If you’re relocating to Austin, here’s a more in-depth guide to living in Bee Cave and West Austin.

“Should we live in Bee Cave, Westlake, or Lakeway?”

They’re all considered part of West Austin.
They’re all desirable.
But they offer very different lifestyles, price points, and long-term value drivers.

After 16+ years advising buyers in West Austin real estate, here’s a clear breakdown to help you decide which area aligns best with your goals.

Quick Overview: West Austin at a Glance

Before diving deeper, here’s the simplified version:

• Westlake (Eanes ISD): Closer to downtown Austin, established neighborhoods, strong school reputation.

• Bee Cave (Lake Travis ISD): Newer construction, master-planned communities, Hill Country lifestyle.

• Lakeway (Lake Travis ISD): Lake proximity, golf communities, active lifestyle.

Now let’s break it down strategically.

Westlake (Eanes ISD)

Best for:

Buyers who want closer access to downtown Austin and highly regarded schools.

Lifestyle:

Westlake offers mature trees, established neighborhoods, and shorter commute times into central Austin. It feels residential yet connected.

Schools:

Primarily served by Eanes Independent School District (Eanes ISD) — one of the strongest academic reputations in Central Texas.

Real Estate:

• Mix of older homes and luxury remodels

• Higher average price per square foot

• Limited new construction inventory

What buyers should know:

Westlake often commands a premium due to location and school zoning. Inventory can be competitive.

Bee Cave (Lake Travis ISD)

Best for:

Families and relocating buyers looking for space, newer homes, and Hill Country surroundings.

Lifestyle:

Bee Cave offers master-planned communities, larger lot sizes, and a strong community feel. Many neighborhoods feature pools, trails, and amenities.

Schools:

Primarily zoned to Lake Travis Independent School District (Lake Travis ISD).

Real Estate:

• Newer construction options in Sweetwater and Provence.

• Gated communities like Belvedere and Spanish Oaks.

• Family-oriented neighborhoods like Lake Pointe and Provence.

What buyers should know:

Commute times are typically longer than Westlake. However, buyers often gain more square footage and newer finishes for their budget.

Lakeway (Lake Travis ISD)

Best for:

Buyers who want lake access, golf communities, and an active lifestyle.

Lifestyle:

Lakeway centers around Lake Travis, with marinas, golf courses, and outdoor recreation. It has a slightly more resort-style feel compared to Bee Cave.

Schools:

Also served by Lake Travis ISD.

Real Estate:

• Mix of older homes and newer builds in Old Lakeway

• Lake-view properties in Costa Bella, Vineyard Bay.

• Golf course communities in The HIlls, Flintrock,

What buyers should know:

Some areas have HOA restrictions and terrain considerations. Lake proximity can significantly affect pricing.

Comparing Key Factors

Commute to Downtown Austin

• Westlake: Shortest commute

• Bee Cave: Moderate commute via Hwy 71

• Lakeway: Slightly longer commute depending on location

School Districts

• Westlake → Eanes ISD

• Bee Cave & Lakeway → Lake Travis ISD

Both districts are strong, but school zoning impacts resale value differently by neighborhood.

Price & Value

Generally:

• Westlake = higher price per square foot

• Bee Cave = newer homes at competitive pricing

• Lakeway = wider range depending on lake proximity

• Which West Austin Area Is Right for You?

  Choose Westlake if:

  • Commute time is critical

  • You prioritize proximity to central Austin

  • You prefer established neighborhoods

  Choose Bee Cave if:

  • You want newer construction, bang for your buck.

  • You value community amenities

  • You prefer a Hill Country lifestyle

  Choose Lakeway if:

  • Lake living appeals to you

  • You enjoy golf and outdoor recreation

  • Commute times to Downtown aren't a major factor.

    Final Thoughts

    There isn’t one “best” place to live in West Austin. There’s only the right fit for your lifestyle and long-term goals.

    If you’re considering a move to Bee Cave, Westlake, or Lakeway and want an honest, strategic conversation about which area aligns best with you, I’m always happy to be a resource and provide valuable insider info.

     

     

    The following questions are some of the most common I receive from buyers relocating to West Austin.

  • Frequently Asked Questions About Bee Cave vs Westlake vs Lakeway

    Is Bee Cave or Westlake better?

    It depends on your priorities. Westlake offers a shorter commute to downtown Austin and is zoned to Eanes ISD, while Bee Cave typically offers newer construction, larger lots, and access to Lake Travis ISD. Buyers prioritizing proximity often prefer Westlake, while those seeking space and master-planned communities often choose Bee Cave.

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    Is Lakeway considered West Austin?

    Yes, Lakeway is generally considered part of the greater West Austin area. It is located near Lake Travis and is known for golf communities, lake access, and outdoor lifestyle amenities.

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    Which area has better schools: Westlake or Bee Cave?

    Westlake is primarily zoned to Eanes ISD, while Bee Cave is primarily zoned to Lake Travis ISD. Both districts are highly regarded, but school zoning can vary by neighborhood and may influence long-term resale value.

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    Which is more expensive: Bee Cave, Westlake, or Lakeway?

    Westlake generally has a higher average price per square foot due to its proximity to downtown Austin and strong school reputation. Bee Cave and Lakeway may offer more square footage at similar price points, depending on neighborhood and lot size.

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    Is Bee Cave a good place to live?

    Bee Cave is a popular choice for families and relocating buyers who want newer homes, Hill Country surroundings, and access to Lake Travis ISD. It offers a strong community feel and long-term market stability.