Central allandale By Jackie Potts

Barrington Oaks
& Laurel Oaks

Twelve years later, affordability and good schools are still the primary attributes that attract prospective homebuyers to this north Austin subdivision. Located in both the City of Austin and the highly acclaimed Round Rock Independent School Districts, homes sold in the last six months have ranged in price from $105,000 to $210,000 and average $97.01 per square foot. Mary Battaglia of Coldwell Banker United is a real estate agent specializing in the area. She says, "All the schools, North Oaks Elementary, Laurel Mountain Elementary, Canyon Vista Middle School and Westwood High School, are Presidential Blue Ribbon Schools. Westwood High is ranked in the top 20 high schools in the nation academically. North Oaks elementary is rated in the top three elementary schools in the Round Rock Independent School District and Canyon Vista is the highest ranked middle school. You can't go wrong."

With easy access to Highway 183 and Spicewood Springs Road, Barrington Oaks is in close proximity to shops, major employers, recreational areas and medical facilities. Demographics of the subdivision reveal there are an equal number of married couples with children, married couples without children and single people without children living in the neighborhood. Furthermore, the majority of homeowners are college graduates with professional occupations. The area's very active homeowners association, the Laurel Oaks Neighborhood Association (LONA), keeps residents informed about local events and issues and is currently raising money for a new subdivision entrance sign. There's a YMCA a little over a mile away, and Oak View Park, the heart of the neighborhood, has tennis courts, a playground, a hike and bike trail and picnic areas. In the summertime, residents of Barrington Oaks head to the swimming pool at nearby Canyon Vista Middle School to cool off.

Most of the homes on the large lots of Barrington Oaks were built in the 1970s through the mid '80s so the vegetation has matured into the lush landscape you see now. Battaglia says, "Barrington Oaks' cable and electrical lines have been laid underground, creating a clean look. Its streets are comfortably wide with curbs, gutters and sidewalks and there is a refreshing variety of home styles, from contemporary to traditional." Predominantly a single-family residence neighborhood, the homes received their water and electrical utilities from the City of Austin, have three to four bedrooms, two-car garages and generous yards with stands of trees. The aforementioned hike and bike trail is not only a big draw to those seeking outdoor recreation, but it also serves to define the neighborhood's connection with its natural surroundings.

But outstanding schools, affordable, attractive homes and easy access to shopping centers and employers are not all that Barrington Oaks has to offer.

"We've pondered the thought of moving to our ranch out in San Saba," Elizabeth Smith says, "but our son loves his school. He's got lots of friends in the neighborhood and he plays on the baseball team, so we'll probably be here a while." Her son isn't the only one tied to the area. "There are some originals on the block, people who've lived here since the beginning. We all get along really well. We look out for each other." Now isn't that what home ownership is all about?

Zone: W
MLS Area: 1N

ZONE: NC

Barrington Oaks is within close proximity to shops, major employers, recreational areas and medical facilities. It is also connected to its natural surroundings by a hike and bike trail.