Westlake Hills: Austin's Most Prestigious Neighborhood
Westlake Hills is a small city of approximately 3,500 residents immediately west of Austin on the other side of MoPac/Loop 1. Carved into the limestone hills overlooking Lake Austin and the Colorado River, Westlake Hills commands the highest real estate prices in the Austin metro — and the most coveted school district: Eanes ISD.
Westlake Hills Home Prices (2025)
| Type | Price Range |
|---|---|
| Entry (smaller 3BR–4BR) | $850,000–$1,200,000 |
| Mid-range (4BR–5BR) | $1,100,000–$2,000,000 |
| Luxury (large lot, views) | $1,800,000–$5,000,000 |
| Ultra-luxury / estate | $4,000,000–$20,000,000+ |
Westlake Hills is one of the most expensive residential markets in Texas.
Why Westlake Hills Is #1 in Austin
Eanes ISD — Texas's Best School District
Eanes ISD is consistently ranked the #1 school district in Texas by multiple ranking systems. The district serves approximately 7,000 students across 8 campuses — all rated TEA Exemplary.
Westlake High School (the district's only high school) regularly produces National Merit Scholars, top SAT/ACT scorers, and sends graduates to Harvard, MIT, Stanford, Rice, and every top university in the country. The academic culture is exceptional.
Parents routinely pay the Westlake premium specifically for Eanes ISD access. A home 1 mile into Austin proper (Austin ISD) might sell for $300,000–$500,000 less than a comparable Westlake Hills home.
Location and Views
Westlake Hills sits at the top of the Barton Creek canyon system — many homes have dramatic Hill Country views, city skyline views, or Lake Austin views. The topography creates a unique visual experience that flat suburban communities cannot match.
Privacy and Exclusivity
Westlake Hills is a quiet, private community. The hills provide natural separation from Austin's density. Deer, turkey, and wildlife are common on residential properties. Despite being 5 miles from downtown Austin, Westlake feels removed from urban intensity.
Lake Austin Access
Multiple private waterfront communities along Lake Austin provide boat dock access. Some Westlake properties have direct Lake Austin waterfront. Others use community boat ramps or join private marina clubs.
Who Lives in Westlake Hills
Westlake's demographic mix:
- Austin tech executives: Company founders, C-level officers, senior engineering management
- Long-tenured Austinites: Families who bought in the 1990s–2000s at much lower prices
- Entertainers and athletes: Multiple NFL/NBA players and well-known entertainers have Westlake addresses
- Finance and real estate: Private equity, investment bankers, real estate developers
- UT and law firm partners: Faculty and attorneys drawn by commute proximity
Westlake Hills Neighborhoods
Note: Westlake Hills is small and doesn't have distinct named neighborhoods in the typical sense. Properties are referred to by street, subdivision name, or canyon location.
- Rob Roy: Exclusive hilltop community, gated, sweeping views
- Lake Austin waterfront: Direct water access, limited supply, premium prices
- Bee Creek / Lost Creek: More accessible Westlake Hills pricing at $800K–$1.5M range
- Barton Creek / Barton Creek West: Contiguous to Westlake Hills in Barton Creek community
Frequently Asked Questions
Westlake Hills uses Austin mailing addresses (primarily 78746). It's a separate incorporated municipality within Travis County, but USPS delivers to 'Austin, TX 78746.' Look for 'City of Westlake Hills' in property records.
Yes — no income or membership requirements. The barrier is price (most homes exceed $1M). Buyers choose Westlake Hills specifically for Eanes ISD access, the #1-ranked school district in Texas.
