the prestigious Petite Ecole Internationale, which offers Montessori learning as well as a respected French immersion program.
Whether you have a family or are a young single, you are sure to love what Brentwood has to offer. This neighborhood simply offers the best of Austin’s urban and suburban living. With environmental awareness and a casual, friendly attitude, this is a place you can come home to, no matter who you are.