Old Enfield

The Old Enfield neighborhood, just west of the University of Texas at Austin, is the oldest of three neighborhoods that are considered part of the Old West Austin Historic District. This part of the city has a number of well-preserved early to mid-20th Century homes, with many of them that are sprawling estates selling in the $1,000,000 plus range. This is one of the most beautiful, quiet, and safe neighborhoods in the city of Austin and is the perfect place for families if you can afford it.

It's served by some of the highest performing schools in the Austin Independent School District. There are plenty of dining and entertainment options that are just west of the area and it's a bike ride away from the University of Texas at Austin. Resident often take advantage of beautiful Pease Park, which runs along the banks of Shoal Creek. There is an abundance of green space and mature beautiful trees in this neighborhood that has a long history dating back almost as long as the city of Austin.

This historic neighborhood located in west central Austin is called Old Enfield because, well, for one, it is quite old. Homes here date as far back as the late 19th century, and many colonial style mansions can be found along the wide, tree-lined streets. Residents have made retaining the old world feel and integrity of the neighborhood a priority, and it is reflected in the well-preserved older homes.

Located between 24th Street to the north and Enfield Road on the south, MoPac Expressway on the west and Lamar Boulevard to the east, this neighborhood is very convenient to downtown and has access to all parts of Austin by way of the thoroughfares that make up its borders. Interspersed throughout the large mansions are smaller, modest-sized bungalows that were largely built in the 1950s, as well as newer condominiums and apartment complexes. There are many amenities available to Old Enfield residents, including Pease Park, a large park that runs along the length of Shoal Creek. There are trails, open fields, a playscape and an off-leash area popular with dog owners. It is also the site of the annual Eeyore’s Birthday Party, a true Austin tradition.

All this convenience and attractiveness come at a steep price, with homes averaging in the $600s-$700s. However, it is possible to find a small, and less expensive, bungalow-type home in the high $200s for those who value location over square footage. Area schools include Casis Elementary, O. Henry Middle School and Austin High School. While many residents have lived here for 25 years or more, there are also young families, students and singles moving in. For those who love being able experience living amidst history in a beautiful neighborhood, and don’t mind paying a premium for the privilege, Old Enfield is the perfect spot.

With more expensive homes and upper-crust neighborhoods, of course you get the added benefit of safety, peace and quiet, and good schools. Old Enfield is one of those places that has these things in spades. There’s a pretty broad span of upper-level home here, from smaller, older $500,000 to some brand new sprawling estates in the millions. It’s surprising to find out that over half the homes in the neighborhood are rented, and that the highest age group of residents are in their 20s. That might explain why the neighborhood has almost a 30% turnover rate. Young couples living outside their means, perhaps? That’s all I can guess, since the income levels aren’t all that much higher than other more humble neighborhoods. It just seems a little too trendy for me. Don’t get me wrong—it’s a beautiful neighborhood, and I appreciate its historic legacy and the fact that it hosts Eeyore’s Birthday. Why—I have never quite figured out, but it’s cool nonetheless. It is extremely close to the university, so it’s a good place for professors to live (because students can just forget about it). I think for the money, though Hancock is a much more interesting area to check out.

Nestled between Hwy 1 and Lamar Blvd., Old Enfield gives both visitors and residents an inside look into the history of Austin. A Charming green neighborhood of high class close to all the good action within Central Austin, the streets have a mix of high rise condos and old houses dating back to the mid 1800s. It was once part of the Pease Family Plantation, the remnants of which are left in Pease Park, which stretches the entire length of the neighborhood and has areas where you can walk you dog without a leash. This is also the park where Eeyore's Birthday Part is held every year.

In an effort to not be overrun by business and to maintain historic integrity, this neighborhood is almost entirely residential, offering those who live here some level of daily serenity while also just being a walk away from the unique Austin nightlife. Down the street on Lamar is Whole Foods as well as numerous vintage shops and restaurants that are all a walk, bike or bus ride away. The natural beauty of Old Enfield can best be described as majestic with rolling hills and high standing trees that provide a massive amount of shade. Out of the price range for young professionals and students, this is an ideal retirement spot for those that wan to keep it weird into old age. Old Enfield is a neighborhood that has kept true to its culture even in the face of high financial investment.