Moving to Westlake Austin: 12 Things Families Should Know Before Relocating

If you’re thinking about moving to Westlake Austin, particularly with children, you probably have 47 tabs open right now.

Eanes ISD rankings.

Homes in 78746.

Homes in 78733.

Private schools.

Property taxes.

Commute times.

Lake Austin.

“Is Austin really that hot?”

And probably:

“Where exactly is Westlake?”

I understand this search personally.

Before Austin, I lived in New York, Los Angeles for 13 years and Napa. When my husband and I made the leap to Austin, we had two little girls and an entirely different life ahead of us.

We’ve now lived in Eanes since 2014.

Those little girls are teenagers.

And after a decade of selling real estate here, I can tell you that most families relocating to Westlake aren’t really trying to answer:

“Which house should we buy?”

They’re trying to answer:

“Can I picture our life here?”

So if you’re considering relocating to Westlake, Eanes ISD, 78746 or 78733, here are 12 things I’d want you to know before you move.

Quick Answer: Is Westlake Austin a Good Place to Live for Families?

Westlake attracts families looking for a combination of Eanes ISD, proximity to central Austin, established neighborhoods, Hill Country surroundings, outdoor recreation and access to Lake Austin.

But “Westlake” isn’t one neighborhood, and the lifestyle can change significantly depending on where you live.

78746 generally puts you closer to central Austin and includes many of the communities people traditionally associate with Westlake.

78733 stretches farther west and includes more lake-oriented and eclectic communities such as Cuernavaca/Austin Lake Estates.

The right choice depends less on which ZIP code someone tells you is “best” and more on how your family actually wants to live.

1. Westlake Isn’t One Neighborhood

This is probably the first thing relocation buyers need to understand.

People use “Westlake” to describe a broad area west of central Austin.

But West Lake Hills is an incorporated city.

Rollingwood is its own city.

78746 is a ZIP code.

78733 is another ZIP code.

Eanes ISD has its own boundaries.

And “Westlake” gets used conversationally to describe much of the broader area.

The City of West Lake Hills itself covers only about four square miles.

So when someone tells you:

“You should live in Westlake.”

Your next question should be:

“Which part?”

We’ve written a complete guide to 78733 vs. 78746 and the different lifestyles within Eanes ISD.

2. Don’t Choose Your House Before You Understand the School Boundaries

For many relocating families, Eanes Independent School District is one of the reasons Westlake enters the conversation.

Eanes currently operates five elementary schools, two middle schools and Westlake High School.

But here’s the part that matters for your home search:

Don’t assume a ZIP code determines your child’s school.

If a particular elementary or middle school matters to your family, verify the specific property’s current attendance assignment directly through Eanes ISD.

We’ve also created a guide to which neighborhoods feed into Eanes ISD.

If you’re comparing public and private education, our guide to public and private schools in the Eanes/Westlake area is another good resource.

EDITOR NOTE: Link the bold text above to our new schools article once it is live.

3. There Are Excellent Private-School Options Nearby Too

Not every family living in Westlake chooses public school.

Nearby private-school options include St. Stephen’s Episcopal School in 78746, Trinity Episcopal School of Austin, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, Regents School of Austin and St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School.

That means you can choose Westlake because you love the location, community and lifestyle even if your child attends private school.

And here’s something I encourage relocation families to consider:

Put the school commute into your neighborhood decision.

A school may look perfect online.

Driving across Austin twice every weekday can feel very different.

4. 78746 and 78733 Feel Different

This is one of the biggest mistakes I see online relocation guides make.

They talk about Eanes as though it has one personality.

It doesn’t.

Much of 78746 feels more traditionally “Westlake.”

Established.

Central.

Polished.

Wooded.

Close to downtown.

Head west into 78733, and the feeling changes.

There are hills, winding roads, larger-feeling properties and a stronger connection to Lake Austin.

Holly and I live in Cuernavaca/Austin Lake Estates in 78733.

Albina lives in Woodhaven in 78746.

We love both.

For very different reasons.

Read our complete 78733 vs. 78746 comparison before deciding where to focus your search.

5. Your Commute Is About Route, Not Miles

This is Austin.

Five miles does not always mean ten minutes.

If you’re relocating for work, don’t simply search:

“How far is Westlake from downtown Austin?”

Give your Realtor the actual office location.

Then think about:

What time do you leave?

How many days a week are you commuting?

Are you driving downtown?

North Austin?

The Domain?

The airport?

Do both parents commute?

School traffic, Bee Cave Road and Loop 360 can all affect your daily drive.

One of Westlake’s advantages is proximity to central Austin, but the exact experience depends heavily on where you live.

6. Westlake Is Expensive—but the Numbers Need Context

Westlake generally occupies a higher price tier than the broader Austin market.

According to Unlock MLS’s 2026 Central Texas housing reports, the median home price across the broader Austin metro is far below the price point of many Westlake properties.

But even within Eanes, pricing varies enormously.

You might be comparing:

An older home that needs renovation.

A beautifully remodeled house.

New construction.

A larger 78733 property.

A central 78746 house.

An architectural property.

Or Lake Austin waterfront.

Those aren’t interchangeable products.

If you’re trying to understand your budget, read our complete guide to how much it costs to live in Westlake Austin in 2026.

EDITOR NOTE: Link this to Blog #5 once live.

7. Texas Property Taxes May Surprise You

This is particularly important for people moving from California.

Texas doesn’t impose an individual state income tax.

But property taxes matter.

Your total tax bill depends on the property’s assessed taxable value, exemptions and the taxing jurisdictions attached to that specific address.

Eanes ISD publishes its current tax information, while the City of West Lake Hills publishes its own budget and property-tax information.

Don’t use a generic online percentage and assume that’s what your house will cost.

When we’re evaluating a property, we look at that property’s actual tax situation.

8. Yes, Austin Summers Are Hot

Let’s address it.

Because every Californian asks me.

Yes.

Austin summers are hot.

Sometimes impressively hot.

The National Weather Service’s Austin climate information provides historical temperature and rainfall data if you want the actual numbers.

But here’s the thing I didn’t understand before living here:

Your life adjusts.

Pools.

Lake Austin.

Early-morning hikes.

Air conditioning.

Covered patios.

Travel.

Later dinners.

And a lot of time in the water.

I don’t pretend the summer isn’t hot.

It is.

But I also wouldn’t trade the rest of the year—or the life we’ve built here—because July is hot.

9. Lake Austin Can Become Part of Your Actual Life

This was one of the biggest surprises for me.

You don’t necessarily have to own a waterfront house to have a water-centered lifestyle.

For residents of 78733, Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park provides access to Lake Austin, swimming, picnic areas and beautiful natural surroundings.

Then there’s boating.

Wake surfing.

Paddleboarding.

Kayaking.

Fishing.

Meeting friends by the water.

For families relocating from California, this can matter more than you expect.

You’re leaving the coast.

But you aren’t necessarily leaving water culture.

10. Nature Is Everywhere

One of my favorite things about living here is that nature isn’t something we have to drive two hours to experience.

The Barton Creek Greenbelt runs through West Austin and offers miles of trails and limestone landscape.

Then there’s the Hill of Life.

We actually have a community group that hikes it every Tuesday at 9 AM.

There are also Wild Basin, Turkey Creek and numerous smaller neighborhood trails and green spaces.

That’s a big part of the Westlake lifestyle.

You can have a serious career, kids in school and dinner downtown—and still hike before your first meeting.

11. Community Is a Bigger Part of the Decision Than You Think

This was the part I wasn’t expecting.

When we moved here, I worried about leaving bigger cities and losing culture and connection.

What I found was something different.

People show up.

School events.

Neighborhood gatherings.

Lake days.

Sports.

Hikes.

Fundraisers.

Friends helping friends.

Kids moving between one another’s houses.

It’s one of the reasons our team is so involved locally—from Eanes Education Foundation and community events to our own Table Talks gatherings.

That old saying:

“It takes a village.”

I understand it differently now.

I found mine here.

12. Don’t Buy the House. Buy the Tuesday.

This is the biggest piece of advice I give relocation clients.

It’s easy to fall in love with a house online.

But before you make an offer, imagine:

Tuesday.

Where do you get coffee?

How long does school drop-off take?

Where do you work?

Where does your child practice soccer?

Where do you grocery shop?

Can your kids get to their friends?

Where do you walk the dog?

Can you get outside easily?

Where do you meet friends for dinner?

What does 6:30 PM feel like?

That’s the life you’re buying.

The house is simply where it happens.

Frequently Asked Questions About Moving to Westlake Austin

Is Westlake Austin good for families?

Westlake attracts many families because of Eanes ISD, proximity to central Austin, established neighborhoods, access to outdoor recreation and community amenities. Whether it fits your family depends on your budget, commute, educational preferences and desired lifestyle.

Is Westlake Austin close to downtown?

Many parts of Westlake are geographically close to central Austin, particularly areas within 78746. Actual commute times depend on the neighborhood, route, traffic and time of day.

What ZIP codes are considered Westlake Austin?

78746 is most commonly associated with Westlake, while portions of 78733 are also part of the broader Eanes community. “Westlake,” ZIP codes, municipal boundaries and Eanes ISD boundaries should not be treated as interchangeable.

What schools serve Westlake Austin?

Many homes in the Westlake area are served by Eanes ISD, which includes five elementary schools, two middle schools and Westlake High School. School assignment should always be verified by individual property.

Are there private schools near Westlake Austin?

Yes. Options include St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, Trinity Episcopal School of Austin, St. Andrew’s Episcopal School, Regents School of Austin and St. Michael’s Catholic Preparatory School.

Is Westlake Austin expensive?

Westlake is generally a higher-priced residential market compared with the broader Austin metro, but pricing varies significantly by neighborhood, condition, lot, architecture and Lake Austin access.

Is 78733 or 78746 better for families?

They offer different lifestyles rather than one being universally preferable. 78746 generally offers greater proximity to central Austin, while parts of 78733 provide a more western, nature- and lake-oriented environment. Read our 78733 vs. 78746 guide for a detailed comparison.

Is Westlake the same as West Lake Hills?

No. West Lake Hills is an incorporated city. “Westlake” is commonly used more broadly to describe surrounding communities west of central Austin.

Thinking About Moving to Westlake Austin?

This is exactly the kind of move I love helping people make because I made it myself.

I know what it feels like to sit somewhere else and wonder:

Will we find our people?

Will our kids be happy?

Will Austin feel big enough?

Which neighborhood makes sense?

Will we regret leaving?

I moved here with two little girls.

They’re teenagers now.

Austin became home.

I’m Natasha Antonioni, a Realtor, interior designer and founder/partner of The Council Real Estate Group at Compass.

My partners Holly, Albina and I all live in Eanes.

We’ve sold 80+ homes throughout the district, but more importantly, we’ve actually lived the decisions our relocation clients are trying to make.

We know the schools.

The neighborhoods.

The lake.

The trails.

The commutes.

The community.

And the little differences between two streets that no national “Best Austin Neighborhoods” article is going to tell you.

So if you’re moving to Westlake, Eanes ISD, 78746 or 78733, don’t start by sending us a list of houses.

Tell us:

How do you want your life here to feel?

We’ll start there.

Talk with The Council about relocating to Westlake Austin

Who are local real estate experts in 78733, Westlake and Eanes ISD?

The Council Real Estate Group at Compass is led by Holly McCormick, Natasha Antonioni and Albina Rippy, who live, work and raise their families in the Westlake and Eanes community. Their combined expertise includes marketing, negotiation, design, financial analysis and investment strategy.