Travis Heights, Austin, Texas

Travis Heights is a neighborhood in south Austin, Texas, United States, bounded by Lady Bird Lake on the north, Interstate 35 on the east, Congress Avenue on the west and Oltorf Street on the south.

It was founded in 1913 by Newning, Swisher and General Stacy, but development did not expand rapidly until the 1920s. The city park located along Blunn Creek in Travis Heights is named after General Stacy, as Stacy Park, as well as the "Big Stacy" spring-fed pool and the "Little Stacy" park and swimming pool.

Originally conceived as an exclusive district for the wealthy, Travis Heights was first developed in the late 19th century, but didn't really take off until the 1920s. Now, with a great mix of mansions, smaller homes, and hip apartments, Travis Heights is among the most desirable residential neighborhoods in Austin. Proximity to South Congress, Downtown Austin, and the major freeways also make Travis Heights one of the best-positioned areas in South Austin.

The tree lined, rolling hills throughout the neighborhood and close proximity to downtown make it very popular with professionals who want a quiet neighborhood feel but without the commute. It is located in the very sought after (some small houses in the area sell on-market for $500,000 or more depending on location) and politically active 78704 zip code, which is predominately politically left-wing.

There has been a battle raging for years about the boundaries of the neighborhood and new zoning ordinances, and a particularly huge issue is the "McMansions" that are being built in place of the original 1920s bungalows in the area. Eager to protect the heritage of their neighborhood, Travis Heights residents aren't willing to sit idly by, so they show up in droves to council meetings and neighborhood association functions to protect their interests.

Another attraction of the neighborhood is its closeness to the newly rejuvenated South Congress Avenue, many times called SoCo. SoCo is full of hip cafes and stores, and attracts many tourists and young professionals from downtown.

Education

The neighborhood is zoned to the Austin Independent School District.
* [http://www.austinisd.org/schools/website.phtml?id=106 Travis Heights Elementary School]
* [http://www.austinisd.org/schools/website.phtml?id=030 Fulmore Middle School]
* Travis High School [http://www.austinisd.org/schools/website.phtml?id=022]

External links

* [http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/ City of Austin]
* [http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/zoning/downloads/gsrc_history1.pdf Greater South River History]
* [http://www.ci.austin.tx.us/historic/downloads/sconhistory.pdf South Congress history]