Travis Country
Established in 1972, Travis Country was Austin’s first environmentally planned neighborhood. As you enter Travis Country, you are greeted by a variety of beautiful plants native to the Texas Hill Country at the Wildflower Preserve. One may also spot hummingbirds, monarch butterflies or some exotic birds as well as native Texas animals like armadillo, possum, raccoons or white tail deer as Barton Creek and the Barton Creek greenbelt define the neighborhood.
Features of this wonderful neighborhood include Blue Valley and Hilltop Amenity Areas, Blue Valley Pond, the Wildflower Preserve, the Edwards Aquifer, and Gaines Creek Park. Blue Valley Amenity Area is a multi-purpose park shaded by large cypress trees with picnic tables, grills and a pond. The pond welcomes individuals and families to enjoy the beauty of the plants and wildlife, fish, bring their dogs to swim, take a walk, or feed the ducks, turtle and fish. In addition to the main pool, there are also separate lap, diving, and baby pools in a safely lit and fenced in area. The park has 6 tennis courts, a basketball court, and a playground, all of which are fenced and lighted. Tennis courts offer junior programs, adult clinics and private lessons for members.
The Hilltop Amenity Area also has a swimming pool and baby pool, as well as 2 tennis courts, a basketball court, and a playground. Sycamore Creek Nature Trail connects the two amenity areas, providing neighbors with a 1.5 mile scenic trail for walking or jogging. The Barton Creek Greenbelts can also be accessed by Travis
Country Residents
The Edwards Aquifer is the sole source of water for more than 1.7 million people in central Texas. It fills Barton Springs, the three-acre pool and fourth largest spring in Texas that over 350,000 Austinites and other visitors come to experience each year.
Travis Country provides a sense of community for residents through community clubs and annual events and activities. Community clubs include book club, bunco club and swim team. The book club meets once a month to discuss a book. The bunco club plays once a month at the Travis Country main office. The swim team is known as the Travis Country Sharks. There are a number of community celebrations throughout the year, such as an Easter egg hunt, a Father’s Day ice cream social, and the 4th of July parade. Helping event coordinators come up with new ideas and volunteering for events are a welcomed way to meet neighbors and get involved in the community.
With its convenient location just off of Southwest Parkway and west of Mopac, the neighborhood is close to Barton Creek Mall, Barton Creek Resort, and the restaurants and shopping near Sunset Valley. One of these restaurants is Doc’s Backyard Bar and Grill, a hamburger joint that invites visitors to sit on the patio, take in the sunset, or cheer their favorite sports team onto victory.
Schools
The school assignments defined by the boundaries of Travis Country are Oak Hill Elementary, O. Henry Middle School, and Austin High School. Oak Hill Elementary concentrates on making sure students improve in reading, writing, and math. Teachers and staff also work to promote and enhance responsible decision-making and self-esteem in all students. The four main goals of O. Henry Middle school are: To improve student achievement, improve student preparation for college and career, improve programs and services to students, reduce the number of special education referrals and increase inclusion of special education students in general education classes. Austin High School encourages its students to graduate at their optimum academic level as well as have the highest expectations for themselves. Two other highly acclaimed schools in the private sector are Regent’s, a Christian school located in the subdivision and St. Andrew’s Episcopal High School located nearby on the Southwest Parkway. The creation of these schools lead to the expansion of Travis Country.
Housing
Homes in the older sections of Travis Country were built in the early 1970s. Most are single story ranch style or two story traditional homes. These homes range in value from the high $200,000 to the high $300,000 range. Homes in the newer sections of Travis Country were built in the early 1990s and range from $325,000 to $700,000.
For more specific market information or to track the statistics in this neighborhood, visit www.WestAustinMarketplace.com and look for the latest Market Report under zip code 78735.
