Austin Neighborhood Guide: Great Hills/Arboretum
Top Attractions, Dining, and Living
This Article is Part of Our A-Z Austin Neigherborhood Guide
Nestled in the heart of Austin, Great Hills is a diverse neighborhood known for its serene environment and proximity to tech centers. Residents appreciate the area's tucked-away feel while still enjoying convenient access to major thoroughfares like US-183 and Loop 360. The community, surrounded by forests and creeks, caters to people seeking both tranquility and connectivity.
The Great Hills neighborhood stands out with its larger lots and lush natural surroundings. Living here means easy access to a variety of shopping and dining options available at the Arboretum, Great Hills Market, Gateway Shopping Center, and the Domain. This offers residents a blend of recreational and lifestyle activities that enrich their daily lives.
Great Hills also caters to the practical needs of its residents with a range of housing options, from upscale apartments to golf course homes. The local schools and recreational facilities make it an attractive choice for families and professionals alike. Whether one is renting or buying, Great Hills has something to offer for everyone.
Exploring the Neighborhood
Great Hills and Arboretum in Austin, TX offer a blend of serene landscapes, accessible urban amenities, and a strong sense of community. This area caters to nature lovers, families, and professionals.
The Allure of Great Hills & Arboretum
Great Hills stands out with its hilly, tree-filled terrain and scenic views. Developed in the 1970s, it has grown into a desirable neighborhood for families and young professionals, particularly those in the tech industry. The adjacent Arboretum area complements Great Hills with its shopping centers, dining options, and office spaces, making it a vibrant spot for both work and leisure.
Local Landscape & Nature
Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the neighborhood's proximity to large parks and green spaces. There are numerous trails and parks, such as the Great Hills Park, which provide residents with opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking and picnicking. The abundance of trees and green areas contribute to the neighborhood's peaceful and quiet atmosphere.
Walkability & Accessibility
The neighborhood is known for its walkability. Residents often enjoy walking their dogs, jogging, or simply taking a stroll. Conveniently located near major thoroughfares like US-183 and Loop 360, Great Hills and Arboretum offer easy access to downtown Austin. This makes commuting straightforward while still maintaining a sense of seclusion from the city's hustle and bustle.
Population & Demographics
Great Hills/Arboretum is home to a diverse population. With about 2,932 residents, the area attracts a mix of families, professionals, and retirees. The average income is approximately $82,000, and the average age is 50. Nearly half of the residents are homeowners, which reflects a stable and settled community. Educational services are provided by the Austin and/or Round Rock ISD, serving the needs of local children.
Residential Living
Great Hills and Arboretum neighborhoods offer a range of residential options and community amenities to suit various lifestyles. Residents find diverse choices in housing and can enjoy benefits like parks and modern facilities.
Types of Homes & Apartments
In Great Hills, homes include single-family houses, apartments, and townhomes. Many single-family homes feature patios and wood-burning fireplaces, offering comfortable living with character. Apartments often range from one to three bedrooms, with amenities like wood-style plank flooring.
Arboretum's housing mostly consists of apartments. A one-bedroom apartment typically rents for around $975. Homes vary in size, with options that suit both individuals and families.
Community Amenities & Features
Residents in Great Hills enjoy an array of amenities. Many apartment complexes offer swimming pools, fitness centers, and clubhouses. The area’s proximity to parks provides outdoor recreation opportunities. Great Hills is also near primary thoroughfares like US-183, making commuting convenient.
Arboretum features shopping centers, restaurants, and modern facilities. Many apartments come with access to swimming pools and well-maintained communal spaces. Transportation costs are slightly lower here compared to the national average.
Lifestyle & Recreation
Great Hills offers a blend of suburban tranquility and a variety of activities. Residents can enjoy picturesque outdoor scenes and diverse entertainment options, appealing to fitness enthusiasts and those looking to immerse themselves in local arts and culture.
Outdoor Activities & Fitness
Great Hills is perfect for outdoor and fitness lovers. The neighborhood boasts several parks, hiking trails, and golf courses. Great Hills Park and Trail provide residents with scenic routes for walking, running, and hiking.
Golf enthusiasts can enjoy Great Hills Country Club, featuring an 18-hole golf course. Additionally, there are numerous fitness centers such as Life Time Athletic that offer gym facilities and group exercise classes for health-conscious residents.
Arts & Entertainment in the Area
For those interested in arts and entertainment, Great Hills has plenty to offer. The nearby Arboretum and Gateway Shopping Center host various events, including live music performances and art exhibitions.
Residents can also enjoy culinary experiences at various restaurants and bistros in the neighborhood, blending cooking artistry with dining. The Domain shopping area often features live entertainment, adding to the vibrant cultural scene.
Shopping & Dining
Great Hills and the Arboretum area in Austin offer a vibrant shopping experience and a diverse culinary scene. From upscale retail to eclectic dining options, there's something for everyone.
Retail Therapy at The Arboretum
The Arboretum stands out as one of Austin's premier shopping destinations. This outdoor shopping center features more than 40 national and local retail stores, allowing shoppers to explore a variety of unique offerings.
Visitors can find market-exclusive brands and specialty shops.
Popular retailers at The Arboretum include Trader Joe's, Pottery Barn, and Gap. Fashion enthusiasts will appreciate stores like Anthropologie and Banana Republic. The lush, park-like setting enhances the shopping experience, making it a pleasant outing for families and individuals alike.
Frequent events such as the Arboretum ArtsFest and Pups & Pints add to its charm.
Dining Out: Top Restaurants & Eateries
The dining scene at the Arboretum is varied, catering to different tastes and preferences. For those seeking a fine dining experience, The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen offers a sophisticated atmosphere and a wide selection of wines.
Craving a steakhouse? Estancia Churrascaria impresses with its upscale Brazilian steakhouse fare.
Casual dining options include Z'Tejas Southwest Grill, famous for its lively ambiance and southwestern cuisine. For a quick yet satisfying meal, visitors can stop by Five Guys for classic burgers and fries.
In addition, numerous cafes such as Starbucks provide perfect spots to relax with a cup of coffee. With such a broad selection, The Arboretum ensures that every dining preference is met.
Community Engagement
Great Hills and the Arboretum areas provide residents numerous avenues to get involved and engaged in their local community. From volunteering and participating in neighborhood events to connecting with neighbors on social media platforms, there's something for everyone.
Volunteering Opportunities & Neighborhood Events
Residents of Great Hills can participate in various volunteering opportunities that cater to diverse interests. Local schools, such as Hill Elementary and Anderson High School, often seek volunteers for events and activities. Community organizations, including the Friends of the Great Hills Park, organize clean-up days and conservation projects to maintain the area's natural beauty.
Neighborhood events are abundant, fostering a sense of community. The Great Hills Neighborhood Association organizes seasonal events like the annual Spring Fair and Halloween Parade. The Arboretum shopping center also hosts outdoor concerts and family-friendly activities, offering plenty of chances for residents to engage socially.
Social Networking with Nextdoor Neighbors
Social networking plays a crucial role in community building. Platforms like Nextdoor are highly popular in the Great Hills area. Here, residents can join group discussions, share local news, sell items, or seek recommendations for local services.
Nextdoor allows neighbors to coordinate activities such as block parties, garage sales, and meetups. These online interactions often translate to stronger in-person connections as people collaborate on projects or simply get to know each other better. The platform can also be used for planning card and board game nights, strengthening the community bond through shared interests.
Family & Pet-Friendly Features
Great Hills/Arboretum area in Austin offers various amenities for families and pet owners. With excellent schools and educational resources alongside inviting parks and dog-friendly areas, residents find this neighborhood appealing.
Schools & Educational Resources
Families in Great Hills/Arboretum have access to numerous reputable schools. Davis Elementary School, Murchison Middle School, and Anderson High School are prominent institutions known for their academic programs. These schools belong to the Austin Independent School District (AISD), which has a commendable reputation for quality education.
In addition to public schools, there are various private and charter schools within the vicinity. Educational resources such as libraries and tutoring centers also provide additional support for students. Northwest Hills Library is a popular destination for families seeking educational materials and community programs.
Parks & Dog-Friendly Areas
Great Hills/Arboretum boasts several parks and green spaces ideal for family outings and dog walks. The Great Hills Park offers scenic trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds, making it perfect for both children and pets. The park’s expansive space allows for leisurely walking and outdoor activities.
Another notable park is the Arboretum Park, which features dedicated dog areas and walking paths. The Bull Creek District Park, located nearby, has dog-friendly zones and beautiful natural scenery for everyone to enjoy. Many apartment complexes, such as those on Great Hills Trail, also include specific dog parks and pet-friendly amenities, adding to the neighborhood’s appeal.
Homeownership Tips
For residents of the Great Hills/Arboretum area, maintaining and enhancing their homes can elevate property value and improve day-to-day living. This includes focusing on gardening and landscape design as well as exploring various DIY and home improvement ideas.
Gardening & Landscape Design
Great Hills offers large lots that are perfect for elaborate garden designs. Due to the region's climate, focusing on drought-resistant plants can be beneficial. Native plants such as Texas Sage and Blackfoot Daisy thrive here and require less water.
Drip irrigation systems are efficient and help conserve water while ensuring plants receive the moisture they need. For those looking to add character, consider creating themed garden sections like butterfly gardens or herb gardens. These not only beautify the space but also serve functional purposes.
Outdoor lighting can highlight key landscaping features and improve safety. Using solar-powered lights reduces energy consumption and complements the eco-friendly approach to gardening. Regularly maintaining lawns through mowing and seasonal fertilizing helps keep the overall landscape vibrant and healthy.
DIY & Home Improvement Ideas
For DIY enthusiasts, the spacious homes in Great Hills provide ample opportunities to customize and enhance living spaces. Simple projects like updating kitchen backsplashes or installing new light fixtures can modernize a home quickly and economically.
Given the family-friendly nature of the community, building custom storage solutions can help maximize space and reduce clutter. Consider adding built-in shelves or under-stair storage to keep homes organized.
Updating bathroom fixtures is another popular DIY project. Installing energy-efficient faucets and showerheads not only refreshes the look but also contributes to sustainability. For those skilled with power tools, crafting custom furniture pieces such as coffee tables or bed frames can add a unique, personal touch to their homes.
