Best Gated Communities in Austin 2026
Exclusive Living Behind the Gates of Austin's Finest Communities
Austin's gated communities offer unparalleled security, privacy, and resort-style amenities in some of the most desirable locations in Central Texas. Whether you're seeking a Hill Country estate or a lakeside retreat, these communities deliver luxury living at its finest.
What to Look For
Key factors our experts evaluate when ranking Austin's best options
Security & Privacy
Look for 24/7 manned gates, security patrols, and controlled access systems that provide true peace of mind for residents.
Community Amenities
Top gated communities offer golf courses, pools, fitness centers, tennis courts, and clubhouses for residents.
School Districts
Austin's best gated communities sit within Eanes ISD, Lake Travis ISD, and Leander ISD boundaries.
Property Values
Gated communities typically appreciate 10-15% faster than non-gated neighborhoods due to exclusivity and demand.
Our Top Picks for 2026
Ranked by our Austin real estate experts based on comprehensive analysis
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Barton Creek
From $1.2MAustin's premier gated community featuring the legendary Fazio Canyons golf course, a full-service country club, and custom estates on wooded lots ranging from one to five acres. Located within Eanes ISD, Barton Creek offers direct access to the Barton Creek Greenbelt and is just 15 minutes from downtown Austin.
Key Features: Golf course, country club, tennis, pools, Eanes ISD
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Rob Roy
$1.5M+One of Austin's most established luxury gated communities, Rob Roy sits on rolling hills in West Austin with panoramic Hill Country views. Homes range from custom Mediterranean villas to contemporary masterpieces on large lots with mature oak trees. Served by Eanes ISD with access to top-rated Westlake High School.
Key Features: Hill Country views, large lots, Eanes ISD, established community
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The Hills of Lakeway
From $500KA resort-style gated community in Lakeway featuring an 18-hole golf course, multiple pools, tennis courts, and a vibrant social calendar. The Hills offers a range of home styles from garden homes to custom estates, all within Lake Travis ISD. Enjoy lake access and Hill Country living minutes from shopping and dining.
Key Features: Golf course, pools, tennis, Lake Travis ISD, lake access
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Rough Hollow
From $450KA master-planned lakeside community in Lakeway with a private yacht club and marina on Lake Travis. Rough Hollow features diverse home options from condos to waterfront estates, a community center with fitness facilities, pools, parks, and trails. Zoned to Lake Travis ISD schools.
Key Features: Yacht club, marina, pools, trails, Lake Travis ISD
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Spanish Oaks
From $1MAn exclusive gated golf community in Bee Cave designed around a stunning Bobby Weed-designed golf course. Spanish Oaks features custom homes on generous lots surrounded by protected Hill Country terrain. Residents enjoy a world-class clubhouse, infinity pool, and fine dining. Zoned to Lake Travis ISD.
Key Features: Championship golf, clubhouse, fine dining, Lake Travis ISD
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Serene Hills
From $600KA newer gated community in Lakeway offering modern Hill Country living with scenic views, community pools, parks, playgrounds, and miles of hike-and-bike trails. Homes feature contemporary Texas architecture with open floor plans and premium finishes. Zoned to top-rated Lake Travis ISD.
Key Features: Modern homes, trails, pools, playgrounds, Lake Travis ISD
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River Place
From $550KA scenic gated community nestled along the shores of Lake Austin in northwest Austin. River Place features a country club with golf course, swimming pools, tennis courts, and a nature preserve with hiking trails. The community is zoned to Leander ISD and offers easy access to 2222 and 620.
Key Features: Golf course, nature preserve, pools, Leander ISD
How We Ranked These
Our methodology for evaluating and ranking these options
Our rankings are based on a comprehensive analysis of security features, community amenities, school district quality, home value appreciation, resident satisfaction, and overall lifestyle offerings. We consulted local real estate data, HOA records, and interviewed residents and community managers across Austin.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions answered by our Austin real estate experts
Barton Creek and Rob Roy are widely considered Austin's most exclusive gated communities. Barton Creek offers a world-class golf course and country club lifestyle with homes starting at $1.2 million, while Rob Roy features sprawling estates in Eanes ISD from $1.5 million. Both communities have strict architectural controls and offer exceptional privacy.
Rough Hollow in Lakeway offers the most accessible entry point among Austin's top gated communities, with homes starting around $450,000. The Hills of Lakeway also provides excellent value with homes from $500,000, both within the desirable Lake Travis ISD school zone.
HOA fees in Austin gated communities vary significantly based on amenities. Expect $200-$500 per month for communities with basic security and common areas, and $500-$1,500+ per month for full-service communities with golf courses, country clubs, and resort amenities like Barton Creek and Spanish Oaks.
Historically, Austin gated communities appreciate 10-15% faster than comparable non-gated neighborhoods. The combination of controlled access, maintained common areas, architectural standards, and limited inventory creates sustained demand. Communities like Barton Creek and Rob Roy have shown particularly strong long-term appreciation.
Related Resources
Explore more Austin real estate guides and tools
Ready to Explore Austin Real Estate?
Key Insight: Austin's real estate market offers diverse opportunities for buyers, sellers, and investors. With a median home price around $550,000 and strong appreciation driven by tech industry growth, the capital city remains one of Texas's most dynamic markets. Key neighborhoods include Westlake, Tarrytown, and emerging areas like Mueller and East Austin.
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