Austin

Great Hills, Austin Neighborhood

Great Hills offers a tranquil atmosphere highlighted by many tree-lined streets and nearby parks to relax in. The neighborhood features mostly single detached homes built around the early 1990s, providing spacious options with three or more bedrooms. Quiet streets contribute to a peaceful environment, perfect for enjoying calm surroundings. Dining options such as restaurants and cafes are conveniently within reach, adding to the area’s charm. Ample parking availability enhances convenience for residents commuting by car. The neighborhood’s greenery and proximity to parks create a pleasant environment while maintaining a low noise level throughout the area.

The character of Great Hills is exemplified by its slower-paced ambience. Most areas in this part of the city are very quiet, as the streets are generally very tranquil. Lastly, there is a good amount of greenery in this neighborhood as there are numerous tree-lined streets. There are a few green spaces close by for residents to visit, like Bull Creek Greenbelt Upper, and they are very well-situated, making them easy to reach.

Highlights of Great Hills

Parks, schools, dining, and what makes this neighborhood special

🌳 Great Hills Park

Nestled along Sierra Oaks and Floral Park Drive, Great Hills Park offers locals over 80 acres of scenic trails, shaded picnic areas, a playscape, and access to a beautiful creek—making it a beloved neighborhood green space for hikers, dog walkers, and families seeking a natural oasis.

🏫 Hill Elementary School

Part of the acclaimed Austin ISD, Hill Elementary, located just south of the neighborhood on Tallwood Drive, is highly rated for its excellent faculty, strong community involvement, and robust extracurricular offerings, making it a major draw for families residing in Great Hills.

🍽️ Arboretum at Great Hills

This stylish outdoor shopping and dining complex at the intersection of Research Blvd and Great Hills Trail features local favorites like The Cheesecake Factory, Estancia Brazilian Steakhouse, and Amy’s Ice Creams, offering residents diverse dining options in an open-air setting.

🛒 Trader Joe’s in Gateway Shopping Center

Conveniently located at the corner of Research Blvd and Great Hills Trail, Trader Joe’s is a highly popular neighborhood grocery with its unique selections, friendly atmosphere, and proximity to other retailers like The Container Store and REI, making shopping trips easy and enjoyable for residents.

🚴 Great Hills Trail

Winding through the heart of the neighborhood, Great Hills Trail offers miles of paved and natural paths for jogging, cycling, and walking, connecting residents to parks, shopping centers, and schools while providing scenic Hill Country views and shaded routes.

Great Hills

This October in Great Hills

Things to do, events, and what's happening this month

October 24, 2026

Roots & Wings Festival at Pillow School Park

Pillow School Park • 10:00 AM–12:00 PM

This free, family-friendly nature festival is especially convenient for Great Hills residents, with the North Shoal Creek neighborhood hosting activities nearby. Guests can pick up Texas-tough plants, make environmentally friendly crafts, learn Austin gardening tips, and connect with local residents while enjoying a relaxed outdoor morning.

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October 24, 2026

Nature Festival & Spooktacular

North Austin Community Garden at North Austin YMCA • 3:00 PM–6:00 PM

A strong nearby option for Great Hills families, this free North Austin event combines nature education with Halloween fun. Children can try tree climbing, crafts, face painting, drumming, a butterfly release, trunk-or-treating, bounce houses, games, and a maze without requiring a trip downtown.

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October 21, 2026

Kids Crafternoon: Halloween Shrinky Dink Keychains

Milwood Branch Library • 3:30 PM

Milwood Branch is a practical neighborhood library destination for Great Hills residents, and this hands-on Halloween craft is well suited to school-age children. Kids can create personalized shrinky-dink keychains in a low-cost, indoor setting, making it a convenient after-school activity when the weather is unpredictable.

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October 2–4 and October 9–11, 2026

Austin City Limits Music Festival

Zilker Park • 11:00 AM–10:00 PM

ACL is Austin’s major October music event and a worthwhile regional outing for Great Hills residents who enjoy live performances, food vendors, and a large festival atmosphere. The two-weekend schedule offers flexibility, while Zilker Park provides a scenic setting for discovering both nationally known and local artists.

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October 2, 3, 9, 10, 16, 17, 23 and 24, 2026

Boo at the Zoo

Austin Zoo

Austin Zoo’s recurring October Halloween nights give Great Hills families a seasonal activity that combines animal visits with spooky entertainment. The west Austin location is a manageable regional drive, and the event is a good choice for children who enjoy costumes, decorations, and a festive evening outing.

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October 24, 2026

Día de las Mascotas

Austin Animal Services • 4:00 PM–8:00 PM

Pet-owning residents from Great Hills can enjoy this community fiesta celebrating the human-animal bond. The event offers an accessible way to support Austin’s animal shelter, meet other local pet lovers, and spend an evening outdoors with family while learning more about community animal services.

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From the Neighborhood

Stories, updates, and things to know in Great Hills

Know Your Neighborhood

Local characteristics and demographics for Great Hills

Neighborhood Characteristics

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Demographics

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