The move from mountains to the hills
Over the last few years, Austin has quietly become one of Denver’s favorite destinations. Families and professionals are moving south for warmer weather, lower taxes, and more opportunity — but they still want that outdoor, health-focused lifestyle. West Austin delivers it perfectly: lakes instead of slopes, sunshine instead of snow, and a tight-knit community surrounded by natural beauty.
Familiar lifestyle, fewer layers
If you love Colorado’s balance of nature and modern living, you’ll feel right at home in West Austin. Barton Creek, Lakeway, and Bee Cave all offer easy access to trails, water, and wide-open spaces. The difference? You can enjoy them year-round without shoveling snow or scraping windshields. Mornings are mild, sunsets are long, and weekends revolve around the outdoors.
Financial freedom meets lifestyle freedom
Texas has no state income tax, and while property taxes are higher, most Denver families still save significantly — especially at higher income levels. Combine that with a booming job market, growing tech presence, and stronger home appreciation, and the move becomes as practical as it is personal. You’re not downsizing your career or lifestyle — you’re upgrading both.
The outdoor energy, reimagined
Austin may not have ski resorts, but it has its own rhythm of outdoor living: paddleboarding on Lake Austin, hiking the Barton Creek Greenbelt, biking through the Hill Country, and boating on Lake Travis. It’s less seasonal and more spontaneous. West Austin neighborhoods make it effortless — trails, lakes, and greenbelts are literally woven into daily life.
Homes designed for living, not layering
Denver’s mountain modern aesthetic fits naturally here. Many West Austin homes echo that same clean architecture and connection to nature — large windows, natural stone, steel, and wood tones. A $2M budget here stretches further: 4,000+ square feet, a pool, and Hill Country views are common, not aspirational.
Where Denver families tend to land
Westlake: Top-rated schools (Eanes ISD) and 10-minute access to downtown.
Barton Creek: Gated privacy, golf, and luxury estates surrounded by greenbelt.
Lakeway and Bee Cave: Newer builds, lake access, and family-centered amenities.
Lake Pointe: Walkable schools, community pool, and a real neighborhood feel.
My take
If you’re moving from Denver, West Austin feels like Colorado’s sunshine twin — all the beauty, but none of the blizzards. It’s where tech professionals, entrepreneurs, and families find space, community, and outdoor adventure without losing sophistication. You’re not leaving the lifestyle; you’re just trading jackets for sunsets.
Brandon Galia | West Austin Realtor
brandongalia.com
