As you drive up along Highway 360 on the west side of Austin, a hilly area unfolds with a view of the downtown skyline. This area, known as Westlake Hills, is considered one of the premier upscale residential neighborhoods in the Austin metropolitan area.

Westlake Hills is part of the Eanes Independent School District (Eanes ISD), which consistently receives high ratings within Texas. The median home price is estimated to be around $2 million, and properties with views of the Colorado River and Hill Country often exceed $3 million.

Adjacent areas such as Rollingwood and Tarrytown, located south of Town Lake, are also mentioned. Rollingwood is a small municipality with median prices ranging from $1.7 million to $2 million, while Tarrytown is one of the oldest affluent neighborhoods in Austin, featuring homes with nearly a century of history.

The Rob Roy area near Lake Travis is also noteworthy. Developed as a gated community, it primarily features large homes with lake views, with many properties exceeding $2 million. Recent market trends show a clear influence of high-income tech professionals moving into the area, often referred to as Silicon Hills.

The background for these neighborhoods becoming affluent is the combination of school districts and natural scenery. The high academic achievement of Eanes ISD and the geographical features surrounding the Hill Country and Colorado River have long attracted high-income households.

The overall median home price in the city of Austin is reported to be around $550,000 to $600,000, which highlights the significant price gap of more than three times for areas like Westlake Hills or Rob Roy. This serves as a prime example of how prices can vary greatly even within the same Austin living area, depending on school district boundaries.

Among Korean households, Round Rock or Cedar Park to the north of Austin are more familiar as residential areas. However, there has been a gradual increase in inquiries about living in Westlake or Tarrytown, particularly among Korean families working in the tech industry. It is important to consider that the high premiums for school districts and land create a significant barrier to entry.

Ultimately, Austin's affluent neighborhoods can be seen as areas where price increases have continued alongside the growth of the tech industry. Whether for investment or residence, understanding the school district boundaries and river view availability will be key to grasping this region.