Hyde Park is relatively small in size, with tree-lined streets and historic houses left and right, this neighborhood is known for its variety of housing options. This neighborhood really is a wonderful example of what the word "neighborhood" really means and many Austinites would love to claim this neighborhood as their own. Hyde Park was started back in 1891 by Texas entrepreneur Monroe Martin Shipe, who hoped to sell Victorian mansions to Austin's growing upper middle class. Back then this area was considered to be on the northern edge of the city and the neighborhood even had a streetcar line that provided a reliable transportation connection to downtown from this relatively isolated area. After sluggish sales, Monroe adjusted his target audience and began building smaller homes to accommodate working families, while also making sure each home had a front porch for their days off.

With generously sized homes, cozy bungalows, duplex apartments, and a few small apartment and condo complexes, Hyde Park has become one of Austin's most densely populated neighborhoods. Having said that, Hyde Park still retains that sense of community it had a century ago, where one can still walk to the store and visit with your neighbors who know you by your name. While on that walk, you can view some of Austin's most modern buildings sitting on the same block as a century old home. The neighborhood also has one of Austin's most popular golf courses, Hancock Golf Course, which is the oldest golf course in Texas having been built in 1899. Hyde Park is bordered by 48th Street to the north and 38th Street to the south, while its east and west boundaries are Duval Street and Guadalupe Street. Its proximity to the University of Texas also makes the neighborhood popular among faculty, graduate students, and young professionals working downtown who enjoy a quick commute.

Hyde Park is sort of a village within Austin's city limits and one of its biggest attractions is the ability to walk to many local businesses, restaurants, and grocery stores. A few of the restaurants that Hyde Park residents frequent areQuack's Bakery, Dolce Vita, Asti, Mother's and the ever popular Hyde Park Bar and Grill. For those folks that are serious about their fitness and health, a neighborhood landmark is the Hyde Park Gym and a local health supermarket is only steps away at the Fresh Plus grocery store. Since Hyde Park is one of Austin's most historical areas, maintaining the integrity of the neighborhood is a top priority. There is a lot of attention given to home renovations and new construction. The neighborhood association even holds a yearly tour that highlights several notable homes within the neighborhood, while the money raised goes to keeping the association active. One of the interesting stops usually includes a visit to the Elisabet Ney Museum, who was a sculptress who built her castle like studio here in 1892.