Central allandale By Jackie Potts

Old Enfield

It had been over 25 years since she first resided in the Old Enfield neighborhood as a student at the University of Texas, but when Nona Kean returned to Austin to raise her two children in 1991, she said it was the same nostalgic charm of the neighborhood that made her want to come back. "Other neighborhoods are more concerned with size and acreage," Kean said, "here it's the charm of the houses and the history involved in our neighborhood. It's quality rather than quantity."

The neighborhood, also known as Old West Austin, is bordered by West 24th Street on the north and Enfield Road on the south. Lamar Boulevard serves as the east border and MoPac Boulevard is the west border. The neighborhood is conveniently located five minutes from downtown and is accessible to major thoroughfares MoPac, Lamar Boulevard, and Enfield Road.

Old Enfield is home to many of the oldest colonial style homes in Austin, including the historic Pease Mansion, built by Governors Mansion architect Abner Cook. The landmark now privately owned and undergoing restoration serves as a neighborhood centerpiece, and it is one of the few properties left in the city built before the Civil War. For Nona Kean, the history of the neighborhood is what makes Old Enfield so special, but what she is most proud of is how well that history has been preserved. "Many of the houses are very old," Kean said, "but they are built so well and preserved by our neighbors that it really is amazing."

All of Old Enfield was part of a 320-acre land grant given to C.S. Parish in 1841 by the Republic of Texas during the presidency of Mirabeau Lamar. The land went through a series of owners and was subdivided in 1910 by the Enfield Realty and Home Building Co.

Kean returned to Old Enfield to raise her children not only for the chance to live in a beautiful neighborhood, but also because of the outstanding schools in Old Enfield. "The schools are very parent-oriented and offer higher level classes, which was very important for me," she said. Casis Elementary, O. Henry Middle School, and Austin High School provided her children both an excellent education and a unique multicultural experience.

While many of the residents have lived in the neighborhood more than 25 years, the neighborhood is currently attracting young families as well as a few students and singles. Ninety percent of the homes in Old Enfield are owner-occupied. "I've never felt unsafe or unwelcome," Nona Kean said of Old Enfield.

The neighborhood's charms have attracted University of Texas students as well as local celebrities. Former Mayor Kirk Watson, former Lt. Gov. Ben Barnes, and actor Luke Wilson have all called Old Enfield home. The neighborhood is a favorite at Christmas time, when the columned porches and majestic balconies are decorated magnificently.

Old Enfield easily blends its smaller two bedroom, one bathroom cottages with the larger, six to eight bedroom mansions, which are architecturally diverse. Giant trees and Pease Park assist the soothing aesthetic of the neighborhood. Many of the houses were built between 1910 and 1950, and homes start in the $200,000s and have sold for more than $500,000.

What are the best things about living in Old Enfield? For Nona Kean it's been the same reasons since the 1960s. "I'd say the charm, the schools, and the convenience of being in Central Austin," Kean said, "plus I get to keep my friends I've made throughout the years."

Schools Austin Independent School District Casis Elementary O.Henry Middle School Austin High School

Amenities Caswell Tennis Center Pease District Park West Enfield Park

Resources Search articles mentioning Old Enfield in the Austin American-Statesman's archives. Find area restaurants on Austin360

Zone: Central

Zip Code 78703

The Caswell Tennis Center has facilities which offer public play, lessons, leagues and tournaments. Reservations may be made two days prior.

Visit the Old West Austin Historic District at www.owahd.org