Pemberton Heights is a historic neighborhood in Old West Austin, in the 78703 area. It is known for tree-lined streets, homes built from the late 1920s into the early 1940s, and green space along Shoal Creek.
A quick look at the neighborhood:
Location - Old West Austin, zip code 78703
Boundaries - roughly Northwood Road to the north, Lamar Boulevard and Shoal Creek to the east, 24th Street and Windsor Road to the south, and MoPac to the west
History - subdivided from farmland in 1927 and built out in 12 sections through the early 1940s
Designation - part of the Old West Austin Historic District
Pemberton Heights is one of Austin's best-known established neighborhoods, with historic homes, major remodels, and new custom builds on mature lots. Because it is a small neighborhood, only a limited number of homes sell each year, so one sale can move the numbers. Price figures are left out here.
What buyers commonly look for:
Historic character - homes from the 1920s to 1940s
Central location - close to downtown, Lamar, and the University of Texas
Mature trees - shaded streets and established landscaping
Green space - the Shoal Creek Greenbelt and small neighborhood parks
Ask your agent for recent sales on the streets you like. For nearby comparisons, see Bull Creek, Eanes ISD, and the Austin ISD page.
Pemberton Heights is in Austin ISD, which earned an overall B in the 2026 state ratings. The district has been consolidating campuses, so confirm the zoned elementary, middle, and high schools for any address, and ask if those campuses are staying open. Check the schools a specific home is zoned to on TXschools.gov, and visit in person. For a wider comparison, see our best school districts in Austin guide and our tips for buying a home near a school. Many households also consider private schools nearby.
Parks - the Shoal Creek Greenbelt and small triangle parks, including Harris Triangle Park and Wooldridge Triangle Park
Walkability - sidewalks and quiet streets, with Lamar Boulevard and West 6th nearby
Dining and shopping - restaurants and shops along Lamar and in nearby Clarksville
Recognition - a 1998 Town & Country article named it one of the country's 25 Platinum Addresses
Pemberton Heights is roughly 3 miles northwest of downtown Austin, and most drives take about 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic. Our Austin traffic and commute guide explains rush hour patterns.
Original 1920s to 1940s homes - character homes with period details, often updated inside
Major remodels and additions - common as owners expand historic floor plans
New custom builds - on lots where older homes were replaced
The neighborhood suits buyers who value history, mature trees, and a close-in west-side location.
Tarrytown - a larger, established neighborhood to the south
Clarksville - a historic area with small streets close to downtown
Bryker Woods and Allandale - nearby central neighborhoods
Compare options on our Austin ISD and Bull Creek pages.
Lamar Boulevard, MoPac, and 35th and 38th Streets are the main routes, and the neighborhood is also close to bus lines and trails. Downtown and the University of Texas are a short drive or bike ride in light traffic.
Shoal Creek Trail and Greenbelt - walking and biking along the creek
Pease Park - a large park nearby
Lamar Boulevard shopping and dining - local restaurants and grocery stores
Ask about flood zones near Shoal Creek and the foundation history on older homes.
Ask how renovations are reviewed in the Old West Austin Historic District before you plan a remodel.
Sellers can start with a free home value estimate.
Where is Pemberton Heights in Austin? Pemberton Heights is in Old West Austin, in the 78703 area, near Shoal Creek, Lamar Boulevard, and MoPac.
When was Pemberton Heights built? The neighborhood was developed between 1927 and the early 1940s, and most homes date from that period.
What kind of homes are in Pemberton Heights? You will find historic homes, major remodels, and new custom builds on mature lots.
What schools serve Pemberton Heights? The neighborhood is in Austin ISD, but zoning varies by address, so confirm campuses before you buy.
How far is Pemberton Heights from downtown Austin? Pemberton Heights is roughly 3 miles northwest of downtown Austin, and most drives take about 10 to 15 minutes.
Is Pemberton Heights a historic district? It is part of the Old West Austin Historic District. Ask your agent about any rules that may apply to renovations.
What nearby neighborhoods compare to Pemberton Heights? Tarrytown, Clarksville, and Bryker Woods are nearby central west-side options.
Is Pemberton Heights walkable? Many streets have sidewalks, and Lamar Boulevard is close for errands.
Is Pemberton Heights near parks? Yes. Shoal Creek, the trail, and Pease Park are nearby.
Do I need to worry about flooding? Some areas near Shoal Creek may be affected. Check flood maps and insurance for any address.
Pemberton Heights homes are individual, so pricing and presenting them well takes local knowledge. A Spyglass Realty agent can help you compare streets, understand renovation questions, and time your move.
Thinking of selling? Get your home value
Buying in Pemberton Heights? Start your search here
Have questions either way? Speak with a Spyglass Realty consultant
Prefer to talk it through first? Call us at 512-640-2077, and a Spyglass Realty agent can help you figure out the right next step in Pemberton Heights.
