Welcome to Tarrytown
An established, sophisticated community in the heart of Austin
From its tree-lined streets to its waterfront homes, Tarrytown has a small-town feel in the heart of Greater Austin. Nestled along the banks of the Colorado River, Tarrytown features waterfront restaurants, cafes, and a few staple shops and businesses (namely, the new HEB!). A quiet residential area, Tarrytown traces its roots to 1915, when it was pastoral farmland. Today, many of my clients consider Tarrytown one of Austin's most coveted communities for its sophisticated atmosphere and beautiful landscaping.
Visit the riverfront and explore Tarrytown's waterfront restaurants and cafes, namely Mozart's Coffee Roasters, which puts on a light show in December (always a holiday favorite). Residents also love to stroll through the area's parks. Mayfield Nature Preserve graces the north side of Tarrytown with 21 quiet acres and an endemic population of peacocks. Just west of Tarrytown, Red Bud Isle and its trails give beautiful water views. From experience, there's no better place to enjoy small-town Texas living than Tarrytown.
What to Love
- A charming neighborhood just 10 minutes from downtown Austin
- Easy access to nature preserves, the hike/bike trail, and Lady Bird Lake
- Many excellent restaurants, bars, and cafes
- Home to Lake Austin and other recreational areas
Local Lifestyle
With a much less dense population than elsewhere in Austin, Tarrytown is renowned for its tranquility and easy access to outdoor activities like hiking, cycling, and kayaking. The area is a gem hiding in plain sight along the eastern banks of the Colorado River.
The community is more rural than suburban, and its location just 10 minutes from Downtown makes it ideal for commuters or anyone who prizes flexibility. If you’re considering moving to Tarrytown, be prepared for a high-demand marketplace. You can find homes in many styles, including traditional estates, small-to-medium-sized condos, and waterfront properties. Most single-family homes in Tarrytown are listed at $1.5 million and above.
Dining, Entertainment & Shopping
For lunch and a great view of Lake Austin, check out Hula Hut, a classic hangout spot famous for its Tex-Mex and Polynesian cuisine.
The Beer Plant is one of the area’s most celebrated microbreweries. It also has a creative plant-based menu, making it an excellent selection for vegetarians and vegans. If you’re in a hurry but want something healthy, check out JuiceLand, known for their amazing smoothies, juices, and immunity shots. And if you love cooking, Rabbit Food Grocery is one of the area’s best places to shop for organic produce and specialty food items.
Things to Do
Beyond the area’s waterfront restaurants and stores, Tarrytown is known for its cultural sights and stunning green spaces. One of Tarrytown’s signature landmarks is The Contemporary Austin. Built in 1916, The Contemporary was the original home of the Austin Museum of Art. This beautiful place still hosts many art collections and rotating art exhibitions. Better known as Laguna Gloria, The Contemporary comprises a quaint Italian villa set along Lake Austin on a vast piece of land — the site of a permanent outdoor sculpture collection at the Betty and Edward Marcus Sculpture Garden. Ai Weiwei’s Iron Tree Trunk (2015) and my favorite, Terry Allen’s Road Angel (2016), are just a few of the many wondrous sculptures you’ll discover as you meander through this beautiful place.
For those who want to be one with nature, Tarrytown is home to Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve. Located just a three-minute walk from Laguna Gloria, Mayfield Park, and Nature Preserve is one of the city’s most beautiful parks, featuring lush palm trees, pristine gardens, and colorful peacocks throughout the grounds. Don’t forget to pop by Mount Bonnell for a quick hike and a breathtaking view just north of Mayfield Park! You’ll spot avid cyclists on the road biking up to the hilltop.
Tarrytown is also known for its many recreational activities. Located just minutes from Laguna Gloria and Mayfield Park is Westwood Country Club, one of the city’s most prestigious private clubs. Westwood features a restaurant, fitness center, tennis courts, and other amenities. Golf enthusiasts will love Lions Municipal Golf Course, a historic public golf club featuring a beautiful 18-hole course. I love their down-to-earth Cisco Muny’s Cafe — great for margaritas!
Schools
Like many communities in the Austin area, Tarrytown is part of the Austin Independent School District. If you are considering moving to Tarrytown, here are some of the educational opportunities in the area:
