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Making your Move to Central Texas • January 22, 2026

The Best Ranked Luxury Communities in the Austin Metro (Local Expert Guide)

by Oscar Hernandez

If you’re searching for the best luxury home communities in the Austin Metro, you’re in the right place. Luxury in Austin isn’t just about price—it’s about lifestyle, location, schools, privacy, views, golf access, lake access, and long-term value.

As a local Austin-area Realtor, I’ve toured and analyzed luxury communities across Austin, Westlake, Lake Travis, Bee Cave, Dripping Springs, Georgetown, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Leander, and beyond—and I can tell you this: the “best” community depends on your lifestyle goals.

Below is my local expert ranking guide to the top luxury communities in the Austin Metro, with quick insights into who each neighborhood is best for.

1) Westlake (Eanes ISD) – Austin’s Most Elite Luxury Address

When people ask me, “What’s the most prestigious place to live in Austin?” Westlake is always at the top of the list.

Why Westlake is top-ranked:

  • Top-rated Eanes ISD schools

  • Quick access to downtown Austin

  • Luxury estates, hilltop views, gated pockets

  • Strong long-term resale demand

Best for: executives, entrepreneurs, luxury buyers who want top schools + convenience.

Local Expert Tip: Westlake inventory can be tight—having the right strategy matters when the best homes hit the market.

2) Barton Creek – Private, Golf-Centered Luxury Living

Barton Creek is one of Austin’s most iconic luxury areas, especially for buyers who want a private Hill Country feel while staying close to everything.

Why it ranks high:

  • Golf lifestyle + country club access

  • Gated communities and custom estates

  • Hill Country views and privacy

  • Minutes to shopping, dining, and downtown

Best for: golf lovers, luxury downsizers, buyers who value privacy and views.

3) Tarrytown / Pemberton Heights – Classic Old Austin Luxury

If you want timeless Austin luxury with charm, tree-lined streets, and character homes—this is it.

Why it’s top-ranked:

  • Prime central Austin location

  • Historic architecture + custom remodels

  • Strong appreciation and prestige

  • Near parks, trails, and downtown

Best for: buyers who want central Austin, classic style, and high-end remodeling potential.

4) Lake Travis / Lakeway – Resort Lifestyle + Water Access

For many luxury buyers relocating to Austin, Lake Travis is the dream: views, space, and a lifestyle built around the lake.

Why it ranks high:

  • Lake views + water access

  • Golf, marinas, country clubs

  • Luxury new builds + custom homes

  • More space than central Austin

Best for: second-home buyers, boaters, families wanting space, and luxury lifestyle seekers.

Local Expert Tip: Some homes have incredible views but higher wind exposure or steep driveways—knowing the details matters.

5) Bee Cave – Luxury Convenience in the Hill Country

Bee Cave is one of the fastest-growing luxury hubs because it combines Hill Country living with high-end shopping and dining nearby.

Why it ranks high:

  • Close to the Galleria / major retail

  • Great hill country communities

  • Easy access to Lake Travis + Austin

  • Luxury homes with newer construction options

Best for: luxury buyers who want convenience, modern homes, and a “newer” community feel.

6) Dripping Springs – Hill Country Luxury + Land + Views

Dripping Springs has become a top destination for buyers who want luxury with more space, more privacy, and more land.

Why it ranks high:

  • Larger lots and acreage options

  • Stunning views and custom builds

  • Strong demand and growth

  • A true Hill Country lifestyle

Best for: buyers wanting privacy, land, custom homes, and a slower pace without being too far out.

7) Steiner Ranch – Luxury Community With Views + Amenities

Steiner Ranch is one of Austin’s most well-known master-planned communities, and it continues to rank high for luxury buyers who want amenities and community lifestyle.

Why it ranks high:

  • Hill Country + Lake Austin proximity

  • Highly desired community amenities

  • Great neighborhood feel

  • Strong resale demand

Best for: families, active lifestyle buyers, and people who want a luxury neighborhood feel with community energy.

8) Rough Hollow – Lake Travis Luxury + Modern Master Plan

Rough Hollow is one of the best-ranked luxury master-planned communities near Lake Travis, especially for buyers wanting newer construction and resort-style amenities.

Why it ranks high:

  • Lake Travis lifestyle

  • Beautiful modern homes + new builds

  • Marina vibe, pools, fitness, trails

  • Great for entertaining + outdoor living

Best for: buyers who want newer luxury, amenities, and lake lifestyle.

9) Cimarron Hills (Georgetown) – Golf Course Luxury in the North Metro

If you want luxury living north of Austin with a strong golf lifestyle, Cimarron Hills is a standout.

Why it ranks high:

  • Jack Nicklaus signature golf course

  • Gated luxury community feel

  • Custom homes + upscale design

  • Strong demand in Georgetown luxury market

Best for: golf buyers, luxury retirees, executives wanting north Austin access.

Local Expert Tip: This community has a true “luxury presence” — it feels like a destination.

10) The Dominion / River Place / Great Hills Areas – Northwest Austin Luxury

Northwest Austin has several pockets that consistently rank well for luxury due to location, privacy, and access to major employers.

Why it ranks high:

  • Great proximity to tech corridors

  • Mature neighborhoods + views

  • Custom homes and established luxury

  • Convenient access to major roads

Best for: luxury buyers who want NW Austin and a balance of space + commute.

What Makes a Luxury Community “Top Ranked” in Austin?

When I rank luxury communities, I look at what matters most to luxury buyers:

✅ School districts (Eanes, Lake Travis, Dripping Springs, etc.)
✅ Lifestyle (golf, lake, gated, walkability, views)
✅ Home quality + architecture
✅ Location + commute options
✅ Long-term value + resale demand
✅ Privacy and neighborhood feel

Luxury is personal—so the “best” community depends on your priorities.

How to Choose the Right Luxury Neighborhood (Without Regret)

Here are the questions I walk my luxury clients through:

  • Do you want lake access or golf access?

  • Do you want new construction or classic estates?

  • Do you prefer gated privacy or a social neighborhood?

  • Are schools a top priority?

  • How important is commute time to downtown or major employers?

  • Do you want land/acreage or low-maintenance luxury?

When we answer these clearly, your perfect luxury community becomes obvious.

Work With a Local Expert Who Knows Austin Luxury

Luxury real estate requires more than opening doors. It requires:
market knowledge, negotiation, strategy, and discretion.

I’m Oscar Hernandez with TexasEx Real Estate, and I help clients buy and sell luxury homes across the Austin Metro—from Westlake and Lake Travis to Georgetown luxury communities like Cimarron Hills.

If you want, I can send you a custom list of luxury homes that match your lifestyle (golf, lake, gated, modern, acreage, or classic Austin).

📩 Message me “LUXURY” and I’ll send you the best luxury options available right now.

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