Pros and Cons of Living in Lakeway Texas

Moving from California to Texas can be a significant change for many people. The heat and humidity can be vicious, and the cultural differences can take some getting used to. However, for those looking to transition to Texas living without the California price tag, Lakeway may be just what you need. Lakeway is a unique suburb of Austin located about 25 miles west. It offers stunning hill country views, direct lake access to Lake Travis, upscale amenities, proximity to Austin, a low crime rate, and excellent school systems.

Lakeway has Beautiful Views

The first pro of living in Lakeway is the beautiful views. Lakeway is situated in the hill country, providing stunning views everywhere. It is a good transition for those moving from California and wanting to be reminded of home. Driving through Lakeway is similar to going through California, with the hills, green trees, and proximity to water.

Lakeway is on the Shores of Lake Travis

The second pro is lake access. Lakeway is located on the shores of Lake Travis, making it an excellent option for homeowners who love the water. Some communities offer direct lake access, making water activities part of everyday life. From boating and fishing to hiking and canoeing, there is something for everyone.

Lakeway has Upscale Amenities

The third pro is upscale amenities. The rest of the community is fancy, with a median household income of $170,000. The amenities available in Lakeway include four golf courses, a country club, lake marinas, tennis courts, swimming pools, parks, walking trails, and fishing. There is also a well-known spa called Lakeway Resort and Spa, named the number 15 resort in the Midwest by Conde Nast Traveler.

Lakeway is Close to Austin

The fourth pro is the proximity to Austin. Lakeway is close enough to visit off-peak times but far enough away to enjoy full lake living. It takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes to drive from Lakeway to downtown Austin, about the same time as if you lived in Leander, Georgetown, or Liberty Hill. With all the things to do in Lakeway, from hiking to boating and swimming, you may only want to visit Austin sometimes.

Lakeway is Safe

The fifth pro is safety. Crime rates in Lakeway are meager, with a very low crime rate for violent and property crimes, well below the national average. There are several gated communities for added security, and most of the gated communities in Austin are in Lakeway.

Lakeway has a Great School System

The sixth pro is the excellent school system. The Lake Travis independent school district provides education services to the area of Lakeway, which earned an A for exemplary performance in the 2018-2019 school year. These metrics are the latest available due to Covid and are some of the best school districts in the area.

To summarize, Lakeway offers a smooth transition to Texas living with stunning hill country views, direct lake access, upscale amenities, proximity to Austin, low crime rates, and excellent school systems. Suppose you are considering moving to Texas and want a California vibe without the California price tag. In that case, Lakeway may be just what you need.

Lakeway Housing Costs

Housing costs are one of the biggest cons of living in Lakeway, Texas. The community boasts numerous amenities, including a lake, beautiful views, and good schools. However, they come at a high price, with liquid homes averaging around $800,000. Homes in the city center are the most expensive, with homes in Austin proper selling at $600 per square foot, albeit relatively small. Lakeway homes are bigger and more like traditional suburban homes, with a lower price per square foot but still expensive, selling close to $350 or $400 per square foot. As of August 2nd, 2022, there are 87 homes on the market in Lakeway with three or more bedrooms, five selling at over $1 million.

Lakeway Suburban Living

Lakeway has a quiet and suburban feel, which could be a con for some people. If you’re looking for all the amenities of Austin, such as bars, restaurants, and nightlife, there may be better locations than Lakeway. While there are restaurants and bars in Lakeway, you won’t find Austin’s hottest new restaurant opening there.

Lakeway Job Opportunities

Being a smaller suburban area, Lakeway doesn’t offer the same employment opportunities as Austin—however, most people who live in Lakeway work in Austin or from home. Living in Lakeway may not be a good fit if you’re looking for a short commute to the city. But if you work from home, work flexible hours, or only go to the office one or two days a week, and want to live outside the hustle and bustle of the city, then Lakeway may be what you’re looking for.

Lakeway’s Proximity to Austin

Lakeway’s proximity to Austin is both a pro and a con. While it’s close to Austin, it can be a long drive downtown, especially during peak hours. Traffic is a significant concern, and there isn’t good public transportation from Lakeway to Austin. If you plan to go into the city several times a week, Lakeway may not be your best move.

Lakeway Traffic

Traffic is a significant con of living in Lakeway. Long travel times during rush hour are expected. The lack of good public transportation only exacerbates the problem, making travel times longer, especially during rush hour. Lakeway’s beautiful topography and water make for winding roads, which can be challenging to navigate, and accidents or construction can cause significant disruptions. On the other hand, Leander offers a better option for those who rely on public transportation. Its metro rail station connects to downtown, The Domain, and the QT soccer stadium, with a new station coming to the Northline development. If you’re considering living in Lakeway, be prepared to have a car and deal with traffic.

While Lakeway has numerous benefits, it may not be the perfect fit for everyone. If you’re considering moving to Austin and need help figuring out the best place to live, let’s chat! Click here to schedule a call with me.