Crestview is Austin’s most transit-connected residential neighborhood — a centrally located enclave of 1940s–1960s ranch homes and bungalows between Burnet Road and Lamar Boulevard, roughly 45th–53rd Streets, with direct Capital Metro Red Line (MetroRail) service via Crestview Station. Single-family home prices range from $500K to $1.1M+ in 2026, with commuters, young families, and urban professionals driving sustained demand for a neighborhood that offers rare rail access in an otherwise car-dependent metro.
If you want a mid-century ranch home, a short rail commute to downtown, walkable dining on Burnet Road, and the option to bike to Hyde Park or North Loop on weekends — Crestview delivers all of it at a price point that remains accessible relative to its most coveted neighbors.
Crestview: Central Austin’s Rail-Connected Neighborhood
Crestview occupies a strategic position in north-central Austin that few other residential neighborhoods can match. Bounded roughly by Burnet Road to the west, Lamar Boulevard to the east, 45th Street to the south, and 53rd Street to the north, it sits at the intersection of two of Austin’s most active commercial corridors while maintaining a residential interior of remarkably intact mid-century housing stock. To the west lies Allandale, one of Austin’s most established and leafy neighborhoods. To the east, Hyde Park and then North Loop. The Domain is 10 minutes north; downtown Austin is 15 minutes south.
What distinguishes Crestview from its peers — and has made it an increasingly sophisticated buyer target — is the presence of Crestview Station on the Capital Metro Red Line. Austin is one of the most car-dependent large cities in the United States; rail access anywhere in the metro is genuinely rare, and a residential neighborhood with a walkable rail stop directly within it is rarer still. For buyers who commute to downtown, the Domain, or the University of Texas corridor, this represents a quality-of-life and time-savings advantage that cannot be replicated by proximity to a highway ramp.
Crestview’s housing stock reflects an era of Austin growth — the postwar suburban expansion that filled in the land between the urban core and the then-developing north — that produced a distinctive building typology: single-story ranch homes with generous yard space, original hardwood floors, terrazzo entryways, and jalousie windows. These homes are beloved by buyers who want authentic mid-century character, and they are in critically short supply relative to demand.
Crestview Station: Transit Hub & Development
Crestview Station is the physical and psychological anchor of the neighborhood’s recent evolution. Located on North Lamar Boulevard at the rail crossing, the station serves as both a Capital Metro boarding point and a mixed-use development district that has become one of Austin’s most discussed examples of transit-oriented development (TOD).
Rail Service & Connectivity
The Capital Metro Red Line provides commuter rail service connecting Crestview Station to downtown Austin (approximately 25–30 minutes), Lakeline Station in the north, and connecting bus services at multiple points. While Austin’s rail network is less extensive than peer cities, the Red Line is a meaningful differentiator for Crestview buyers who work in the Central Business District or at tech employers accessible via downtown connections.
Capital Metro’s ongoing transit expansion plans include enhanced service frequencies and extensions that, if implemented as projected, would increase the value of rail-adjacent real estate including Crestview. Monitor capmetro.org for current schedules and planned expansions.
Crestview Station Mixed-Use District
The development surrounding the station has become a destination in its own right:
- Container Bar and food park — A popular gathering point using repurposed shipping containers for retail and food vendor space, creating a distinctive architectural aesthetic that draws visitors from across the metro.
- Arlo’s — A beloved Austin vegan burger and barbecue spot with a strong cult following, positioned inside the station development and anchoring its food identity.
- New residential density — Condominiums and townhomes developed around the station bring urban density and new residents who contribute to the neighborhood’s walkable commercial vitality.
- Retail and service businesses — Coffee, yoga, fitness, and convenience retail filling out the station district’s street-level experience.
The station area represents the sharpest contrast between old and new Crestview: immediately adjacent to the rail platform are quiet residential blocks of 1950s ranch homes, a juxtaposition that characterizes the neighborhood’s charm and its ongoing evolution.
Burnet Road Commercial Strip
Running along Crestview’s western boundary, Burnet Road is one of Austin’s most dynamic and evolving commercial corridors — and it serves as Crestview residents’ primary destination for dining, coffee, bars, and everyday services. Unlike some of Austin’s more tourist-heavy corridors, Burnet Road has maintained a strong neighborhood-first character even as it has attracted regional and national attention.
What’s on Burnet Road Near Crestview
- Coffee shops and cafes — Multiple independent and regional specialty coffee operators, serving the morning commuter population heading to the rail station as well as remote workers seeking neighborhood work spots.
- Restaurants and bars — A mix of casual neighborhood dining, gastropubs, craft beer bars, and food trucks serving the evening and weekend crowd. The strip has become a go-to destination for Austin food writers and local media.
- Casual retail — Independent boutiques, home goods stores, and specialty shops fill the retail mix alongside service businesses (gyms, yoga studios, salons) serving the dense residential population on both sides of Burnet.
- Grocery and convenience — HEB access via the Mueller location (5 minutes east) and neighborhood convenience retail along Burnet itself.
Lamar Boulevard on the East Side
Lamar Boulevard — running along Crestview’s eastern boundary — offers a complementary commercial layer with bike-friendly infrastructure, additional dining and coffee options, and direct connections south to North Loop, Hyde Park, and eventually the Whole Foods flagship and the UT corridor. Many Crestview residents do their daily errands via bicycle on Lamar, enjoying one of Austin’s better cycling corridors.
Home Types & Prices
Crestview’s residential character is defined by a tight inventory of 1940s–1960s mid-century ranch homes and bungalows, supplemented by a growing stock of new condominiums, townhomes, and apartments developed around and near Crestview Station. The result is a neighborhood with more housing type diversity than most of its peers — a feature that supports demand across multiple buyer profiles.
| Property Type | Typical Size | Price Range (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Original ranch home, unrenovated | 900–1,400 sq ft | $500,000–$640,000 | Value-add; as-is condition |
| Updated mid-century home | 1,200–1,800 sq ft | $640,000–$850,000 | Most common buyer target |
| Fully renovated / expanded | 1,600–2,400 sq ft | $850,000–$1,100,000 | Premium finishes; move-in ready |
| New infill construction SFH | 1,800–2,600 sq ft | $900,000–$1,150,000+ | Modern design on legacy lots |
| Condo / townhome near station | 600–1,400 sq ft | $400,000–$750,000 | Rail-adjacent; HOA applies |
| ADU-equipped property | Main + 400–700 sq ft ADU | Adds $75K–$140K to value | Rental income opportunity |
Travis CAD records for the 78757 zip code (which covers most of Crestview) show consistent year-over-year appreciation. As with other north-central Austin neighborhoods, assessed values frequently lag market values — confirm current market conditions with an active licensed agent and review recent comparable sales data before any purchase or sale decision.
What Drives Value in Crestview
- MetroRail access: The Crestview Station rail connection is a hard-to-replicate amenity that supports a premium, particularly for buyers who work in the central business district or at downtown-area employers.
- Dual-corridor walkability: Access to both Burnet Road (west) and Lamar Boulevard (east) creates a walkable commercial envelope that few Austin neighborhoods can match.
- Lot size and ADU potential: Mid-century lots averaging 6,000–8,000 sq ft are well-suited to accessory dwelling units under Austin’s current ADU regulations, adding both rental income potential and long-term value.
- School zone desirability: McCallum High School Fine Arts Academy and Lamar Middle School draw families who specifically prioritize arts-integrated education — a buyer segment with high retention rates in the neighborhood.
- Domain proximity: Ten-minute access to The Domain — Austin’s northern tech employment and retail hub — gives Crestview dual commuter appeal for both downtown and north-corridor employment.
MetroRail Commuter Access
The Capital Metro Red Line stops at Crestview Station on North Lamar Boulevard, making Crestview one of only a handful of Austin neighborhoods where residents can walk from their front door to a rail platform. This is a genuine quality-of-life differentiator in a city where most workers spend 30–45 minutes in a car on I-35 or MoPac each direction.
Rail Service Details
- Downtown Austin (Plaza Saltillo/MLK stations) — Approximately 25–30 minutes by rail from Crestview Station, connecting to the Red River Cultural District, UT campus bus connections, and central Austin employers.
- The Domain / Q2 Station area — Northbound rail connections via bus transfer for Domain-area tech employers including Apple’s campus and numerous other major employers who have relocated operations to the Domain corridor.
- Lakeline Station — Terminus of the Red Line in northwest Austin, connecting to additional bus service and Park & Ride options for the broader metro.
- Pickup frequency — Check capmetro.org for current schedules. Service frequency has been a persistent rider concern, and any buyer whose purchase calculus depends significantly on rail service should verify current and projected service levels.
Bus and Bike Connectivity
Beyond rail, Crestview is served by multiple Capital Metro bus routes on both Burnet Road and Lamar Boulevard, providing direct service downtown, to UT, and to major employment corridors. Bicycle infrastructure on Lamar is among the most developed in north Austin, and the relatively flat terrain of Crestview makes cycling practical for many daily trips. The City of Austin’s active mobility plan continues to expand protected cycling infrastructure throughout the Lamar and Burnet corridors.
AISD Schools
Crestview is served by Austin Independent School District with a school zone lineup that appeals particularly to families interested in arts-focused education and a strong middle-school academic environment.
Brentwood Elementary School
The primary neighborhood elementary school, serving grades Pre-K through 5. Brentwood ES is a well-regarded AISD campus known for strong parent engagement and consistent academic outcomes. Its demographics reflect Crestview’s mix of long-term Austin families and newer residents drawn by the neighborhood’s character. Dual-language and enrichment program availability should be confirmed directly with Austin ISD at austinisd.org.
Lamar Middle School
Lamar Middle School serves grades 6–8 and draws from Crestview, Brentwood, Allandale, and adjacent neighborhoods. The school has a strong athletics tradition and offers a solid college-preparatory curriculum. Families considering the Crestview/Brentwood area with middle-school-age children should also investigate Austin ISD’s magnet options — particularly the Kealing Magnet program (accessible from any Austin ISD address) — as a potential supplement to neighborhood school assignments.
McCallum High School
McCallum High School is one of the most sought-after high school assignments in Austin ISD, home to the acclaimed Fine Arts Academy offering intensive studio instruction in visual art, drama, dance, band, orchestra, and choir. The Fine Arts Academy is selective (audition/portfolio-based) but open to students throughout Austin ISD; neighborhood assignment guarantees standard McCallum enrollment. McCallum’s arts culture — and its alumni base of working Austin musicians and artists — is a significant draw for families with creatively inclined students. Verify current boundary assignments and Fine Arts Academy application requirements at austinisd.org.
Who Buys in Crestview?
Crestview’s buyer profile is more diverse than many of its north-central Austin peers, reflecting both the neighborhood’s housing type variety and its practical appeal across multiple lifestyle profiles.
Downtown Commuters
The most consistently active buyer segment in recent years. These are typically professionals in their 30s and 40s who work downtown or in adjacent employment centers and want to minimize commute friction. Crestview’s MetroRail access is the primary draw — combined with the ability to own rather than rent, in a neighborhood with genuine walkable amenities, at a price point below comparable transit-adjacent neighborhoods in peer cities.
Families Seeking Arts-Focused Schools
The McCallum Fine Arts Academy draw is meaningful for families who have a specific vision for their high school student’s education. Parents who want their child in a strong arts environment within the public school system often target the McCallum zone specifically, making Crestview (along with North Loop, Rosedale, Hyde Park, and Brentwood) a target neighborhood in this buyer category.
Domain-Area Tech Workers
The Domain’s growth as Austin’s second major employment center — with Apple, Amazon, Indeed, and dozens of other tech and professional services employers — has made Crestview an increasingly attractive option for workers who want a real neighborhood with good commuter access rather than a Domain-adjacent apartment. The 10-minute drive north to The Domain, combined with downtown walkability and Lamar Boulevard cycling access, supports a strong value proposition for this cohort.
Mid-Century Architecture Enthusiasts
A consistent buyer type across all of Austin’s north-central neighborhoods. Buyers drawn specifically to 1950s ranch homes, terrazzo floors, clerestory windows, and original mid-century kitchens actively seek out Crestview, Brentwood, and Allandale as their target neighborhoods. This buyer profile tends to be deeply loyal to the neighborhood and resistant to value cyclicality, contributing to Crestview’s resilient price floor.
Move-Up Buyers from East Austin
As East Austin prices have appreciated sharply, buyers who bought east of I-35 in the 2015–2020 window and have built substantial equity are an increasingly visible buyer profile in Crestview. They bring urban sensibility and walkability expectations that Crestview satisfies, and their equity positions support competitive offers in a multiple-offer environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average home price in Crestview Austin in 2026?
In 2026, single-family homes in Crestview Austin range from approximately $500,000 for smaller unrenovated mid-century ranch homes to $1.1 million or more for fully renovated or new construction properties. Condos and townhomes near Crestview Station typically range from $400,000 to $750,000. Verify current conditions with Travis CAD at traviscad.org and with a licensed REALTOR®.
Does Crestview Austin have MetroRail access?
Yes. Crestview Station on North Lamar Boulevard serves the Capital Metro Red Line, providing rail access to downtown Austin (approximately 25–30 minutes), Lakeline Station in the north, and connecting bus routes throughout the metro. It is one of the few Austin residential neighborhoods with a walkable rail platform. Current schedules and service details are available at capmetro.org.
What schools serve Crestview Austin?
Crestview is served by Austin ISD: Brentwood Elementary School (Pre-K–5), Lamar Middle School (6–8), and McCallum High School (9–12, home to the Fine Arts Academy). School boundary assignments are subject to change — confirm current zones at austinisd.org. Austin ISD magnet programs (including Kealing Magnet) are open to all district students regardless of neighborhood assignment.
What is Crestview Station in Austin?
Crestview Station is a transit-oriented mixed-use development anchored by the Capital Metro Red Line station on North Lamar Boulevard at approximately 45th Street. It features Container Bar, Arlo’s vegan restaurant, shipping-container retail vendors, new residential density, and service businesses — creating one of Austin’s most successful transit-oriented commercial districts. It is a major amenity for Crestview residents and a destination for visitors from across the metro.
How far is Crestview from downtown Austin?
Crestview is approximately 5–6 miles north of downtown Austin, roughly a 15-minute drive or a 25–30 minute MetroRail ride on the Capital Metro Red Line from Crestview Station. The neighborhood is also bikeable to downtown via Lamar Boulevard (approximately 35–45 minutes depending on your speed and the route) and well-served by Capital Metro bus routes on both Burnet Road and Lamar.
Ready to Find Your Crestview Home?
Whether you’re buying a mid-century ranch home near the rail station or selling a property in one of Austin’s most walkable neighborhoods, Shivraj Grewal brings 100+ transactions and $100M+ in volume — backed by 117 five-star Google reviews.
Schedule a Consultation
