Shady Hollow

Shady Hollow is one of southwest Austin's most established and family-friendly communities, offering a quiet, nature-rich environment with access to strong schools and a genuine neighborhood atmosphere. Encompassing six distinct sections — Shady Hollow, Shady Hollow West, Shady Hollow Estates, Southland Oaks, Barker Ranch, and Shady Hollow Gardens — this community of well-maintained homes sits on generous lots surrounded by mature trees and community green spaces. With a median home price around $635,000, Shady Hollow delivers quality southwest Austin living with character and value.

Real Estate in Shady Hollow

Shady Hollow's real estate market features solid, well-built homes at prices that represent strong value for southwest Austin. The 12-month median home price of approximately $635,000 has remained relatively stable, reflecting the neighborhood's steady desirability. Homes range from around $450,000 for smaller properties to over $900,000 for larger estates in premium sections. The housing stock spans from the 1980s through more recent construction, with most homes featuring stone or brick exteriors in traditional or ranch styles. Home sizes typically range from 1,500 to over 4,000 square feet, set on lots of 0.3 to 0.5 acres that provide genuine space and privacy.

Schools in Shady Hollow

Education is one of Shady Hollow's strongest assets. The community is served by Austin ISD, with families accessing highly rated schools including Baranoff Elementary, Kocurek Elementary, and Menchaca Elementary at the primary level. Bailey Middle School provides a strong intermediate option, and Bowie High School — one of the largest and most comprehensive high schools in Austin — offers over 50 advanced honors courses and a wide range of extracurricular programs. Akins High School is also available as an alternative. The quality of schools accessible from Shady Hollow is a primary reason families choose to put down roots here.

Dining and Lifestyle

Shady Hollow offers a quiet, residential atmosphere that prioritizes community and quality of life over commercial activity. The neighborhood's southwest Austin location provides convenient access to dining and shopping along William Cannon Drive, Slaughter Lane, and the Southpark Meadows commercial center. For a more urban dining experience, downtown Austin is about 20 to 25 minutes north. The community's own amenities — including a community center, swimming pool, and social events — create an active neighborhood life that brings residents together throughout the year.

Parks and Outdoor Living

Nature is woven into the fabric of Shady Hollow. The Shady Hollow West Nature Preserve offers wooded hiking and bird-watching opportunities. Community parks including Gatling Gun Park, Capistrano Park, and Southland Oaks Neighborhood Park provide green spaces for recreation and gathering. Paved hike-and-bike trails wind through the community, connecting neighborhoods and encouraging outdoor activity. The community swimming pool, tennis courts, and basketball courts round out the recreational amenities. Wildlife sightings — including deer grazing in front yards — are a regular reminder that Shady Hollow maintains a genuine connection to the natural environment.

Housing Options

Shady Hollow's housing is primarily single-family homes with a mix of traditional and ranch-style architecture. Stone and brick exteriors are common, with homes featuring open floor plans, fireplaces, high ceilings, and covered patios. The six sections of the community offer slightly different characters and price points, from the more modest Shady Hollow Gardens to the larger estates in Shady Hollow Estates and Barker Ranch. Most properties include spacious backyards that back up to wooded areas or green spaces. For buyers seeking a well-established community with room to spread out, Shady Hollow offers genuine substance.

Getting Around

Shady Hollow sits approximately 14 miles south of downtown Austin, with commute times averaging 20 to 25 minutes depending on traffic. MoPac Expressway (Loop 1) and I-35 are both accessible for north-south travel. Capital Metro bus routes serve the area with stops along nearby corridors. Slaughter Lane and William Cannon Drive provide east-west connectivity to commercial areas and other neighborhoods. Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is approximately 15 to 20 minutes east, making air travel convenient for frequent flyers.

Why Shady Hollow

Shady Hollow delivers the southwest Austin lifestyle that families treasure — quality schools, mature trees, community amenities, and a neighborhood atmosphere where you actually know your neighbors. It's a place where deer wander through front yards, where kids ride bikes on tree-lined streets, and where the pace of life balances suburban comfort with easy city access. If established southwest Austin community living appeals to you, I'd love to help you find your home in Shady Hollow.