Tell me more about Zilker park and surroundings (Austin, Spring: condo, neighborhoods)

[Minier]

Is it located smack-dab in the middle of Austin? Is it kind of like central park in NYC (meaning an overcrowded urban park that provides relief from the concrete and entertainment nevertheless, which is fine). I now live in NYC suburb and the parks here are less "social" and provide large, protected nature and forests but nothing social actually going on there (which is fine too) - maybe hiking trails and boating.

Is the surrounding area just metro Austin or suburbs? Is the housing in the surroundings affordable (to me that means 350k approximately for 2500 sq ft or 4 bedrooms)? Are the schools in the surrounding area good ("good", of course, being subjective ... to me that means really great teachers)? Are there available alternative private schools (a la Waldorf, Montessori or other Hippish, drum circle type schooling - I like that though I'm not at all hippy'ish )? Are there activities for adults and kids alike (I love giving my kids lots to do but I count too and I LOVE to learn -- mostly I want biking, running trails, writing groups, bellydance and african dance classes, and other adult enrichment things like, including all things outdoors).

Can you please provide specific zip codes that are near the park (and in my price range and SAFE)? Can you provide info on zips or 'hoods near the schools (would love to walk kids to school instead of drive all the time .... I am sooooo sick of my car!).

Of course, I have no interest in being smack in the middle of a "concrete jungle", heavy traffic or over-crowdedness (though I want people around) ... so please inform me if I'm way off when it comes to considering Zilker park.

[TexasHorseLady]

78704. (One zip code near the park, but it covers a lot more than that).

Zilker Park is, indeed, in the middle of Austin, but also on the edge, if that makes any sense. The Barton Creek Greenbelt runs to it and through the neighborhoods to the south of it. There are, indeed, crowds at Zilker, using it, on weekends and sometimes during the week - and definitely during soccer season! It's right on Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake) and so, yes, canoing and boating and such. You should be able to find housing relatively nearby Zilker in your price range.

The Waldorf School is in Oak Hill, and about 20 minutes from Barton Hills, one of the neighborhoods near Zilker. (This I know because we lived there and my daughter attended the Waldorf School.) There are other private schools - LOTS of other private schools, including Montessori and other alternatives - available, as well. Yes, there are lots of activities for adults and children alike, in Zilker, and in Austin in general.


Let me see, what have I missed that you asked . . . well, remind me if I missed something.

[Jessica Todryk]

I live in 78704 and LOVE it! Zilker park has lots of social happenings. During Christmas they have the giant Christmas tree and the festival of lights. Then in March they have a huge kite thing. Barton Springs is always 68 degrees and is a great way to cool down when it's blazing hot. I think you would probably like the central area, but you might be surprised with the ratings of Austin ISD (did you see the ratings in Sunday's paper?). Eanes School District has lots of Exemplary Rated schools, but would be a drive to the central area. Prices in Central Austin and the Eanes ISD areas are anywhere from mid 300's to 1mil and up, unless you buy a small condo. There are other areas that have lower prices and good schools, but since you mentioned that you were tired of your car, you probably would be happier near Zilker park. It is a wonderful area and the social aspect of the area is really fun. Nothing like walking to the Austin City Limits. Just remember your sunblock!!! Travis Heights in 78704 has a great little elementary school (Travis Heights Elementary) but is not really walkable to Zilker. It does have it's own little park and heated swimming pool, but prices are pretty high compared to neighborhoods closer to Zilker. Good luck with the searching!

[texastea]

I think you'll like the area, too, but keep in mind that Austin and its park are much smaller and most of us drive there:

CENTRAL PARK
"Central Park's 843 acres include 136 acres of woodlands, 250 acres of lawns, and 150 acres of water in 7 waterbodies. The Park's six-mile perimeter extends from Central Park West to Fifth Avenue and 59th Street to 110th Street. A competition for the design was held in 1858. The winners were Frederick Law Olmsted and Calvert Vaux.
Central Park is completely man-made. It took 15 years and over $14 million (roughly $200 million today) to build the Park in accordance with Olmsted and Vaux's Greensward Plan."

ZILKER
"In 1918, A.J. Zilker deeded the 35 acres surrounding Barton Springs to the City of Austin. In 1932, Zilker agreed to give the military school established during the First World War an additional 330 acres, joining the 35 acres on the north side of the original tract if the city would buy the acreage from the school for $200,000. This action was approved in a bond election and despite the ecomomic depression of the 1930's. the land was developed into Zilker Park."

[patrick schaub]

please send me amap and the location of zilker park we will be visiting the park next wed. email # pschaub3@austin .rr.com thanks a bunch patrick we know nothing about austin

[CptnRn]

zilker park - Google Maps