Considered one of the most desirable places to live in the Austin area, West Lake Hills (often referred to as Westlake) is a neighborhood just six miles west of downtown. With an award-winning school district and athletic program, it’s no wonder this area prides itself on excellence, both academically and athletically. The tight-knit community is actually a city unto itself, where homes sit upon hills, and views of downtown can be seen from many viewpoints.
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- How has Westlake changed?
- What are the best restaurants in Westlake?
- What are the best things to do in Westlake?
- What major companies are in Westlake?
- Westlake Spotlight Infographic
Q: How has Westlake changed?
A: It’s definitely gotten bigger; not only population-wise, but the town itself has really grown. They recently added a turn lane on Bee Cave Road which they’ve desperately needed – so much has grown along that main Westlake artery. Westlake High School is different since I was there – I think they’ve added on and renovated it a bit.
Westlake High School, Home of the Chaps, has undergone renovations in recent years (photo by Susan Duffett)
Unfortunately, I have noticed that the traffic has gotten a lot worse which is a huge bummer. But I guess that goes hand-in-hand with all of the growth.
Interested in learning more about Austin neighborhoods? Check out TripHappy’s Ultimate Guide to Austin Neighborhoods.
Q: What are the best restaurants in Westlake, Austin?
A: Texas Honey Ham was always our go-to in high school, and while I don’t go there quite as often as I did back then, I still love getting their breakfast tacos or club sandwiches – it is a true Westlake gem! I love the burgers and fried pickles at Hat Creek Burger Company. A couple of other favorites are Modern Market and Cava off Bee Cave Road, and then of course Thundercloud Subs, Juiceland, and Maudie’s Milagro. There’s also a Chick-Fil-A and P.Terry’s in the Village of Westlake that we frequent when we’re craving fast food. I used to work as a hostess at County Line BBQ in high school, and we still like going there for some dang good barbecue!
Texas Honey Ham is a popular Westlake breakfast and lunch spot located on Bee Cave Road (photo courtesy of Spoon University)
Q: What are the best things to do in Westlake?
A: One of my very favorite things to do is to go out on the boat on Lake Austin. A couple of my friends have boats and it’s always fun to get out on the lake. If you don’t have or know of anyone with a boat, I think there are a few boat rental companies on Lake Austin. Not much beats a day on the lake in my opinion! Hiking the Greenbelt is another fun thing to do (on a not-so-hot day!) There are a few creeks sprinkled throughout the greenbelt, so you can cool off in the cold water. My parents still live in the neighborhood, so I love going over to their house on the weekends and hanging out poolside.
You can see a great view of the 360 Bridge from a boat.
Q: What major companies are in Westlake?
A: Apple has an office at Capital Ridge, right next to the new Hotel Granduca on Loop 360 (Capital of Texas Highway). Dimensional Fund Advisors offices at Dimensional Place, which is just down the street at Loop 360 and Bee Cave Road. And Spiceworks is at 3900 San Clemente, which is also on Loop 360, just south of Lake Austin. There is also a new 32,000-square-foot office development in Davenport Ranch that is set to open in the next year or so.
Apple has an office in Capital Ridge, located off Capital of Texas Highway (photo courtesy of CoStar)
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