Rollingwood

Rollingwood is an exclusive, affluent residential community located approximately 6 miles west of downtown Austin in southwestern Travis County, near Loop 360. Founded and developed by George B. Hatley in 1955, this small but prestigious city covers 0.7 square miles and is home to approximately 1,467 residents as of the 2020 census. The neighborhood's name perfectly captures its defining characteristics: rolling hills, mature trees, and natural landscape features that create a rural ambiance while maintaining proximity to urban conveniences. Rollingwood is bounded by the Colorado River to the north, Barton Creek to the south, and is adjacent to notable neighborhoods including Zilker Metropolitan Park to the east, Treemont and Bee Cave Woods to the south, and Las Brisas to the west. The city's street names reflect its heritage, with most thoroughfares named after the Hatley family and their associates, including the prominent Stratford Drive along the Colorado River corridor. The Emmett Shelton Bridge serves as a symbolic connection to the city's founding legacy and broader Austin area.

Rollingwood attracts affluent, established professionals and families seeking a blend of natural beauty, privacy, and community connection. With a median household income of $108,835 and an owner-occupancy rate of 90.7%, the neighborhood is characterized by long-term residents who value stability and quality of life. The demographic composition is 80.85% White, 9.75% Hispanic or Latino, 4.64% Asian, 4.43% Mixed/Multi-Racial, with smaller populations of other groups. The active neighborhood association sponsors regular community events and festivals that foster unity and celebration among residents, creating a tight-knit social fabric despite the community's small size. Daily life in Rollingwood emphasizes outdoor recreation and nature appreciation, with residents enjoying proximity to Lake Austin for boating and water activities, recreational trails throughout the area, the Austin Science and Nature Center, and the Zilker Nature Preserve. The strategic location near Highway 1 (MoPac) provides seamless connectivity to downtown Austin and the broader metropolitan area, allowing residents to balance rural tranquility with easy access to urban amenities.

Rollingwood falls within the prestigious Eanes Independent School District, which is known for its strong academic performance and community commitment. Students in the area are served by Eanes Elementary School, Hill Country Middle School, and Westlake High School. The Eanes ISD is recognized as one of the top-performing school districts in the Austin area, offering rigorous academic programs and strong extracurricular opportunities. Additionally, the proximity to Rollingwood places families near several highly-regarded private school options in the surrounding area, providing alternative educational choices for families seeking specialized programs or different educational philosophies.

While Rollingwood itself is primarily residential, the neighborhood's strategic location provides residents with convenient access to extensive dining and entertainment options. The proximity to downtown Austin ensures access to a diverse array of restaurants, bars, and cafes ranging from casual local establishments to upscale dining venues. Nearby Bee Caves offers high-end shopping venues and boutique retail options. The area benefits from proximity to major shopping centers and entertainment districts accessible via MoPac and Loop 360. Residents enjoy easy access to the vibrant cultural scene of downtown Austin, including live music venues, theaters, and galleries, while maintaining the peaceful residential character of Rollingwood itself. The neighborhood's location near Lake Austin also provides access to waterfront dining and recreational establishments.

Rollingwood's housing market reflects its status as one of Austin's most exclusive and desirable neighborhoods. Homes in the community represent a distinctive blend of vintage 1950s character and modern elegance, with many properties retaining original architectural features while others have been extensively remodeled to contemporary standards. The typical home styles include mid-century residences with mature landscaping, many situated on generous lots that take advantage of the area's natural topography and tree canopy. Housing units total 518, with 90.7% owner-occupied, indicating strong residential stability and investment commitment. While specific current price ranges fluctuate with market conditions, Rollingwood consistently commands premium pricing due to its limited supply (0.7 square miles), established character, excellent schools, and desirable location. The neighborhood experiences strong demand from buyers seeking established communities with natural beauty, privacy, and proximity to downtown Austin. Lot sizes vary but generally reflect the area's rolling terrain, with properties ranging from modest to substantial acreage. The rental market is minimal, with only 9.3% of housing units renter-occupied, reflecting the neighborhood's orientation toward owner-occupancy and long-term residential stability. Buyers should expect competitive pricing, limited inventory turnover, and properties that often require consideration of renovation potential or modern updates alongside their historic charm.