Westlake

Living in Westlake

Westlake is the hill country just west of downtown Austin, across MoPac and the Colorado River. At its center is the City of West Lake Hills, incorporated in 1953 and home to 3,444 residents in the 2020 Census across about four square miles. Locals use "Westlake" for the broader area too, including Rollingwood and the surrounding hills along Bee Cave Road and Loop 360. The city has worked for decades to preserve its rural character, so the feel here is wooded lots, winding streets and limestone hills rather than tract subdivisions.

What draws buyers to Westlake

• Location. Few areas this wooded and quiet sit this close to downtown, Zilker Park and Lady Bird Lake.
• Land and trees. Larger lots, mature live oaks and hillside settings, many with Hill Country or downtown views.
• Lake Austin nearby. Waterfront and water-view homes along the Lake Austin corridor.
• Everyday convenience. Shopping, dining and services along Bee Cave Road and near Loop 360.

What the homes look like

West Lake Hills has roughly 1,000 homes, and they range from mid-century ranches on acre-plus lots to fully rebuilt modern homes and estate properties. Because so much of the value is in the land and the setting, buyers here often weigh remodeling an existing home against rebuilding, and sellers need pricing that accounts for lot, view and condition, not just square footage.

Before you buy

Westlake includes several different jurisdictions, including the City of West Lake Hills, Rollingwood and unincorporated Travis County, and each has its own tax rate and building and tree rules. If you plan to remodel or rebuild, check what the city allows before you write an offer. Slope, access and lot shape can also affect what is possible on a given property.

Buying or selling in Westlake

Jeff Joseph, REALTOR® with ERA Experts and a lifelong Austin resident, represents buyers and sellers across Westlake and the west Austin hills. Reach out to Jeff for a clear plan and straight answers on pricing, land value and timing.