Why Houston families are moving to Austin
More Texans are trading Bayou City humidity for Hill Country horizons — and the top destination is West Austin. Families who love Houston’s warmth and culture are discovering that Austin offers a calmer pace, cleaner air, and stronger day-to-day livability. It’s not about leaving Houston behind; it’s about upgrading what life in Texas can feel like.
Climate and scenery make a difference
Houston’s flat sprawl and heavy humidity can wear people down. West Austin, by contrast, sits in the Hill Country, where elevation brings cooler air, rolling views, and lakes instead of bayous. You still get that Texas sunshine, but now it comes with outdoor dining, hiking trails, and fresh breezes instead of smog and mosquitos.
What families mention first after moving
The quiet. The safety. The views. And how quickly they feel part of the community. In neighborhoods like Westlake, Barton Creek, and Lake Pointe, kids ride bikes after dinner, parents actually know each other, and weekends are centered around lake days or neighborhood get-togethers — not commutes and congestion.
Schools that rival Houston’s best
Families coming from districts like Memorial, Katy, or The Woodlands often find West Austin’s Eanes ISD and Lake Travis ISD exceed expectations. The academics are elite, but without the pressure-cooker environment. Kids thrive, teachers are engaged, and parents stay connected — all within minutes of home.
How the numbers compare
– No state income tax: Same as Houston
– Property tax: 1.7–2.0%, depending on county and district
– Commute: 20–25 minutes on average in West Austin vs. 45–90 in Houston
– Home appreciation: West Austin continues to outperform the state average due to land scarcity and high demand
The new luxury standard
Houston buyers moving to Austin often expect to downsize — but instead, they upgrade. $2M in West Austin can mean a 4,500-square-foot architectural home with a pool, greenbelt backdrop, and designer finishes. The architecture leans modern-Texan: stone, glass, steel, and warm organic tones — not cookie-cutter.
My take
If you love Houston but want cleaner skies, calmer commutes, and stronger long-term appreciation, West Austin delivers all three. It’s the same Texas hospitality and energy, just wrapped in Hill Country beauty and anchored by some of the best schools in the nation.
Brandon Galia | West Austin Realtor
brandongalia.com
