Considered Austin’s most affluent and exclusive suburbs, Westlake is known for its luxury properties, natural beauty, and high-end shops and restaurants. Outdoor lovers will enjoy the hiking trails at Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve with the scenic views of Texas Hills Country in the background. Golf enthusiasts can join the prestigious Austin Country Club and play on their Pete Dye-designed golf course. Westlake also has a robust equestrian culture, where many residents own horses. And residents have their own private West Lake Beach on the banks of the Colorado River.
Gated communities, waterfront estates, and upscale amenities attract newcomers and investors from all over as property values continue to rise in the Westlake real estate market. Longtime residents love its small-town appeal, tree-lined streets, top-rated school system, and proximity to downtown Austin. This highly-coveted neighborhood offers a variety of housing options to cater to different lifestyles. If this sounds like an ideal place for you, here’s what you need to know about buying a home in Westlake.
Westlake caters to a variety of lifestyles
Outdoor enthusiasts
Surrounded by the natural landscape of Texas Hills Country, Westlake offers a quiet and serene environment for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. If you want a more active lifestyle, there’s a wealth of recreation, including hiking and biking at Barton Creek Greenbelt. You can go swimming, fishing, boating, kayaking, and paddle boarding at nearby Lake Austin.
Small-town atmosphere
With a strong, tight-knit community, Westlake is attractive to those who want a small-town atmosphere. There are plenty of locally-owned small businesses in town. The local organizations actively organize events throughout the year to foster engagement. Residents even form welcoming committees for newcomers. There’s great community spirit in Westlake!
Cosmopolitan lifestyle
Although Westlake feels like a world away, it’s only six miles from downtown Austin, making it ideal for residents who still want to be close to big-city amenities. Downtown, you’ll find award-winning restaurants, shopping centers, and Austin’s famed live music scene. It’s also an easy drive for commuters and students attending the University of Texas at Austin.
Westlake’s best neighborhoods
Westview on Lake Austin
Westview on Lake Austin includes three gated communities, West Rim Estates, Somerset at Westview, and River Oaks. Many homes were built from 1997 onwards, and empty lots are still available. The architecture varies from Meditteranean-inspired to more contemporary styles. This neighborhood offers a very elegant lifestyle with manicured lawns, saltwater pools, outdoor kitchens, expansive decks, and outdoor kitchens. Luxury amenities include underground wine cellars, personal libraries, and exercise rooms.
Rob Roy
Also overlooking Lake Austin, Rob Roy was first developed in the 1980s and is one of Westlake’s largest private residential neighborhoods. The gated community has a wide variety of custom homes on spacious lots of one acre or more. You’ll be surrounded by a serene atmosphere with some of the most stunning views of Texas Hill Country. Homes feature upscale touches like home theaters, wine cellars, chef’s kitchens, and expansive master suites. Manicured lawns and lavish pools adorn outdoor spaces.
Davenport Ranch
Davenport Ranch is a prestigious neighborhood in Westlake with expansive homes and beautiful surroundings. It is nestled among the hills and offers a mix of traditional and contemporary architectural styles. Some trails lead to the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve. And it’s conveniently located next to the Austin Country Club and golf course.
Toro Canyon
Featuring newer homes on large acreage, Toro Cayon is another exclusive neighborhood surrounded by wooded areas, rolling hills, and breathtaking views. It’s a smaller community featuring modern homes close to fine dining restaurants and Lake Austin.
Stratford Hills
On the southeast corner of Westlake, Stratford Hills is known for custom-built luxury properties and grand estates with panoramic views of the Austin skyline and surrounding hills. The secluded neighborhood offers residents more privacy and is one of Austin’s most desirable areas. Home styles are a mix of traditional and contemporary and run from 5,000 to 10,000 square feet in size. A local favorite is the nearby Ziller Park, a 351-acre urban park with a botanical garden, sports facilities, nature trails, and a theater.
Housing options in Westlake
Luxury homes
Westlake is best known for luxury and high-end properties. They often boast stunning architecture, high-end fixtures, and exclusive amenities like outdoor living spaces, swimming pools, guest houses, wine cellars, fitness centers, home theaters, personal libraries, and gourmet kitchens. The list goes on as the homes are custom-made to accommodate what the homeowners want. They are usually set on more secluded properties and offer an upscale living experience.
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Gated communities
Westlake is known for numerous ultra-exclusive gated communities, providing residents with an added level of privacy. These neighborhoods have high-end community amenities such as sports facilities, private parks, walking trails, and golf courses. Living in a gated community has a small-town appeal, as neighbors usually spend time together in the common areas.
Waterfront properties
Among the most coveted real estate are Westlake’s waterfront properties. Some even come with personal boat docks. Residents get direct access to Lake Austin and water recreation, such as boating, kayaking, and swimming. These properties usually come with expansive decks or patios where you can make the best of the tranquil setting and enjoy the view.
Single-family homes and townhomes
Large, single-family homes are prevalent in Westlake. They range from charming ranch-style homes to contemporary designs. Some townhouses demand less maintenance and offer shared amenities, such as fitness centers, clubhouses, and swimming pools.
Learn more from an expert real estate agent
Make your dream of buying a home in Westlake come true and contact Noa Levy. She specializes in the boutique and luxury real estate markets. Her extensive experience makes her a skilled negotiator, and she can provide you with resources and insights on the entire home-buying process. She’s dedicated to meeting her client’s needs and can help you reach your real estate goals. Contact her today to get started!
*Header photo courtesy of Noa Levy
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