Travis Heights Neighborhood

What to know

Founded in 1912 by Newning, Swisher, and General Stacy, Travis Heights is a historic neighborhood in south Austin. While established in the early twentieth century, rapid development did not expand until the 1920s. On July 30, 2021, the Travis Heights-Fairview Park Historic District was listed on the National Register of Historic Places, securing its status as Austin's first Local and National historic districts south of the river.\n\nThe neighborhood is bounded by Lady Bird Lake to the north, Interstate 35 to the east, Congress Avenue to the west, and Oltorf Street to the south, sitting directly across the lake from downtown Austin. It was fashioned after the garden suburbs of the City Beautiful Movement. This design is reflected in its winding streets, dramatic hillsides, wooded trails, and creeks, which create a highly walkable, wooded, and hilly terrain.\n\nTravis Heights boasts the most diverse collection of historic architectural styles remaining in Austin. Walking through the tree-lined streets, you will see a mix of late-1880s Victorians, 1970s Mid-Century Moderns, and early 1920s bungalows, alongside larger modern homes and hip apartments. The colorful old houses and decorated yards contribute greatly to the neighborhood's unique character.\n\nThe area is rich in green spaces. It features the nearly forty-acre Blunn Creek Nature Preserve, complete with trails and historical plaques. Additionally, Little Stacy and Big Stacy parks, built in the 1920s and 1930s, offer fantastic community spots. Little Stacy features a wading pool for children, while Big Stacy offers a year-round public pool. Both parks include picnic tables, tennis courts, and basketball courts.\n\nThe neighborhood's desirability is enhanced by its proximity to the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail and the bustling South Congress Avenue. This vibrant bordering stretch is packed with shops, restaurants, and iconic landmarks like the 1955 Continental Club.

Visitor tips

• Bring your swimsuit to take a dip in Big Stacy Park's year-round public pool.
• Explore the trails and read the historical plaques at the nearly forty-acre Blunn Creek Nature Preserve.
• Combine your neighborhood walk with a stroll along the nearby Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail.
• Walk west to reach South Congress Avenue for dining, shopping, or catching a show at the 1955 Continental Club.

Nearby context

Travis Heights is perfectly positioned in South Austin, bordered by the bustling South Congress Avenue to the west and Lady Bird Lake to the north. This ideal location means you can easily transition from a quiet, tree-lined stroll past historic bungalows to the vibrant energy of South Congress's shops, restaurants, and legendary music venues like the Continental Club.