Ribelin Ranch - Austin, TX

Initial settlers to the Outer Northwest region followed the economic opportunities that the Texas Hill Country provided them. Because the region sits along the Balcones Escarpment, a geologic divide between semiarid and humid Texas climates, families could capitalize on both farming and raising cattle. Over time, Austin grew into the hub, but much rich Texas and Native American history remains present in the area.

Several art institutes and galleries provide a place for students to learn and art lovers to appreciate local talent, such as the South West Museum of Fine Arts to the north, and the Fractallography Studio, which host exhibits and occasional events for patrons.

Due to Outer Northwest's distance from the urban core, many of the restaurants cater to upper-class customers. Several Austin-based eateries sit along the hillside to augment higher-end places.

Salsas Mexican Cuisine & Cantina delights customers with build-your-own enchiladas. Diners pair their choice of sauces such as ranchereo, tomatillo and chile gravy with their favorite enchilada filling. Main portions of enchiladas include chicken, beef or black beans. Hunan Riverplace Restaurant serves both Chinese and Korean favorites, delivering until 9 p.m. Explore the vegetable dishes for satisfying sweet potato fries. Lettuce wraps come with tofu, shitake mushrooms and water chestnuts.

Entertainment is light in the very rural, hilly region. Nearby bars such as at The Oasis at Travis Lake have relaxing views of the Colorado River, the waterway that eventually flows through downtown Austin.

Public transportation is in limited supply to the region, but Outer Northwest's hills represent nothing more than small obstacles for those with cars. The Capital Metro's bus system doesn't extend extensively into the neighborhood, but a couple of nearby but infrequent stops allow riders to get out of the area on occasion.

Cabs don't come commonly either, and the same can be said for Uber. Interested riders can chance a call to local companies and rideshare services, but distance and time prove to work against these riders' wallets in the long term. Public parking in the area does remain cheap or free, but primarily exists at retail centers and in subdivisions since many of the roads in the area don't support street parking.

Residents lack easy access to major highways and expressways, and although the nearby Highway Loop 360 provides access to other major highways, they remain several miles in either direction, and minor roads must be traveled to access Austin most readily.

Bikers may attempt the Outer Northwest area if they wish, but outside of subdivisions, cycling on faster roads and highways doesn't present a safe option. Similarly, many roads in the area are too hilly for either bikers or pedestrians, and many roads lack proper sidewalks for travelers outside of subdivisions.

Though most remain a small distance away, Outer Northwest does have some parks with some of the best recreational spots in or around Austin. Small recreational slivers of land such as Sun Tree Park provide visitors room for picnics and various outdoor sports. However, just off the Colorado River and Lake Travis rest more adventurous parks, such as Tom Hughes Park, with lakeside sunbathing, swimming and hiking on particularly steep and rugged trails.

Be sure to check out local schedules because many of these parks host nature and wildlife appreciation events as well as celebrations of national holidays, both seasonally and annually. And though none of these areas cater to fitness junkies with special equipment, the trails at Tom Hughes Park or Mansfield Dam Park's boating opportunities make sure visitors never leave without breaking a sweat.

Residents of Outer Northwest hold a mixed bag of costs. Overall, the cost of living is slightly higher than the city average though the median rent for a one-bedroom residence rests at $928.39 — still a slight improvement on the residents of downtown Austin.

Transportation in and around the area presents the largest cost for residents because trips to Austin require such a time commitment. Public transportation can be negotiated, and with a $2 day pass, one can travel to the city center though this route only takes place one time per day. For drivers, limited gas station options in the neighborhood negatively affect the gas prices in the region though prices still sit at approximately 5 percent beneath the national average.

Limited value options for entertainment in the area makes the price of a beer at a bar or restaurant no lower than $3, with options ranging up to $6 to $7.

With a few shopping centers lining certain highways in and near the Outer Northwest neighborhood, residents feel free to explore a mix of high-end, chain and boutique shops. Lovers of outdoor home cooking flock to BBQ Outfitters where they can snag all sorts of custom and unique grills, smokers, covers and accessories. With sleek outdoor sinks and refrigerators, decking out the porch or patio couldn't be any easier for residents looking to make a home improvement.

Hayley Cakes and Cookies, a local party favorite, bakes treats and even decorations for local celebrations, filling custom orders for anybody looking to treat themselves or a loved one just right..

Most residents make the short drive to H-E-B to pick up their groceries. If residents get antsy for a home-grown feel, they only need travel approximately 9 miles north on Saturdays to the Cedar Park Farmer's Market to enjoy the best local produce in the area.