Introduction: Discover Austin's Crown Jewel

Westlake Hills stands as Austin's most prestigious address, where Texas Hill Country beauty meets metropolitan sophistication. Based on our exclusive analysis of 3,911 single-family home sales over the past decade, this elite enclave has delivered a remarkable 100.6% appreciation, with median home values doubling from $832,500 to $1,670,000. This exclusive 78746 zip code offers an unparalleled lifestyle just 13 minutes from downtown Austin.

Architectural Excellence

Distinctive Styles Defining Westlake Hills

Texas Hill Country Contemporary dominates the landscape, featuring native white limestone facades, exposed wood beams, and seamless indoor-outdoor integration. These homes, primarily built from the 2000s onward, showcase soaring 20+ foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows maximizing panoramic views.

Contemporary/Modern estates incorporate cutting-edge smart home technology, sustainable materials, and geometric designs with steel frame construction. Standing seam metal roofs and floating steel staircases exemplify the architectural innovation.

Mediterranean/Tuscan Villas grace lakeside properties with resort-style elegance, while Traditional Colonials from the 1990s-2000s maintain timeless appeal.

Premium Features Standard in Westlake Hills

• Infinity-edge pools overlooking Hill Country vistas
• Outdoor kitchens with professional-grade appliances
• Wine cellars and climate-controlled garages
• Elevator access from garage to main living areas
• Guest houses and pool pavilions

Notable builders include Silverton Custom Homes, McKay Vassaur Custom Builders, and RC Luxury Homes, with leading architects R&D Architecture and McKinney York creating signature estates.

Real Estate Market Intelligence

10-Year Market Performance - Exclusive Keenan Group Analysis

Based on our proprietary analysis of 3,911 single-family home sales in Westlake Hills:

Annual Market Metrics (2015-2024)

East vs West of Loop 360 Analysis

Estate-Sized Properties

Westlake Hills properties range from under 1 acre to sprawling 5+ acre estates, with the average lot size approaching 1 acre—nearly double Austin's typical residential lot. Recent sales showcase the variety: 1.76-acre estates at $1.5 million, 2.1-acre properties with lake views, and 2.97-acre hill-top compounds.

The neighborhood's undulating topography creates natural privacy buffers between estates. Mature live oak canopies—some reaching 50 feet with widespread branches—along with native cedar elms and magnolias frame each property. The city's strict tree preservation ordinance (requiring permits for trees over 10" diameter) ensures this natural beauty remains protected.

Culinary Excellence

Upscale Dining Destinations

• Josephine House: Contemporary American cuisine with seasonal menus in an upscale atmosphere
• Quince Lakehouse: International cuisine featuring stunning lake views and waterfront dining
• The Grove Wine Bar & Kitchen - Westlake: American cuisine with extensive wine program
• Sway Thai: Award-winning modern Thai with luxury dining room and private rooftop

Neighborhood Favorites

Coffee Culture & Provisions

Recreation & Lifestyle

Premier Hiking Trails

Hill of Life at Barton Creek Greenbelt

One of Austin's most challenging trails begins at Scottish Woods Trail in Westlake Hills. This steep 0.5-mile descent (and grueling return climb) leads to pristine swimming holes and limestone cliffs. Named one of the "Best Hikes with Water" by local guides. Parking: Street parking on Scottish Woods Trail. Free entry.

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve

227 acres featuring 2.5 miles of shaded trails ranging from easy loops to challenging ascents. Home to endangered Golden-cheeked Warblers and seasonal waterfalls. Weekend reservations required ($5 fee). No dogs or bikes allowed. Address: 805 N Capital of Texas Hwy.

Sculpture Falls Trail

3.2-mile out-and-back trail featuring seasonal waterfalls and popular swimming holes. Park at Camp Craft Road and Scottish Woods Trail intersection for a 25-30 minute hike to the falls. Warning: Check for toxic algae advisories in summer.

Lake Austin Living

Golf & Country Clubs

Shopping Destinations

Education Excellence

Eanes Independent School District - #1 in Texas, #7 Nationally

Westlake Hills is exclusively served by Eanes ISD, ranked the #1 school district in Texas and #7 nationally by Niche (2025). The district's exceptional performance drives significant property value premiums, with our data showing 15-20% higher values for homes within walking distance of top schools.

Public Schools with Texas Tribune Profiles

Private School Options

• St. Stephen's Episcopal School (6500 St. Stephen's Dr) - Grades 6-12 boarding/day school, 370-acre campus, Tuition: $37,800-$74,400
• Trinity Episcopal School (3901 Bee Cave Rd) - Pre-K through 8th grade, 41-acre wooded campus
• Austin Waldorf School (8702 S View Rd) - Pre-K through 12th grade, Waldorf pedagogy
• St. Andrew's Episcopal School - Pre-K through 12th grade, College preparatory

Strategic Location

Commute Times from Central Westlake Hills

• Downtown Austin: 13-20 minutes (6 miles via Bee Cave Rd or MoPac)
• Austin-Bergstrom Airport: 28-35 minutes via Highway 71
• UT Austin Campus: 15-20 minutes via MoPac
• The Domain: 25-30 minutes via Loop 360 to MoPac
• Texas State Capitol: 15-20 minutes
• South Congress (SoCo): 20-25 minutes
• Austin FC Q2 Stadium: 20 minutes (4 miles)

Major Transportation Routes

• Loop 360 (Capital of Texas Highway): Scenic north-south route with minimal traffic lights
• Bee Cave Road (RM 2244): Primary east-west connector to downtown
• MoPac Expressway (Loop 1): Express lanes available for faster commutes
• Highway 71: Direct route to airport and eastern suburbs

Rich Heritage

Westlake Hills incorporated on September 9, 1953, founded by land developer and criminal defense attorney Emmett Shelton Sr. What began as 200 residents on rural cedar-covered hills has evolved into Austin's most exclusive address with 3,444 residents across 3.8 square miles.

Historical Milestones

• 1872: Early Eanes area settlers establish first schoolhouse
• 1930s: Emmett Shelton acquires 500-acre Chambers Survey tract
• 1953: Official incorporation as independent municipality
• 1970s-1980s: Major residential development boom creates large estate properties
• 1990s: Infrastructure improvements including Westlake Drive expansion
• 2000s: Emergence as Austin's premier luxury market
• Present: Maintains lowest property tax rates in Travis County

Community Traditions

Annual 4th of July Parade & Celebration

For over 20 years, this cherished tradition begins at 8:30am from Independent Financial Bank. The parade features decorated bikes, classic cars, and local dignitaries winding through neighborhood streets. Post-parade festivities include Texas Honey Ham breakfast tacos, Amy's Ice Cream truck, patriotic costume contests, community band performances, and evening fireworks over Lake Austin.

Westlake High School Football Fridays

Home games at Chaparral Stadium draw 11,000+ fans, creating traffic throughout the area. The Chaps have won multiple state championships, making game nights major community events that unite residents across generations.

Local Business Gems

Retail & Specialty Shops

Professional Services

Coffee & Community Gathering Spots

Community Favorites Ranking
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
1. Texas Honey Ham    ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (20 years, parade sponsor)
2. Blue Dahlia Bistro ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Emergency community support)
3. Trianon Coffee     ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Artisan roasting, events)
4. Lola Savannah      ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Wine bar evenings)
5. Swedish Hill       ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (30+ year institution)
    

Neighborhood Parks & Recreation

Strategic Buyer & Seller Success Guide

Exclusive Buyer Advantages

Off-Market Access Strategy

• Leverage our network for private listings (30-40% of luxury sales)
• Pre-market opportunities through agent relationships
• Pocket listing intelligence before public exposure

Negotiation Power Plays

• Cash offers in rising rate environment
• Inspection period leverage in low-competition market
• Seasonal timing advantages (winter/summer slower periods)

Maximum Value Selling Strategies

Pre-Listing Preparation

• Strategic improvements targeting 95% ROI (stone veneer, deck additions)
• Professional staging emphasizing Hill Country views
• Drone photography capturing estate scope

Marketing Excellence

• Twilight photography showcasing city lights
• Virtual tours with Matterport technology
• Targeted digital campaigns to out-of-state luxury buyers
• International exposure through luxury networks

Investment Intelligence

Keenan Group Exclusive Market Analysis

Based on our proprietary analysis of 3,911 single-family home sales over the past decade, we've identified key investment strategies:

Appreciation Hot Zones

1. Lakefront Properties: 85-95% appreciation (2019-2024)
2. East of Loop 360: 75-80% appreciation with 37-39% premium
3. Near Top Schools: 70-75% appreciation (walking distance premium)
4. View Corridors: 65-70% appreciation for protected sightlines

Rental Market Dynamics

Investment Sweet Spots

1. Lake Access Properties: Command 50-100% premiums with strongest appreciation
2. Transitional Properties: 1970s-80s homes on premium lots offer redevelopment potential
3. Eanes School Proximity: Walking distance adds 15-20% immediate value
4. Cul-de-sac Locations: 10-15% premium for privacy and safety

ROI Enhancement Strategies

Connect with The Keenan Group

Your Trusted Westlake Hills Real Estate Experts

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