Why Families Are Calling Lakeway, Texas Home

If Austin is an oasis in Texas, then Lakeway should be considered a paradise within the oasis.

Lakeway is a city of 15,000 people about 20 minutes west of Texas' capital city. With rolling hills, lakes, and nearly a dozen parks, it's no wonder so many people want to call Lakeway home.

Schools - kids in Lakeway attend Lake Travis Independent School District, an acclaimed school district known around the state. Elementary schools are never far from home, and the community rallies around Lake Travis High School, the only high school in the district. Lake Travis High School's football team has won the championship two years running.

Homes - the median home price in Lakeway is north of $350,000, but starter and garden homes can be purchased in the $200s. There are also apartments and retirement homes in the area as well as more affordably priced condominiums. Expect to pay $1 million or more for water front homes. Homes in the area range from a couple decades old to brand new. One of the major new developments is Rough Hollow, a luxury community of 1,800 acres. Rough Hollow features custom homes and inventory homes ranging from $300,000 to over $3 million.

Outdoors - home to nearly a dozen parks, including a lakefront oasis called City Park, Lakeway is an outdoor lover's dream. The city even has a skate park for kids to hang out. Lakeway is situated on Lake Travis', which is Austin's biggest lake. There are a number of marinas and boat shops in the Lakeway area. There are also a number of public golf courses and a city swimming pool for the kids. Lakeway is home to the yearly FedEx-Kinko's Golf Classic. Hamilton Pool, a beautiful natural swimming pool, is only a short drive away.

Dining and shopping - Lakeway residents don't need to drive into Austin for fine dining and shopping. In fact, many people in Austin make the short drive to Lakeway to dine at its many good restaurants. One of the more popular attractions is Ciola's, an excellent Italian restaurant. Many people make the trip for one of Lakeway's many lakefront restaurants, too. One of the area's most famous restaurants, The Oasis, is just minutes away. The Oasis is famous for stunning views of Lake Travis from its many hillside decks.

There are a number of boutiques and other stores within the city, and the new Hill Country Galleria mall (and movie theater) are just a few minutes away. Many of the stores in Lakeway are locally owned. There's a large grocery store within the city limits and another one just moments away near the Hill Country Galleria.

Medical - although just minutes away from world-class medical care, Lakeway will soon be home to two large medical centers. The Lakeway Regional Medical Center is under construction and should be completed in 2010.

Families - It used to be that Lakeway was where people called home when they retired. Not anymore. The city boasts a mix of retirees, families, and young professionals.