Westlake Hills

Westlake Hills is the Austin area's most prestigious address — a small, independently incorporated city of roughly 3,000 residents nestled in the wooded hills west of MoPac, where limestone bluffs, century-old live oaks, and sweeping Hill Country views create a setting that feels more like a private retreat than a suburb ten minutes from downtown. The community is defined by its school district. Eanes ISD consistently ranks as one of the top public school districts in Texas, and Westlake High School — home of the Chaparrals — produces state championships in football, academics, and debate with a regularity that borders on routine. For many families, Eanes ISD is the primary reason they choose Westlake Hills, and the district's reputation supports some of the highest property values in Central Texas. Homes in Westlake Hills range from renovated 1960s ranch houses on wooded one-acre lots to newly built mansions that push into eight-figure territory. The architecture varies widely — Hill Country limestone, contemporary glass-and-steel, Mediterranean revival — but the common thread is space and privacy. Lots are large, setbacks are generous, and many properties back up to preserved greenbelt or offer deck-level views across the Barton Creek valley. Despite its exclusivity, Westlake Hills is far from isolated. The community sits at the junction of Loop 360 (Capital of Texas Highway) and Bee Cave Road, providing quick access to downtown Austin, Barton Creek Square Mall, and the Hill Country's network of wineries, distilleries, and swimming holes. Daily errands go to the Westlake H-E-B or the Barton Creek area retailers. The trade-off is predictable: Westlake Hills is expensive, and the community's low-density zoning means there are essentially no affordable entry points. But for families who prioritize top-tier schools, natural beauty, and a quiet place to come home to, Westlake Hills delivers on every front.