If you are moving to Austin and picturing a calm, connected place to raise a family, Westlake is likely on your shortlist. You want strong schools, quick access to parks, and a daily rhythm that does not eat up your week. This guide shows you how life actually works here, from school options and after‑school routines to trails, lakes, and weekend habits. Let’s dive in.
What “Westlake” means locally
When locals say Westlake, they usually mean the West Lake Hills and Rollingwood area just west of downtown Austin, including micro‑neighborhoods like Westlake Park within ZIP 78746. The setting is Hill Country light: mature trees, winding roads, and homes that often sit on larger lots.
West Lake Hills is small and affluent. In 2023, DataUSA reports a median household income around $211,471 and a median property value near $1.65 million. Those figures shift with the market, but they give you a sense of the price tier and investment profile. Most residents drive to work, and average one‑way commute times center around 19 to 20 minutes, helped by the area’s proximity to downtown, though traffic varies by corridor and time of day. You can explore the local snapshot on the DataUSA profile for West Lake Hills to ground your planning.
Explore key West Lake Hills data
Schools in Westlake
Public: Eanes ISD
Most of Westlake is served by Eanes Independent School District, a central reason families choose the area. Eanes operates five elementary schools, two middle schools, and one comprehensive high school, Westlake High School. You can review current campuses and programs on the district’s schools page.
Eanes students have historically performed well on state assessments. Recent coverage notes that Eanes students continue to score above state averages in STAAR results. Because Texas accountability methods can change, check the most recent district releases when you evaluate performance.
Read recent STAAR results coverage
Private and parochial options nearby
Several private schools are within an easy drive of Westlake and are often part of a family’s shortlist, including St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, St. Michael’s Catholic Academy, and St. Gabriel’s Catholic School. Confirm grades, admissions timelines, and transportation directly with each school.
Boundaries and registration
Attendance zones in Eanes depend on the exact address. Before you rely on a specific campus, verify your property’s assignment. Eanes provides a SchoolSearch map for current boundaries. The district also advises prospective residents to confirm property details with the Travis County Central Appraisal District before using SchoolSearch.
Check Eanes attendance boundaries
After‑school life and athletics
From elementary through high school, Eanes campuses offer after‑school activities and athletics that keep schedules full. Families also lean on nearby facilities and clubs. The Westlake Athletic & Community Center is a popular indoor hub for year‑round programming, clinics, and camps, which is helpful if you juggle variable work hours.
Learn about local indoor sports facilities
If bus service matters for your routine, Eanes posts transportation and route information on district pages. Many families build carpools, too, to simplify pickups when practices and rehearsals spread across multiple kids.
Find district school information
Parks and outdoor life
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
Wild Basin is a 227‑acre preserve on the northwest edge of West Lake Hills and a favorite for short family hikes and nature programs. Weekends can be busy, and reservations or posted guidelines may apply, so check details before you go.
Barton Creek Greenbelt
The Greenbelt is Austin’s classic in‑town adventure: miles of trail, swimming holes like Twin Falls and Sculpture Falls, and plenty of shade. Access points and parking vary by trailhead. If you are heading out on a Saturday, go early and bring water.
Review the City’s Greenbelt guide
Commons Ford and Lake Austin
For lake days without a long drive, families use Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park for picnics, light hiking, and access to Lake Austin. You will also find public boat ramps nearby for kayaking or casual boating.
Browse Austin’s parks and launch access
Neighborhood parks and pools
Inside Westlake, small community parks like Rollingwood Park and Lake Hills Park anchor weekday playdates and low‑key weekends. Many pools and amenities have seasonal schedules or membership rules, so check the specific park or HOA page before you plan a swim day.
Youth sports and local fields
Baseball and softball have a long local footprint, with Western Hills Little League fields serving families from Westlake and central Austin. Facility upgrades and field improvements are ongoing across the area, and district sports take over as kids move into middle and high school schedules.
See an example of local field upgrades
For indoor seasons, the Westlake Athletic & Community Center supports court sports, turf drills, and camps, offering structure even when heat or rain shifts your plans.
Read about expanded indoor programming
A typical weekday and weekend
Weekday mornings and evenings
Most families follow a simple flow: school drop‑off between about 7:30 and 8:30 a.m., a drive to work via MoPac, Loop 360, or Bee Caves Road, then after‑school pickups and practices between 3:00 and 6:00 p.m. Because Westlake sits close to central Austin, many door‑to‑desk times land in the 15 to 30‑minute range during off‑peak windows. Your actual time will vary by route and departure. Data points for West Lake Hills show average one‑way commutes near 20 minutes, which matches what locals experience in lighter traffic.
View West Lake Hills commute data
If you travel during peak congestion, consider shifting departure by 15 minutes, using carpools, or mapping errands around Village at Westlake, Davenport Village, or the Westbank and Bee Caves corridors to cut back‑and‑forth driving.
Weekends in motion
Active weekends are the norm. Many families rotate between a short Wild Basin hike, a morning Greenbelt walk with the dog, or a boat outing on Lake Austin. Younger kids may have rec games on Saturday mornings, followed by pool time or a quick camp session for tumbling or swim. Sunday often means brunch and a low‑key sunset stop at Mount Bonnell for the view.
Preview the Mount Bonnell experience
Housing and market context
Westlake’s reputation reflects a blend of lot size, privacy, and school zoning. Data for West Lake Hills points to a high‑value housing stock, with a 2023 median property value around $1.65 million. Inventory is often limited, with both updated homes and older properties that invite custom renovation or rebuilds. If you value privacy, quick downtown access, and a strong public‑school option, this tradeoff often makes sense compared with more central addresses. If walkability is your top priority, you may balance that against the car‑forward lifestyle many Westlake families maintain.
Review the latest West Lake Hills snapshot
How to choose your fit in Westlake
Use this quick checklist as you narrow in on Westlake Park and nearby streets:
- Verify school zoning for any address using the District’s SchoolSearch tool. If you have an edge‑case street, call the registrar.
- Map your daily routes to school, work, and sports. Test your drive at the times you would actually go.
- Note after‑school needs. If you rely on a specific sport or program, confirm locations and schedules, especially for indoor seasons.
- Tour parks and trailheads you will use most, from Wild Basin to your preferred Greenbelt access.
- If you plan a remodel or new build, budget for timeline and permitting. Many buyers here value design, so thoughtful updates hold appeal.
Ready to explore homes in Westlake Park with discretion and a clear plan for family life? Connect with Nina Seely for private guidance and access tailored to the way you live.
FAQs
Which public schools serve the Westlake Park area?
- Most addresses in Westlake are served by Eanes ISD, which includes five elementary campuses, two middle schools, and Westlake High School; confirm your exact address using the district’s SchoolSearch map.
How do I verify Eanes ISD school zoning for a specific home?
- Look up the property details with the Travis County Central Appraisal District, then use the Eanes ISD SchoolSearch map to confirm current attendance boundaries and registrar contacts.
What is the typical commute from Westlake to downtown Austin?
- Average one‑way commute times in West Lake Hills trend near 19 to 20 minutes, with shorter trips in off‑peak windows and longer drives during rush hour depending on route.
Where do families go for quick outdoor time near Westlake?
- Favorites include Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve for short hikes, the Barton Creek Greenbelt for trails and swim holes, and Commons Ford for Lake Austin access and picnics.
Are there private schools near Westlake?
- Yes. Nearby options often considered include St. Stephen’s Episcopal School, St. Michael’s Catholic Academy, and St. Gabriel’s Catholic School; confirm grades and admissions on each school’s site.
What youth sports are common for younger kids in Westlake?
- Families participate in local baseball and softball leagues, indoor clinics and camps at Westlake Athletic & Community Center, and a mix of club programs for soccer, swim, and more.
