Hyde Park

Hyde Park is one of Austin’s historic neighborhoods. It is located in Central Austin, just north of the University of Texas at Austin. Originally developed in 1891 by Monroe Martin Shipe as a streetcar suburb, it has since become one of the most densely populated areas in the city’s urban core. The original development featured a large artificial lake but that was filled in a while ago.

While the lake is gone, the neighborhood is still known for its tree-lined streets and diversity of residents, buildings, and land uses. The neighborhood is home to a large variety of small, locally owned shops and restaurants that serve everything from buttermilk-dipped French fries (Hyde Park Bar & Grill) to vegetarian fare (Mother’s). The neighborhood also features a larger-scale shopping center that is home to a large HEB grocery store.

Prior to the development of Hyde Park, the State Fair of Texas was held in the eastern portion of what is now the neighborhood. The Fair was located there from 1875 until it relocated to Dallas in 1884. The Fair is still located in Dallas to this day. While the Fair was held in Austin, however, there was a horseracing track present in this location. This feature of the neighborhood is still reflected in the curved portion of 39th street located between Avenue F and Duval Street. The Shipe House, or Shadowlawn, was built along the curve using the actual wood from the grandstands.

In recent years, Hyde Park has been revitalized and refurbished. As Austin has grown, Hyde Park’s proximity to both the University of Texas at Austin and downtown have made it popular with faculty, graduate students, and young professionals. This popularity has resulting in an increase in the value of the houses in the area.

Contact an Austin Realtor

To learn more about Hyde Park and Austin’s other historic neighborhoods, contact the Austin realtors of The Carvajal Group at 512-419-7770.