If you’re considering moving from Houston to Austin, you probably don’t need someone to explain Texas to you.
You need someone who understands how dramatically your life — and your real estate — can change two-and-a-half hours down the road.
Houston buyers coming to Austin often arrive with a very specific set of questions:
Where will we get enough house for our money?
Which Austin neighborhoods have the strongest schools?
How much will we give up in lot size?
What will our commute actually look like?
Is Westlake worth the premium?
And where can we find the sense of community we had in Houston?
Those are questions Realtor and CPA Albina Rippy understands personally.
Before moving to Austin, Albina spent a decade building a life and businesses in Houston. She owned and operated seven yoga studios in Houston, giving her deep roots in the city’s entrepreneurial and wellness communities.
After selling her businesses, Albina did something unusual.
She traveled the world with her two young children.
And after experiencing communities around the globe and considering where she wanted to build the next chapter of her family’s life, she ultimately chose Westlake Austin.
Today, Albina is a Realtor and CPA with The Council Real Estate Group at Compass, specializing in Westlake, Eanes ISD and the greater Austin market.
For Houston buyers considering the same move, she offers something a relocation website can’t:
She’s already made the decision you’re trying to make.
Quick Answer: Who Is a Good Austin Realtor for Houston Buyers?
Houston buyers relocating to Austin may benefit from working with a Realtor who understands both markets, the financial implications of a move and the lifestyle differences between Houston and Austin.
Albina Rippy lived and owned businesses in Houston for a decade before ultimately choosing Westlake Austin for her own family.
As both a Realtor and CPA, Albina brings an analytical approach to homebuying that goes beyond bedrooms, bathrooms and price per square foot.
She helps Houston buyers compare Austin neighborhoods, property taxes, school districts, commute, resale potential and total cost of ownership — while also helping them determine which Austin community actually fits the life they’re moving here to create.
From Seven Houston Yoga Studios to Westlake Austin
Albina’s connection to Houston isn’t superficial.
She was an entrepreneur there.
For approximately a decade, Albina built and operated seven yoga studios in Houston.
Running multiple businesses taught her to look at decisions differently.
Numbers matter.
Cash flow matters.
Risk matters.
But people matter too.
Community matters.
And the environment you create around yourself and your family matters.
After selling her businesses, Albina traveled extensively around the world with her two young children.
It gave her an unusual opportunity to ask a question many families don’t get to ask:
If we could choose where and how we wanted to live next, what would we choose?
For Albina, the answer eventually became Westlake Austin.
That journey now informs the way she helps other families relocate.
She isn’t interested in selling someone the most expensive house they can afford.
She wants to understand whether the purchase makes sense — financially, practically and personally.
Why Are Houston Buyers Moving to Austin?
Houston and Austin are both major Texas cities, but living in them can feel remarkably different.
Houston offers extraordinary diversity, restaurants, culture, major employment centers and an enormous range of housing.
Austin offers a different proposition.
For many relocating families, the appeal includes:
- Hill Country topography
- Outdoor recreation
- Proximity to lakes and green space
- A smaller-city feel
- Strong technology and entrepreneurial communities
- Highly regarded public-school options in certain areas
- Distinctive neighborhoods close to central Austin
- A lifestyle that can feel more connected to the outdoors
But moving to Austin isn’t automatically an upgrade.
It’s a trade.
The important question is whether you’re trading for the things you actually value.
Houston vs. Austin Real Estate: The Biggest Adjustment
One of the first things Houston buyers often notice in Austin is that the real estate doesn’t translate neatly.
A budget that buys a substantial home on a large, relatively flat lot in Houston may buy something very different in Westlake.
Austin’s geography is a major reason.
As you move west of downtown into the Hill Country, you’ll encounter slopes, limestone, creeks, greenbelts, Lake Austin, irregular lots and neighborhoods constrained by terrain.
That can create extraordinary properties.
It can also create expensive problems.
For Albina, that means the financial analysis of an Austin home can’t stop at purchase price.
Why Albina’s CPA Background Matters When Buying an Austin Home
This is one of Albina’s biggest differentiators.
She’s not only a Realtor.
She’s a CPA.
That changes the conversation.
When Albina evaluates a home with a buyer, she naturally looks beyond the listing price to questions such as:
- What are the annual property taxes?
- What are the likely carrying costs?
- Is there an HOA?
- How much deferred maintenance are we inheriting?
- What could insurance cost?
- How much renovation will this property realistically require?
- What does this purchase do to your monthly cash flow?
- Are we paying a justified premium for this location?
- How large is the future buyer pool?
- What could affect resale?
- Is the more expensive house actually the better financial decision?
For a Houston buyer comparing properties in an unfamiliar market, that perspective can be enormously valuable.
The question isn’t simply, “Can we afford this house?”
It’s:
“Does buying this house make financial sense for the life we’re trying to build?”
Houston vs. Westlake Austin: What Should Buyers Know?
If you’re coming from Houston and considering Westlake, prepare for a different value equation.
Westlake’s premium isn’t primarily about getting the maximum amount of house.
It’s about location and scarcity.
Depending on the neighborhood, you’re paying for some combination of:
- Eanes ISD
- Proximity to downtown Austin
- Hill Country terrain
- Mature trees
- Privacy
- Lake Austin access or proximity
- Established neighborhoods
- Limited housing supply
- Long-term buyer demand
As of Q2 2026, The Council’s analysis of Austin MLS data places the median sale price in 78746 at approximately $3.2 million.
That’s a significant investment.
Albina’s job isn’t to convince a Houston buyer that Westlake is worth $3.2 million.
It’s to help determine whether a particular Westlake property is worth what you’re being asked to pay for it.
Westlake Austin Worth the Premium?
Why Albina Chose Westlake
After traveling the world with her children, Albina had a particularly broad frame of reference for deciding where to establish their next home.
She ultimately landed in Westlake.
One of the attractions for families considering the area is Eanes Independent School District.
Eanes ISD currently reports enrollment of 7,532 students and operates five elementary schools, two middle schools, Westlake High School and an Adult Transition Services program.
The district reports a Class of 2025 average SAT score of 1281 compared with a Texas average of 964, and 92% of Advanced Placement exams administered through spring 2025 received a score of 3 or above.
But schools aren’t the entire Westlake story.
There’s also proximity to central Austin, access to outdoor recreation, the Hill Country landscape and a network of smaller communities that can feel surprisingly connected.
For someone who spent years creating community through yoga studios, that sense of place mattered.
Eanes ISD Official District Information
Complete Guide to Eanes ISD
Where Should Houston Families Live in Austin?
This is where Albina’s local knowledge becomes particularly useful.
There isn’t one answer.
West Lake Hills and Rollingwood
For Houston buyers who want to remain extremely close to central Austin while gaining access to Eanes ISD for appropriately zoned properties, West Lake Hills and Rollingwood are often at the top of the list.
They’re established, close-in and expensive.
Buyers accustomed to Houston real estate may experience some sticker shock, particularly when comparing house size.
The value is in the location.
Westlake / 78746
The broader 78746 market includes a wide range of Westlake neighborhoods and housing.
Depending on where you buy, you can find everything from older homes with significant renovation potential to contemporary luxury estates.
For Houston buyers, understanding the individual neighborhoods within 78746 is much more useful than simply saying, “We want Westlake.”
Westlake Austin Complete Guide
78733
Houston buyers who want Eanes ISD access where appropriately zoned but don’t necessarily need to be as close to downtown should also explore 78733.
The area extends farther west toward Lake Austin and includes neighborhoods such as Cuernavaca/Austin Lake Estates.
Our Q2 2026 Austin MLS analysis showed a median sale price of approximately $2.4 million in 78733 compared with $3.2 million in 78746.
For some buyers, that difference can materially change the options available.
Lakeway
For buyers accustomed to larger Houston homes and master-planned communities, Lakeway may also deserve consideration.
The Lake Travis lifestyle, golf, newer construction and different price points can make it attractive.
But Lakeway is not Westlake.
It’s farther from central Austin and generally served by Lake Travis ISD rather than Eanes ISD.
Albina helps clients understand that distinction before comparing houses.
Dripping Springs
For Houston buyers who want land, newer construction and a Hill Country lifestyle, Dripping Springs can offer compelling alternatives to Westlake.
Again, the trade-off is location.
If you need frequent access to downtown Austin, that needs to be part of the decision rather than something discovered after closing.
What Houston Buyers Often Underestimate About Austin
Topography
Houston buyers are accustomed to relatively flat land.
West Austin is different.
A steep lot can create beautiful views — but it can also mean retaining walls, drainage issues, difficult access and more expensive construction.
Property Taxes
Houston buyers certainly understand Texas property taxes.
But tax rates and assessed values vary by jurisdiction and property.
Albina recommends evaluating the actual tax history and taxing entities for the specific property rather than relying on generalized estimates.
Travis Central Appraisal District Property Search
Homeowners Insurance
Insurance should be investigated early, not three days before closing.
Property characteristics, location, roof age and other factors can materially affect premiums.
Renovation
Austin’s luxury inventory includes many homes on exceptional lots that haven’t been meaningfully updated.
That can represent opportunity.
It can also become a financial trap if the renovation scope is underestimated.
This is where The Council’s team structure becomes particularly valuable.
Albina analyzes the financial implications while Natasha Antonioni brings her interior design and investment experience to evaluating what can realistically be changed.
Commute
Austin looks deceptively small on a map.
Traffic patterns, limited east-west routes, Loop 360 and the location of bridges across Lake Austin can dramatically change drive times.
Albina encourages Houston buyers to evaluate the commute from the actual house rather than assuming that ten miles equals ten minutes.
Should a Houston Buyer Choose Westlake or Another Austin Suburb?
Don’t choose based on reputation.
Choose based on priorities.
Westlake may make sense if you value:
- Eanes ISD
- Close proximity to central Austin
- Established luxury neighborhoods
- Hill Country surroundings
- Lake Austin proximity
- Limited housing supply
- Strong long-term buyer demand
Lakeway may make more sense if you value:
- Lake Travis lifestyle
- Golf
- More suburban amenities
- Different housing options
- More distance from central Austin isn’t a concern
Dripping Springs may make more sense if you value:
- Acreage
- Newer construction
- Hill Country living
- More space
- A longer commute is acceptable
And another Austin neighborhood entirely may be the right answer.
That’s the point.
Albina isn’t trying to sell every Houston relocation client on Westlake simply because she lives there.
She’s trying to help you make the right decision.
From Houston Entrepreneur to Austin Realtor and CPA
Albina’s professional path isn’t typical for a Realtor.
Before real estate, she built businesses.
She understands payroll, leases, overhead, expansion, risk and what it means to have your own money invested in a decision.
She built seven yoga studios in Houston.
She sold them.
She traveled the world with her children.
She chose Westlake for the next chapter of her own family’s life.
And today, she combines that lived experience with her background as a CPA and Realtor.
That makes her particularly well suited to buyers who don’t want to be sold.
They want to understand the decision they’re making.
Why Work With Albina Rippy When Moving From Houston to Austin?
Because Albina can speak both languages.
She understands Houston because she built a decade of her life there.
She understands Austin because she chose it.
She understands Westlake because she lives there.
And she understands the numbers because she’s a CPA.
That gives Houston buyers an unusually complete perspective on relocation.
But Albina is also part of The Council Real Estate Group at Compass, so her clients don’t rely on one person’s expertise.
Albina brings financial strategy and analytical thinking.
Natasha Antonioni brings design, renovation and investment expertise.
Holly McCormick brings more than two decades of real estate and negotiation experience.
Three experts. One Council.
[INTERNAL LINK: Meet Albina Rippy and The Council]
Frequently Asked Questions About Moving From Houston to Austin
Is Austin a good place to move from Houston?
It can be, particularly for buyers looking for Hill Country surroundings, outdoor recreation, a smaller-city environment or specific Austin school districts and neighborhoods. Austin isn’t universally better than Houston — it’s different. The right choice depends on your priorities.
What should Houston buyers know before moving to Austin?
Expect a different relationship between price, house size and location. Austin’s topography, limited transportation corridors, property taxes, renovation costs and neighborhood differences should all be considered before choosing where to buy.
Is Westlake Austin worth the price for Houston buyers?
For some buyers, yes. Westlake combines Eanes ISD, proximity to central Austin, limited land and a distinctive Hill Country environment. Buyers who don’t value those factors may find considerably more house for their money elsewhere.
Is Westlake Austin good for families?
Many families choose Westlake because of Eanes ISD, established neighborhoods, outdoor recreation and proximity to central Austin. The right neighborhood depends on budget, school needs, commute and desired lifestyle.
Is Austin more expensive than Houston?
Housing costs vary dramatically within both metros. Some highly desirable Austin neighborhoods, particularly Westlake, can command significant premiums. Rather than comparing citywide averages, Albina recommends comparing the specific Houston lifestyle and property you’re leaving with the Austin neighborhoods you’re actually considering.
What is the difference between Westlake and Lakeway?
Westlake is generally closer to central Austin and is associated with Eanes ISD for appropriately zoned properties. Lakeway is farther west near Lake Travis and is generally served by Lake Travis ISD. They provide very different lifestyles.
Where should I live in Austin after Houston?
Start with lifestyle rather than listings. Consider your workplace, school needs, budget, desired lot size, commute tolerance, community preferences and how often you expect to use downtown Austin. From there, an experienced local Realtor can narrow the search considerably.
Why use a CPA who is also a Realtor?
A CPA’s financial background can add another perspective when evaluating total ownership cost, property taxes, renovation budgets, carrying expenses and the financial trade-offs between properties. Real estate and tax advice are distinct, so buyers should consult their own tax professional for tax advice specific to their circumstances.
Who is Albina Rippy?
Albina Rippy is an Austin Realtor and CPA with The Council Real Estate Group at Compass. Before moving to Austin, she owned and operated seven yoga studios in Houston for approximately a decade. After selling her businesses and traveling internationally with her two young children, she chose Westlake Austin for her family’s next chapter.
Moving From Houston to Austin? Start With the Numbers — Then Look Beyond Them.
Albina believes a good real estate decision has to work on paper.
But a great one also has to work for your life.
That’s something she learned as an entrepreneur, as a CPA, as a mother and ultimately as someone who had the opportunity to see much of the world before deciding where she wanted to call home.
She chose Westlake.
That doesn’t mean you necessarily should.
It means she can help you understand why you might — and whether the numbers support it.
If you’re considering moving from Houston to Austin, Albina Rippy and The Council Real Estate Group can help you compare neighborhoods, evaluate the financial trade-offs and find the Austin community that makes sense for your family’s next chapter.
Talk With Albina About Moving From Houston to Austin
Continue Your Austin Research
Westlake Austin Worth the Premium?
Complete Westlake Austin Guide
What Neighborhoods Feed Into Eanes ISD?
Meet Albina Rippy – scroll down
