The highly sought-after community of Westlake Hills lies at the edge of the Edwards Plateau, offering a conveniently located neighborhood only 6 miles to the west of the buzzing streets of downtown Austin. The community's proximity to several natural wonders and activities downtown— like the historic 6th street in the entertainment district and many fine dining options — makes it an ideal location for many.
While the location is central to some of the city's most popular activities, the neighborhood itself also offers several fantastic amenities, such as shopping and dining at the Village Westlake shopping center. This neighborhood has become one of the city's most prestigious luxury real estate areas. Coming a long way from its humble beginnings, after being incorporated as a village in 1953, Westlake real estate is known today for its homes’ opulent exteriors and breathtaking views. Because of its location that follows winding, hilly roads, the homes for sale in Westlake have a perfect scenic backdrop you will not find anywhere else in the city. Read on for a guide to what makes living here a great choice.
Entertainment options
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As one of the most in-demand areas to reside within the Texas capital, there is no shortage of entertainment options nearby this community. A fun day for the whole family can include taking a trip to The Contemporary Austin - Laguna Gloria (3809 W 35th St, Austin, TX 78703), which is free for kids under age 18! The Italianate-style villa is the former home of Clara Driscoll and the original structure that housed the collections for the Austin Museum of Art, with some still on display. This popular contemporary art museum features an outdoor sculpture garden and permanent installations on 14 acres of beautiful land along the shore of Lake Austin.
If you are looking for a little entertainment away from the kids, why not take a tour of the Deep Eddy Distillery (2250 US-290, Dripping Springs, TX 78620)? Celebrate your future move after touring the homes for sale in Westlake and spend a few hours sipping handcrafted vodka at this famous local distillery. Only a short drive away, you will find all kinds of unique vodka flights for your enjoyment. They even offer group tours, so bring along a couple of your new neighbors because, as they say, "the more, the merrier!” If you don't feel like leaving Westlake, another leisure activity right in the neighborhood is the Austin Country Club at 4408 Long Champ Dr, Austin, TX 78746. Established in 1899, this private golf club offers a 180-acre, 18-hole course designed by architect Pete Dye. Members will find 10 lighted tennis courts, a 57-slip marina and boat club, a clubhouse with a ballroom, and dining and meeting rooms. Then, after a day of physical activity, you can refresh yourself in the heated, 50-meter pool.
If you are looking for a little entertainment away from the kids, why not take a tour of the Deep Eddy Distillery (2250 US-290, Dripping Springs, TX 78620)? Celebrate your future move after touring the homes for sale in Westlake and spend a few hours sipping handcrafted vodka at this famous local distillery. Only a short drive away, you will find all kinds of unique vodka flights for your enjoyment. They even offer group tours, so bring along a couple of your new neighbors because, as they say, "the more, the merrier!” If you don't feel like leaving Westlake, another leisure activity right in the neighborhood is the Austin Country Club at 4408 Long Champ Dr, Austin, TX 78746. Established in 1899, this private golf club offers a 180-acre, 18-hole course designed by architect Pete Dye. Members will find 10 lighted tennis courts, a 57-slip marina and boat club, a clubhouse with a ballroom, and dining and meeting rooms. Then, after a day of physical activity, you can refresh yourself in the heated, 50-meter pool.
Places to dine
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The Oasis Texas Brewing Company (6650 Comanche Trail Suite #301, Austin, TX 78732) has become one of Austin's most beloved sunset spots. Located just about 20 minutes from Westlake Hills, even the quick drive up is beautiful. Referred to fondly as the Sunset Capital of Texas, this gem in the Austin hills is a multi-tiered restaurant with scenic views overlooking lake Travis. Owner Beau Theriot began this restaurant over 38 years ago, and it has drawn guests worldwide to watch the gorgeous sunsets. Enjoy a pint and some sizzling fajitas while listening to their live salsa music for an evening of weekend fun. This spectacular restaurant is certainly not one to miss.
Even closer to home is the Grove and Wine Bar and Kitchen (6317 Bee Cave Road, #380 Austin, TX 78746), a popular neighborhood restaurant with a spectacular wine list. As they’re open until 10 p.m., you can head over here for a chill evening full of new American cuisine and beautiful patio dining. Between flights, a glass, or by the bottle, let your taste buds be delighted with an array of options from towns in Italy, Spain, and France or choices from New Zealand and Argentina.
Tons of outdoor adventure and fun
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The Greenbelt area is a massively popular area for recreation and relaxation. There are over 800 acres of lush, protected parkland, and the adventures awaiting in Greenbelt are minutes from this luxurious community. Many of the locals in Westlake take advantage of their proximity to all the natural wonders of the nearby Barton Creek Greenbelt. Here, Austin residents will find over 12 miles of some of the best hiking and biking trails in all of Texas. For those with even more adventurous energy, there are plenty of places for rock climbing, kayaking, and swimming. With no shortage of trails, grand old trees, and sheer rock walls, once you have tired yourself out hiking and rock climbing, head over to the natural Barton Springs pool for some much-needed rejuvenation. Located on the grounds of Zilker Park, four natural bubbling springs are fed from water flowing through the Edwards aquifer. This revitalizing water stays a cool 68-72 degrees year-round. Certainly, this is a perfect place to hang out on those warm Texas summer days!
Another outdoor wonder is the oldest swimming pool in Texas: the Deep Eddy Pool at 401 Deep Eddy Ave, Austin, TX 78703. This historic, artificial location is over 100 years old. Albeit the less popular sister to Barton Springs, most likely due to its appearance favoring a more traditional pool, guests will find no chlorine here—the pool is filled with fresh well water. The temperature also remains comfortable at 68-72 degrees throughout the year.
Photo courtesy of UnsplashMany residents will take their boats out to Lake Austin for the weekend, engaging in all kinds of summertime fun for the whole family. There is also the option of buying or renting some exhilarating jet skis for the day to drum up some friendly competition between racers. Whether you want a relaxing day boating with a glass of wine in hand or a day full of hiking adventures and discovering natural springs to cool off in, this exclusive community is the perfect match for you.
Ready to buy one of the homes for sale in Westlake? Contact the local Westlake real estate experts at Dicker Morin Group to discover your next steps when moving to this idyllic neighborhood. Get started today!
*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash
*Header photo courtesy of Unsplash
