Austin's Clarksville Neighborhood
As Downtown Austin transitions West toward MoPac, Austin's Clarksville neighborhood just north of West Sixth Street and east of MoPac has managed to maintain its intimacy. Thanks to its historic roots, Clarksville has been protected from growth, but the adjacent West End area with its anchor in the Central Design District at Lamar and Sixth Street means local Austin residents get the best of both worlds, a taste of urban living in a quiet, old neighborhood.
During the 1860s, Texas Governor Elisha Pease sold some of his plantation to area slaves who built homes in Clarksville. A decade later Charles Clark, a freed slave, started the community named in his honor. Eventually, as Austin began to grow in the early 1900s, Clarksville was developed and the old plantation became part of Austin. One of the last Clarksville residents descended from the freed slaves died just a few years ago. Now, Clarksville is favored by young families and professionals looking for a quiet place to live. Creative, hip Austin real estate owners enjoy the lower rents some small apartments in Clarksville.
In keeping with Clarksville's quiet atmosphere, the small commercial center on West Lynn Street has a village-like feel. Like Downtown Austin, Clarksville and West End is jam-packed with pedestrian-friendly restaurants. Many Clarksville real estate owners choose to shop at the Clarksville Fresh Plus store, although Whole Foods' landmark store is just a few blocks east at Lamar and Sixth Street. There are nearby dry cleaners and a garden center in Clarksville as well. Clarksville is a hilly neighborhood, and makes for great evening walks. There are two small neighborhood parks with summer wading pools, Clarksville Park and West Austin Park. For Austin runners and cyclists, Shoal Creek Hike and Bike Trail is a few blocks to the northeast and Zilker Park is just a few blocks south of Clarksville.
Interested in a home or condo in Clarksville? Take a gander at our Austin MLS home listings, read our home buying checklist, or call or email our featured Austin real estate agent for a no-obligation consultation!
