Crestview & Brentwood

Crestview and Brentwood are two of Central Austin's most charming and livable neighborhoods — side-by-side communities divided by Justin Lane that share the same tree-lined streets, mid-century character, and unbeatable access to Austin's best food and culture. Located between Burnet Road and Lamar Boulevard just north of 45th Street, these neighborhoods put you in the sweet spot of Central Austin living — close enough to downtown for an easy commute, but relaxed enough to feel like a genuine neighborhood. If you love walkable streets, local restaurants, and houses with character, Crestview and Brentwood are as good as it gets.

Real Estate in Crestview and Brentwood

The median home price in the Crestview and Brentwood area is approximately $650,000, with homes ranging from around $400,000 for original-condition properties to over $1.1 million for fully renovated or new-construction homes on larger lots. The housing stock dates primarily from the late 1940s and 1950s, featuring classic ranch-style homes with hip roofs, small covered entry porches, and attached carports. Most original homes are two-bedroom, one-bath layouts on generous lots averaging around 9,000 square feet — significantly larger than many Central Austin neighborhoods. The market has softened slightly in recent months, with homes averaging about 82 days on market, creating opportunities for buyers who have been waiting for more favorable conditions.

Schools in Crestview and Brentwood

Families in Crestview and Brentwood are served by Austin ISD with access to well-regarded neighborhood schools. Brentwood Elementary earns an A rating from Niche and is a walkable neighborhood school with strong community engagement. Students feed into Lamar Middle School and McCallum High School — McCallum's Fine Arts Academy is particularly notable, attracting students from across the district for its specialized arts programs. The combination of strong neighborhood schools and proximity to the University of Texas campus creates an education-rich environment with resources well beyond what's available in most suburban settings.

Dining and Lifestyle

The food scene along Burnet Road and Anderson Lane is one of the best things about living in Crestview and Brentwood. Local institutions include Lucy's Fried Chicken, Upper Crust Bakery for legendary cinnamon rolls, Fonda San Miguel for interior Mexican cuisine, and Hat Creek Burger Co. for family-friendly burgers and shakes. The Little Deli in the Crestview Shopping Center serves some of the best pizza in Austin from a neighborhood storefront. The Little Longhorn Saloon hosts the famous "Chicken S*** Bingo" on Sunday afternoons — about as Austin as it gets. One of only two Central Market locations in the city is nearby, offering premium groceries, prepared foods, and weekly cooking classes. Add in Lala's Little Nugget (Austin's year-round Christmas bar) and you've got a neighborhood with more personality per block than most cities have in total.

Parks and Outdoor Living

Brentwood Park is the recreational heart of both neighborhoods, featuring a swimming pool, basketball courts, playground, and open green space that draws families and neighbors year-round. The North Austin Optimist baseball fields provide organized youth sports, and Shoal Creek Trail offers running and biking trails connecting to the broader Austin trail network. The neighborhoods' flat terrain and connected sidewalks make walking and biking easy and pleasant. The generous lot sizes also mean most homes have spacious backyards — room for gardens, play sets, entertaining, or simply enjoying the shade of mature pecan and live oak trees.

Housing Options

While the original ranch-style homes define the area's character, Crestview and Brentwood have seen thoughtful new construction and renovation over the past decade. You'll find lovingly updated mid-century homes with modern kitchens and open living spaces, brand-new contemporary builds on infill lots, and the occasional duplex or ADU that adds housing variety. The larger-than-average lot sizes — around 9,000 square feet compared to 6,500 in much of Central Austin — give homeowners room for expansions, backyard studios, and accessory dwelling units. This mix of original charm and updated living makes the area appealing to a wide range of buyers, from young couples buying their first home to families seeking more space without leaving Central Austin.

Getting Around

One of Crestview and Brentwood's standout features is the Crestview MetroRail Station, located on the eastern edge of the neighborhood. This Capital MetroRail stop provides direct commuter rail service into downtown Austin, making it one of the few Central Austin neighborhoods with a true rail transit option. Burnet Road and Lamar Boulevard serve as the primary commercial corridors, connecting residents to shopping, dining, and services. Downtown Austin is about 10 to 15 minutes by car, and the Mopac Expressway is a short drive west. The neighborhood's central location means most Austin destinations are within a 15 to 20-minute drive.

Why Crestview and Brentwood

Crestview and Brentwood deliver the Central Austin dream — walkable neighborhoods with genuine character, incredible local food and culture, strong schools, and the kind of community feel that keeps people here for decades. They offer the rare combination of mid-century charm on large lots with modern conveniences like rail transit and one of Austin's best dining corridors right outside your door. Whether you're drawn by the food scene on Burnet Road, the community vibe at Brentwood Park, or the chance to own a classic Austin home on a generous lot, these sister neighborhoods are among the very best places to live in the city. Let's go see what's available.