The Texas-to-Texas move that keeps growing
Not all relocations come from out of state. Over the past few years, more Texans have moved within the state than ever before — and the most common route is Dallas to Austin. Many of those families are heading straight to West Austin, where the pace is calmer, the schools are top-tier, and the lifestyle feels more connected to nature than concrete.
Why Dallas buyers are heading south
Dallas has plenty of opportunity, but the sprawl, traffic, and summer heat can wear people down. Austin offers something different — a city built for living, not just working. West Austin in particular combines modern homes, top schools, and the Hill Country’s natural beauty — all within minutes of the lake, downtown, and top employers.
The geography of sanity
Dallas highways define life there. In West Austin, roads wind through hills, not overpasses. Neighborhoods like Westlake, Barton Creek, and Lakeway are surrounded by green space, trails, and lake access. You still get luxury living, but with quiet mornings and sunsets that don’t require leaving town to find peace.
How the numbers compare
– Commute: 20–25 minutes average vs. 45+ in Dallas suburbs
– Property tax: Similar (1.7–2%), but often offset by stronger appreciation in – Austin’s west corridor
– Home values: $1.5M–$3M range for luxury single-family homes; comparable to North Dallas, but with natural views instead of freeway frontage
– Market velocity: West Austin remains one of Texas’s most stable and desirable submarkets — a safer long-term investment than many suburban developments north of Dallas
From master-planned to community-minded
Dallas suburbs like Frisco and Southlake offer structure and convenience, but many families crave something less manufactured. West Austin delivers that — architectural homes, mature trees, real topography, and communities that evolve organically. It’s not HOA-perfection; it’s personality and prestige blended together.
Schools that anchor the move
Eanes ISD and Lake Travis ISD attract many of the same families who once prioritized Southlake Carroll or Highland Park ISD. The academic rigor, athletic programs, and parent involvement rival the best districts in the state — only now, they come with lake access and Hill Country views.
My take
If you’re moving from Dallas, you’re not starting over — you’re upgrading. West Austin gives you the same Texas hospitality and strong schools, but trades traffic and sprawl for scenery and sanity. It’s where ambition and balance finally meet.
Brandon Galia | West Austin Realtor
brandongalia.com