Recommend Lakeway neighborhoods please (Austin, Hudson: 2014, appliances, homes)

[hts]

Considering a relo from Phx to Austin (Lakeway area).

Have two young sons (5/7th graders) and even though I believe both Westlake and Westwood are superior academically to LT High, I think we'd all be happiest in the Lakeway area. Want to make sure we're in Lake Travis Middle School boundaries for our rising 6th grader as I believe it's superior to Hudson Bend. Budget is around $600k or so. We're used to 4500 sq ft homes, but would be willing to downsize. My primary concern is that we're in a nice neighborhood of similar families (we currently live in a N. Phoenix country club and demographically it's not a good fit--lots of retirees, snowbirds, etc.).

Thanks!

[hoffdano]

Originally Posted by hts

Considering a relo from Phx to Austin (Lakeway area).

Have two young sons (5/7th graders) and even though I believe both Westlake and Westwood are superior academically to LT High, I think we'd all be happiest in the Lakeway area. Want to make sure we're in Lake Travis Middle School boundaries for our rising 6th grader as I believe it's superior to Hudson Bend. Budget is around $600k or so. We're used to 4500 sq ft homes, but would be willing to downsize. My primary concern is that we're in a nice neighborhood of similar families (we currently live in a N. Phoenix country club and demographically it's not a good fit--lots of retirees, snowbirds, etc.).

Thanks!

I will assume you really mean the Lake Travis area rather than Lakeway itself, which is a very specific incorporated city and subdivision. Lakeway is of course a candidate, as are areas such as Falconhead, Lakepointe, Uplands, Rough Hollow, and several others all in the Lake Travis ISD. Your budget should be sufficient to find something very nice for your family.

My personal opinion on the middle schools is that you are splitting hairs between Hudson Bend and LTMS. Hudson Bend has a slightly different demographic mix and that changes the results measured by standard tests. Otherwise the schools are of similar quality. I would have no second thoughts about sending my children to HBMS instead of LTMS. The student bodies all join in LTHS. School boundaries may shift slightly in the next few years since HB is being expanded now and a new LTMS is beginning construction (scheduled to open fall 2014). The old LTMS will become part of LTHS.

For reference, all of my kids started and finished K-12 in LTISD. I think very highly overall of the school district. I also have lived in the LT area for over 20 years.

I suggest you consider the type of community you want. Check into HOAs. Some dictate your energy source (propane) and even require gas appliances. Some have significant annual fees. Lakeway doesn't have an HOA, but city ordinances instead place some controls on your choices.