What secrets do the rolling hills of Northwest Hills hold? These hills whisper tales of Austin’s expansion. Northwest Hills, sometimes called Far West, has a rich history. The Barrow family shaped Northwest Hills in the 1950s and 60s. David Barrow Sr. even pushed for the construction of Mopac Expressway. He knew it would ease commutes for residents. Before Mopac, the trip downtown was much longer. Residents had to use Lamar Boulevard or even Interstate 35.
Northwest Hills started with a few properties on Balcones Drive. The Barrows then developed land near Mount Bonnell. This provided stunning views overlooking the Colorado River. Their vision expanded further into the hills. They saw the potential for affluent growth in northwest Austin. The hilly terrain was the perfect setting. They acquired land in small parcels, developed them, and then moved on to more rugged areas. Much of the land belonged to M.E. Hart, a Canadian businessman, and a man named Capitan Knox. The Barrows made a deal with Hart to buy the land piece by piece. This rolling option allowed them to acquire property even without the capital for a large upfront purchase. Hart benefited too, selling at a higher market price as the area developed. By the 1950s, the Barrows owned a significant portion of the developed land in northwest Austin.
Their design for Northwest Hills was innovative. They envisioned a “new” town. They drew inspiration from Austin’s core urban areas. Balcones Drive became a counterpart to downtown’s Colorado River. Far West Boulevard mirrored Congress Avenue, the heart of downtown. They even had plans for a railroad and a connection to Airport Boulevard. Today, Far West Boulevard is a major artery, lined with local businesses and national chains. It stretches from Mopac deep into the neighborhood. The architecture in Northwest Hills showcases a variety of styles. You’ll find Colonial, Californian ranch, and Texas Tuscan villas. Beyond Mesa Drive, large family homes with spacious garages and landscaped yards dominate the scene. The area is largely middle to upper-middle class. It’s often described as upscale. Residents actively participate in the community, working with the city on zoning to maintain high living standards. While primarily residential, Northwest Hills is also popular with college students. They live in the lower part of the neighborhood in apartments and condos along streets like Greystone and Wood Hollow. Northwest Hills is more than just homes. Did you know Jimmy Buffett wrote “Margaritaville” on Shadow Valley Drive in Northwest Hills? And every Fourth of July, the neighborhood comes alive with a parade hosted by the Northwest Austin Civic Association. The parade is a spectacle of bands, dancers, antique cars, and even a Ladies Lawn Chair Brigade. It’s a tradition that captures the spirit of Northwest Hills.