Wooten

Wooten is a well-established neighborhood located in north-central Austin, bounded by US Highway 183 (Research Boulevard) to the north and west, Anderson Lane to the south, and Burnet Road to the east. The neighborhood is part of the Crestview/Wooten Combined Neighborhood Planning Area, which was officially adopted on April 1, 2004. Wooten has experienced steady growth, with its population increasing 19% between 1990 and 2000, growing from 4,962 to 5,950 residents. The neighborhood is characterized by its commitment to maintaining single-family residential areas while preserving community facilities and institutions. Key features include Wooten Park, which serves as a central recreational hub, and the neighborhood's tree-lined streets that contribute to its park-like feel. The area is strategically positioned near major employment corridors and has benefited from infrastructure improvements outlined in the neighborhood plan.

Wooten offers residents a dense suburban feel with a strong sense of community identity. The neighborhood is known for its diversity and family-friendly atmosphere, earning high marks for diversity and being good for families according to community assessments. With a current population of approximately 6,328 residents, Wooten attracts a mix of young professionals, established families, and long-term residents who value the neighborhood's accessibility and proximity to central Austin. The community benefits from excellent commute times to major employment centers, particularly along the I-35 and Highway 183 corridors. Wooten Park Drive and Wooten Park itself serve as focal points for neighborhood recreation and community gathering, with the neighborhood plan specifically identifying park improvements as a priority action item. The area maintains strong pedestrian and bike-friendly infrastructure, with ongoing efforts to complete sidewalks on key streets like Ohlen Road and Grover Avenue to enhance walkability and neighborhood connectivity.

Wooten is served by Austin Independent School District (AISD), specifically falling within District 3 under trustee Kevin Foster. The elementary school serving the neighborhood is Wooten Elementary School. For middle school students, the area is served by Burnet Middle School and General Marshall Middle School. High school students typically attend schools within the broader AISD system. The neighborhood plan emphasizes the importance of existing community facilities and institutions, with schools being integral to the community's infrastructure. AISD schools in this area serve the diverse population of north-central Austin and are part of the district's comprehensive educational network.

The Wooten neighborhood benefits from its proximity to major commercial corridors, particularly along Burnet Road and Anderson Lane, which serve as the primary commercial areas for the neighborhood. Crestview Shopping Center, located nearby, is identified as a significant commercial asset that the neighborhood plan specifically aims to preserve and enhance. The neighborhood plan emphasizes maintaining commercial uses along these major corridors while discouraging commercial sprawl into residential areas. While specific individual restaurants and entertainment venues within Wooten proper are limited, residents have convenient access to the broader dining and entertainment options available along the major commercial corridors in north-central Austin. The neighborhood's location provides easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment venues throughout the surrounding area.

Wooten is characterized primarily by single-family residential properties, with the neighborhood plan specifically recommending that existing single-family residential areas retain single-family zoning to preserve the neighborhood's character. The housing stock reflects typical mid-century Austin residential development, with tree-lined streets and established properties. According to Niche data, the neighborhood receives a C-minus grade for housing, suggesting moderate housing costs relative to other Austin neighborhoods. The area offers a mix of established homes with mature landscaping and some newer construction or renovated properties. Lot sizes are typical for north-central Austin neighborhoods, generally ranging from standard residential parcels. The neighborhood has experienced steady appreciation and interest from buyers seeking established communities with good access to employment centers and reasonable proximity to downtown Austin. Rental properties are also available in the area, appealing to those seeking the neighborhood's convenient location and community amenities without the commitment of homeownership.