The ultimate “one-stop shop” for homebuyers interested in a self-contained neighborhood stocked with amenities, master-planned communities (MPC) appeal to families and individuals who value a congenial neighborhood vibe, plenty of activities and resources available only to residents, and a streamlined aesthetic actively maintained by both residents and community staff.

The Austin area currently hosts 20 MPCs of varying sizes. One of the largest and most popular MPCs can be found in the Southwest Austin area—Circle C Ranch. 

Open since 1986, Circle C Ranch counts among the oldest MPCs in Central Texas. At 7.2 square miles with over 6,000 homes, it’s also among the largest. The community seeks to attract families with its numerous recreational perks, neighborly spirit, and access to excellent public schools.

Prime Location

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

While the majority of Austin-area MPCs can be found outside city lines, Circle C Ranch is located right in Southwest Austin, just west of the MoPac Expressway and directly adjacent to Circle C Ranch Metropolitan Park and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. 

Because public transit doesn’t directly reach Circle C Ranch, it’s advisable for commuting residents to own cars. But once you’re behind the wheel, it’s only a 20-minute drive to the heart of Austin. The MoPac Expressway offers a straight shot up and over the Colorado River, allowing Circle C Ranch residents easy access to Austin’s neighborhoods on either side of Lady Bird Lake.

Family-Friendly Amenities

Community Center pool area

Circle C Ranch offers an appealing range of amenities, but homeowners with families feel a particular draw to Circle C Ranch. Children living in the neighborhood attend schools run by the Austin Independent School District, a top-rated network of public schools with a high school graduation rate of over 93 percent.

If you have an active brood at home, Circle C Ranch’s remarkable array of recreational activities can keep them happily occupied. This MPC features two seasonal recreational pools as well as a heated outdoor pool open year-round with swim classes, a kiddie pool, water slides, and lanes for swimming laps. Circle C Ranch also has six dedicated outdoor playscapes, as well as two bike trails, a tennis club, and the Circle C Metropolitan Park that’s perfect for tag and capture-the-flag.

These family-friendly amenities are largely the work of the Circle C Homeowners Association, an active group of residents seeking to add features for residents with children and helping to keep all residents informed of community events and activities. They curate a monthly newsletter complete with community announcements and residents-only social events. They also seek input from all Circle C residents, whether at their monthly meetings or through their dedicated social media network.

What It’s Like to Live Here

The Veloway at Circle C Ranch Metro Park

Circle C Ranch presents residents with a peaceful, community-based suburb with a variety of home options within Austin proper. This master-planned community is located in a region with several other MPCs and large-scale developments, which luckily results in a high density of nearby businesses serving the residents of these communities.

In addition to the pools and parks within Circle C’s own boundaries, residents can take advantage of nearby green spaces like the Stephenson Nature Preserve and Outdoor Education Center, Cherry Creek Neighborhood Park, and Garrison Park. 

As far as indoor fitness centers go, Circle C Ranch residents can make use of numerous gyms and studios both within the MPC’s borders and close by, such as Anytime Fitness, OrangeTheory, and Barre 3.

Running along the northern border of Circle C Ranch, you’ll find West Slaughter Lane, a major thoroughfare loaded with restaurants, shops, and entertainment options. In addition to fast-food choices, West Slaughter Lane is also home to the modern American bistro District Kitchen and Cocktails, family-friendly burger joints like Waterloo Ice House, and casual spots like Backspin Sports Bar & Grill.

Alamo Drafthouse

Circle C Ranch also claims its very own outpost of local Austin favorite Alamo Drafthouse, a movie theater serving restaurant-caliber food and cocktails. The Alamo Drafthouse is also adjacent to the trendy craft cocktail bar 400 Rabbits, featuring tequila and mezcal-based cocktails in case you want to grab a nightcap after the show.

Because MPCs function much like small towns and villages, there are plenty of grocery stores within the vicinity. In the case of Circle C, Austin staple H-E-B is located just north of West Slaughter Lane, offering a full selection of produce, ready-made dishes, and home essentials. Randalls is another popular grocery chain in the area, located nearby in the Brodie Lane neighborhood.

Interested buyers can find homes ranging from the low $200s to the high $900s. Some of the affordable two- and three-bedroom single-family homes offer just under 2,000 square feet of living space, making them great options for first-time homebuyers. For those who need a bit more space, Circle C Ranch also has larger homes with as many as six bedrooms and five bathrooms. The median sale price stands in the high $400s, and homeowner association fees are between $47 and $265 per month.