Welcome to West Lake Hills

If you asked Austinites to name the most prestigious neighborhood in the city, West Lake Hills would be at the top of every list. Tucked into the rolling terrain of the Texas Hill Country just five miles west of downtown Austin, this exclusive enclave of roughly 3,300 residents offers something rare in a growing metro: true privacy, natural beauty, and world-class schools — all within a 10-minute drive of Barton Springs, South Congress, and Lady Bird Lake.

West Lake Hills isn't just a neighborhood — it's an incorporated city with its own mayor, city council, police department, and distinct character. That self-governance translates to lower density, strict zoning, and a community that fiercely protects its Hill Country charm.

Why Buyers Choose West Lake Hills

The Schools

Let's start with the #1 reason families move here: Eanes Independent School District. Consistently ranked among the top school districts in Texas, Eanes ISD includes:

• Eanes Elementary — Exemplary-rated primary school

• Bridge Point Elementary — Another top-performing campus

• Hill Country Middle School — Award-winning STEM and arts programs

• Westlake High School — Perennial state champion in football, academics, debate, and fine arts. Alumni include NFL quarterback Drew Brees and actor/comedian Owen Wilson.

If schools are your #1 priority, West Lake Hills delivers at a level few communities in Texas can match.

The Homes

West Lake Hills real estate ranges from charming mid-century ranch homes in the $900K–$1.5M range to jaw-dropping custom estates exceeding $10M. The most sought-after properties feature:

• Panoramic Hill Country and downtown Austin skyline views

• Mature oak tree canopies on oversized lots (half-acre to 3+ acres)

• Custom architecture — from modern glass-and-steel to Mediterranean and Texas ranch style

• Private access to Lake Austin waterfront in select communities

Top Neighborhoods Within West Lake Hills:

• Rob Roy — A gated, guard-staffed community with some of the most expensive homes in Austin. Custom estates on large lots with sweeping views. Entry from $2M+.

• Rollingwood — Mature trees, established families, walkable streets. A favorite for families who want Eanes ISD without the Rob Roy price tag. Homes from $1M–$3M.

• Rivercrest — Waterfront living on Lake Austin. Kayak from your backyard. Extremely limited inventory and high demand.

• Westwood — Tucked quietly between Loop 360 and Bee Cave Road. A mix of updated homes and teardown opportunities on generous lots.

• Patterson — Exclusive pocket neighborhood with spacious custom homes and excellent privacy.

• Lost Creek — Popular family-friendly community with mature landscaping and proximity to Lost Creek Country Club.

The Location

West Lake Hills sits at the intersection of convenience and seclusion:

• 5 minutes to downtown Austin via MoPac or Loop 360

• 10 minutes to Zilker Park, Barton Springs Pool, and Lady Bird Lake

• 15 minutes to Austin-Bergstrom International Airport

• 2 minutes to Barton Creek Square Mall (180+ stores including Nordstrom, Macy's)

• 5 minutes to Hill Country Galleria shopping and dining in Bee Cave

Loop 360 (Capital of Texas Highway) runs right through the area, and the scenic drive along it is one of the most beautiful commutes in Austin.

Dining & Coffee Near West Lake Hills

West Lake Hills residents enjoy some of Austin's best dining within minutes:

• Sway — Award-winning Thai restaurant on Bee Cave Road. A Westlake staple.

• Uchi — James Beard Award-winning Japanese restaurant (short drive on South Lamar)

• Cafe Josie — Intimate neighborhood bistro with a devoted local following

• Suerte — Modern East Austin Mexican (worth the 15-min drive)

• Jack Allen's Kitchen — Texas comfort food with a farm-to-table twist on 360

Coffee:

• Mozart's Coffee Roasters — Iconic lakeside coffee shop on Lake Austin Blvd. Live music, holiday light shows, and the best patio views in Austin.

• Swedish Hill — Popular bakery and coffee shop nearby

• Lola Savannah Coffee Lounge — Cozy neighborhood spot in Davenport Village

• Day Maker Half Day Cafe — Trendy brunch and coffee spot

Outdoor Living

This is Hill Country living at its finest:

• Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve — 227 acres of hiking trails and wildlife right in West Lake Hills

• Red Bud Isle — Dog-friendly park on Lake Austin, perfect for paddleboarding and kayaking

• Barton Creek Greenbelt — Miles of hiking, swimming holes (Sculpture Falls, Twin Falls), and rock climbing

• Lake Austin — Boating, paddleboarding, fishing, and waterfront dining at Abel's on the Lake

• Lost Creek Country Club — Golf, tennis, swimming, and social events for the community

• Westlake Tennis Center — Public courts for residents

Market Snapshot

• Median Home Price: $1.5M–$2.2M (varies by micro-neighborhood)

• Price Range: $900K (fixer/smaller lots) to $15M+ (Rob Roy waterfront estates)

• Average Days on Market: 45–75 days for well-priced homes

• Zip Code: 78746 — one of the most expensive in Texas

• Property Tax Rate: ~1.8% (Travis County + Eanes ISD)

• HOA: Varies by community. Rob Roy has HOA; many areas do not.

Who Lives Here

West Lake Hills attracts:

• Families seeking Eanes ISD schools and safe, established neighborhoods

• Executives and entrepreneurs who want privacy and proximity to downtown

• Empty nesters downsizing from larger estates but staying in Westlake for the community

• Austin transplants from LA, NYC, and the Bay Area seeking luxury with more space

• Athletes, entertainers, and public figures drawn to gated communities like Rob Roy

The West Lake Hills Lifestyle

Living in West Lake Hills means weekend mornings at Mozart's Coffee Roasters watching the sun come up over Lake Austin. It means Friday night football at Westlake High — a nationally ranked program that fills a 12,000-seat stadium. It means hiking Wild Basin before work, grilling on a deck overlooking the Hill Country, and knowing your neighbors by name.

It's exclusive without being pretentious. Private without being isolated. And it's one of the few places in Austin where you can have genuine Hill Country acreage and still be downtown in 10 minutes.

Ready to Explore West Lake Hills?

Whether you're relocating to Austin, upgrading to Eanes ISD, or looking for your forever home with a view, I'd love to show you what West Lake Hills has to offer. I know these streets, these neighborhoods, and the hidden gems that don't show up on Zillow.

Johnny Ronca | Compass

📧 [email protected]

"Find the Home that Moves You"

Austin Off-Market Luxury Homes

Still searching for the right home?

The one you’re looking for may not be on the market yet but I can help you get an advantage. 

Many of Austin’s most desirable homes sell quietly through broker networks and Compass Private Exclusives before they ever reach the MLS.

With 20 years in the Austin luxury market, I help my clients gain access to Luxury off-market and coming-soon opportunities first.

If you’re searching in the $1M+ range and not finding the right fit online, let’s connect.  I am a master at finding luxury off market deals. - Johnny Ronca