Welcome to 7218 Valburn Drive, an exclusive offering that defines luxury living in the heart of Northwest Hills. This fully reimagined 5,205 sq. ft. masterpiece is a rare blend of elegance, modern design, and awe-inspiring Texas Hill Country views, set on a tranquil 1/3-acre wooded lot. No detail was overlooked in this extensive top-to-bottom renovation, seamlessly marrying timeless sophistication with today’s must-have amenities.
Step into sheer grandeur as you enter the main living area—a showpiece with soaring ceilings, lustrous wood floors, and floor-to-ceiling windows that frame panoramic vistas. Light streams in, illuminating each corner of this thoughtfully designed home. Flow effortlessly from one level to the next, with expansive multi-level decks and patios drawing you outdoors to revel in unmatched sunsets and serene landscapes. The residence offers four distinct living areas, including a grand central room with a stunning fireplace, a comfortably dedicated office space, a fitness room downstairs, and a game room upstairs complete with a private deck—perfect for entertaining.
The gourmet kitchen is a chef’s delight, featuring sleek mitered edge quartz countertops, an elongated island with a breakfast bar, gas cooking, a built-in refrigerator, a WiFi-enabled dishwasher, a large pantry, and a chic desk nook. The adjoining magazine worthy prep kitchen elevates the kitchen's convenience and design making it ideal for both hosting and daily life with a second dishwasher.
The main-level owner’s retreat is a serene escape, featuring a spa-inspired en-suite bathroom that exudes opulence. A newly designed staircase leads to the upper level, unveiling three spacious bedrooms, two beautifully appointed baths, and the expansive game room—a haven for relaxation or recreation.
Descend to the exceptional walk-out lower level, designed to elevate everyday living and hosting with thoughtful functionality and style. This expansive space features an in-home gym, ideal for wellness enthusiasts and complete with everything needed for an energizing workout. Step outside or unwind by the pool with a convenient full bath and fully-equipped pool kitchen—boasting a third dishwasher for seamless cleanup and effortless entertaining.
The dedicated guest quarters offer a luxurious private retreat, featuring a full bath, an expansive walk-in closet, and a custom-built Murphy bed that maximizes comfort and flexibility. Whether accommodating overnight visitors, offering multigenerational living options, or creating a serene space for longer stays, this level leaves nothing to be desired.
The outdoor experience rivals that of luxury resorts. Enjoy a sparkling 20x40 ft. pool surrounded by Lueder limestone patios, lush professional landscaping, and expansive decks perfect for al fresco dining or lounging. The heated/cooled cabana offers poolside comfort, complete with a bathroom and full indoor kitchen. A private sport court caters to year-round activity, while the impeccably remodeled garage features slatwall organization, epoxy flooring, and smart storage solutions.
With nearly $1.34M in meticulous upgrades, including a new roof, HVAC systems, stunning glass doors, and enhanced lighting, 7218 Valburn Drive is a move-in ready sanctuary, offering the finest in design, location, and lifestyle. Just minutes from exceptional AISD schools—new Doss Elementary, IB Murchison Middle, and IB Anderson High—this home is truly one-of-a-kind. Don’t miss this extraordinary opportunity. Experience elevated living today.
Keenan Group at Compass - Your White-Glove 25+ Year Northwest Hills Specialists
Northwest Hills isn't just a neighborhood - it's a welcoming community with a rich history and stunning natural beauty in the coveted 78731 zip code. The highlight is its gentle topography anchored by the Bull Creek Greenbelt to the west, providing panoramic Texas Hill Country views and breathtaking sunsets. Located between Lake Austin to the south and Lake Travis to the northwest, this Travis County gem offers an ideal blend of scenic beauty and urban convenience, making it one of the most sought-after Northwest Austin neighborhoods.
Developed between the 1960s and 1980s, Northwest Hills has become a beloved spot for homebuyers looking to settle down in Northwest Austin. Positioned between Hwy 183 to the north and FM-2222 to the south, it's perfectly situated with easy access to Hwy 360 and MoPac along scenic Mesa Drive. Downtown Austin is just 8 miles away, putting restaurants, live music, and nightlife within easy reach for those looking at homes for sale in Northwest Hills Austin TX.
As the #1 Northwest Hills Austin Realtors, the Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate offers unparalleled expertise in this exceptional neighborhood. With over 25 years of experience as Northwest Hills residents ourselves, Joe and Cara Keenan provide the strategic guidance and local knowledge that homebuyers need to navigate the Northwest Hills Austin real estate market.
Average Sales Price
Average Days on Market
Sale Price to List Price
Homes Sold 2024
Hill Country views, proximity to downtown, and access to outdoor recreation create enduring value.
Doss Elementary, Highland Park Elementary and top-rated secondary schools drive family demand.
12 minutes to Apple, 15 to Google, perfect for Austin's tech professionals.
| Home Style | Years Built | Distinctive Features |
|---|---|---|
| Mid-Century Modern | 1960s - 1970s | Open floor plans, floor-to-ceiling windows, clean angular lines |
| Traditional Ranch | 1960s - 1980s | Single-story layouts, attached garages, expansive yards |
| Contemporary | 1990s - Present | Modern aesthetics, energy-efficient systems, premium finishes |
| Luxury Custom | 2000s - Present | Designer materials, smart home integration, bespoke layouts |
Homes in Northwest Hills Austin TX typically offer generous living spaces averaging over 2,700 square feet, with layouts featuring 3-6 bedrooms. While many homes maintain their original architectural charm, numerous properties have undergone interior renovations highlighted by fresh paint, modern kitchen appliances, and updated flooring.
Based on our exclusive analysis of 10 years of Northwest Hills sales data (2015-2025), including our personal experience with 83+ transactions in 2024 alone, Northwest Hills real estate continues to show exceptional performance:
Our Analysis of 1,200+ Northwest Hills Sales (2015-2025):
| Market Metric | Northwest Hills 78731 | Austin Average | NW Hills Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Average Sales Price | $1,435,937 | $847,000 | +69% premium |
| Median Days on Market | 9 days | 23 days | 2.5x faster sales |
| Average Home Size | 3,124 sq ft | 2,456 sq ft | +27% larger |
| Price Per Square Foot | $459.02 | $287.50 | +60% value premium |
| 5-Year Appreciation | 67% | 52% | +15% outperformance |
| Market Inventory | 0.8 months supply | 2.1 months supply | Supply constrained |
"Our market insights come from actual transactions, not just statistics."
As Austin's luxury real estate market continues to evolve, Northwest Hills stands out as one of the most stable and appreciating neighborhoods in the 78731 zip code. Our analysis shows why NW Hills Austin represents exceptional investment potential for both homeowners and investors.
| Investment Metric | Northwest Hills | Austin Average | Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5-Year Appreciation | 67% | 52% | +15% above market |
| Days on Market | 9 days | 23 days | 2.5x faster sales |
| Price per Sq Ft | $459 | $287 | Premium positioning |
| Inventory Levels | 0.8 months | 2.1 months | Supply constrained |
Off-Market Opportunities: Our 25+ years in Northwest Hills provides exclusive access to properties before they hit MLS, giving our investors first-look advantages.
Renovation ROI: Properties we've guided through strategic renovations have achieved 130-200% return on improvement investments.
Market Timing: With our hyper-local expertise, we identify the optimal buying and selling windows specific to NW Hills market cycles.
After 25+ years as Northwest Hills residents and realtors, here are the local secrets that make this neighborhood truly special:
As the best Northwest Hills Austin realtors, we're often asked how NW Hills stacks up against other premium Austin neighborhoods. Here's our expert comparison based on 25+ years of market experience:
Key Advantage: Best value combination of luxury living and top-rated schools
Commute: 25 min to downtown
Key Advantage: Highest prestige factor
Commute: 8 min to downtown
Key Advantage: Closest to downtown
Commute: 18 min to downtown
Key Advantage: Emerging luxury market
Commute: 10 min to downtown
Key Advantage: Historic charm
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Best Value Proposition | NW Hills offers luxury amenities at 30% less than Westlake Hills and 15% less than Tarrytown, while maintaining comparable lifestyle quality. |
| Fastest Sales | At 9 days average market time, Northwest Hills homes sell faster than any comparable luxury neighborhood in Austin. |
| Top Schools | Doss Elementary ranks among Austin's top public schools, providing Westlake-quality education without private school costs. |
"After selling in all these neighborhoods for 25+ years, Northwest Hills consistently offers the best combination of value, schools, and lifestyle. While Westlake commands higher prices, NW Hills delivers 90% of the luxury experience at a much better price point. It's why we chose to live here ourselves."
- Joe & Cara Keenan, Top 1% Austin Realtors
| Migration Pattern | Primary Motivation |
|---|---|
| From Westlake | Families seeking better value without sacrificing school quality |
| From Tarrytown | Buyers wanting more space and newer construction options |
| From Downtown | Tech executives prioritizing family amenities and larger homes |
| To Northwest Hills | California relocations choosing NW Hills for the Austin lifestyle |
Northwest Hills Austin residents enjoy convenient access to some of Austin's finest dining establishments, from casual neighborhood favorites to upscale culinary destinations. The area's central location provides easy access to both local gems and Austin's renowned food scene.
| Restaurant | Distance | Cuisine Type | Hours | Price Range | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Siena Ristorante | 2 miles | Italian | Mon-Thu 5-9pm, Fri-Sat 5-10pm | $$$ | Osso Buco, 200+ wine bottles, romantic atmosphere |
| Noodles & Company | 1 mile | Casual American | Daily 11am-9pm | $$ | Family-friendly, quick service, healthy options |
| Hopdoddy Burger Bar | 3 miles | Gourmet Burgers | Daily 11am-10pm | $$ | Truffle fries, craft beer, premium ingredients |
| Torchy's Tacos | 2 miles | Tex-Mex | Daily 7am-10pm | $ | Trailer Park taco, queso, Austin institution |
| Merit Coffee | 1 mile | Coffee Shop | Daily 6am-6pm | $ | Best cold brew, pastries, least crowded before 8am |
| Restaurant | Distance | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Uchi | 6 miles | James Beard Award-winning Japanese cuisine with innovative sushi and hot dishes |
| La Barbecue | 8 miles | Franklin Barbecue family restaurant featuring exceptional Texas BBQ |
| Jeffrey's | 5 miles | Austin fine dining institution since 1975, contemporary American cuisine |
| Josephine House | 7 miles | Farm-to-table American fare in a charming historic home setting |
| Business | Type | Distance | Hours | Specialty | Insider Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arboretum | Shopping Center | 2 miles | 10am-9pm | 40+ upscale stores & restaurants | Outdoor mall, weekend farmers market |
| Domain NORTHSIDE | Premium Shopping | 4 miles | 10am-10pm | Luxury retail & dining | Valet parking available |
| HEB Plus! | Grocery Store | 2 miles | 6am-11pm | Full service + pharmacy | Least crowded Mon-Wed mornings |
| Whole Foods Arboretum | Grocery Store | 3 miles | 8am-10pm | Organic, local vendors | Saturday farmers market 9-1pm |
| Northwest Hills Pharmacy | Healthcare | 1 mile | M-F 9-7, Sat 9-5 | Prescription, wellness | Free local delivery available |
"After 25+ years in Northwest Hills, we've discovered the hidden gems that make this neighborhood special. Our go-to spots include the weekend farmers market at Whole Foods, morning coffee runs to local cafes, and family dinners at Siena when we want to celebrate a closing with clients!"
- Joe & Cara Keenan, Northwest Hills Residents & Realtors
Northwest Hills Austin schools are among the best in the district, making homes for sale near Doss Elementary particularly attractive to families. The area is served by the Austin Independent School District (AISD), with schools that are highly rated and sought after by families prioritizing education.
| School Name | Level | Rating | Notable Programs & Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Doss Elementary | K-5 | A | 811 students, 15.5:1 student-teacher ratio |
| Highland Park Elementary | K-5 | A | 643 students, strong academic programs |
| Murchison Middle School | 6-8 | A | International Baccalaureate (IB) Middle School |
| Lamar Middle School | 6-8 | A | Fine Arts Academy with specialized programs |
| Anderson High School | 9-12 | A | International Baccalaureate program, Austin Community College partnership |
| McCallum High School | 9-12 | A | Excellent Fine Arts Academy |
Northwest Hills offers an abundance of recreational opportunities for active lifestyles, making it one of Austin's most sought-after neighborhoods for outdoor enthusiasts. The Northwest Hills parks and trails system is extensive and well-maintained, offering residents plenty of options for staying active:
| Destination | Distance | Trail Length | Difficulty | Features | Best Times |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bull Creek District Park | In neighborhood | 7.5 miles | Easy-Moderate | Swimming holes, limestone cliffs, wildlife | Early morning, weekdays |
| Bright Leaf Preserve | Adjacent | 3 miles | Easy | 216-acre preserve, guided tours, bird watching | Weekends, guided tours |
| Mount Bonnell | 4 miles | 0.25 miles | Moderate | 106 steps, panoramic views, 785 ft elevation | Sunset, clear days |
| Barton Creek Greenbelt | 8 miles | 12 miles | Moderate | Swimming holes, rock formations, dog-friendly | Spring/fall, avoid floods |
"Every morning at 5:30 AM, I lace up my running shoes and head out into our neighborhood. There's something magical about Northwest Hills before the world wakes up - the way the sunrise catches the limestone cliffs along Bull Creek, the sound of my footsteps on Mesa Drive, the friendly wave from neighbors starting their own day."
As an avid ultrarunner who's logged thousands of miles preparing for Boston and Chicago marathons, Joe's intimate knowledge of every trail, switchback, and hidden gem comes not just from being a Realtor, but from countless early mornings exploring the neighborhood's natural beauty. "I've sold homes to clients based on views I discovered during my training runs - spots that only locals know about."
"Our kids walk to Doss Elementary every morning - it's only 3 blocks. The crossing guards know every child by name."
- Sarah M., Mesa Drive
"I work at Apple and my commute is 12 minutes door-to-door. My neighbors include other tech professionals who've become lifelong friends."
- David L., Venado Drive
"Our home has appreciated $400K in 5 years. Best investment we ever made, plus we love living here."
- Jennifer K., Balcones Drive
Residents consistently highlight several aspects of Northwest Hills that make it special, and as the premier Northwest Hills Realtors, the Keenan Group has gathered numerous testimonials from satisfied clients who've found their dream homes in this exceptional neighborhood:
"My wife and I have been friends with Cara Keenan and Joe Keenan for many years. Cara Keenan helped me find and purchase a low-end Section 8 property in East Austin over 13 years ago. And she also sold it for me this last August for a lot more than I thought we could... This latest sale of our home on Edgefield also netted hundreds of thousands more than I thought it would prior to it even going on MLS."
— Jerry, Satisfied Client
"We are always blown away by Joe Keenan and Cara Keenan and their team! They have served us with two other closings in the past and they continue to step up to the challenge. We love working with them and always feel that they have given us the most personal, reliable, amazingly competent and pleasant attention. We see them not only as professional real estate partners, but as friends."
— Kathy and Dave
"Joe and Cara Keenan with Realty Austin Compass helped us find the perfect home in the Northwest Hills area of Austin. We know that we would not have even seen or heard of the opportunity if it weren't for Joe and Cara's connections in the area."
— Andy and Catherine
| Rating | Recognition | 2024 Performance |
|---|---|---|
|
5.0
Google Rating
|
#1 Team in Austin
Awarded by Austin Board of Realtors
|
83+
Families Helped in 2024
|
As the #1 Northwest Hills Austin real estate agents with over 25 years of specialized experience in this highly sought-after neighborhood, Joe and Cara Keenan of Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate offer this expert guidance for prospective buyers:
Let Joe and Cara Keenan show you the best of Northwest Hills, including current listings and insider spots that only locals know about.
As of July 2025, the average sales price for homes in Northwest Hills is $1,435,937, with properties ranging from around $900,000 for smaller homes to $3M+ for luxury estates with views. The average price per square foot is approximately $459.02.
Northwest Hills is served by highly-rated Austin ISD schools including Doss and Highland Park Elementary Schools, Murchison and Lamar Middle Schools, and Anderson and McCallum High Schools. Most of these schools have received "A" ratings from the Texas Education Agency.
Northwest Hills is primarily located within the 78731 zip code, with some portions extending into the 78759 zip code. These are consistently among Austin's most sought-after zip codes due to their excellent schools, beautiful topography, and convenient location.
Northwest Hills is approximately 8 miles from downtown Austin, with a typical commute time of 15-20 minutes in normal traffic conditions. The neighborhood's strategic location provides easy access to major highways including MoPac, Highway 360, Highway 183, and FM-2222.
The Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate is consistently recognized as the top Northwest Hills Austin realtor. With 25+ years as residents and specialists in the area, Joe and Cara Keenan have helped over 83 families in 2024 alone and maintain a 5.0 Google rating. As the #1 team in Northwest Hills and Westover Hills, they offer unmatched local expertise.
Yes, NW Hills Austin has shown exceptional investment performance with 67% appreciation over 5 years (15% above Austin average), homes selling in just 9 days, and strong buyer demand from tech professionals. The combination of top-rated schools, limited inventory, and proximity to major employers makes Northwest Hills one of Austin's most stable luxury markets.
NW Hills Austin offers the unique combination of luxury living, top-rated schools (Doss Elementary), Hill Country views, and exceptional value compared to Westlake Hills or Tarrytown. At $1.4M average price point, it provides 90% of the luxury experience at 30% less cost than comparable neighborhoods, making it the best value proposition in Austin luxury real estate.
Northwest Hills is perfectly positioned for tech professionals, with Apple's Austin campus just 12 minutes away, Google's offices 15 minutes, and Meta's facilities within 18 minutes. The commute to Downtown Austin takes 15-20 minutes, while Austin-Bergstrom International Airport is accessible in 25 minutes via MoPac.
Northwest Hills offers a suburban oasis with tree-lined streets, sidewalks, and multiple parks within walking distance. Residents enjoy morning jogs along Bull Creek, evening walks to neighborhood cafes, and weekend family time at Loewy Playground. The Arboretum shopping center provides walkable access to dining and retail.
While we respect our clients' privacy, Northwest Hills has attracted numerous Austin celebrities, tech executives, and professional athletes over the years. The neighborhood's mid-century modern architecture includes several homes featured in Architectural Digest and Austin Home Magazine.
Based on our 25+ years of NW Hills market data, spring (March-May) offers the highest inventory and buyer activity, while fall (September-November) can provide better negotiating opportunities. However, in this supply-constrained market, quality homes sell quickly year-round - often within days of listing.
Northwest Hills offers extensive outdoor recreation including Bull Creek swimming holes, 7.5 miles of hiking trails, Loewy Family Playground, tennis courts at Westover Hills Club, and direct access to Barton Creek Greenbelt. The area is perfect for families who love outdoor activities.
For objective crime statistics and safety information, we recommend researching official sources including Austin's official crime statistics and NeighborhoodScout.com. Northwest Hills benefits from excellent emergency response times with Fire Station 20 nearby and well-lit residential streets.
Northwest Hills residents enjoy convenient access to HEB Plus! (2 miles), Whole Foods Market Arboretum (3 miles), and the upscale Arboretum shopping center with 40+ stores and restaurants. The Domain NORTHSIDE premium shopping district is just 4 miles away.
Northwest Hills has excellent connectivity with Spectrum Fiber and AT&T Fiber available throughout the neighborhood, plus Google Fiber covering approximately 50% of the area (1 Gig speeds). Austin Energy provides electricity with renewable options, and Austin Water delivers exceptional quality rated A+ by EPA.
Northwest Hills enjoys a beneficial microclimate that's 2-3°F cooler than downtown Austin due to Hill Country elevation and 65% tree canopy coverage. The area has minimal flood risk, excellent air quality, and the creek proximity provides natural cooling effects.
Northwest Hills' strategic location provides excellent access to all of Austin while maintaining the tranquil feel of a suburban neighborhood. Here are real commute times based on our residents' daily experiences:
| Destination | Distance | Peak Hours | Off-Peak | Route |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Austin | 8 miles | 20-25 min | 15 min | MoPac Express |
| Apple Campus | 6 miles | 15 min | 12 min | Parmer Lane |
| Google Austin | 7 miles | 18 min | 15 min | Research Blvd |
| The Domain | 5 miles | 12 min | 8 min | MoPac North |
| Austin-Bergstrom Airport | 25 miles | 35 min | 25 min | MoPac to 71 |
| Lake Travis | 15 miles | 25 min | 20 min | 360 Scenic |
Northwest Hills fosters a strong sense of community through neighborhood events, local organizations, and shared amenities that bring residents together year-round.
| Organization | Focus | Meeting Info | Contact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northwest Hills Neighborhood Association | Community advocacy | Monthly meetings | Via Nextdoor app |
| Moms of Northwest Hills | Parent networking | Weekly playdates | Facebook group |
| Book Club at Barnes & Noble | Literary discussion | Bi-weekly evenings | In-store signup |
| Running Club | Fitness & trails | Saturday mornings | Bull Creek trailhead |
"What makes Northwest Hills special is the perfect balance of privacy and community. You have your own space with mature trees and larger lots, but there's also a real sense of belonging. Kids ride bikes to school, neighbors know each other's names, and everyone looks out for one another."
- Longtime Northwest Hills residents describe their community
The Keenan Group at Compass Real Estate specializes in luxury properties throughout Northwest Hills, Westover Hills, and greater Austin. As longtime residents ourselves, we provide insider knowledge you won't find elsewhere.
Phone: (512) 415-7653
Email: [email protected]
Website: TheKeenanGroup.com
Office: 4206 Venado Dr, Austin, TX 78731
Take the first step toward finding your dream home in Northwest Hills by connecting with the area's premier Realtors today.
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4206 Venado Dr, Austin, TX 78731 | (512) 415-7653 | [email protected]
Realtor®, Broker Associate
Realtor®, Broker Associate
Joe Keenan is a top-producing Realtor® and Broker Associate with 25 years of experience in Austin’s luxury real estate market. A U.S. Air Force Academy graduate with an MBA from St. Edward’s, Joe leads Keenan Group - recognized experts in Northwest Hills and 78731 and top Realtors® in Austin. Known for strategic guidance, white-glove service, and a deep commitment to client success, Joe delivers exceptional results in high-value transactions across Austin.
License# 495818
Realtor®
Realtor®
Not only are Joe and Cara Keenan a classic Austin love story, but they're also fierce business partners. They go to bat for their clients every time, infusing every interaction with careful precision and study. The Keenans are a dynamic duo who seek quality in every aspect of their lives. Their many awards and accolades are proof that their passion for excellence and sophistication never stops.
License# 481122