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.

Search for homes in these popular Westlake communities:
Bella Lago, Bull Mountain, Cortona, Crystal Creek, Davenport Ranch, Davenport Rim Condominiums, Davenport West, Estates at Westlake, Green Park, Hatley Park Estates, Laguna Loma, Lake Side Addition, Lake Shore Addition, Las Lomas, Lost Creek, Marina Club Condominiums, Orleans Harbor Condominiums, Parkstone, Rivercrest, Rockcliff Estates, Rob Roy, Rollingwood, Senna Hills, Seven Oaks, St. Tropez, Stratford Hills, Summit At West Rim, The Ravine, Treemont, West Rim, Westlake Highlands, Westlake Hills, Westview on Lake Austin, Woods of Westlake, Wood Island