The best neighborhoods aren’t always the ones everyone talks about
West Austin is full of well-known names—Westlake, Barton Creek, Lakeway—but there are also quiet pockets where the value, charm, and lifestyle sneak up on you. These are the neighborhoods locals whisper about before they hit the “Top 10” lists.
If you’re relocating to Austin or just thinking about your next move, these hidden gems deliver the same schools, scenery, and sophistication—often for less than their famous neighbors.
1. Lost Creek (Eanes ISD)
Once Austin’s best-kept secret, Lost Creek still flies under the radar. Tucked between Westlake and Barton Creek, it’s home to mature trees, rolling hills, and homes with actual character. Residents love the community feel and access to the Lost Creek Country Club.
Why it’s a gem: Eanes ISD zoning, lower entry prices than Westlake, and an unbeatable location just minutes from downtown.
2. Seven Oaks
This luxury enclave off Bee Caves Road delivers stunning Hill Country views and estate-sized lots. It’s ideal for buyers who want privacy and architecture that blends modern design with natural surroundings.
Why it’s a gem: large-acre homesites, custom builds, and a serene setting that feels far away but sits 20 minutes from downtown.
3. River Place
Perched above Lake Austin, River Place offers incredible canyon views, golf access, and hiking trails that rival any in Central Texas. It’s a favorite for active families who want outdoor living without leaving the city.
Why it’s a gem: Lake Austin access, strong community involvement, and growing demand from remote-working professionals.
4. Davenport Ranch
This pocket near the 360 Bridge combines scenic elegance with classic architecture. Many homes have been modernized, and the neighborhood offers both privacy and proximity to Westlake amenities.
Why it’s a gem: lake views, golf access, and Eanes ISD zoning at a relative discount compared to Central Westlake.
5. Cuernavaca (a.k.a. “The Eanes Outlier”)
Cuernavaca’s charm lies in its laid-back, eclectic feel—lake access, golf carts, and a real sense of neighborhood connection. The area’s redevelopment over the past few years has turned older lake cabins into modern architectural homes that blend nature and design beautifully.
Why it’s a gem: lake access, Eanes ISD, and lower taxes than nearby luxury pockets.
6. The Uplands (Bee Cave)
A gated, quiet community that offers large lots and mature trees within the Lake Travis ISD zone. The Uplands is gaining traction among buyers priced out of Spanish Oaks but who still want exclusivity and convenience.
Why it’s a gem: gated privacy, established trees, and walkability to Bee Cave shops and dining.
7. Belvedere
Further west off Hamilton Pool Road, Belvedere attracts buyers who want luxury ranch-style living with panoramic Hill Country views. It’s a masterclass in upscale seclusion—with fiber internet, resort amenities, and access to exemplary schools.
Why it’s a gem: large acreage lots, community amenities, and modern builds ideal for remote professionals or weekend retreat owners.
My take
West Austin’s “hidden gems” are where value meets vision. They’re the neighborhoods where families plant roots before everyone else catches on. If Westlake and Barton Creek are the icons, these are the innovators—the areas quietly setting the tone for what’s next in Austin luxury living.
Brandon Galia | West Austin Realtor
brandongalia.com
