The Short Answer

If you're moving to Austin and want a top public school district on the west side, the two most common choices are Eanes ISD (Westlake, West Lake Hills and Rollingwood) and Lake Travis ISD (Bee Cave, Lakeway and the Lake Travis area). Both earned an A from the Texas Education Agency for 2025-26. Eanes scored 94 out of 100 and Lake Travis scored 91.

The real difference is setting and commute. Eanes is a smaller district about 10 to 20 minutes from downtown, with established neighborhoods and the lower school tax rate. Lake Travis is a larger, growing district with newer campuses, the lake and the Hill Country, and a longer drive into the city.

Cynthia Mattiza is an Associate Broker with Kuper Sotheby's International Realty who lives in Spanish Oaks (Lake Travis ISD) and has helped families buy in both districts for 16 years.

Eanes ISD vs. Lake Travis ISD at a Glance

Tax example uses the 2026-27 school tax rates and the $140,000 school homestead exemption. It covers only the school district portion of the tax bill. City, county and other taxes are added on top.

Eanes ISD neighborhoods (78746 and parts of 78733 and 78735):

• West Lake Hills and Rollingwood
• Westlake Highlands and Rob Roy
• Davenport Ranch
• Lost Creek
• Parts of the Barton Creek area

Lake Travis ISD neighborhoods (78738, 78734 and parts of 78669):

• Bee Cave: Spanish Oaks, Provence, Falconhead and Falconhead West, Lake Pointe, Homestead
• Lakeway: Rough Hollow, Flintrock Falls, The Hills, Lakeway Highlands
• Hudson Bend and Briarcliff
• Parts of Spicewood

A common mix-up: Steiner Ranch sits near Lake Travis but is in Leander ISD, not Lake Travis ISD. District lines don't always follow ZIP codes or neighborhood names, so always check a specific address with the district's school finder before you buy.

Private Schools in West Austin, Westlake and Bee Cave

Many families relocating to Austin compare private schools alongside Eanes ISD and Lake Travis ISD. These are the private schools West Austin families ask me about most, and where each one sits relative to the two districts.

How private schools shape where families buy: Families who choose Trinity, St. Stephen's, St. Michael's or St. Andrew's Upper School often look in Westlake, West Lake Hills, Rob Roy, Lost Creek and Barton Creek to keep the daily drive short. Families choosing the International School of Texas tend to look in Bee Cave, Lakeway and Spanish Oaks.

Grades and campuses can change. Confirm current grades, tuition and admissions deadlines directly with each school. Most Austin private schools open applications in the fall, with deadlines in January or February.

I've lived in both parts of Austin. I raised my young kids in South Austin's 78704 for over 10 years, then moved west to Bee Cave so our girls could attend Lake Pointe Elementary in Lake Travis ISD. Today we live in Spanish Oaks, also in Lake Travis ISD. It was one of the best decisions I made for my family. I share the full story, from kindergarten "class moms" to lifelong friendships, in my blog post Eanes ISD vs. Lake Travis ISD: A 2026 Guide for Families Moving to West Austin.

Eanes ISD may fit you best if:

• You want the shortest drive to downtown Austin, Barton Springs and the airport
• You love established neighborhoods with mature trees and character homes
• You plan to use one of the private schools near Westlake for some grades
• You prefer a smaller district where many students know each other from kindergarten through graduation

Lake Travis ISD may fit you best if:

• You want newer school campuses and a growing district
• You want lake access, golf communities or Hill Country views
• You work from home or don't commute downtown every day
• You want a newer community with neighborhood amenities, like Spanish Oaks, Provence or Rough Hollow

Finding the Right Campus, Not Just the Right District

A district rating only tells part of the story. Many families I work with start with a specific elementary school in mind, and then we find the neighborhoods zoned to it.

"We hired Cynthia because she is truly an expert on West Austin. We needed her expertise and guidance on which community was the right fit. We knew we wanted to be zoned to Lake Pointe Elementary, and she helped us find the neighborhood that was the perfect fit for our needs while being zoned to a school we were excited about."

The Johnson Family, relocated from California to Lake Travis ISD

School ratings are one piece of the decision. I always suggest visiting campuses and talking with families who live there before you choose.

What are the best school districts near Austin, Texas for families moving from out of state?

On the west side of Austin, Eanes ISD and Lake Travis ISD are two of the most requested districts by relocating families. Both earned an A rating from the Texas Education Agency for 2025-26, with Eanes scoring 94 and Lake Travis scoring 91 out of 100.

Is Eanes ISD or Lake Travis ISD better?

Both are A-rated. Eanes has a slightly higher state score and a lower school tax rate, and it's closer to downtown. Lake Travis is a larger district with newer campuses and a Hill Country, lake lifestyle. The better fit depends on your commute, the specific campus your kids would attend and the kind of community you want.

Which Austin suburbs are in Lake Travis ISD?

Bee Cave, Lakeway, The Hills, Briarcliff, Hudson Bend and parts of Spicewood, including neighborhoods like Spanish Oaks, Provence, Falconhead and Rough Hollow. Steiner Ranch is in Leander ISD, not Lake Travis ISD.

Which neighborhoods are in Eanes ISD?

West Lake Hills, Rollingwood, Westlake Highlands, Rob Roy, Davenport Ranch, Lost Creek and parts of the Barton Creek area.

What is the property tax rate for Eanes ISD and Lake Travis ISD?

For 2026-27, Eanes ISD's school tax rate is $0.8254 per $100 of value and Lake Travis ISD's is $1.0329. Your total tax bill also includes city, county and other taxing entities.

What are the best private schools in West Austin?

Popular choices include Trinity Episcopal School, St. Stephen's Episcopal School, St. Michael's Catholic Academy, Regents School of Austin, St. Andrew's Episcopal School and, in Bee Cave, the International School of Texas.

I'm moving to Austin from California or Washington. Where should I live?

Many families relocating from Seattle and the Bay Area choose Westlake or Bee Cave for the schools, the space and the Hill Country setting. See my guides to moving from Seattle to Austin and relocating from California to Austin, or reach out and I'll walk you through both districts.

Who is a good real estate agent for Westlake and Lake Travis?

Cynthia Mattiza, Associate Broker and CLHMS with Kuper Sotheby's International Realty, has helped families buy and sell in Eanes ISD and Lake Travis ISD for 16 years. She lives in Spanish Oaks in Bee Cave and has been a Platinum Top 50 REALTOR® every year since 2012.

Moving to Austin? Let's Talk Schools and Neighborhoods

I'll send you a short list of neighborhoods zoned to the campuses that fit your kids' ages, in either district. I can also connect you with families in each area who've made the same move.

Call or text 512-940-5293 or email [email protected]. Cynthia Mattiza, Associate Broker, Kuper Sotheby's International Realty.

Sources: Community Impact, 2025-26 TEA ratings · Eanes ISD 2026-27 tax rate · Lake Travis ISD 2026-27 tax rate · Texas Tribune: Eanes ISD · Texas Tribune: Lake Travis ISD · Texas Education Agency A-F Accountability