Northwest Hills - Austin, TX

Resting comfortably in the western foothills of the Austin area, Northwest Hills boomed in the 1970s as Austin's population grew and exploded past its boundaries, establishing many of the homes that reside within this portion of the neighborhood.

No museums reside within a few miles of the area, but museums to the south and east hold exhibits and events celebrating Texas military, various governmental groups, as well as some of Texas' founders.

Much more art is available for residents of the area, such as the Orpheus Academy of Music, which holds theory and performance classes to the area's musically inclined. The Shirley McPhail School of Dance and various vocal academies make sure the area remains cultured.

The bulk of the Northwest Hills portion of the neighborhood remains residential, but with a jaunt onto Far West Boulevard, local favorites such as Austin's Pizza satisfy. With a casual, laid-back interior and delivery late into the night, "Austin's Originals" such as the White Pizza, topped with Alfredo sauce, provolone cheese and mozzarella can be easily exchanged with gluten-free and Vegan-friendly options.

Just a couple blocks away, Austin Terrier 's pet-friendly patio provides a relaxing backdrop for summer get-togethers with the whole family, sampling specialty pizzas or sandwiches such as the Getty, a spicy chicken breast, pesto mayo, tomatoes, and feta combination.

Some of these restaurants double as bars for Northwest Hills-Far West residents and visitors to enjoy; Austin Terrier's selection of Texas beers, such as the Rahr & Sons Ugly Pug or Germany's Krombacher Weizen, send you around the world and put you right back on your feet. Boulevard Bar & Grill holds down the limited local nightlife, playing the friendly role as the area's local sports bar, serving salads, burgers and appetizers as well.

All modes of transportation through the Northwest Hills-Far West neighborhoods come as fair game for visitors and residents alike. Capital Metro buses transport thousands of patrons in or out of the area daily, with many stops and extensive running hours. Cabs are not readily available in the area, but the companies do stop in the high-income neighborhood. Similarly, eager Uber drivers come in no short supply for residents and visitors.

Public parking remains available and mostly free, but certain areas may have signs posted warning of hours or restrictions for some streets. With Mopac Expressway just a stone's throw away from much of the neighborhood and Far West intersecting it, North-South access to other major highways remains easy.

Many, such as local students, prefer to walk or ride bikes through the area. A few bike lanes, so riders should take precautions when on larger roads, such as Far West or Mesa Drive. However, the area ranks as very safe, and riders, walkers and joggers can make good use of sidewalks to get nearly anywhere in the neighborhood they may wish to go.

Along with a few parks resting on or near local schools, the Shinoak Valley Greenbelt provides the largest continuous, outdoor recreational area for residents of Northwest Hills-Far West. Clocking in at just under 10.5 acres, this wild slice through the neighborhood provides the perfect setting for small outdoor adventures and light fitness activities for the whole family.

The greenbelt remains pet-friendly, though it should be noted that owners remain courteous of their pets and practice good etiquette. However, while this park provides free access, it rarely holds any annual activities or events. Residents or visitors might try traveling about a mile north or west to find some more expansive outdoor areas, where trails and other activities provide fitness options for the athletically inclined.

Residents pay handily for such a relaxed and established nieghborhood to call home, as the cost of living is approximately 11 percent higher than the Austin average. Median rent for a one-bedroom residence comes in at a high $1,366.19, but public transportation costs remain relatively cheap.

The Capital Metro bus service takes riders all over the city, and for a day out or a trip to downtown Austin, one only need pay $2.00 for a day pass, though they may need to take a few different buses to get there. Gas prices vary anywhere from 5 to 8 percent below the national average, if commuters wish to drive.

For entertainment and social outings, prices vary. Depending on the bar, a domestic beer runs anywhere from $2 to $4, while craft beers up the range by a few dollars.

Many local and chain shops have set up camp in the neighborhood, but no major shopping malls or centers serve this area, aside from a few strip malls lining Far West Boulevard. Anne's Embroidery discounts all work on items and projects for children, and maintains a strong community presence with wholesale pricing.

In close proximity to Far West lies The Tack Shop of Austin, which serves the area with all sorts of horse riding accessories, whether you need a new pair of Web Reigns, or a fresh and flashy show jacket for a friend or family member. To the chagrin of some residents, the closest available grocers remain state-wide chains such as HEB, which provide the surrounding area with a wide selection. But traverse just a bit outside the neighborhood lines to find options such as Flavor Maven Foods, LLC to help keep your refrigerator stocked. No public farmers markets reside in or near the neighborhood.