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Living in Texas
Austin is one of the fastest-growing cities for millionaires in the country, with that population increasing by 110% over the last decade alone. So where are all these high-net-worth residents putting down roots? The answer is a handful of carefully curated communities that blend luxury living with that unmistakable Texas Hill Country character — gated estates, historic architecture, top-rated schools, and scenic views that make you feel a world away even when downtown is just minutes out.
Here's a detailed look at five of Austin's wealthiest neighborhoods, what sets each one apart, and what you can expect to pay to live there.
Located a short drive southwest of downtown Austin, Barton Creek is the neighborhood you picture when someone says "exclusive Austin living." With just over 7,100 residents and a median household income of $230,500, it ranks among the most affluent communities in the city.
Barton Creek is built around privacy, prestige, and the great outdoors. Gated communities define the landscape here, and the neighborhood is home to several world-class golf courses designed by celebrated architects Tom Fazio and Ben Crenshaw. The Barton Creek Golf Club serves as a social anchor for the community — offering upscale dining, a full spa, and a comprehensive fitness center.
Residents also have access to the Barton Creek Resort and Spa, which brings a genuine resort-living feel to everyday life with rejuvenating treatments, gourmet dining, and exclusive events.
Nature is front and center here. The Barton Creek Greenbelt offers miles of scenic trails and stunning limestone cliffs — a favorite for hikers, bikers, and anyone who loves getting outside. Homes are designed to take full advantage of these surroundings, featuring large windows, open floor plans, and expansive outdoor living spaces.
You'll find a mix of new construction alongside traditional architecture on larger lots with sweeping Hill Country views and serious privacy.
Situated just 6 miles west of downtown Austin, West Lake Hills is technically its own city — complete with its own building codes and city ordinances that prioritize preserving the natural environment. That commitment to conservation is part of what makes this community so special. The population is just over 3,000 residents, and the median household income is $210,000.
The views here are the real headline. Perched in the hills above Lake Austin, many homes offer sweeping panoramas of the lake and the Austin city skyline. The architecture ranges from modern newly constructed estates to sprawling traditional Texas mansions — all designed to frame those views with large windows and open floor plans that blur the line between indoors and out.
High-end amenities abound: Westwood Country Club and Austin Country Club offer golf, tennis, and fine dining for residents who want the club lifestyle. For nature lovers, the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve adds 227 acres of trails and wildlife sanctuary right on the edge of town, and Redbud Isle — a 17-acre park nestled in Lady Bird Lake — is a local gem for hiking, kayaking, and biking.
For everyday needs, residents enjoy easy access to Barton Creek Square and the Hill Country Galleria, along with a strong dining scene ranging from gourmet restaurants to neighborhood cafes.
At these price points, you're not just buying a house — you're buying a lifestyle. Properties regularly feature private pools, guest houses, lush landscaping, smart home technology, and gated entrances.
Located just west of downtown Austin, Tarrytown is where history meets modern-day desirability. The neighborhood is known for its beautifully preserved homes, tree-lined streets, high-end boutiques, and an excellent food scene. With a population of around 1,900 and a median income of $186,600, it's a smaller, tighter-knit community that punches well above its weight.
Walking through Tarrytown feels like stepping back in time — in the best possible way. Many homes date back to the 1930s and 1940s, with architectural styles ranging from Colonial Revival and Craftsman to contemporary designs. Large lots, mature trees, manicured gardens, and welcoming front porches define the streetscape, and the neighborhood takes preservation seriously.
With close proximity to Lake Austin, residents enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, and boating as regular weekend activities. Reed Park offers playgrounds, walking trails, and picnic areas, while Mayfield Park and Nature Preserve provides peaceful gardens and hiking trails. And Deep Eddy Pool — the oldest pool in Texas — sits right in the neighborhood, with water that stays around 68–70°F year-round.
The local dining and coffee scene is a genuine draw. Mozart's Coffee on Lake Austin is a must-visit, especially during the holiday season when their light show transforms the waterfront. Restaurants like Good Food (yes, that's its name) and 68° round out a neighborhood food scene that residents are genuinely proud of.
The annual Tarrytown 4th of July Parade and Easter Egg Hunt are beloved traditions that capture the community's close-knit spirit.
The wide price range makes Tarrytown one of the more accessible entries on this list — at least at the lower end — while still offering the character and community that define a truly great Austin neighborhood.
Pemberton Heights sits just 2.3 miles north of downtown Austin — close enough to walk or bike to some of the city's best attractions, yet peaceful enough to feel like a true retreat. The neighborhood is part of the Old West Austin National Register Historic District, making it one of Austin's most architecturally significant communities.
The homes here are genuinely remarkable. Architectural styles include Colonial Revival, Spanish Colonial Revival, Italian Renaissance, Prairie School, and Tudor — each reflecting a different layer of Austin's architectural history. Tree-lined streets and meticulously maintained gardens create an environment that feels curated without being sterile.
Many of these historic homes have been thoughtfully updated to meet modern living standards while retaining their original character, which is exactly what makes them so sought after.
One of the neighborhood's standout features is its proximity to Shoal Creek Greenbelt, which offers scenic walking and biking trails and serves as a natural green corridor through the heart of the city. The nearby Clarksville Historic District adds boutique shopping, unique dining, and charming cafes just steps away.
Education follows the same feeder pattern as Tarrytown: Casis Elementary, O. Henry Middle School, and Austin High School through Austin ISD.
For buyers who want historic character, urban walkability, and architectural distinction — all without sacrificing proximity to downtown — Pemberton Heights is one of Austin's best-kept secrets.
If Pemberton Heights felt close to downtown at 2.3 miles, Old Enfield takes it a step further at just 1.7 miles from the city center. This is one of Austin's oldest neighborhoods and one of its most beloved. It blends the styling of an English countryside with the sophistication of contemporary Austin living.
Old Enfield's homes are works of art. Architectural styles like Italian Renaissance and Spanish Eclectic line tree-canopied streets that evoke a sense of nostalgia and permanence. Many homes date to the early 20th century and have been beautifully preserved.
The neighborhood is rich with green space. Pease Park — with its extensive trails, playgrounds, and picnic areas — is a community favorite. Lady Bird Lake, just to the south, provides kayaking, paddleboarding, and scenic lakeside walks. These outdoor amenities are a major reason residents feel such a strong bond with this community.
For dining, one local institution stands out: Swedish Hill Bakery, a neighborhood staple beloved for its consistency and quality. And when you want more variety, downtown Austin's full dining and entertainment scene is literally minutes away.
Old Enfield is served by Austin ISD through the same feeder schools as Tarrytown and Pemberton Heights, and the neighborhood is known for active civic engagement — block parties, community service projects, and a genuine sense of neighborly connection.
Old Enfield offers one of the most accessible entry points into Austin's historic luxury market, with a price floor that makes it attainable for a broader range of buyers while still offering the architecture, community, and location that define elite Austin living.
Austin's wealthiest neighborhoods each have a distinct personality, and the right fit depends on what matters most to your lifestyle.
What all five share is a commitment to quality — in homes, schools, amenities, and community life. That's why Austin's growing millionaire class keeps gravitating toward these addresses, and why they continue to hold their value in one of the country's most dynamic real estate markets.
Expert in: Living in Texas
Austin real estate expert helping families find their perfect home in the Texas Hill Country.
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