Living in West Lake Hills, Texas

West Lake Hills is one of the most exclusive residential areas in the entire Austin metro — a quiet, leafy, and luxurious hillside community just minutes from downtown. With large lots, expansive views, and some of the highest-rated schools in Texas, this is the part of town where privacy meets prestige.

You won’t find nightlife or density here — just winding roads, custom homes, and a strong sense of seclusion. Living in West Lake Hills means choosing tranquility and top-tier quality of life, albeit one with a very high price tag.

You won’t see high-rises or strip malls in West Lake Hills — and that’s exactly the point. This is low-density, high-comfort hill country living just 10–15 minutes from downtown Austin. Residents spend their weekends hiking nearby Barton Creek trails, paddleboarding on Lake Austin, or relaxing in their backyards with a view.

It’s a car-dependent lifestyle, but the tradeoff is space, silence, and proximity to everything that makes Austin fun without living in the thick of it. Shopping and dining options are close (via Bee Cave or downtown), but you’ll likely spend most of your downtime right at home.

West Lake Hills is part of the Eanes Independent School District, consistently ranked among the top in Texas and nationally. Westlake High School is particularly well-known for its academics, arts, and athletics.

The school district is one of the biggest reasons families move here, even if they could find cheaper homes elsewhere in the metro. These are top-rated public schools with private school-level resources.