Lakeway Commute (Austin, Howe, Bee Cave: real estate market, house, neighborhood)

[hc123]

Hi! We are moving to Austin in the near future and absolutely loved Lakeway. However, we'll be commuting to Downtown daily. How bad is the commute? Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

[austin-steve]

Originally Posted by hc123

Hi! We are moving to Austin in the near future and absolutely loved Lakeway. However, we'll be commuting to Downtown daily. How bad is the commute? Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

Well, "bad" is subjective, and also relative to what sort of commute you're use to. Your drive will be about 20 miles each way between Lakeway and downtown Austin if you come down 620 to 71 or Bee Caves. It will be about 30 miles if you go north on 620 and come into Austin on 2222 to Mopac.

Either way, it only take one wreck to back things up pretty bad and you don't have alternate routes around traffic logjams because of the way the roads are designed.

I'm sure a lot of people make the commute. I think I'd pass unless there we compelling reasons to be in Lakeway, such as the schools or a desired lake lifestyle. The real estate market in Lakeway is pretty soft right now, especially over $500K, so you might be able to find a good deal on a nice house.

Welcome to Austin

Steve

[austin_momma]

If I am going downtown, I take FM 620 to 71, hop on to Southwest pkwy, then to Mopac. That beats all the lights on 2244 and the traffic on the intersection of 2244 and 360.

[hc123]

Originally Posted by austin_momma

If I am going downtown, I take FM 620 to 71, hop on to Southwest pkwy, then to Mopac. That beats all the lights on 2244 and the traffic on the intersection of 2244 and 360.

The times are going to downtown at 9:00 am and returning at around 7:00 pm.
Approximately how long would it take?

Also, is the commute worth it? We are interested in Lakeway because of the schools (#1) and scenery.

[greystonefarm]

We moved to Lakeway last June and love it!!!

I'm downtown about twice a week(usually about 30 minutes or less), at the airport at least 4 times a month(35 minutes almost every time).

I love all of Austin but coming home to Lakeway is the best part.
Fantastic schools, teachers, neighbors, kids sports, recreation opportunities and the scenery makes it feel like we're on vacation.

[austin_momma]

Originally Posted by hc123

The times are going to downtown at 9:00 am and returning at around 7:00 pm.
Approximately how long would it take?

Also, is the commute worth it? We are interested in Lakeway because of the schools (#1) and scenery.

My husband commutes from Lakeway to Mopac and 2244. He needs to be at work between 8:30 and 9 and it takes him about 30 minutes. The worse part is around the 2244 and 360 intersection. Traffic in the afternoon starts about 4:30 and probably alot lighter at 7 pm.
It is soooo worth it! The hill country views are great, the school district is worth it, etc. Good luck!

[HMS Pinafore]

Originally Posted by austin_momma

It is soooo worth it! The hill country views are great, the school district is worth it, etc. Good luck!

Wow, I really enjoyed reading these positive posts regarding Lakeway. We will be closing on a home in the end of May in the "Ridge of Alta Vista" neighborhood (not sure if that's technically considered Lakeway or not) and reading these posts gave me a nice secure feeling . We chose this area for the exact same reasons: Schools, scenery, secure investment, and a close demographic resemblance of where we live now; security in the familiar.

[hc123]

Seems the commute is not that bad after all! Whew! Hopefully, we'll be able to find a house here since we LOVED Lakeway!

[angielt]

Originally Posted by HMS Pinafore

Wow, I really enjoyed reading these positive posts regarding Lakeway. We will be closing on a home in the end of May in the "Ridge of Alta Vista" neighborhood (not sure if that's technically considered Lakeway or not) and reading these posts gave me a nice secure feeling . We chose this area for the exact same reasons: Schools, scenery, secure investment, and a close demographic resemblance of where we live now; security in the familiar.

Just so you know the ridge at alta vista is part of Lakeway so make sure you check out the parks and greenbelts that are available to you--i think there are at least 4 greenbelts and 2 or 3 parks (my favorite is the one on lake travis off hurst creek). 4 golf courses, huge tennis center, swim center with skate park and lakeway marina, etc. Of course you have the pool, a couple of tennis courts and fitness center in your section at Alta Vista but there is a lot more on the other side of rr620. Every summer they have fireworks over the water and activies at the park for the whole family. Last summer they had live music at Lakeway Inn out by the pools and it was a mob scene. I use to drive to airport early in the morning at least once a week and i loved seeing the sunrise over the hills and i was energized for the rest of the day. I have lived in lakeway since 1993 and i feel very lucky.