William Barton
William "Uncle Billy" Barton established a pioneer homestead near natural springs on the southern bank of the Colorado River.
Texas Historic Homes / Historic Austin
Barton Hills
Barton Hills
Austin TX 78704
Discover the history of Barton Hills, an established South Austin neighborhood near the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Barton Springs Pool, and Zilker Park.
Barton Hills Neighborhood
An Established South Austin Neighborhood.
Barton Hills is a neighborhood located in South Austin, Texas. It is primarily residential, with the oldest homes dating back to the 1940s.
This Austin historic home community is surrounded by some of the city's best-known natural and cultural attractions.
These include the Barton Creek Greenbelt nature preserve, with its many hiking and biking trails, and the Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum.
Just north of Barton Hills are Barton Springs Pool, a natural spring-fed swimming pool connected to Barton Creek, and Zilker Park, described in the original neighborhood article as a 351-acre public park.
Neighborhood History
The Story Behind Barton Hills.
From William Barton's early pioneer homestead to the development of modern residential subdivisions, Barton Hills reflects several generations of Austin history.
Early Neighborhood Development
Some of the oldest homes in today's Barton Hills neighborhood date back to the 1940s.
Parade of Homes
Barton Hills was featured in Austin's 1956 Parade of Homes, highlighting the growing popularity of air-conditioned residential subdivisions.
Continued Residential Growth
Construction continued through the late 1990s, resulting in a neighborhood with homes spanning approximately six decades.
Austin Pioneer History
William "Uncle Billy" Barton.
In 1837, William "Uncle Billy" Barton established his pioneer homestead near a natural spring along the southern bank of the Colorado River.
Barton named the springs after his three daughters: Parthenia, Eliza, and Zenobia.
Although his daughters' names did not remain attached to the springs, William Barton's own name became part of Austin's lasting geography.
Generations later, Barton Springs, Barton Springs Pool, and several well-known Austin neighborhoods continue to carry the name "Barton."
Historic Connection: The Barton name reflects Austin's early settlement history and continues to appear throughout the area's parks, springs, roads, and residential communities.
Neighborhood Location
Barton Hills Neighborhood Boundaries.
Barton Hills is located in South Austin, surrounded by established residential neighborhoods, natural green spaces, and major Austin roadways.
East
South Lamar and Zilker neighborhoods.
North
Barton Springs Road and Zilker Park.
West
Barton Creek and the Spyglass-Barton's Bluff neighborhood.
South
Capital of Texas Highway.
Mid-Century Austin History
Barton Hills & Austin's 1956 Parade of Homes.
"The world's largest air conditioned subdivision."
The current Barton Hills neighborhood first developed during the 1940s and 1950s, with residential construction continuing into the late 1990s.
Because of this extended development period, Barton Hills contains homes representing approximately six decades of residential construction.
In 1956, Barton Hills was featured in Austin's Parade of Homes.
According to the original neighborhood history, the development was promoted as "the world's largest air conditioned subdivision."
Beginning that year, the neighborhood was platted into six sections by S.R. Sheppard, Builders Development Corporation, and other developers.
The plans eventually included 1,585 lots across approximately 535 acres.
1956
Featured in Austin's Parade of Homes
1,585
Residential lots originally planned
535
Acres included in the development plans
Barton Hills / South Austin
Parks, Landmarks & Outdoor Attractions.
Barton Hills is located near several of Austin's most recognizable natural and cultural destinations.
Barton Creek Greenbelt
The Barton Creek Greenbelt is a well-known Austin nature preserve featuring hiking and biking trails, wooded landscapes, and scenic creek areas.
Barton Springs Pool
Located just north of Barton Hills, Barton Springs Pool is a historic natural spring-fed swimming pool and one of Austin's best-known landmarks.
Zilker Park
Zilker Park is a large public green space near Barton Hills, known for recreation, outdoor activities, and longstanding Austin community traditions.
Umlauf Sculpture Garden & Museum
The Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum is a familiar Austin cultural destination featuring sculptures, landscaped garden spaces, and exhibitions.
Residential Heritage
Homes Representing Decades of Austin History.
With residential construction dating back to the 1940s and continuing into the late 1990s, Barton Hills reflects several periods of Austin's growth.
The neighborhood's development history includes homes from the postwar era as well as properties built during subsequent decades.
The diversity of construction periods contributes to Barton Hills' established residential character.
For buyers interested in older homes or established Austin neighborhoods, understanding when different sections were developed can provide useful context during a property search.
Texas Historic Homes Archive
Historic Archive & Current Home Pricing.
This article preserves the original historical information about the Barton Hills neighborhood, including its early settlement history, residential development, neighborhood boundaries, and 1956 Parade of Homes.
Historical neighborhood descriptions, development figures, and property information are provided for reference and are not a current real estate market report.
Listing prices, availability, and property details may change.
Scroll below for current pricing of homes for sale NOW in Barton Hills, or jump directly to the current property search.
Barton Hills Real Estate
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Texas Historic Homes
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