With a name like Jollyville, the living here must be pretty easy, right? Fortunately, that’s exactly the case. This north Austin neighborhood—just a few miles south of Cedar Park and Round Rock—is perfect for families and commuters who want to be as close as possible to the thriving scene of the state’s capital, but also yearn for a little space and privacy away from city life. In fact, it’s the northernmost Austin neighborhood, so it’s as close as you can get to being in the suburbs, while still maintaining an Austin city proper address.
Of course, with your proximity to Austin, you’re just a few miles from the very best of the city’s nature offerings like the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Lady Bird Lake, and the hike and bike trails. But you still have backyard access to green space here—Springwoods Neighborhood Park is a local favorite and boasts two playgrounds, plenty of picnic areas, tennis courts, volleyball courts and sports fields for the athletically inclined, plus its very own set of hike and bike trails. Rattan Creek Park is another place Jollyville residents will flock to on warm days—and it has the bonus of a community pool, too.
When you’re looking for some fun but want to avoid sitting in I-35 traffic to get to Austin, head to the Austin Aquarium, where you can get up close and personal with amphibians and cold water fish. Wander through the reptile rainforest, have a stare-off with the sharks, or even touch a stingray in their tank! The Jumpoline Park is perfect for a rainy day with kids—or kids at heart, and the Kiddie Acres Amusement Park and mini golf is a barrel of fun for families with little ones under ten. Older kids and adults will love Main Event, the entertainment complex with bowling lanes, laser tag, arcade and video games, and a full bar. For thrill seekers and scaredy-cats alike, check out iFLY Austin and take your turn in the vertical wind tunnel skydiving simulation.
The best part about life in Jollyville is that you’re the center of everything you need—with 183 to the west, 45 to the north, Mopac to the east, and Austin just a short drive away, you’ve got your own little slice of paradise at home, with everything in nearby reach.