Brentwood

Once dairy farm land on the outskirts of Austin, GI’s purchased homes in this outlying neighborhood to start a family and build a community. This Post War bungalow neighborhood is now a coveted part of town, much to the likes of Allandale and Rosedale.

 

With Austin’s rapid population growth and relocation of the municipal airport to ABIA, Brentwood no longer has low flying airplanes overhead and is considered “central” living. New owners are opting to expand these small homes to accommodate their families and modern needs. Over the last few years we’ve witnessed small, neglected homes being removed or demolished with brand new construction following.

 

The City of Austin annexed most of the neighborhood in 1946 and purchased the land next to Brentwood Elementary to establish the neighborhood's Brentwood Park in 1951. Running through the middle of the area is a tree-lined street named Arroyo Seco, which follows a creek of the same name.

 

In the Fall, residents located to the South of the neighborhood can hear the McCallum High School band's morning practice just outside the recently added fine arts building. As a resident of the neighborhood, I see many parents walking or riding bikes together with young kids headed to Brentwood Elementary, located along the meandering Arroyo Seco. Lamar Middle School is nearby, located along Burnet Rd at the 2222 intersection.

 

Whether historical or modern, the friendly atmosphere and sense of community still remain in Brentwood. Residents enjoy the daily conveniences of the Crestview Shopping Center or continuing development of The Triangle.

 

Brentwood’s neighborhood association is active in maintaining the charm, strong community, and peace its residents enjoy so much. Each year at Christmas time, residents place luminaries along the creek on Arroyo Seco, filling the street with warmth and light. They also bring the neighborhood together for festivals in the park, art shows and picnics and have even worked together to build the Wall of Welcome, a mosaic created by dedicated residents.