Shoal Creek

The Shoal Creek neighborhood is named for its central geographic feature, a creek that was first formed when the semi-mountains of Travis County created a split where rainfall could collect. The peaceful Shoal Creek cuts a path down the middle of the neighborhood, creating a sort of focal point, and many neighborhood streets, businesses and even community organizations take their name from it.

Over time, people have come to consider Shoal Creek as a boundary for Austin’s west side. The neighborhood is bordered by Mopac to the west, Research Blvd on the North, Burnet Road to the East and Anderson Lane on the South – the north part of the City of Austin’s urban core. Residents of Shoal Creek enjoy easy access to their surroundings and a tight-knit community. Situated a few miles from the center of Austin’s Downtown, the community has its own activities and resources, with easy access to all of Austin by way of Mopac Expressway, Highway 183, and major roads such as Burnet and 45th Street.

Shoal Creek real estate is primarily made up of medium-sized to small single-family homes with a few apartment complexes. Most of the residential real estate is owned and occupied by the homeowner. Many of the residences in the Shoal Creek neighborhood were built between 1940 and 1969.

The neighborhood area is pedestrian friendly and integrates bus routes, biking trails and sidewalks. It is located close to retail and recreational facilities, most of which are locally-owned businesses like: The Village Alamo Drafthouse, Fresh Plus, Hopdoddy Burger Bar, Tarka, The Goodnight and other popular restaurants and local shops. The main thoroughfare of West Anderson Lane has seen tremendous redevelopment since 2005 and is considered a hub for residents of the neighborhood and all Austinites.

Shoal Creek is located in the Austin Independent School District. It is served by Anderson High School, which is one of the top-ranked schools academically in Texas.

Parks sprout up all along the Shoal Creek area, so just follow the water to never be far from recreation. At Sheffield Northwest District Park, the city maintains a swimming pool, tennis and basketball courts, barbecue pits, a playground and enough picnic tables for a small army. With reservable facilities and 0.7 miles of trails, this kid-friendly, pet-friendly park has a fishing pier to boot.

To the east of Shoal Creek lies the neighborhood of Rosedale, extending to Lamar Blvd on the east, up to North Loop or Hancock Street on the north and down to 38th Street on the south. With one of the highest livability scores in all of Austin, the Rosedale neighborhood offers something for everyone.

I’m Morgan Smith. Thanks for joining me for this edition of Austin Street Beat, brought to you by The Shannon Schmitz Group and Adelo Lending Company.