This is one of the most common questions we get.

78746 (Westlake):

• More polished
• Higher price points
• More traditional luxury

78733 (Cuernavaca):

• More relaxed
• Larger lots
• More variety

Both are strong—but they attract different buyers.

Living near Lake Austin changes how you experience Austin entirely.

It’s:

• Slower
• More connected to nature
• More lifestyle-driven

But it also comes with nuances:

• Floodplain considerations
• Lot usability
• Value tied to access, not just proximity

This is where expertise matters.

Because not all “lake homes” are created equal.

Westlake isn’t inexpensive.

But the real question is:
Is it worth it?

For most buyers, the answer comes down to three things:

• Schools (Eanes ISD)
• Location (10–15 min to downtown)
• Long-term value

Westlake consistently holds value better than most Austin submarkets because of these fundamentals.

The buyers who feel best about their decision aren’t just buying a home—they’re buying into a lifestyle + long-term strategy.

That’s where guidance matters.

Why have one Realtor when you can have The Council?

When families start considering a move to Westlake or Eanes ISD, the conversation usually starts the same way:

“The schools are great… but what is it actually like to live there?”

It’s a fair question.

Because choosing a school district isn’t just about rankings.
It’s about the rhythm of your daily life… the community around you… and the environment your children grow up in.

And that’s something you can’t fully understand from a website or a tour.

The Short Answer (From Our Perspective)

Eanes ISD offers something that’s increasingly hard to find:

A combination of strong academics, engaged families, and a community that still feels connected.

But what makes it special isn’t just the schools.

It’s how life here comes together around them.

We Don’t Just Sell Here — We’re Raising Our Families Here

As a team — Holly McCormick, Natasha Antonioni, and Albina Rippy — this isn’t just where we work.

It’s home.

Between the three of us, we’re raising six daughters in Eanes ISD.

We’ve experienced:

• The first days of school
• The routines, carpools, and activities
• The friendships that form between families
• The small, everyday moments that shape what it feels like to live here

That perspective changes how we guide our clients.

Because we’re not speaking in generalities — we’re sharing what we see and live every day.

What Daily Life Actually Feels Like

There’s a rhythm to life in Westlake that families tend to settle into quickly.

Mornings feel structured, but not rushed.
Afternoons often revolve around activities, sports, and time outdoors.
Weekends are a mix of community events, downtime, and being at home.

And home matters here.

Families in Eanes ISD tend to value:

• Spaces where they can gather and spend time together
• Functional layouts that support busy schedules
• Outdoor areas that extend how the home is used

This is where design quietly plays a role in everyday life.

Why Design Matters More Than People Expect

One of the things we’ve noticed — both personally and professionally — is how much the design of a home impacts family life.

Not in an obvious way.

But in how the home supports your routines.

Natasha Antonioni, in addition to being a top-producing REALTOR®, is also an interior designer with a focus on Intentional Design, and a book on the subject coming out.

That perspective shows up in how we help families evaluate homes.

Because it’s not just about how a home looks.

It’s about:

• How the space flows during a busy morning
• Where kids naturally gather after school
• Whether the home feels calm… or chaotic
• How the environment supports the life you’re building

Those are the details that make a difference over time.

The Community Side of Eanes ISD

Another piece that stands out is the level of community involvement.

Parents are engaged.
Schools are supported.
There’s a shared sense that people care — not just about their own families, but about the environment as a whole.

That creates a feeling of stability that many families are looking for.

And it’s something that’s hard to quantify — but easy to feel once you’re here.

What Families Often Don’t Realize at First

From the outside, many people focus on the reputation of the schools.

What they don’t always see right away is how much the lifestyle matters.

Where you live within Eanes ISD affects:

• Your daily commute
• How connected you feel to the community
• The pace of your routines
• Even how your home functions for your family

That’s why the home — and the location within the district — both matter.

A Final Thought

Eanes ISD is often chosen for the schools.

But families stay because of how life feels once they’re here.

It’s the combination of environment, community, and home that makes it work.

Thinking About Making a Move?

If you’re considering a move to Westlake or Eanes ISD—

👉 Schedule a private consultation with Holly McCormick, Natasha Antonioni, and Albina Rippy at Council Real Estate Group.

We’ll help you navigate not just the homes — but the neighborhoods, lifestyle, and decisions that will shape your family’s experience here.

Reach out at councilregroup.com or 512-988-1741

Want to dive even deeper? Check out these posts:

What Actually Drives Record Breaking Sales in Westlake 

The Eanes Sellers Guide

Best neighborhoods Within Eanes