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Austin's Best School Districts: Complete 2025 Guide for Home Buyers (With Prices & Neighborhoods)

Are you searching for the best school districts in Austin, Texas? Whether you're relocating to Austin or planning a move within the city, finding a home in a top-rated school district is often a priority for families. This comprehensive guide breaks down Austin's highest-performing school districts, including current home prices, neighborhood features, and academic achievements for 2025.


best schools in austin


Eanes ISD: Westlake's Premier School District (Austin's Top-Rated Schools)

Why Families Choose Eanes ISD in 2025

  • Average SAT scores well above both state and national averages

  • Nearly 100% graduation rate

  • Strong Advanced Placement (AP) program participation

  • Westlake High School regularly ranks among the top public high schools in Texas


Westlake Real Estate Market Overview

  • Median Home Price: $1.2-2.5 million

  • Popular Westlake Home Styles:

    • Mediterranean-style estates

    • Modern Hill Country homes

    • Updated ranch-style properties from the 1970s and 80s

    • Custom-built luxury homes

  • Westlake Neighborhood Character: Premium Austin suburb offering large lots, mature trees, and winding roads. Many homes feature stunning Hill Country views.

  • Top Eanes ISD Neighborhoods:

    • Lost Creek (family-friendly, established)

    • Barton Creek (luxury golf course community)

    • Rob Roy (exclusive estates)

    • Rollingwood (close to downtown Austin)


Lake Travis ISD: Austin's Premier Lake Community Schools

Lake Travis Educational Excellence

  • "A" rated district with strong STEM programs

  • Award-winning fine arts departments

  • State-championship winning athletic programs

  • High parent satisfaction and community involvement

Lake Travis Area Real Estate Trends

  • Median Home Price: $750,000-1.5 million

  • Lake Travis Home Styles:

    • Waterfront properties

    • Hill Country modern

    • Texas limestone ranches

    • New construction communities

  • Community Features: Resort-style living with Lake Travis access, hiking trails, and outdoor recreation. More spacious lots than closer-in Austin areas.

  • Popular Lake Travis Neighborhoods:

    • Lakeway (established lake community)

    • Spicewood (rural charm, larger lots)

    • Bee Cave (newer development, shopping)

    • The Hills (golf course community)


Round Rock ISD: Austin's Tech Corridor Education Hub

Round Rock Academic Excellence

  • Multiple specialized programs including International Baccalaureate

  • Strong technical and career education options

  • Excellent special education services

  • High rate of college acceptance and scholarship awards

Round Rock Real Estate Market 2025

  • Median Home Price: $450,000-800,000

  • Popular Round Rock Home Styles:

    • Traditional suburban homes

    • Master-planned community properties

    • Garden homes

    • New construction developments

  • Community Features: Family-oriented Austin suburbs with excellent amenities, parks, and shopping centers. Strong tech industry presence near Apple's $1 billion campus.

  • Top Round Rock ISD Neighborhoods:

    • Brushy Creek (established, family-friendly)

    • Avery Ranch (master-planned community)

    • Stone Canyon (newer homes)

    • Walsh Ranch (upscale subdivision)


Austin ISD: Central Austin's Historic School District

AISD Educational Highlights

  • Extensive magnet and specialized programs

  • Rich cultural diversity in Austin's urban core

  • Strong focus on bilingual education

  • Multiple National Blue Ribbon Schools

Central Austin Real Estate Trends

  • Median Home Price: $500,000-1.2 million (varies significantly by area)

  • Signature Austin Home Styles:

    • Historic Austin bungalows

    • Mid-century modern homes

    • Contemporary condos

    • Urban infill homes

  • Neighborhood Character: Authentic Austin charm with a mix of urban and suburban areas, historic districts, and rapidly developing neighborhoods.

  • Most Popular AISD Neighborhoods:

    • Travis Heights (historic Austin charm)

    • Zilker (walkable, central Austin living)

    • Mueller (planned community near downtown)

    • Allandale (established, central Austin location)


Leander ISD: Austin's Fast-Growing Northwest Corridor

Leander's Educational Innovation

  • Consistently high academic performance ratings

  • Modern facilities due to Austin's northwestern expansion

  • Strong emphasis on technology integration

  • Comprehensive gifted and talented programs

Leander Area Real Estate Guide

  • Median Home Price: $400,000-700,000

  • New Austin Suburb Home Styles:

    • New construction homes

    • Modern farmhouse designs

    • Contemporary suburban estates

    • Mixed-use development residences

  • Community Highlights: Newest Austin suburbs offering modern amenities and more square footage for the price compared to central Austin.

  • Leading Leander Neighborhoods:

    • Cedar Park (established Austin suburbs)

    • Crystal Falls (master-planned community)

    • Vista Ridge (new Austin development)

    • Twin Creeks (golf course community)


2024 Austin School District Comparison Guide

Academic Performance Metrics

School District

TEA Rating

Average SAT

College Acceptance Rate

Eanes ISD

A

1320

99%

Lake Travis

A

1280

97%

Round Rock

A

1250

95%

Austin ISD

B

1180

90%

Leander

A

1240

94%

Austin School District Home Buying Guide: Expert Tips for 2025

Location vs. Budget Considerations

  • Closer-in areas (Eanes, central AISD) typically command higher prices but offer shorter Austin commutes

  • Outer areas (Leander, parts of Round Rock) offer more space and newer construction for the price

  • Lake Travis area commands premium prices for lake views and Austin's premier lifestyle

Future Growth Impact on Austin Schools

  • Research planned developments and road expansions

  • Consider how Austin's rapid growth might affect both school crowding and property values

  • Look into district bonds and expansion plans

Investment Potential in Austin School Districts

  • Homes in top Austin school districts typically appreciate faster

  • Areas near new employment centers (tech corridors, medical centers) often see strong value growth

  • Consider upcoming commercial development and infrastructure projects

Austin Lifestyle Factors

  • Commute times to major employers (Dell, Apple, Samsung, downtown Austin)

  • Access to Austin amenities (shopping, restaurants, parks)

  • Community vibe (urban Austin, suburban, or Hill Country living)


Frequently Asked Questions About Austin School Districts

Which Austin school district has the highest test scores in 2025?

Eanes ISD consistently ranks highest in standardized test scores among Austin-area school districts, with average SAT scores significantly above state and national averages.

What is the most affordable Austin neighborhood with good schools?

Areas within Round Rock ISD and Leander ISD offer the most affordable housing options while maintaining high academic standards, with median home prices starting around $400,000-450,000.

Which Austin school districts are best for tech industry families?

Round Rock ISD and Leander ISD are particularly popular among tech industry families due to their proximity to major employers like Apple, Dell, and Samsung, along with strong STEM programs.

How do Austin school district boundaries affect home prices?

Homes within top-rated districts like Eanes ISD typically command 20-30% higher prices than similar homes in other districts, with prices ranging from $1.2-2.5 million.

What are the best private school alternatives in Austin?

While Austin's public school districts excel, notable private schools include St. Andrew's Episcopal, St. Stephen's Episcopal, and Austin Waldorf School, with tuitions ranging from $15,000 to $30,000 annually.

When is the best time to buy a home in Austin's top school districts?

Spring and early summer typically offer the most inventory in Austin's school districts, as families prefer to move between school years. However, competition is also highest during these periods.

School Registration Timeline:

  • December: School choice applications open

  • January: Priority transfer period begins

  • February: New student registration opens

  • March: Most choice program deadlines

  • August: General registration deadline

Expert Tips for Austin School District Home Buyers

Research Strategies

  1. Visit schools during regular hours

  2. Attend school board meetings

  3. Join neighborhood social media groups

  4. Review district improvement plans

  5. Check projected enrollment numbers

Market Timing

  • Spring listing surge (March-May)

  • Summer buying season (June-August)

  • Fall opportunities (September-October)

  • Winter bargains (November-February)

Ready to Find Your Home in Austin's Top School Districts?

Don't navigate Austin's competitive school district real estate market alone. Connect with a local Austin real estate expert who specializes in these high-performing school zones. They can provide the most current information about school boundaries, upcoming developments, and available homes in your preferred districts.


Last Updated: January 2024. Please note that school ratings and real estate prices in Austin change frequently. Contact us for the most current information.

 

We are delighted to be your guides to Austin and Austin real estate!


Cheers,

Jen & the team


Jen Berbas Austin Texas







 © 2025 Berbas Group. All rights reserved.

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