The master-planned community of Steiner Ranch is a stunning neighborhood in Northwest Austin. Sitting about 15 miles from downtown, during off-peak traffic hours access to the fun and nightlife of the city is only 25 minutes away.
Steiner Ranch has a colorful history, founded by the late Thomas Casper 'Buck' Steiner, born (1899) and raised in Bastrop County. A rodeo pro with a personality big as life, Buck found himself in California as a stunt man before putting down roots in Texas once again. Due to a successful run as owner of Capitol Saddlery (the building still stands today on Lavaca Street in downtown Austin) he was able to purchase 2,700 acres of land at $25 per acre. This would be the home of the Steiner cattle ranch for many generations. The late 1980s saw Steiner Ranch bought by developer Al Hughes. The land would change hands many times before finally being acquired by Taylor Woodrow in 2000, beginning the master-planned community we know today. Historical photos and pieces of the Steiner family legacy can be seen on display at the neighborhood (and area-wide) favorite, Steiner Ranch Steakhouse.
Homes within Steiner Ranch range from $350,000 (though homes at this price are becoming harder to come by) to multi-million dollar estates. Featured builders are Taylor Morrison, Dress Monterey Homes, and Highland Homes with architecture composed of traditional, tuscan, and contemporary. Facades such as brick, stone, and stucco adorn the homes with square footage between 1,600 to 5,000+.
Sprawling over 4,600 acres, the development is surrounded by lakes and greenbelt preserves (much of Steiner Ranch acreage is a part of the larger Balcones Canyonland Preserve). Nestled between Lake Travis and the Colorado River/Lake Austin affords residents beautiful views of rolling hills, mature trees, and lakes.
The neighborhood's HOA ensures manicured landscaping throughout the roadsides and common areas giving a resort-type feel. In addition, year-round events are enjoyed as the HOA employs a full-time events director. With three community centers with a pool each (some with splash pads, additional baby/toddler pools, lap pools and fun perks such as beach entry), the outdoor amenities are something to tout. For starters, there are Basketball courts, tennis courts, and a beach volleyball court. In addition, there are playgrounds and picnic areas throughout the neighborhood as 'pocket parks' and six larger neighborhood parks frequently used for youth athletic games and practices. More than 20 miles of hike and bike trails meander through the community, as well as a private lake club and boat ramp/dock access at the end of the neighborhood on the Colorado River. The University of Texas Golf Club resides within Steiner, sitting on 275 acres with a 7,225-yard championship course, restaurant, tennis courts, and social events.
The community of Steiner Ranch is a tight-knit one that is so welcoming to new folks that you might feel as though you dropped into another decade. Upon moving in to your new home, you'll probably be welcomed with a baked good or two along with a bottle of wine (or two).
The schools are part of the renowned Leander School District with all three elementary schools and middle school rated as exemplary: Steiner Ranch Elementary, Laura Welch Bush Elementary, River Ridge Elementary, Canyon Ridge Middle. The high school, Vandegrift, sits just outside the neighborhood and has a 'recognized' ranking for testing scores and high graduation rate. Athletics and academic clubs are second to none, bringing home a wide array of awards and recognition. Also within the neighborhood are School in the Hills Montessori, and Children's Center of Austin.
From the stellar education to be had in the top-rated schools, to the gorgeous backdrop of lakes and greenbelt and all the activities that come with that, the stunning homes and the close-knit and safe community, Steiner Ranch is a spectacular place to call home.
