Highland Park West: Austin’s Hidden Gem

If you’ve driven up toward Mount Bonnell, you may have felt it — the city opens up, Lake Austin glints below, and a string of handsome homes perches on limestone bluffs. That stretch, roughly where MoPac meets the 2222 corridor and the hills drop to the lake, is home to Highland Park West — a small but beloved West Austin neighborhood with a mid-century origin story and plenty of modern amenities.

A post-war neighborhood (who started it)

Highland Park West was developed after World War II by developer Edgar H. Perry (sometimes referenced as Edgar Perry). The major building boom in the 1950s and 1960s created much of the current housing stock — many houses showing clean lines, ranch or mid-century modern styles designed to fit the hilly terrain. Over the decades, many of those original homes have been thoughtfully restored, and newer high-end builds sit side-by-side with classic mid-century architecture.

Where it sits in the city

Highland Park West is technically in central/West Austin: north of central Austin along the Lake Austin corridor, roughly bounded by MoPac (Loop 1) to the east, Mount Bonnell Road to the west, and Highway 2222 to the north. That location puts it minutes from downtown while giving residents the feel of a quiet and well-established neighborhood — with quick access to outdoor landmarks and major arterials.

Amenities: coffee, restaurants, shopping & lifestyle

One of the biggest appeals of Highland Park West is that while it feels like a tucked-in hillside retreat, it’s still near enough to meaningful amenities for daily living and enjoyment. Here are some local spots and types of businesses that make the neighborhood livable and engaging:

• Coffee & bakery:

  • Russell’s Bakery & Coffee Bar: A cozy bakery-coffee shop that’s become a neighborhood destination. Known for pastries, good coffee, and a patio where you can relax with a book or meet a friend.

• Restaurants:

  • Chez Zee American Bistro: A neighborhood staple for brunch/lunch/dinner — known for crème brûlée French toast and a comfortable bistro-style setting.

  • Yamas Greek Restaurant: For a true Mediterranean/Greek cuisine experience, this is the spot! Great setting, wonderful food, and the occasional DJ.

• Shopping & services:

  • While Highland Park West is primarily residential and offers a quieter feel, there is a small shopping area along Hancock Drive, that includes a number of small, local businesses. There is also a shopping center on the north side of the neighborhood, including Randall’s Grocery, Juiceland, Starbucks, and more.

  • For larger retail/shopping outings, the neighborhood is located conveniently close to downtown (5 miles), the Arboretum (6 miles) and The Domain (7 miles). So you get the balance of quiet living + access to broader amenities.

• Parks, nature & outdoor amenities:

  • From a lifestyle-perspective, Highland Park West benefits from adjacent outdoor amenities, such as Perry Park, located in the heart of the neighborhood, just behind Highland Park Elementary. The Bright Leaf Nature Preserve (200+ acres) borders the western edge of the neighborhood, and Mount Bonnell, with its sweeping views of Lake Austin.

Why Highland Park West matters today

It’s a great example of what makes West Austin desirable today: immediate access to scenic outdoor spaces (lake, hills, trails), a mix of architectural styles (classic mid-century + modern builds), access to highly rated public and private schools, and proximity to both quiet residential living and urban conveniences. For people who want the quiet feel of a north west Austin neighborhood, without a long commute, Highland Park West consistently comes up as a sweet spot — small, scenic, and full of character.