Neighborhood in Northwest Austin. Photo courtesy of Jenn D. Davis.
As we ease into the second week of 2014, predictions are still being made about what to expect in real estate this year. Redfin, a national real estate firm, recently released their predictions of the hottest neighborhoods for 2014. The Northwest Austin community of Barrington Oaks ranked number six on the list for its location close to Central Austin and affordable homes. Redfin also ranked the top five neighborhoods for each city that made the national list. Although most of the neighborhoods listed are less well-known than others in the Austin area, they are expected to be up-and-coming this year thanks to their combination of a great location, highly-rated schools and affordable price tags. Check out the list below to read all about the top five Austin neighborhoods to watch in 2014:
1. Barrington OaksBarrington Oaks takes the top spot for its affordable homes (priced in the $100s to $300s) and convenient location next to Highway 183. Although homes here are older, they have been well-maintained and feature a unique appearance, unlike the cookie-cutter variety found in newer subdivisions. Barrington Oaks is also part of the highly-rated Round Rock school district and close to major tech employers like Apple and IBM. Click here to search for Barrington Oaks homes for sale or read more about the neighborhood on our Barrington Oaks neighborhood profile.
2. MilwoodMilwood is the largest community on the list and stretches along West Parmer Lane between Anderson Mill Road and Mopac. The variety of homes available in Milwood includes new suburban models and established ranch homes, affordably priced in the mid $100s to $300s. Children in Milwood attend either Round Rock ISD or Austin ISD schools. The large size of Milwood means homeowners are close to a wide range of shopping, dining and major employers in the Northwest Austin area. Click here to search for Milwood homes for sale or read more about the neighborhood on our Milwood neighborhood profile.
3. Stone CanyonStone Canyon is one of Round Rocks many master-planned suburban communities with large homes and plenty of neighborhood amenities. Hike and bike trails, parks and a community pool surround the neighborhood, where homes are priced in the $200s and $300s. Stone Canyon is close to Interstate 35 and about 30 minutes from downtown Austin. Round Rock is also one of the fastest-growing cities around Austin and more employers and businesses are choosing to make it their home. Click here to search for Stone Canyon homes for sale or read more about the neighborhood on our Stone Canyon neighborhood profile.
4. Fern BluffLike Stone Canyon, Fern Bluff is a large suburban community with affordable homes and a plethora of neighborhood parks, pools and other amenities. The homeowners association frequently hosts neighborhood events for this tight-knit community. Major employers like Dell and Seton have set up shop in Round Rock and the commute to downtown Austin is only 30 minutes. Kids can also walk to school at the Round Rock ISD elementary school in Fern Bluff. Click here to search for Fern Bluff homes for sale or read more about the neighborhood on our Fern Bluff neighborhood profile.
5. North AustinAs Austin continues to grow, the affordable homes of North Austin have become more and more desirable. Redfin defines the boundaries of North Austin to be north of Highway 183 between Burnet Road and North Lamar Boulevard, but our map includes the area between Round Rock, FM 2222, Interstate 35 and RM 620. Homes here range from 1950s originals to brand new suburbs and custom designed luxury residences priced anywhere from $100K to over $1 million. This area is hot for its top schools, shopping destinations and major tech employers like Google and National Instruments. Click here to search for North Austin homes for sale or read more about the area on our North Austin profile.