Westlake vs Lakeway
Austin's Luxury West Side: Urban Elite vs Lakeside Resort
Westlake and Lakeway both sit on Austin's coveted west side, but they offer distinctly different lifestyles. Westlake delivers urban-adjacent estate living with Texas's top school district, while Lakeway offers a resort-style lakeside experience with golf courses, marinas, and a more relaxed pace of life at a significantly lower price point.
Westlake vs Lakeway
Side-by-side neighborhood comparison for Austin, Texas homebuyers
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Key metrics comparing Westlake and Lakeway for homebuyers
| Category | Westlake | Lakeway |
|---|---|---|
| Median Home Price | $2.1M | $650K |
| Price Range | $800K - $10M+ | $350K - $4M |
| Property Tax Rate | 1.75% | 1.80% |
| School District | Eanes ISD | Lake Travis ISD |
| Walk Score | 28 | 18 |
| Commute to Downtown | 15 min to Downtown Austin | 35 min to Downtown Austin |
| Lot Sizes | 0.5 - 5+ acres | 0.25 - 2 acres |
| Vibe / Character | Ultra-exclusive, gated estates, urban-adjacent luxury | Lakeside resort living, golf communities, relaxed |
| Best For | Executives, top-tier schools, urban proximity | Retirees, golf enthusiasts, lake lifestyle |
Why Choose Westlake?
Advantages of living in Westlake, Austin
#1 School District
Eanes ISD is the top-rated school district in Texas, making Westlake the premier destination for families who prioritize education above all else.
Urban Proximity
At just 15 minutes from downtown Austin, Westlake residents enjoy quick access to restaurants, entertainment, and employment centers that Lakeway simply cannot match.
Peak Prestige
Westlake is Austin's most recognized luxury address. The name carries weight in business and social circles, with property values reflecting its elite status.
Investment Security
Limited land, top schools, and unrelenting demand make Westlake one of the safest real estate investments in all of Texas with consistent 5-7% annual appreciation.
Why Choose Lakeway?
Advantages of living in Lakeway, Austin
True Lake Living
Lakeway sits directly on Lake Travis, offering marinas, boat launches, lakeside dining, and waterfront homes. It is the Austin area's premier lake community.
World-Class Golf
Home to Lakeway Resort & Spa, Flintrock Falls, and Hills of Lakeway golf courses, the area is a golfer's paradise with year-round play in Hill Country settings.
Fraction of the Price
At a median of $650K vs $2.1M, Lakeway offers luxury Hill Country living at roughly one-third the cost of Westlake, with many homes still offering stunning views and upscale finishes.
Resort Lifestyle
Lakeway's resort-style amenities include community pools, tennis centers, hiking trails, and a vibrant social calendar that creates a vacation-at-home atmosphere year-round.
Which is Right for You?
Scenario-based recommendations to help you decide
Choose Westlake if...
- ✓ You need the best schools in Texas (Eanes ISD)
- ✓ You commute to downtown Austin regularly
- ✓ You want the most prestigious Austin address
- ✓ Estate-level privacy on large lots is essential
Choose Lakeway if...
- ✓ Lake access and water activities are your lifestyle priority
- ✓ You love golf and resort-style community amenities
- ✓ You want luxury living at a more accessible price
- ✓ You are retired or work remotely and don't need a short commute
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Westlake vs Lakeway
Lakeway is an excellent alternative if lake lifestyle is your priority. You get Hill Country beauty, strong schools (Lake Travis ISD), and resort amenities at roughly one-third the price. The trade-off is a longer commute (35 min vs 15 min) and a different school district.
Westlake is served by Eanes ISD (#1 in Texas), while Lakeway is served by Lake Travis ISD (top 5 in Austin). Both are excellent, but Eanes has higher academic rankings. Lake Travis ISD has championship athletics and strong community spirit.
Lakeway has significantly more waterfront and lake-access properties, with homes directly on Lake Travis starting around $1M. Westlake has limited lakefront on Lake Austin, typically starting at $3M+ for true waterfront. Lakeway is the clear choice for lake living.
Both areas hold value well. Westlake has stronger absolute appreciation due to Eanes ISD and scarcity. Lakeway offers better percentage returns at lower price points, especially for well-maintained homes in desirable neighborhoods like Rough Hollow and Flintrock Falls.
Westlake is quietly exclusive with large estates, private settings, and proximity to urban Austin. Lakeway is more social and recreation-oriented with golf clubs, lake activities, community events, and a resort atmosphere. Westlake suits privacy seekers; Lakeway suits active socializers.
Related Pages
Explore more about Austin neighborhoods and school districts
Need Help Choosing Between Westlake and Lakeway?
Key Insight: Texas real estate offers exceptional opportunities for buyers, sellers, and investors across four major metros. With no state income tax, strong job growth, and diverse housing options, the Lone Star State continues attracting residents from across the nation seeking value and quality of life.
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