Many native Austinites may not even know that the area just north of Hyde Park named after its “main strip”, North Loop, is becoming one of Austin’s hippest, funkiest neighborhoods thanks to its proximity to UT and downtown, and the fortuitous relocation of Austin’s Mueller airport to Bergstrom. Bounded by 51st Street, Lamar Boulevard, Airport Boulevard, and Koenig Lane, North Loop (or “Northfield” depending on who you ask) had long been smack dab in the middle of the flight path of Mueller airport making it a less than desirable location. When Mueller shut down, eager homebuyers flooded the North Loop area, causing some houses to double seemingly overnight.
Established in the late 1940s and early 1950s, North Loop homes are relatively small, American bungalow style homes, full of character, good craftsmanship, and charm. Older homes present an ideal opportunity for an investor or anyone wanting a “fixer upper”. You’ll see many quaint, pristine homes indicating that many have already discovered this.
An eclectic group of residents calls North Loop home –college students, musicians, small business owners (many of the strip’s shop owners actually live in the neighborhood), and those who have been there from the beginning. A love of the neighborhood and passion to “keep it weird” brings everyone together, as do quarterly block parties sponsored by the strip’s local shops and restaurants. And these shops are one-of-a-kind. An avant-garde bookstore, a naughty lingerie store, an ultra hipster coffee shop, a rocker pizza parlor (with punk live music every night of the week!), and a vintage furniture store, are just a few of the places you’ll find along the strip. With easy access to the heart of downtown, and a thriving vibrant community within, you’ll never lack something to see or do in this quintessentially Austin neighborhood.
Northfield Neighborhood Association Website and a hard-copy newsletter available
Hot Spots
Epoch Coffee, The Parlor, Half Price Books, Phara’s Mediterranean Cuisine, Titaya’s Thai Cuisine, Dan’s Hamburgers
Parks
Bruning Green
Library
Yarborough Branch
Elementary School
Lee Elementary School
Jr. High
Kealing Middle School
Sr. High
McCallum High School