Austin Neighborhood Guide: Circle C Ranch
Living in South Austin's Premier Community
This Article is Part of Our A-Z Austin Neigherborhood Guide
Circle C Ranch is a master-planned community situated in the scenic hill country of Southwest Austin. Developed in the early 1980s, this neighborhood has grown into one of the most acclaimed areas in Austin. The diversity in housing options, ranging from 3-5 bedroom homes spanning from 1,500 to 4,500 square feet, attracts a wide range of residents.
Families are drawn to Circle C Ranch for its excellent schools and ample amenities. The neighborhood offers numerous parks, a golf course, and extensive walking trails that enhance the quality of life. Just 20 minutes from Downtown Austin, Circle C combines the tranquility of suburban life with convenient access to the city's vibrant cultural scene.
Living in Circle C Ranch means enjoying a peaceful, park-like atmosphere with modern conveniences. The community's strategic location offers easy access to shopping, dining, and entertainment, making it an ideal choice for those seeking balance in their daily lives.
History of Circle C Ranch
Circle C Ranch, a master-planned community, is situated in southwest Austin. Its development began in 1982, driven by the ambition to create a self-contained residential neighborhood.
The first homes were built in 1986, laying the foundation for what would become a notable community in the area. The ranch was originally owned by Ira Yates, who sold a significant portion to developer Gary Bradley in 1985.
This sale marked a turning point, enabling the large-scale development that characterized the neighborhood. Circle C Ranch quickly became a desirable location due to its proximity to downtown Austin, being just 15 to 20 minutes away.
Through the years, Circle C Ranch expanded, maintaining its reputation as a well-planned and organized community. The community also became notable due to an environmental legal battle concerning urban development near Barton Springs.
This legal battle brought Circle C Ranch into the spotlight, emphasizing the importance of balancing development with environmental preservation.
A key feature of the development is the inclusion of amenities such as parks, pools, and a golf course. The Grey Rock Golf Course, initially known as the Golf Club at Circle C, became a central recreational site.
Over time, the community continued to attract families and individuals seeking a suburban lifestyle with urban convenience. Its development story is a testament to strategic planning and the blending of residential needs with natural surroundings.
Geographic Location
Circle C Ranch is a master-planned community in Southwest Austin, providing a mix of modern amenities and natural beauty. Key aspects include its close proximity to Downtown Austin and easy access via the Mopac Expressway.
Proximity to Downtown Austin
Circle C Ranch is strategically located just south of Downtown Austin, making it one of the most desirable neighborhoods for those working or frequently visiting the city center. The drive from Circle C to Downtown typically takes about 15-20 minutes outside of peak traffic times.
Major roads such as Slaughter Lane and Highway 45 flank Circle C Ranch, facilitating convenient travel to and from the area. Additionally, its location allows residents to enjoy both urban and suburban lifestyles.
Access via Mopac Expressway
The Mopac Expressway (Loop 1) is a primary artery that provides direct access to Circle C Ranch. This critical expressway runs north-south and helps commuters avoid the congested inner-city roads.
Entrances to Circle C via Mopac are located along Slaughter Lane and Highway 45, making the commute both quick and straightforward. The Mopac toll lanes further enhance accessibility by offering an alternative route during high-traffic periods.
Nearby amenities include the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, which is just a 25-minute drive away, simplifying both domestic and international travel for residents. This expressway connection also integrates Circle C seamlessly with other parts of Southwest Austin, ensuring efficient movement for daily activities.
Real Estate Overview
Circle C Ranch in Austin offers a range of homes in various sizes and styles to suit different preferences and budgets. Prices in this neighborhood vary, reflecting the diversity in home types and sizes.
Housing Styles and Options
Homes in Circle C Ranch were built predominantly between 1988 and 2008. This period has resulted in a rich variety of architectural styles and layouts. Properties vary in size, offering anywhere from 3 to 5 bedrooms and ranging from 1,500 to 4,500 square feet.
Circle C Ranch boasts more than 4,800 homes. Many properties are nestled among live oak trees, providing a serene, shaded living environment.
Average Prices
Home prices in Circle C Ranch vary significantly, starting from around $250,000 and reaching up to $2,150,000. The median home price is approximately $848,000.
Current market trends indicate average sale prices at about $841,565, which has seen a slight decrease over the past year. Prices per square foot average around $302.21. These statistics give homebuyers a sense of the financial commitment needed to join this community.
Education and Schools
Circle C Ranch offers a robust educational environment with highly-rated public schools that cater to various academic needs. The area is known for its dedicated faculty, strong community involvement, and varied extracurricular activities.
Public Schools in the Area
Circle C Ranch falls under the Austin Independent School District, ensuring quality education for its residents. Notable public schools in the area include Kiker Elementary, Gorzycki Middle School, and Bowie High School.
Kiker Elementary is celebrated for its strong academic programs and supportive staff. Gorzycki Middle School offers an array of extracurricular activities, fostering both academic and personal development. Bowie High School is highly regarded for its advanced placement courses and strong athletics programs.
Notable School Ratings
Schools in Circle C Ranch enjoy high ratings on platforms like Great Schools Ratings. Kiker Elementary frequently receives high marks for its academic performance and parent satisfaction. Gorzycki Middle School is commended for its dedicated faculty and student support systems. Bowie High School is noted for its diverse program offerings and college readiness scores.
These positive ratings reflect the community's commitment to providing excellent education, creating an environment where students can thrive academically and personally.
Amenities and Recreation
Circle C Ranch in Austin, Texas, offers a wealth of amenities and recreational options that cater to residents of all ages. Its features include extensive parks, superb sporting facilities, and diverse entertainment and dining choices.
Parks and Green Spaces
Circle C Ranch is surrounded by lush parks like the Circle C Ranch Metropolitan Park, which spans over 500 acres and offers various outdoor activities.
The park includes Slaughter Creek Trail, a popular spot for hiking and biking. Additionally, Wildflower Park provides beautiful landscapes and walking paths for leisurely strolls.
The nearby Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center serves as a botanical garden preserving native plants and offering educational programs, making it a significant attraction for nature enthusiasts.
Sporting Facilities
Sporting facilities in Circle C Ranch are state-of-the-art. The Grey Rock Golf Course is a highlight, covering 160 acres with its rolling hills and live oak trees. This public course attracts golfers of all skill levels, with green fees ranging from $40 to $74.
The Circle C Swim Center features a heated outdoor pool that is open year-round, offering swim lessons and aquatic programs. Residents can also enjoy the Veloway, a 3.1-mile paved track dedicated to cycling and rollerblading.
Entertainment and Dining
For entertainment, Circle C Ranch hosts the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, a local favorite known for its unique movie-going experience, including dine-in options.
Dining choices in and around Circle C Ranch are plentiful. Residents can find everything from casual eateries to fine dining establishments.
The community’s proximity to South Austin means convenient access to a variety of shopping and dining experiences that cater to diverse culinary tastes.
Circle C Ranch’s amenities and recreational options make it a vibrant community with something for everyone. Residents have access to beautiful parks, top-tier sporting facilities, and a rich array of entertainment and dining options.
Community Profile
Circle C Ranch is an established community in Austin with a diverse range of homes and residents. The neighborhood appeals to families due to its spacious homes and proximity to amenities.
Population and Demographics
Circle C Ranch has a vibrant community with residents mainly of German, Irish, and English ancestry. The neighborhood also includes a smaller but significant number of people of Asian and Mexican heritage.
Many families reside in the area, drawn to the range of housing options from 3 to 6 bedrooms. Homes were built between 1988 and 2008, contributing to the neighborhood's varied architectural style.
Employment in the neighborhood includes both blue-collar and white-collar workers, ensuring a balanced community. The homeowner association fees range from $47 to $265 per month, reflecting the area's prestige and amenities.
The education level of residents is generally high, with many individuals holding college degrees. This well-educated population contributes to the community’s overall prosperity and appeal.
Transportation and Accessibility
Circle C Ranch in Austin offers a balanced mix of transportation options, contributing to its appeal as a residential community.
Car-Dependent
Car-dependent travel is quite common in Circle C Ranch. While there are some amenities within walking distance, a car is often necessary for daily errands and commuting to work or school. Most residents own a vehicle for convenience.
MoPac Expressway
The community benefits from direct access to the MoPac Expressway. This major highway connects Circle C Ranch to Greater Austin within minutes. It ensures smooth and quick travel to downtown Austin and other key areas, greatly enhancing the neighborhood's accessibility.
Bike Trails
For those who prefer cycling, Circle C Ranch provides several bike trails. These trails are ideal for both recreational rides and short commutes within the neighborhood. They promote an active lifestyle and offer a scenic way to explore the community.
Public Transport
Public transportation is available, although less commonly used compared to other modes. Bus services run through parts of the neighborhood, offering an alternative for those without cars.
Proximity to Amenities
Circle C Ranch is strategically located near several key amenities. The community enjoys easy access to major shopping centers, schools, and parks. This proximity allows residents to enjoy local attractions without extensive travel.
Shopping and Retail
Circle C Ranch offers a variety of shopping and retail options to meet residents' needs. The area boasts several well-known grocery stores, providing excellent convenience.
HEB and Randalls are popular choices for daily groceries. Both stores are well-stocked with fresh produce, bakery items, and household essentials.
For bulk shopping, residents can visit Costco. It offers a wide range of products, from groceries to electronics, at competitive prices.
Retail outlets are not limited to just grocery stores. Several smaller shops and boutiques are scattered throughout Circle C Ranch, catering to diverse tastes and preferences.
For coffee enthusiasts, Starbucks has multiple locations in and around the neighborhood, ideal for a quick caffeine fix or a casual meet-up.
Additionally, the nearby Hill Country Galleria in Bee Cave and the interchange at Highways 71 and 290 provide further shopping opportunities. These areas are filled with a variety of retail shops, dining options, and entertainment venues.
Retail chains and specialty stores carpet the highways, ensuring that residents have easy access to a wide range of products and services. Whether you're looking for daily necessities or a unique gift, the retail landscape of Circle C Ranch is designed to cater to all shopping needs efficiently.
Neighborhoods and Subdivisions
Circle C Ranch in Austin, TX, features distinct subdivisions each offering unique characteristics. Additionally, adjacent neighborhoods contribute to the vibrant community feel.
Notable Subdivisions within Circle C Ranch
Circle C on the Park is one of the most sought-after subdivisions. It is known for its spacious homes, mature trees, and proximity to Circle C Metropolitan Park, which provides trails, playscapes, and sports fields.
Park West features smaller homes redesigned for efficiency without sacrificing comfort, ideal for those seeking more affordable options within the community.
Vintage Place showcases charming, traditional-style homes, appealing to those desiring a more quaint living environment.
Hielscher and Park Place are recognized for their larger lots, modern amenities, and well-designed family homes.
Homes in La Crosse subdivision are admired for their architectural diversity, offering a blend of contemporary and classic styles.
Adjacent and Nearby Neighborhoods
Adjacent to Circle C Ranch, Meridian offers quiet, upscale living with amenities similar to those of Circle C. Homes here often feature larger yards and natural landscape integration.
To the north, Bear Creek offers a mix of suburban and rural living, appealing to those desiring more space and privacy.
The west side is bordered by the Oak Hill area, known for its access to South Austin’s conveniences and a more eclectic mix of housing styles.
Sunset Valley, located northeast, provides a small-town charm with easy access to Austin’s urban perks. Large lots and a supportive community make it a desirable place for families.
Each of these neighboring areas complements the dynamic environment that Circle C Ranch offers, ensuring diverse living options for residents.
Local Events and Community Activities
Circle C Ranch in Austin offers a vibrant calendar of events and community activities welcoming residents of all ages. The neighborhood emphasizes fostering close relationships, ensuring there’s always something exciting happening.
Circle C Ranch Community Calendar
The Circle C Ranch Community Calendar is packed with activities tailored for families, individuals, and children alike. Regular events include movie nights at the community center, weekend farmers markets, and fitness classes such as yoga and pilates.
Workshops and educational sessions are also frequently hosted, offering residents the chance to learn new skills or hobbies. For children, the community organizes storytelling sessions and arts and crafts activities. During the summer, swimming lessons at the outdoor Olympic-sized pool are highly popular.
Annual Festivals and Gatherings
Circle C Ranch is known for its lively annual events that bring together residents in celebration. The Easter Egg Hunt, one of the major events, sees families with children hunting for eggs across the community’s parks.
Another significant gathering is the Circle C Ranch Independence Day Festival, featuring fun activities such as parades, fireworks, and a BBQ cookout. The Fall Festival and Halloween Parade draw crowds with costume contests, pumpkin decorating, and spooky trails for kids.
Additionally, the community enjoys the Circle C Ranch Holiday Market, where local vendors and artisans showcase their products, fostering local businesses and creating a festive atmosphere for residents.
