Why Orange County families are choosing West Austin
For families leaving Orange County, the move to Austin isn’t just about cost—it’s about quality of life. People are looking for more space, slower mornings, better schools, and a community that still feels safe and social. West Austin checks all those boxes. It’s the one part of Texas where the sunshine, lifestyle, and landscape feel like home the moment you arrive.
Familiar weather, friendlier pace
Austin’s climate mirrors much of Southern California—warm, sunny, and built for outdoor living. The difference is how it feels to live in it. You don’t sit in gridlock trying to reach the beach. You’re already surrounded by water, trails, and wide-open views. Lake Austin and Lake Travis take the place of the Pacific, and weekend fun is measured in minutes, not miles.
Schools that rival private options
One of the first things parents from Newport Beach, Irvine, or Laguna notice is that West Austin’s public schools perform like private ones. Eanes ISD and Lake Travis ISD consistently rank among the top in Texas for academics, arts, and athletics. Families save thousands in tuition without giving up the experience they value—tight-knit community, small classes, and active parent involvement.
More home for the money
In Orange County, $2M might buy a townhome or older single-family house with a small yard. In West Austin, it can mean a 4,000-square-foot home with a pool, outdoor kitchen, and Hill Country or lake views. Property taxes are higher here, but the math still works out because there’s no state income tax and fewer hidden costs. And with modern construction, energy efficiency offsets some utility expenses.
The community you’ve been missing
If you loved the neighborhood feel of places like Ladera Ranch or Coto de Caza, you’ll recognize it in West Austin. Golf carts, block parties, playgrounds, and friendly neighbors are standard. It’s family-centered but not sleepy—restaurants, live music, and lakeside venues keep the lifestyle dynamic. You still get sophistication, just without the rush.
From beaches to lakes—and loving it
The biggest worry for many Californians is leaving the ocean. But after one weekend on Lake Austin, that fear disappears. Boat docks replace beach clubs, paddleboards replace surfboards, and the same relaxed social energy carries over. It’s not coastal—it’s lakeside—and it fits families perfectly.
My take
Orange County offers incredible weather and beauty, but it’s hard to ignore how demanding daily life has become there. West Austin delivers the same sunshine and style with more breathing room, stronger community, and time back in your day. Most people don’t move here to slow down—they move here so their life can catch up to what they’ve been working for.
Brandon Galia | West Austin Realtor
brandongalia.com