Best Austin Neighborhoods: The Old West Austin Guide

Best Austin Neighborhoods: The Clarksville & Old Enfield Guide

Looking for a neighborhood that seamlessly blends the historic and upscale? Old Enfield and Clarksville are two prestigious neighborhoods in Old West Austin that have a sophisticated charm unlike anywhere else.

Old Enfield and Clarksville are highly sought-after neighborhoods with a rich history. Not only are these two of the oldest neighborhoods in Austin, but they are also located in the heart of the city—just minutes from downtown, the University of Texas Austin, and central Austin.

This neighborhood guide highlights what makes Clarksville and Old Enfield special places where so many Austinites want to live.

Zip Code

78703

Average Home Price*

$1.48 M

Home Styles

Historic Homes, Pre-War Victorian Estates, Bungalows, Luxe Contemporary Mansions

Average Price/SqFt*

$784

Walk Score

81 Why Austinites Love Old Enfield & Clarksville

Old Enfield and Clarksville residents enjoy privacy and seclusion while still being located close to the action of the city. Residents love living in these neighborhoods in Old West Austin because they blend historic charm with an unspoken sophistication and class.

Location

Clarksville and Old Enfield provide some of the most established living close to downtown Austin. You can be shopping, eating, or visiting with friends downtown in just 5 minutes. And when you’re done, you can retreat back to your private home in a quiet, peaceful neighborhood.

With access to the MoPac Expressway, these neighborhoods are also just a few minutes from popular spots like Zilker Park and Barton Springs Pool. The neighborhood’s central location also makes it easy to travel to The University of Texas at Austin, the Red River Cultural District, and East Austin.

Historic Neighborhood

Clarksville and Old Enfield are about as historic as you get in Austin. Clarksville was established by freedman Charles Clark in the 1870s. Old Enfield was originally part of the Pease Plantation until 1910.

Since it’s a historic district, it is very difficult to build new homes in the area. For that reason, most of the homes are updated and remodeled, allowing them to keep their historic charm while adding upscale contemporary comforts.

Privacy with Access

Though historic, Clarksville and Old Enfield still emanate an unspoken sophistication and class. These highly sought-after neighborhoods are ideal for those who want some seclusion without sacrificing access to the city’s popular places and events.

The lots and homes offer privacy for owners while the location of the neighborhood provides quick access to downtown and other Austin hot spots.

Old Enfield & Clarksville Real Estate

Thinking about moving to Old Enfield or Clarksville? Before you start searching for the perfect home, here’s what you need to know about the neighborhoods and their real estate.

Neighborhood Ambiance

Clarksville and Old Enfield are unlike any other neighborhoods in Austin. These established neighborhoods offer a historic charm without losing their air of class and sophistication. The neighborhoods are smaller, more exclusive, and highly coveted due to their proximity to downtown.

While individual homes in these neighborhoods provide privacy, residents still experience the benefits of a tight-knit community. With long-standing community events and deep roots in history, these neighborhoods are ideal for those who are ready to put down or re-establish roots in the city of Austin.

Architectural Styles

Old Enfield and Clarksville offer a mix of historic homes that have been expanded and renovated as well as cutting-edge contemporary homes. With smaller early 1900s bungalows alongside large pre-war Victorian estates, the mix of real estate makes these neighborhoods in Old West Austin distinctive.

In these neighborhoods, you might find a large, luxe contemporary mansion next to a lime green retro house that hasn’t been updated since the 80s. It also wouldn’t be uncommon to see a 20-unit apartment complex next to a $20 million home. The mix of styles, sizes, and types of homes give Old Enfield and Clarksville a certain quirkiness that’s quintessentially Austin.

Due to their deep sense of history, Clarksville and Old Enfield very rarely have opportunities for residents to build new homes. Instead, the older homes are renovated and remodeled to include contemporary amenities. These more exclusive communities have fewer home opportunities in general. So be prepared to spend resources on renovating if you plan to move to the area.

Average Home Price

The average home price of those homes sold on the public market in Clarksville is $1,476,331 or an average of $784 per square foot. The average home price of those homes sold on the public market in Old Enfield is $2M or an average of $673 per square foot.

This data is limited as many of the homes sold in these areas are done so privately. Both of these areas are highly desirable, so opportunities to purchase a home are few and far between. It is critical to have a realtor that knows the area well and has connections in the community to access off-market opportunities.

Walkability

With a walkability score of 81, the Old West Austin area often finds itself on lists of the top walkable neighborhoods in Austin. While driving remains one of the most popular ways to get around the city of Austin, Clarksville and Old Enfield offer shaded sidewalks, plenty of space for biking, and a bus route that passes through the community.

Schools

Clarksville and Old Enfield are part of the Austin Independent School District and zoned for highly-rated public schools, including Matthews Elementary, Casis Elementary, O. Henry Middle School, and Stephen F. Austin High School. The area is also home to Kirby Hall School, a private K-12 preparatory school.

Featured Property in the Neighborhood

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1002 Charlotte Street

Austin, Texas 78703
- CommunityClarksville
- Type Single Family Home
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The Giles Group

Where to Eat in Clarksville & Old Enfield

When it comes to restaurants in Clarksville and Old Enfield, there’s a little something for everyone. From fine dining establishments to more casual cafés, this area is home to a few of our favorites.

Jeffrey's

Jeffrey’s is a fine-dining restaurant in Clarksville that feels like a laid-back modern country club. This posh restaurant features upscale New American cuisine in a sophisticated space with 3 distinct dining rooms. Sundays are the best days to go for happy hour if you’re going to grab a bottle of wine. (It’s 50% off all night!)

Whether you’re stopping in for dinner or just having a more casual drink at the bar, be sure to try the crispy fried Gulf oysters. We’re also partial to the Texas peach and fennel salad. The goat cheese and candied cashews are *chef’s kiss*.

Josephine House

As the sister restaurant to Jeffrey’s, Josephine House is popular with locals with good reason. It offers an easy-going breakfast, lunch, brunch, happy hour, and dinner with an eclectic daily menu that features locally-sourced ingredients. They also host a steak frites night on Mondays.

Located in a small blue cottage in Clarksville, Josephine House has an intimate indoor dining area as well as outdoor seating with a beautiful wraparound patio. Visiting just isn’t the same experience without sipping on a Paloma, which you can get for just $10 during happy hour.

Swedish Hill

Swedish Hill is a bakery, deli, and café in a cozy space with a friendly ambiance. They serve coffee, tea, beer, wine, cocktails, and non-alcoholic drinks alongside a full breakfast and lunch menu. Stop in with friends for a grazing board and glass of wine or enjoy a quick lunch on your own from the deli case.

All of the pastries here are worth a try. But we especially love the cakes. With different sizes, you can pick a large cake up for a birthday party or just grab a little 4-inch cake for yourself. (Don’t worry. We won’t tell anyone.)

Clark's Oyster Bar

Did you know that the best burger in town just happens to be at an oyster bar? Clark’s Oyster Bar is an upscale-casual seafood spot well known for its raw bar, house-baked sourdough, fresh fish, and lobster rolls. But in true keeping-Austin-weird fashion, it also happens to have arguably one of the best hamburgers in town.

Clark’s has an intimate indoor dining area with a marble and pecan bar as well as a shaded deck for dining al fresco. Reservations are recommended. And if you’re not one for hunting down the best street parking spot, you can take advantage of the valet parking or park in the Swedish Hill lot after 6 p.m.

Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum

Lin Asian Bar + Dim Sum is a Chinese restaurant and bar that specializes in Asian home cooking and dim sum dishes. As the first Asian bar restaurant in Austin, Lin Asian uses health-forward, organic ingredients from local suppliers.

If you’re stopping in for dim sum, note that there is only a limited dim sum menu on the weekdays. For the full menu, be sure to make it to Dim Sum Brunch from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. Do yourself a favor and make sure you try the Shanghai Soup Dumpling.

Galaxy Café

Galaxy Café truly embodies what Austin does best—really good food that’s out of the box. This locally-owned and operated establishment offers “food out of this world served just around the corner.” The ambiance is laid-back, friendly, and fun with a retro diner vibe.

They have a daily breakfast menu as well as a diverse lunch and dinner menu with everything from Buddha bowls to gourmet sandwiches. They also have a somewhat extensive gluten-free menu for those that need it.

Things to Do in Clarksville & Old Enfield

While Clarksville and Old Enfield are close to downtown and other hip areas of Austin, there is still a lot to see and do within the neighborhood limits.

Parks & Outdoor Activities in Old West Austin

Pease District Park

Pease District Park is a popular urban park in Austin, offering 84 acres of public green space with miles of trails for walking, cycling, and walking your pooch. The park also features a playscape, splash pad, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and plenty of picnic tables.

If you’re bringing your pup, be sure to visit the off-leash area that’s located on the trail to the west of Shoal Creek (between 24th and 29th streets). It’s a great area to give your dog some space to play while giving you ample opportunity to enjoy the greenery.

The Pease Park Conservancy also hosts regular events at the park, including art nights, dog events, yoga, and volunteer opportunities. Be aware that parking is scarce so it’s recommended that you take the bus or rideshare. If you drive, you can park at the Austin Community College Rio Grande campus with a short 10-minute walk to the park.

Clarksville Community Garden

The Clarksville Community Garden was created to give community residents adequate space to come together and plant their own food. The garden was established as a joint effort between the Austin Parks Department, the Clarksville Community Development Corporation (CCDC), and Clarksville residents.

Clarksville residents can reserve their own garden plots, get their hands dirty helping neighbors plant, or simply stroll through the garden and enjoy the views of the greenery.

West Austin Neighborhood Park & Dog Park

West Austin Neighborhood Park is a public park located near the center of Clarksville. The park features a playground for younger kids as well as a basketball hoop, swing set, and picnic tables.

One of the biggest draws of West Austin Park is the community pool, which is open in the summer. It’s less than 4 feet deep throughout, making it an excellent option for parents with younger kids. There is also a lifeguard on duty at all times.

West Austin Park is also a great spot for dog lovers. It has an off-leash, fenced dog park area that provides a space for dogs to stretch their legs and play with others. But be sure to keep your dog on a leash when you’re anywhere else in the park.

Historical Sites in Old West Austin

Hezikiah Haskell House

Hezikiah Haskell House is one of two State of Texas historic landmarks in Clarksville. It serves as a visible reminder of the historic and cultural roots of the area as well as the struggle of former enslaved people who created Clarksville as a beacon of freedom and community.

The home was originally built in 1875 by Peter Tucker, a man once enslaved by former Texas Governor Elisha Pease. The Tuckers sold their home to Mary and Edwin Smith who raised a family there. Hezikiah Haskell, a Union soldier and member of the Black Cavalry, boarded with the Smiths and eventually married their daughter Catherine in 1881. Hezikiah and Catherine also raised their family in the home.

After the death of their son, Hezikiah Haskell Jr. in 1976, the house was deeded to the City of Austin to preserve this symbol of Clarksville’s early history. Over time, the home has served as a place of worship and home to a popular lunch program for seniors. Today, the home is used for small meetings and is open to visitors during certain times of the year.

Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church

Sweet Home Missionary Baptist Church is the second State of Texas historic landmark in Clarksville. The church was established shortly after Clarksville was settled. And it soon became a cornerstone of the community. (Prior to its establishment, worship services were held in the Haskell house.)

In 1882, church members put their money together to pay $50 to purchase the land where the church still sits. Services were initially held under a brush arbor until residents had the money to construct a church building. The church’s first minister was Jacob Fontaine, the founder of the Gold Dollar, Austin’s first Black newspaper.

The building that currently houses the church, the third building at this location, was built in 1935. The church still holds worship services today and hosts the Peace Through Pie event annually on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday.

Old West Austin Community Events

Clarksville Community Events

The Clarksville Community Development Corporation often holds community events for residents of Clarksville. The organization is volunteer-run with a board elected by current and former residents of Clarksville. The group hosts events as a way to maintain the traditional sense of community in Clarksville.

Events can range anywhere from an ice cream social to a fundraising event. The events are family-friendly and meant to build a sense of community while sharing the neighborhood’s history. Look out for holiday events like the Halloween haunted house and Christmas caroling event. The organization also hosts an annual Family Fun Fest as its main fundraiser, featuring live music, a petting zoo, a silent auction, food, and activities for children.

Eeyore's Birthday Party

Since 1963, Austin has hosted Eeyore’s Birthday Party, an annual event with live music, costumes, food and drink, games, drum circles, and family-friendly events. What started as a small spring picnic for University of Texas Austin students has now grown to an annual event with attendance in the thousands. Since 1974, Pease Park has been home to Eeyore’s Birthday Party, which usually takes place on the last Saturday of April. The day-long festival is attended by people of all ages and backgrounds. It’s become a staple for those who identify with the hippie subculture in Austin.

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Best Austin Neighborhoods: The Clarksville & Old Enfield Guide

78703

$1.48 M

$784

81

Why Austinites Love Old Enfield & Clarksville