Travis Heights

Historic Hills with an Eclectic Soul. South Austin.

The Vibe

Travis Heights is a historic and hilly neighborhood in the heart of South Austin, known for its eclectic mix of homes, creative vibe, and unbeatable location. Winding streets curve through a lush, tree-filled landscape where charming historic bungalows, stately mansions, and modern architectural homes coexist. It’s a neighborhood with a diverse and artistic soul, offering a prime residential experience just across Lady Bird Lake from downtown and adjacent to the vibrant energy of South Congress Avenue.

The Story

Founded in 1912, Travis Heights was one of Austin’s early “suburbs” south of the river. While conceived as an exclusive district, its development truly took off in the 1920s, making life south of the river a viable and desirable venture. The neighborhood’s history is preserved in its parks and historic homes, many of which are now part of the Travis Heights-Fairview Park Historic District, added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2021. A key feature is Stacy Park, donated by one of the neighborhood’s founders, General Stacy. The park is home to the “Big Stacy” Pool, a spring-fed community treasure built as a WPA project during the Great Depression, which remains a beloved local landmark today.

The Lifestyle

Life in Travis Heights is a unique blend of peaceful, nature-filled residential living and immediate access to some of Austin’s best urban amenities. Residents are within walking distance of the myriad of restaurants, unique shops, and live music venues along the famed SoCo strip. The neighborhood itself offers a tranquil escape, with the nearly 40-acre Blunn Creek Nature Preserve providing beautiful trails for hiking and exploring right in the heart of the community. The spring-fed Stacy Pool offers year-round swimming, a cherished ritual for many locals. The proximity to downtown, major freeways, and the airport makes it one of the most conveniently located neighborhoods in South Austin, attracting a creative and diverse population of artists, professionals, and families.

The Homes

The housing in Travis Heights is defined by its eclecticism and charm. The hilly, winding streets are lined with a fascinating mix of architectural styles that tell the story of the neighborhood’s evolution. You’ll find grand, historic mansions from its early days, quaint and colorful bungalows from the 1920s and 30s, and sleek, modern properties that have been recently renovated or newly built. This architectural diversity gives the neighborhood a unique, vibrant character all its own. The lush, hilly terrain means many homes are nestled among the trees, offering a sense of privacy and a beautiful natural setting.

Local’s Guide to Travis Heights

• For a Year-Round Swim: Big Stacy Pool, the spring-fed, heated neighborhood pool that has been a community hub since the Great Depression.
• For a Nature Walk: Blunn Creek Nature Preserve, a nearly 40-acre wooded preserve with trails and historical markers right in the neighborhood.
• For a SoCo Stroll: Walk to South Congress Avenue to explore its famous collection of hip cafes, quirky stores, and fantastic restaurants.
• For Live Music: Catch a show at one of the many live music venues just a short walk away, including the legendary Continental Club on South Congress.