Westlake, located about 10 miles northwest of downtown, is a beautiful neighborhood for outdoor recreation, shopping, and fine and casual dining. For those residents that love to hike and explore outdoor, this is the perfect neighborhood. Some of the city’s most top rated schools are in Westlake, so families with children are often seeking to move to this part of town.
This neighborhood profile is brought to us by Smart City, which is a totally free, hyper-personalized apartment locating service. You tell them what you want in an apartment, and they’ll give you a custom list of places that tick your boxes. Once you land on that perfect spot, they’ll help you navigate the leasing process and connect you with utility, internet, renter’s insurance, and other services once you move in. Scroll down to find out how Smart City can help you find a new place to live!
Here’s everything you need to know about living in Westlake:
Restaurants:
We’re all about a good margarita and delicious Mexican cuisine at Austin.com. Las Palomas Restaurant & Bar its a family-owned and operated Mexican restaurant featuring interior dishes, with tons of vegetarian options. Lupe Tortilla Mexican Restaurant is another favorite with unique dishes like grilled salmon, biscuits and gravy for brunch, and strong margaritas.
For the quaintest bistro, check out Blue Dahlia Bistro. They have a gorgeous patio that deserves a long, drawn out brunch with friends. We love their quiche, blueberry crepes, and roast beef sandwich. For casual brunch and breakfast that are always Austin favorites, Taco Deli and Kerbey Lane both have locations in Westlake.
For the best Margherita pizza, head to Marye’s Gourmet Pizza. All the ingredients used on their pizzas are fresh, organic, and locally sourced. Wash your pizza down with a pint of craft beer and a scoop of their blueberry goat milk ice cream.
If you’re looking for a good date night spot, Sway offers modern Thai dishes, a full bar with specialty cocktails, and a covered rooftop bar with stunning views of downtown Austin. The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen in Westlake is the perfect place to find whatever type of food you’re in the mood for. Their extensive menu offers everything from pasta dishes, to salads, to pizza. They also have a great wine list to pair with any of their dishes.
Coffee Shops:
Get your coffee fix all around Westlake neighborhood! Check out Lola Savannah Coffee Lounge and Trianon Coffee. Both coffee shops not only have delicious coffee, but also offer pastries, baked goods, and a quiet spot to sit and work.
Shopping:
There are so many great high-end shopping spots in Westlake! For outdoor malls to get everything in one stop, take a trip to Village at Westlake and West Woods Shopping Center.
If you’re in search of a cute gift at a local boutique or store, head to The Tree House or Sikara & Co. For women’s clothing, Beehive and Sanctuary are our favorite. And for all things Texas, Westlake has a TYLER’S.
Trails, Parks, and Green Spaces:
Violet Crown Trail begins at Zilker Park and follows the Greenbelt along towards Westlake. Dogs and bicyclists are welcome on the trail, but some spots are uneven and rocky.
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve is a 227-acre habitat just west of Westlake. This Texas Hill Country preserve was founded in 1974 and features about two and a half miles of gorgeous hiking trails. Wild Basin also provides a habitat for the endangered Golden-cheeked warbler as well as other animals and wildlife.
Housing Market:
According to Redfin, the average price of a home in Westlake is $2.3 million, making it one of Austin’s most exclusive neighborhoods. Homes in the neighborhood are large and sit on quite a bit of land, sometimes even a golf course. The area is sort of secluded from the rest of Austin because of the Colorado River that divides it. Because it’s just six miles from downtown, it’s a desirable place to live.
The most desirable aspect of Westlake is the area’s schools. This neighborhood is the only suburb of Austin located entirely within Eanes Independent School District. This coveted district is home to six elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school, Westlake High School. The high school is known for their academics and churning out professional athletes of all sports.
Renting:
If you’d rather rent an apartment in Westlake, there are a variety of options available depending on your taste for finishes and specific location. However, the apartment complexes tend to be located directly outside of the large residential suburbs of Westlake Hills, near shopping centers and other central community areas. Whether you want to be closer to Downtown, Bee Cave, or Lakeway, there are apartment complexes surrounding Westlake that all offer something unique depending on aesthetic preference and budget.
Unlike other suburban areas of Austin, Westlake-area apartments do not price significantly lower than Central Austin apartments, likely due to the luxurious nature of the neighborhood. For example, apartment complexes closer to the Hill Country Galleria (an area where one can satisfy all their shopping, entertainment, and grocery needs), an older property’s 1 bed/1 bath apartments with black appliances and carpeted living areas start at $1600, while a brand-new complex’s 3 bed/2 bath townhomes start at $3000. The closer to Lake Travis or Downtown and the nicer the finishes (stainless steel appliances, wood floors, modern community amenities) – anticipate around $1800 on average for 1 bed/1 baths.
For budget-friendlier options, look a little further Northwest of Westlake Hills, where there’s a pocket of apartment complexes that start in the mid-$1300s. This handful of older apartment options are perfect for those who don’t mind their more-dated finishes. They’re still located near plenty of shopping centers for necessities, and close access to major West Austin roads for easy commutes.
Looking to evaluate your apartment options in Westlake? Smart City Locating can help! Fill out a webform to get connected with a local real estate agent for FREE apartment locating!
Austin.com Favorites:
If you’re on the hunt for a beauty salon, check out Vixen Esthetics ATX. From eyebrow microblading to spray tans to skincare, owner Jackie provides the highest quality treatment and makes you feel very comfortable.
We’re also big fans of The Wayback Austin. This cafe and boutique hotel features eight vintage cottages tucked in three acres under giant Live Oak trees. The cafe serves farm-to-table meals, crafted cocktails, and more. In the morning, swing through the cafe to grab coffee and breakfast on-the-go. There’s also a saltwater pool, fire pit, and cabana to relax at.
Looking to read up on Westlake? Check out these posts!
