Central allandale By Jackie Potts

UT Area

Mike McHone has lived in the UT area for 35 years, but he says it only feels like one. "You can never grow old here because there are always 50,000 young faces around you." But this area, which centers around one of Austin's oldest and most prestigious institutions, the University of Texas, in not just a stomping ground for multitudes of college students. With homes ranging from quaint one-bedroom bungalows to large estate mansions hiding behind imposing gates, tons of activities and amenities, and a rich heritage which can still be seen in some home's architecture, the UT area has something for everyone.

The UT area is made up of a number of small neighborhoods, just minutes north of another one of Austin's prestigious institutions, the State Capitol. This community is defined by IH-35 to the east, Lamar Blvd. and Shoal Creek to the west, Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd. to the south and 38th St. moving up toward Duval St. and 45th St. to the north.

"Within a five mile radius, you have anything you could ever want," said McHone, realtor and Vice President of the University Area Partners. The UT area is close to major shopping with large shopping amenities such as Central Market and the Hancock Center, as well as smaller, funky, independently owned businesses located primarily along Guadalupe Street. Cultural events are also at residents' fingertips with university facilities open to the public such as Bass Concert Hall, the Harry Ransom Center, and the LBJ Library.

As for outdoors activities, the possibilities are endless. The UT area is home to numerous parks including Pease Park, Wooten Park, Adams Park, Hemphill Park, Hancock Park and the Shoal Creek Hike and Bike. There is even a nine-hole golf course located near the Hancock Center. Additionally, most neighborhoods in the area offer community pools. Along with the dizzying number of activities and amenities located in the area, a equally dizzying number of housing possibilities exist. Scattered throughout with student apartments, this area is home to efficient condominiums, modest 1950's ranch style homes, elegant estate homes, tiny cottages, and anything in between. Many of the homes in this area are older, which according to Evelyn Herczeg, realtor at Prudential Owen Realty, gives them even more appeal to buyers. "Many buyers would rather have a vintage house with one-of-a-kind features that were crafted by hand."

However, houses in this area are limited and expensive. "Proximity of the few available houses to downtown and the university makes them very appealing to those who can afford to buy a house in this area," said Herczeg. "On average, single family houses in this area have about 2,271 square feet of living space, and so far in 2004, the 'average' house here will sell in about 60 days for $478,000, or about $210 per square foot of living space," said Herczeg. Condominiums (which are numerous in the area) are a popular alternative for those who want to live in the UT area, but are looking for something more modestly priced. According to Herczeg, the average UT area condominium sold in 2004 has about 1,557 square feet of living space and cost about $139,985.

Children living in the area attend Bryker Wood or Lee Elementary, O'Henry or Kealing Middle School and Austin or McCallum High. All of the above schools are within the Austin Independent School District, and some particularly stand out; Lee Elementary is a Blue Ribbon winning elementary school, Kealing is a magnet middle school, and Austin High is the school that President Bush's daughters attended.

The UT area has been a popular place for quite some time. "Some of the oldest neighborhoods in Austin exist here," said McHone. Veterans of the Texas Revolution were granted land in the area as a reward for battles fought. These tracts of land were then turned in sprawling plantations with large mansions and estates. In fact, remnants of that past still exist in the area today such as the Wooten Mansion (which has been transformed into a hotel) on MLK and the Neill Cochran House (now a museum) on San Gabriel. "This is a great place to observe older homes that still reflect architectural trends and tastes from the 20th century," said Herczeg. "Many of the homes built in the early 1900's have been well-preserved and some have historic significance."

So whether you're looking for a historic home near one of the area's verdant parks or a newer condominium just a short bike ride away from an art exhibit, the UT area probably has something for you. But hurry, they don't last long. This area is attractive to homebuyers as it's ever been.

Schools Austin Independent School District Bryker Woods Elementary Lee Elementary O. Henry Middle School Kealing Middle School Austin High School McCallum High School

Amenities Bass Concert Hall Harry Ransom Center LBJ Library Pease Park Wooten Park Adams-Hemphill Park Shoal Creek Hike and Bike

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

Zone: C
MLS Area: 4

Zip Code 78705