Cherrywood

Cherrywood, also known as French Place, is a historic Central East Austin neighborhood located just east of Interstate 35, bounded by Manor Road to the south, Airport Boulevard to the east, Wilshire Boulevard to the north, and I-35 to the west. The neighborhood emerged from rural farmland, cotton fields, and peach orchards during Austin's post-war boom of the 1940s and 1950s, when developer Bascom Giles transformed agricultural land into housing for returning servicemen. Named after the major north-south artery Cherrywood Road that bisects the neighborhood, this mature community represents a unique blend of mid-century Austin development and early landowner legacies, with street names honoring pioneers like J.H. French, Bascom Giles, Walter Schieffer, and Nye Patterson. Today, Cherrywood is recognized as one of Austin's most desirable central neighborhoods, rated as the ninth hottest zip code in Austin by Austin Monthly in 2016, offering proximity to downtown and the University of Texas while maintaining a walkable, tree-lined suburban character.[1][2][3]

Cherrywood attracts a diverse demographic including University of Texas professors, students, young professionals, and families seeking authentic mid-century charm with modern convenience. The neighborhood fosters a strong sense of community through its walkable design, with mature trees lining streets and abundant green spaces that encourage neighborly interaction. Residents enjoy a laid-back vibe with easy access to the vibrant East 38½ Street corridor and the rapidly emerging Manor Road area, which feature cool coffee shops, hip eateries, and local businesses. The neighborhood is ideally positioned for urban living, being just minutes from downtown Austin and the University of Texas campus, while maintaining a quiet, residential respite from the surrounding buzz. Community engagement is facilitated through the Cherrywood Neighborhood Association, and residents benefit from the area's excellent walkability and proximity to major highways like I-35 and Airport Boulevard for accessing other parts of Austin.[1][2][4]

Maplewood Elementary School serves the Cherrywood area and was established in 1951 on land donated by the Walter Schieffer family from their former dairy operations. The neighborhood is served by Austin Independent School District (AISD). Students typically progress to middle and high schools within the AISD system, with the area's proximity to the University of Texas campus making it particularly attractive to families with academic interests. Specific middle and high school assignments and current ratings should be verified with AISD, as school boundaries and designations may change.[3]

The Cherrywood neighborhood features a vibrant dining and entertainment scene centered around East 38½ Street and the Manor Road corridor. The area is known for its eclectic mix of cool coffee shops and hip eateries that reflect Austin's creative culture. Historically, the neighborhood was home to Lammes Candy at Delwood Shopping Center, which offered chocolate pecan turtles and other confections. The Delwood Shopping Center, originally developed as Texas's first auto-centric shopping center, was later redeveloped into a Fiesta Market with surrounding businesses, though the original shopping center sign was preserved and relocated to the south side fronting 38½ Street. The neighborhood maintains its reputation as a destination for local food and beverage establishments, though specific current restaurant names should be verified as the dining scene continues to evolve.[3]

Cherrywood's housing stock is predominantly composed of mid-century homes built during the 1940s, 1950s, and 1960s, featuring an eclectic architectural mix of bungalows, cottages, ranch-style houses with native limestone exteriors, pier and beam construction, and two-story stucco duplexes. Most homes are under 1,200 square feet and sit on lots ranging from 0.1 to 0.2 acres, offering vintage character with original elements such as hardwood floors, limestone exteriors, and spacious front porches ideal for enjoying Texas evenings. The neighborhood is experiencing gradual new construction that is beginning to replace some older homes, reflecting Austin's ongoing development pressures. Homes feature the early to mid-century architectural diversity characteristic of Austin itself, with tree-lined streets enhancing curb appeal. While specific current price ranges fluctuate with market conditions, the neighborhood's desirability, central location, walkability, and proximity to downtown and UT make it an attractive investment for buyers seeking authentic mid-century Austin character combined with urban convenience. Rental opportunities exist for those seeking to experience the neighborhood's lifestyle without purchasing.[1][2][4][6]