Wells Branch Homes For Sale

Nestled in the heart of North Austin (see North Austin homes for sale) is the beautiful neighborhood of Wells Branch, just north of Wells Branch Parkway. It draws residents of all ages, thanks to a wide selection of home styles and an endless array of recreational opportunities. Within Wells Branch are upscale townhomes alongside modest, one-story homes. There are also larger, two-story homes in the area. Most homes are brick-sided and have mature trees.

This quiet neighborhood has good schools within walking distance and is within close proximity to major high-tech and medical employers such as IBM, Samsung, Google, Apple, Time Warner, Dell, National Instruments, Austin Diagnostic Center, and St. David’s North Austin Medical Center.

Properties in Wells Branch

A stroll through the neighborhood reveals well-manicured lawns and one- and two-story homes, most of brick construction. Prospective buyers will find homes in Wells Branch with a variety of features and varying degrees of modern upgrades.

The neighborhood of Wells Branch is located in the ETJ (extra-territorial jurisdiction) of Austin and has a local government known as Wells Branch Municipal Utility District. For this reason, the community is served by Travis County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Services Department #2 (instead of the City of Austin Police and Fire Department). Wells Branch MUD, the recognized local government, is the recipient of local taxes and is responsible for the management of water, waste, parks, and other services within the Wells Branch neighborhood.

Location

Its MLS Map Location area is N. The neighborhood is bordered by Mo-Pac Expressway to the west, Shoreline Drive to the North, IH-35 to the east, and Wells Branch Parkway to the south. The main north-south thoroughfare is Bratton Lane.

Proximity to IH-35 and Mo-Pac (aka Loop 1) makes Wells Branch ideal for commuters. It also provides convenient access to Austin’s newest transportation system, the Capital Metro Transit (Austin’s light rail). The commute to downtown Austin from Wells Branch is 15 miles and takes approximately 10 to 15 minutes, or 25 in traffic. It is about a half-hour from the airport.

Resources

Six mandatory Homeowners’ and Property Owners’ Associations (HOAs and POAs) exist in Wells Branch. These include Bratton Glen, Bratton Hill, Brattonwood, Brookside, Stoneridge, and The Lake at Wells Branch.

Wells Branch Neighborhood Association is a local social/civic organization that includes all addresses within the neighborhood. It has optional membership dues, publishes (and hand delivers) a bi-monthly “Neighborhood News,” and holds an array of annual community events (Luminary Fest, Easter Egg Hunt, Silent Auction, Forth Fest, and National Night Out).

Important Links

Bratton Glen Owners Association
Stoneridge POA
The Lake at Wells Branch

Wells Branch Municipal Utility District (Local Governing Body)
Wells Branch Neighborhood Association (Local Civic Organization)

Wells Branch neighborhood was once Comanche country, and members of the Wells family were early pioneers who settled along its shady creek. Established in 1982, the thriving neighborhood now known as Wells Branch honors these early settlers and is composed of over 1,900 homes. In the heart of the community, beautiful Katherine Fleischer Park and recreation center are main attractions, offering an 1850’s log cabin and endless recreational opportunities for residents to enjoy. Well Branch Community Garden, where residents can grow flowers and vegetables, is another attraction within the close-knit community.

Walnut Creek runs through the Austin neighborhood of Wells Branch, giving a natural beauty to the homes. Residents have access to a multitude of neighborhood amenities, including beautiful parks, well-maintained playscapes, a community center, sports fields, pools, and a library.

Parks

Katherine Fleischer Park (within neighborhood) – This wonderful park is the jewel of Wells Branch. It is a large park with two shaded playscapes, hiking trails, tennis and basketball courts, pools, green spaces, a giant playhouse, a soccer field, a sand volleyball court, a multi-use baseball field, a gazebo, and a community recreation center, all under the Wells Branch Municipal Utility District. Next door, the Gault Homestead gives families scheduled tours of pioneer homes (complete with covered wagon and smokehouse) eight months of the year. Also within walking distance is the Wells Branch Community Library and Mills Pond.

Willow Bend Park (.8 miles N) – This pleasant park, located off the corner of Bratton Lane and Sauls Drive, is home to Willow Bend Pool, a half basketball court, a playscape, and a hike and bike trail.

Walnut Creek Metropolitan Park (3 miles S) – This park covers 293 acres, has a large off-leash area for dogs, and fifteen miles of greenbelt trails (very popular with mountain bikers and hikers). It has six barbeque pits, two basketball courts, numerous picnic areas, a new playground, five softball fields, a volleyball court, and Walnut Creek Swimming Pool.

Other nearby parks include North Creek Park (.9 miles N), Balcones Community Park (3.1 miles SW), Riata Park (3.7 miles W), Yett Creek Park (3.5 miles W), North Star Park and Greenbelt (3.6 miles SW), and Chisholm Valley Park (3.8 miles N).

Shopping

Wells Branch is located within minutes of several shopping complexes, each with a wide selection of stores. The closest are listed below and include the Gateway Shopping Center, the Arboretum, and the Domain. The Domain alone boasts one million square feet of retail space, including a movie theater, several fine restaurants, and a new Whole Foods Market.

Bratton Square (.5 mile NW) is located across the street from Wells Branch Elementary at Bratton Lane and Merrilltown Drive. Stores include Oasis Pizza, The Austin Conservatory for the Arts, Kenny’s Coffee Shop, La Brissa, Four Season’s Chinese Restaurant, Potter’s House, a chiropractor, an Italian restaurant, and a dance studio.

Parmer Crossing (1.5 miles SW) is located northeast of the intersection of Parmer Lane and Mo-Pac. Stores include Thundercloud Subs, Half-Price Books, Hobby Town USA, Firestone Complete Auto Care, Big Lots, Buybacks Entertainment, Roomstore, Fry’s Electronics, Supercuts, BBVA Compass, Tx Tag Customer Service Center, Taco Cabana, Dollar Tree, Blockbuster, Tuesday Morning, Harbor Freight Tools, and Thomas Super Buffet.

Tech Ridge Center (2.4 miles S) is located southeast of the intersection of North IH-35 and East Parmer Lane (Farm to Market 734). Stores include Marble Slab Creamery, HEB, Massage Envy, Office Depot, Theory Hair Salon, Sears, OfficeMax, IBC Bank, Mattress Firm, JC Penney, Bank of America, Schlotzsky’s, Ritz Camera, and Twin Liquors.

Round Rock Crossing (2.6 miles N) is located at the intersection of SH 45 (Louis Henna Blvd) and North IH-35. Stores include Sprint, Great Clips, Disney Store, Sally Beauty Supply, Third Base Sports Bar, Massage Envy Spa, Champions School of Real Estate, Vino 100, Ambica Foods, Best Buy, Bank of America, Warehouse Pool Supply, Target, Five Guys Burgers and Fries, Pure Chiropractic Wellness, Trashy Roots Salon and Spa, Dollartree, and Rick’s Cabaret.

The Domain (3.8 miles SW) is a new, upscale, outdoor complex located north of the intersection of North Mo-Pac Expressway and West Braker Lane. Stores include Express, Sunglass Hut, Apple Store, Starbucks, The Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf, iPic Theatres, Forever 21, Zumiez, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Whole Foods, Maggiano’s, lululemon athletica, Neiman Marcus, Ludwig Sterling, Ralph Lauren, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar, St. Thomas, Bebe, Cole Haan, Victoria’s Secret, Luxe Apothetique, Coach, J Crew, and Puma.

Gateway Shopping Center (5.2 miles SW) is located between Highway 183 (Research Blvd) and Stonelake Boulevard. Stores include Whole Foods Market, Crate & Barrel, Regal Gateway 16 and IMAX, Panera Bread, Old Navy, Marie Callender’s, The Container Store, Nordstrom Rack, Sprint Store, David’s Bridal, Tempur-Pedic, Texas Running Company, Avant Salon & Spa, Fastframe, and Best Buy.

Dining

From fine dining to sandwich shops, the Wells Branch area abounds with nearby restaurants. Here are a few favorites: Four Seasons Chinese Restaurant, Crawfish Shack and Oyster Bar, Kenny’s Coffee Shop, Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse, Whole Foods Market, Cheddar’s Casual Café, Oasis Pizza, Texas Roadhouse, Schlotzsky’s, El Faro, Mezzaluna Italian Grill, Marie Callender’s, Branch Bar B Que, Fish Daddy’s Seafood Grill, IHOP, Caribbean Way, Inka Chicken, Mal Lien Bistro, Bill Miller BBQ, Homer’s Bar & Grill, Texas Bar & Grill, Los Portales, Tandoori Hut, Spicy Monsoon, Ka-Prow, and Baby Acapulco.