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Westlake Overview
Widely sought after for its award
winning schools and close proximity to downtown, Westlake offers some
of the most exclusive neighborhoods in Austin. Westlake Hills and the
surrounding areas within the Eanes Independent School District are
generally referred to as Westlake. Residents enjoy short commute times,
convenient shopping, fine dining and a relaxing lifestyle in a
community with a heavy emphasis on education.
Westlake Demographics
The small bedroom community of West Lake Hills is located just west of
Austin, Texas in the rolling hills along Lake Austin. As of the 2000
census, West Lake Hills had a little more than 3000 residents, with
approximately 1000 homes and just over 200 businesses. Because West
Lake Hills is such an attractive place to live, it hosts a cultural
diversity of various age groups and professionals. Approximately 39% of
residents 25 and older have a bachelor’s degree and 38% have
a graduate degree or professional degree. The median household income
is $116,905 and the per capita income is $55,651.
Westlake Location
West Lake Hills is an actual community located in a broader area
generally referred to as ‘Westlake’ by Austinites.
The approximate boundaries of Westlake mirror those of the Eanes
Independent School District. The boundaries lines are Lake Austin to
the north, Barton Creek to the South, Mopac to the east and Highway 71
to the far west. Westlake is sometimes referred to as the gateway to
the hill country since the scenic Bee Caves Road winds its way from the
flatter downtown Austin area, through Westlake, all the way to Highway
71.
Westlake Neighborhoods
Westlake has a number of neighborhoods each unique in their own way.
Across the Westlake area, average home prices are approaching $800,000.
Some popular Westlake communities include Austin Lake Hills, Barton
Creek West, Beecave Woods, Bull Mountain, Cortona, Crystal Creek,
Davenport Rim Condominiums, Davenport West, Las Lomas, Lost Creek,
Parkstone, Rollingwood, Senna Hills, Seven Oaks, Stratford Hills,
Treemont, Westlake Highlands, Westlake Hills and Woods of Westlake.
Westlake neighborhoods near Lake Austin include Austin Lake Estates,
Bella Lago, Davenport Ranch, Green Park, Hatley Park Estates, Laguna
Loma, Lake Side Addition, Lake Shore Addition, Marina Club
Condominiums, Orleans Harbor Condominiums, Rivercrest, Rockcliff
Estates, Rob Roy, St. Tropez, Summit At West Rim, The Ravine, West Rim,
Westview on Lake Austin and Wood Island. Each neighborhood has its own
amenities, but all share the same scenic landscape and access to the
best public schools in Austin. Some neighborhoods offer views of the
rolling hills, lakes and creeks, while others enjoy dramatic downtown
Austin skyline views.
Westlake Schools
In addition to its proximity to downtown Austin, Eanes Independent
School District is a major driving force behind the popularity of
Westlake. Eanes ISD has a total of 9 schools, 8 of which hold the
exemplary rating. It has 6 elementary, 2 middle and 1 high school. West
Lake High School is a U.S. Blue Ribbon School and has won numerous
awards for scholastic and athletic achievements. Other recognition
includes: Texas Successful Schools Award for Outstanding Performance,
Ranked 37th in the Newsweek Magazine’s 2003 list of the
nations’ top schools, and the best AP Physics program in the
world by the college board in 2005. West Lake High School has over 90%
of its seniors attending college after graduation and a .1% dropout
rate. West Lake High School is also known for its athletic program.
West Lake’s football team holds a national record of 71
consecutive district victories and made it to state finals in 2006.
Watching the high school football under the Friday night lights is a
popular pastime in Westlake and support for the Chapparal’s
by local businesses is overwhelming.
Westlake Activities
Football isn’t the only thing to do in Westlake. Cycling is
very popular with easy access to scenic bike routes along highway 360
and Bee Cave Road. Everyone from beginners to Lance Armstrong has been
spotted climbing the rolling hills around Westlake. If you’re
into jogging, the Town Lake Hike & Bike Trail, located only
minutes from Westlake, is a 6 mile scenic trail along the banks of Town
Lake. Other outdoor activities in the Westlake area include hiking,
mountain biking, golfing and water sports. The Barton Creek greenbelt
and Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, both located in Westlake are
perfect spots to enjoy nature. The Barton Creek Greenbelt runs for over
12 miles along the banks of Barton Creek, and offers opportunities for
hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, tubing and climbing. The Wild Basin
Wilderness preserve offers miles of pristine trails for avid hikers.
Barton Creek Country Club has three 18 – hole courses, Fazio
Course, Palmer Course, and Crenshaw Course. Austin’s oldest
golf club, Austin Country Club, offers one of Austin’s most
exclusive courses located along the scenic banks of Lake Austin. Lake
Austin is a playground for many Westlake residents, some of which are
fortunate enough to live on Lake Austin’s waterfront. Lake
Austin is popular for wakeboarding, skiing, fishing and just hanging
out and swimming in the cove. Lake Austin is also home to the famous
Hula Hut restaurant which offers a blend of Mexican food with a hint of
Hawaiian influence. After a long day on the lake, Hula Hut is the place
to go.
Westlake Restaurants
There are a number of great restaurants in Westlake. County Line has
amazing BBQ and a fantastic view of the Westlake and Barton Creek area
from the dining room or outdoor patio. A Westlake favorite for Mexican
food is Maudie’s Milagro, located in Davenport Village, with
fabulous sunset views of the hill country and margaritas that make the
wait worthwhile. Several local favorites for Asian food include Bistro
88, Thai Kitchen, and Chinatown. Three local pizzerias each serve up
their unique locally inspired pizzas: 360 Uno Pizzeria, Maryze Pizza,
and the Flying Tomato. No matter your craving, Westlake has satisfying
options that won’t break the budget.
In summary, if you’re looking for great schools, an active
lifestyle, and close proximity to Austin, Westlake is the place to be.
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