Jester Estates
Bordered on three sides by the Balcones Canyonland Preserve, Jester Estates sits majestically atop a hilltop ridge in West Austin with panoramic views of the rolling hills, dramatic canyons, a sliver of Lake Austin and a distant view of downtown. Many of the homesites in Jester have both fantastic views and good privacy and serves as one of West Austin’s most popular family neighborhoods.
Jester Estates was developed in 1982 shortly after the time that the Golden Cheeked Warbler was added to the federal endangered species list. The land all along Highway 2222 with its abundant oak and cedar trees was ideal habitat for the endangered warbler. The owners of the land agreed to donate a good portion of the property as a protected bird preserve in exchange for the right to develop the land that is now Jester Estates, Canyon Ridge and Jester Point. Because of the Balcones Canyonland Preserve, Jester Estates is one of the most beautiful and coveted neighborhoods in Austin. Located just one mile west of the intersection of Capitol of Texas Highway and Highway 2222, there is only two ways into and out of the neighborhood. There is also easy access to Downtown via 2222, a 15 minute commute without traffic or to northwest or southwest Austin via the Capitol of Texas Highway, also known as Loop 360.
The streets in the Jester Estates neighborhood are designed to minimize traffic but enhance community. Jester Boulevard takes you into the neighborhood past a retail shopping area with shops, restaurants, a preschool and fitness center. Residential streets and cul-de-sacs flow off of the main boulevard. Once on top of the mesa, most homesites are flat and sidewalks and bike paths make walking and biking enjoyable.
Home styles vary from modest ranch style homes with smaller square footages to custom designed multi-level homes up to 5000 square feet. The majority of the homes however, are family friendly floor plans with relaxed décor. Many of the original homes have been completely updated with new upscale appliances, wood flooring, granite countertops and all new fixtures. Values vary with the age of the home, the setting and the condition.
An active Homeowner’s Association in Jester helps maintains the beauty and the integrity of neighborhood while facilitating communication among the residents, sponsoring fun social events, and providing architectural review. There is a community newsletter informing residents of community events like the Easter Egg Hunt, 4th of July Parade, neighborhood garage sales and holiday food drives. They also maintain an informative website where you can find most of the important neighborhood information including the rules and restrictions.
For an additional annual fee, residents can also join the Jester Club, a community clubhouse with swimming pool, party pavilion, playground, picnic area with barbecue pits, basketball court and tennis courts. The cost of membership is around $300 per year.
Families with school-aged children will be excited about the public school choices in the Jester Estates attendance area. Hill Elementary is one of Austin Independent School District’s best elementary schools. Hill was named a Blue Ribbon School by the Us Department of Education and was given an Exemplary rating by the Texas Education Agency. Even though the school is 50 years old, it continues to get rave reviews from students and parents. Hill Elementary received a $17 million dollar renovation to modernize the building and increase capacity in 2022.
Murchison Middle School serves students in grades 6-8. Murchison has implemented the International Baccalaureate Middle Years Program that feeds into the high school program at Anderson High School, the only high school where the International Baccalaureate program is offered. International Studies is also offered.
There are approximately 900 homes in Jester Estates, Canyon Ridge and Jester Point as well as a few lots.
For more specific market information or to track the real estate statistics in this neighborhood, download our latest Market Report and look under zip code 78750.
