Market Overview for Cat Mountain
There are 9 active listings in Cat Mountain with a median list price of $1.6M and a median sold price of $1.1M.
Homes average 41 days on market.
Over the past 30 days, 2 homes have sold, with 29 sales in the past 12 months.
The average price per square foot is $511.
About Cat Mountain
Cat Mountain is a higher-priced residential neighborhood in west Austin, perched on the limestone hills along Loop 360 (Capital of Texas Highway) between MoPac Boulevard and Lake Austin. The neighborhood occupies elevated terrain with panoramic Hill Country views, proximity to Mt. Bonnell, and the wooded, natural setting that defines west Austin's most sought-after addresses. Cat Mountain's location along the 360 corridor places it among the area's leading neighborhoods alongside Westlake, Rob Roy, and Jester Estates.
Homes in Cat Mountain range from approximately $700,000 to over $2 million, with the highest prices commanded by custom homes on large lots with panoramic views of the Hill Country or Lake Austin. Architectural styles include contemporary Hill Country designs, Mediterranean-influenced estates, and traditional custom homes built from the 1980s through the 2010s. Lots tend to be generous, with mature live oaks, juniper, and native landscaping on terrain that ranges from gently rolling to dramatically hilly.
Cat Mountain is primarily served by the Austin Independent School District (Austin ISD), with students typically attending Doss Elementary, Murchison Middle School, and Anderson High School. Some properties on the western edge may fall within Eanes ISD and the Westlake High School attendance zone. The combination of Austin ISD and potential Eanes ISD access adds complexity but also flexibility for buyers.
Loop 360 provides the primary transportation corridor, connecting to MoPac Boulevard for downtown Austin commutes of 15-20 minutes and to US-183 for access to the Arboretum and northwest Austin employment centers. The 360 corridor is scenic but can experience traffic congestion during peak hours. Nearby amenities include the shops and restaurants along 360 and Westlake Drive, as well as direct access to the Barton Creek Greenbelt and Mt. Bonnell.
Living in Cat Mountain
Cat Mountain offers the Hill Country views and wooded privacy of west Austin's higher-priced neighborhoods at prices that, while substantial at $700K-$2M+, remain more accessible than the most expensive estates in nearby Rob Roy or Barton Creek. Custom homes on elevated lots with panoramic views draw buyers to the natural setting and quiet feel of the 360 corridor.
The lifestyle is oriented around outdoor living: many homes feature expansive decks and patios built to take advantage of views, and the neighborhood provides access to the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Mt. Bonnell, and the lake. Downtown Austin is 15-20 minutes via MoPac, and the Arboretum shopping area is approximately 10 minutes north. The Loop 360 commute during peak hours is the primary trade-off — the scenic two-lane highway was not built for today's traffic volumes — but residents generally accept it as the cost of living in one of Austin's most scenic residential settings.
Things to Do in Cat Mountain
- Mt. Bonnell: Austin's highest point at 780 feet, located adjacent to Cat Mountain. The 102-step climb rewards visitors with panoramic views of Lake Austin, the Hill Country, and the downtown skyline.
- Barton Creek Greenbelt: 12+ miles of hiking and biking trails with swimming holes, accessible from west Austin trailheads near Cat Mountain.
- Lake Austin: Boating, kayaking, paddleboarding, and waterfront dining along Lake Austin, with boat ramps and marinas within minutes of the neighborhood.
- Loop 360 Scenic Overlooks: The Capital of Texas Highway passes through dramatic Hill Country terrain with scenic pulloffs and the well-known Pennybacker Bridge.
- Arboretum at Great Hills: Shopping center approximately 10 minutes north with 40+ stores, acclaimed restaurants, and services.
- Ski Shores Cafe: Lakeside restaurant on Lake Austin accessible by car or boat, offering casual dining with waterfront views, a short drive from Cat Mountain.
Major Employers in Cat Mountain
- Downtown Austin Employers (Technology & Professional Services): Corporate offices, tech companies, and government 15-20 minutes east via MoPac
- The Domain Employers (Technology): Meta, Indeed, Google offices approximately 15 minutes north
- National Instruments (NI) (Technology): Headquarters near the Arboretum, approximately 10 minutes north
- 3M (Manufacturing & Technology): Research Boulevard campus approximately 10 minutes north
- Apple (Technology): Austin campus on US-183, approximately 15 minutes north
Cat Mountain Schools
Cat Mountain is served by Austin ISD. Students typically attend Highland Park Elementary or Doss Elementary (Austin ISD) for elementary school, Lamar Middle School (Austin ISD) or Murchison Middle School for middle school, and McCallum High School or Anderson High School for high school.
School District: Austin ISD
Public Schools
- Highland Park Elementary
- Doss Elementary
- Lamar Middle
- Murchison Middle
- McCallum High School
Pre-Schools
- Stepping Stone Schools - Great Hills - Early childhood education center near the Arboretum area
- Hill Country Montessori - Montessori preschool program in the west Austin area
Private Schools
- St. Andrew's Episcopal School - K-12 private school in the west Austin area, approximately 10 minutes south
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Cat Mountain in Austin?
Cat Mountain is a higher-priced residential neighborhood in west Austin, located on elevated terrain along Loop 360 (Capital of Texas Highway) between MoPac and Lake Austin. It sits near Mt. Bonnell and offers panoramic Hill Country views.
How much do homes cost in Cat Mountain?
Homes in Cat Mountain range from approximately $700,000 to over $2 million. Custom homes on large lots with Hill Country or Lake Austin views command the highest prices.
What school district is Cat Mountain in?
Cat Mountain is primarily served by Austin ISD, with students attending Doss Elementary, Murchison Middle School, and Anderson High School. Some western properties may be zoned to Eanes ISD and Westlake High School.
How far is Cat Mountain from downtown Austin?
Cat Mountain is approximately 15-20 minutes from downtown Austin via MoPac. The Arboretum is about 10 minutes north. Loop 360 can experience congestion during peak hours.
What defines the Cat Mountain neighborhood?
Cat Mountain offers Hill Country views, wooded privacy, and proximity to Mt. Bonnell and Lake Austin on the scenic Loop 360 corridor. Custom homes on elevated lots provide the natural setting and low density that define west Austin's higher-priced neighborhoods.
Is Cat Mountain near Lake Austin?
Yes, Cat Mountain is located between Loop 360 and Lake Austin. Residents have convenient access to boat ramps, marinas, waterfront dining, and water recreation on Lake Austin.