Cardinal Hills Estates Neighborhood Guide

Looking for a Northwest Austin neighborhood guide that truly introduces the character, amenities, and everyday experience of Cardinal Hills Estates? This community draws buyers who want easy access to city conveniences yet appreciate the tranquil, distinctive feel of a rural setting. If you’re searching for expert insights on living in Cardinal Hills Estates, this Cardinal Hills Estates neighborhood guide is designed with you in mind. Though some of the neighborhood feels more rural, there is another section with Mediterranean style homes with courtyards and tile roofs. These Mediterranean style homes were built in the mid 2000’s with another round built in 2012-2013 and are finished with high end finishes you’d expect to see in a much higher priced home. With both 1 and 2 story plans in a variety of sizes, Cardinal Hills Estates is ideal for someone looking for a Mediterranean style home or a home in a more rural setting without a huge lot in the Lake Travis ISD. Learn what makes this location stand out, see how the local homes compare, and find out why working with Cardinal Hills Estates buyer’s agents can help you make the best move. Scroll Down to Read our Cardinal Hills Estates Neighborhood Guide.

Cardinal Hills Estates Homes for Sale

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Cardinal Hills Estates Neighborhood Map

Cardinal Hills Estates is located off 620 in the Lake Travis ISD. To get to Cardinal Hills Estates, take 620 to General Williamson Drive and head southeast. Cardinal Hills Estates is shaded in red on the map below. Explore other Northwest Austin neighborhoods in our Northwest Austin Neighborhood Guide. Scroll down to continue reading our Cardinal Hills Estates neighborhood guide.

What Does Cardinal Hills Estates Look Like

Cardinal Hills Estates sits just west of Lakeway, off RM 620, providing one of Northwest Austin’s more interesting visual mixes. The first thing visitors notice is the rural ambiance. Streets run without sidewalks, creating a quieter, less structured feel that appeals to buyers who want a break from uniform suburban development.

Mature trees line the roads, offering natural shade and privacy. You’ll see a spread of architectural styles that feels genuine and unpolished, highlighting the neighborhood’s organic evolution over several decades.

Homes in Cardinal Hills Estates Styles, Construction, and Character

Cardinal Hills Estates showcases two main zones in terms of curb appeal:

• Mediterranean-Style Homes: A significant portion of the neighborhood features Mediterranean-inspired residences. These homes were generally built in the mid-2000s and again during the 2012-2013 building phase. Expect stucco exteriors, courtyards, and classic tile roofs. Many homes offer both one- and two-story floorplans, finished with high-end touches more often seen in higher price points.
• Eclectic Mix: Move through other streets and you’ll find houses without a single cohesive style. Architecture varies widely, including traditional Texan, ranch, and even mobile or manufactured homes. Gravel or dirt driveways are common, adding to the laid-back, rural sensibility.

This split appeals to a variety of buyers, from those searching for a custom Mediterranean home to those who want something with character and a less uniform look. The mature landscaping and absence of sidewalks contribute to the unspoiled feeling of the neighborhood.

What’s It Like Living in Cardinal Hills Estates

Life in Cardinal Hills Estates is defined by its balance between peaceful privacy and straightforward convenience.

• Tranquility: Without the hum of through-traffic and the uniform appearance of planned developments, residents report genuinely peaceful days and nights. The rural vibe means you’re more likely to hear birds than highway noise.
• Friendly Neighbors: While each home feels private thanks to lot size and tree coverage, the welcoming atmosphere means it’s easy to get to know those living nearby.
• Space to Breathe: Larger lots and mature trees provide room for gardening, outdoor entertaining, or just enjoying a sense of openness that’s not always easy to find in Northwest Austin.

Buyers drawn to living in Cardinal Hills Estates often cite the “best of both worlds” feeling – where you can relax at home but still access Austin’s amenities in minutes.

Neighborhood Amenities

Although Cardinal Hills Estates lacks a structured HOA or shared amenity center, its location compensates by putting plentiful resources within a short drive. Here’s what nearby living offers:

• Lake Travis Access: Water recreation is just minutes away. Enjoy boating, paddle boarding, or fishing at Lake Travis.
• Lake Travis ISD: The neighborhood belongs to the highly regarded Lake Travis Independent School District. Area schools such as Lake Travis Elementary, Hudson Bend Middle, and Lake Travis High consistently receive strong ratings.
• Recreation and Parks: A short drive leads to Lakeway City Park, perfect for picnics, playground visits, and walking trails. Hippie Hollow Park, known for its scenic views, is also a nearby option.

Why Do Home Buyers Choose Cardinal Hills Estates

There are several reasons home buyers gravitate to this neighborhood:

• Rural Character with Urban Access: The authentic, rural feel combined with proximity to Lakeway and major Austin corridors makes for a rare blend.
• Wide Home Variety: The unique mix of Mediterranean, traditional, and mobile/manufactured houses provides plenty of options and price points.
• Strong Schools: Access to well-rated Lake Travis ISD campuses gives buyers added confidence in their investment.
• Lower Tax Rate: The current property tax rate is lower than many surrounding neighborhoods, which can make a real impact on affordability.

Getting Around How’s the Commute

One of Cardinal Hills Estates’ key selling points is its convenient location off RM 620, a main artery providing speedy connections to other parts of Northwest Austin. Whether you commute for work or want to explore Austin, you’ll appreciate these drive times:

• Downtown Austin: About 30-35 minutes by car, depending on traffic.
• Bee Cave Galleria: Around 10 minutes for shopping, dining, and entertainment.
• Lake Travis and Lakeway: Usually under 10 minutes.

Expect some traffic congestion during rush hours along RM 620, but overall, the neighborhood’s access makes commuting manageable.

Cardinal Hills Estates Property Tax Rate

The property tax rate in Northwest Austin’s Cardinal Hills Estates neighborhood is 1.6158% as of the 2023 tax year, down from 1.77% as of the 2022 tax year. The property tax rate was 1.8561% as of the 2021 tax year.

Cardinal Hills Estates Schools

Kids who live in Northwest Austin’s Cardinal Hills Estates neighborhood are served by the Lake Travis ISD and will likely attend the following schools:

• Lake Travis Elementary - 6/10
• Hudson Bend Middle - 7/10
• Lake Travis High - 8/10

School ratings reflect Great Schools ratings as of January 2025. Ratings are subject to change at any time. Please verify ratings and boundaries with the school district.

Cardinal Hills Estates Photos

Cardinal Hills Estates Sold Data – What Cardinal Hills Estates Homes Actually Sold For

What sold recently in Cardinal Hills Estates and for how much? Where can I find pictures of homes that actually sold? How many days does it take to sell a home in Cardinal Hills Estates? How many homes are currently for sale in Cardinal Hills Estates? What’s the median sold price in Cardinal Hills Estates? What does the 90 day historic market trend look like in Cardinal Hills Estates? How’s the Cardinal Hills Estates market trending?

All of these questions (and more!) can be answered on our Cardinal Hills Estates Sold Data Report.

Local Coffee Shops to Work or Unwind

Remote workers and coffee lovers have great choices within a quick drive:

• Summer Moon Coffee (Steiner Ranch): Beloved for its oak-roasted coffee and cozy spaces, excellent for work or conversation.
• Petalia Brews & Bites: A charming spot featuring handcrafted coffee and fresh pastries, with a welcoming atmosphere perfect for meeting friends or catching up on work.
• Cafe Lago: Known for its lakeside charm, serving delicious breakfast and coffee, making it an ideal place to relax and enjoy scenic views.
• Austin Tea Xchange Cafe: A versatile cafe offering a variety of teas, coffees, and snacks, with plenty of seating and a laid-back vibe suitable for working or unwinding.

Favorite Local Restaurants and Bars

Enjoy flavorful dining and energetic bars close by:

• The Hangry Nomad Food Truck: Serving up gourmet street food with globally inspired flavors, this food truck is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
• Slice of Austin: A local favorite for artisanal pizza, combining fresh ingredients with creative topping combinations in a casual setting.
• Lake Travis Biergarten: A relaxed outdoor venue offering craft beers, food trucks, and live music with stunning views of Lake Travis.
• Grill on Tex Mex Restaurant: Featuring a menu of bold Tex-Mex dishes, from sizzling fajitas to tacos, in a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere.
• Lakeway’s Speakeasy and Cigar Bar: An intimate lounge with craft cocktails and a curated selection of fine cigars, designed for a sophisticated night out.

Where to Work Out and Stay Active

Physical activity options are abundant near Cardinal Hills Estates, catering to multiple lifestyles:

• Ku Mana CrossFit (Lakeway): A high-energy CrossFit facility offering group workouts that focus on strength, conditioning, and community camaraderie.
• BodyWise Gym (Lakeway): A personal training-focused gym with tailored fitness programs and a welcoming environment for all fitness levels.
• Practical Fitness (Bee Cave): A private studio specializing in one-on-one customized fitness plans designed to meet individual health and wellness goals.
• Anytime Fitness (Lakeway): A convenient, fully equipped gym for standard workouts.
• Pure Barre (Bee Cave): Group fitness sessions in a clean, upbeat studio.
• Lakeway Swim Center: Pool for lap swim, water aerobics, and fun.
• Outdoor Activities: Lake Travis and nearby parks offer kayaking, paddleboarding, hiking, and more.

Fun Things to Do Near Cardinal Hills Estates

Looking for local adventures? Here are some ideas:

• Lake Travis Activities: Boating, paddle boarding, or even renting a lakeside picnic spot.
• Hill Country Galleria: Find shopping, dining, movie theaters, and live music all in one spot.
• Hippie Hollow Park: Enjoy nature trails or lakeside relaxation.
• Lakeway City Park: Trails, sports courts, dog parks, and scenic views all in a single location.

How Cardinal Hills Estates Buyer’s Agents Can Guide Your Search

Navigating the local market, with its diverse home inventory and rural characteristics, often calls for guidance from experienced Cardinal Hills Estates buyer’s agents. Local agents provide:

• Expert Neighborhood Insights: Deep familiarity with current listings, recent sales, and price trends.
• Negotiation Experience: Proven strategies for getting the best deal whether you’re drawn to a Mediterranean masterpiece or a hidden gem with character.
• Transaction Support: Guidance managing inspections, closing, and moving timelines to make your move smooth and straightforward.

Take the Next Step in Your Home Search

If you want a rural Austin feel, mature trees, a variety of distinctive homes, and quick access to both Lake Travis and city amenities, Cardinal Hills Estates could be your ideal match. Work with an agent who knows Northwest Austin to find the right fit, understand market trends, and enjoy a seamless experience.

For further guidance and access to current listings, connect with a Cardinal Hills Estates buyer’s agent. Your next home might be waiting in this singular pocket of Northwest Austin.

Northwest Austin Realtor Specializing in Cardinal Hills Estates Homes

Contact a Northwest Austin Realtor Specializing in Cardinal Hills Estates