Westlake, Texas

Tarrant County · Northeast Tarrant · Adjacent to Southlake

Living in Westlake, Texas

The complete family relocation guide, Carroll ISD, Westlake Academy, ultra-luxury neighborhoods, corporate campuses, and everything an informed family needs to decide.

~1,500 Population ACS 2023 5-yr est. · one of DFW's smallest towns
~$4.9M Median SFR Price NTREIS · ultra-luxury market · thin inventory
A+ School Rating Carroll ISD + Westlake Academy · Niche 2025
14 min To DFW Airport ~14 miles via TX-114 E · fastest access in DFW
1.30–1.46% Base Tax Rate Varies by ISD zone, Carroll vs Keller · 2024 certified
B Safety (Niche) Safer than 68% of Texas cities · low absolute crime count
Family Score
77  /100
Affordability Score
44  /100
Niche.com City Grades ·

Family Score = schools (35%) + safety (30%) + community (10%) + commute (15%) + market stability (10%), normalized 0–100 for readability · Affordability Score = price-to-income ratio + school quality per dollar + price vs. metro avg · Sub-scores on a 0–10 scale · Niche grades refreshed annually each fall

Kristen Carpentier, DFW Family Relocation Specialist
"Westlake is genuinely unlike any other suburb in DFW, it's a town of about 1,500 people that happens to have three of the best corporate campuses in the country right inside it. And Westlake Academy is one of the only public K–12 IB schools in Texas. Families who find their way here are usually very deliberate about that choice, and the trade-offs are real: you're getting unmatched schools and privacy, and you're giving up price flexibility and a traditional neighborhood feel. If it fits your life, nothing else in North Texas comes close."

Kristen Carpentier is a licensed Texas Realtor® and DFW family relocation specialist, brokered by eXp Realty. She's a mom of four who has helped hundreds of families relocating from California, New York, Illinois, and across the U.S. navigate the most important real estate decision of their family's life.

(602) 405-4115  ·  Kristen@whymovetodallas.com  ·  TREC #760457

$250K+
Median Income
39%
HH w/ Kids
47 yrs
Median Age
98%
Owner Occupied
76%
Bachelor's+
43%
Work From Home
31 min
Median Commute

U.S. Census Bureau ACS 5-Year Estimates, 2023. Note: Census income is top-coded at $250,001, actual median exceeds this figure.


Getting Your Bearings

Where Is Westlake, Texas?

Westlake sits in northeastern Tarrant County, tucked between Southlake to the east, Keller to the west, and Trophy Club to the northwest. It covers roughly 6.5 square miles and shares borders with some of the most sought-after communities in the Metroplex. Texas Highway 114 runs through the southern edge, providing quick, direct access to DFW International Airport to the east and downtown Fort Worth to the west, making Westlake one of the rare DFW suburbs that's genuinely equidistant to both city cores.

What sets Westlake apart geographically isn't just its location, it's what's inside those 6.5 square miles. Circle T Ranch, a 2,500-acre mixed-use master-planned development anchored by Hillwood, houses the Fidelity Investments campus (5,000+ employees), the Charles Schwab corporate headquarters, and Deloitte University, one of the most notable executive training facilities in the country. Residents of Westlake live, quite literally, next to Fortune 500 campuses surrounded by open landscape, longhorn cattle, and manicured estate neighborhoods. That's an unusual combination anywhere in DFW.

Commute Times from Central Westlake

DFW International Airport 14 min ~14 miles · Via TX-114 E, one of the closest residential communities to DFW Airport in all of North Texas
Downtown Fort Worth 27 min ~23 miles · Via TX-114 W / I-30 W, Sundance Square, TCU Medical District, corporate Fort Worth
Southlake / Charles Schwab HQ 10 min ~5 miles · Via Dove Rd / SH-114, Schwab's Westlake campus is on your doorstep; Southlake Town Square dining & retail is minutes away
Downtown Dallas 32 min ~31 miles · Via TX-114 E / I-35E, Uptown, Arts District, financial district; manageable when avoiding rush hour
Las Colinas / Irving 20 min ~18 miles · Via TX-114 E, ExxonMobil, Celanese, Kimberly-Clark, and major Las Colinas employers
Plano / Legacy West 35 min ~33 miles · Via TX-114 E / SH-121 N, Toyota HQ, JPMorgan Chase, Liberty Mutual corridor; doable but not a short commute
Frisco / The Star 35 min ~33 miles · Via TX-114 E / SH-121 N, Cowboys HQ, T-Mobile, PGA Frisco; honest distance for those considering west-side living near east-side jobs
NAS Fort Worth JRB 26 min ~22 miles · Via TX-114 W, relevant for military families; Westlake's DFW Airport proximity also aids frequent travel for PCS and TDY
No public transit, a car is non-negotiable. Westlake has no DART, no TEXRail, no bus service of any kind. Every household needs at least one vehicle, and two-vehicle households are the norm here. The trade-off is the airport proximity: if your life involves frequent air travel, corporate, military, or otherwise, Westlake's 14-minute run to DFW Terminal D is legitimately one of the best commute advantages in North Texas.

Education

Westlake's Three School Options

Westlake is one of the few communities in Texas where families choose between three genuinely elite school options, and which one their kids attend depends entirely on where in Westlake they purchase. The eastern portion of town (Glenwyck Farms, Terra Bella, and most of the core residential areas) falls within Carroll ISD, consistently ranked the #1 school district in Texas. The western portion, including the Vaquero community, sits within Keller ISD, a well-regarded district in its own right. And every Westlake resident is eligible to apply to Westlake Academy, a public, tuition-free K–12 school offering the full International Baccalaureate curriculum, operated directly by the Town of Westlake.

TEA Rating
A
95 / 100 · Carroll ISD (2024–25)
Niche Grade
A+
Overall · Carroll ISD (2025)
GreatSchools
10/10
Westlake Academy · Summary
Graduation Rate
99.7%
Carroll ISD · 2024–25

Carroll ISD: #1 in Texas

All 11 campuses earned A ratings from TEA in both 2023–24 and 2024–25. District score of 95/100, highest in Region 11. 88% of students meet or exceed grade level (state avg: 50%). Graduation rate 99.7%. Serves Glenwyck Farms, Terra Bella, and eastern Westlake.

Westlake Academy: Public IB K–12

One of the only public, tuition-free K–12 schools in Texas offering the full IB curriculum (PYP, MYP, Diploma). 888 students. Niche A+, GreatSchools 10/10. Average ACT 30, SAT 1340. 95% graduation rate. Lottery admission, apply early, waitlist is competitive.

ISD Zoning Is Address-Specific

Carroll ISD serves eastern Westlake; Keller ISD serves western Westlake (including Vaquero). All residents may apply to Westlake Academy via lottery. Verify your specific address at southlakecarroll.edu or kellerisd.net before making any offer.

Key Campuses: Carroll ISD (Eastern Westlake Feeder)

Campus Level TEA 2024–25 Known For
Carroll Senior High School 9–12 A Dragon athletics (multiple state titles), rigorous AP program, 99%+ graduation rate, top SAT/ACT scores in Texas
Carroll Middle School 6–8 A Award-winning fine arts, strong athletics feeder, IB preparation track, active parent community
Durham Intermediate 5 A Transition-focused campus connecting elementary to middle school; STEM and fine arts offerings
Walnut Grove Elementary K–4 A Primary Westlake elementary feeder for Carroll ISD; known for strong parent engagement and academic programming
Westlake Academy K–12 A Public IB charter, open to all Westlake residents via lottery; all three IB programmes (PYP, MYP, Diploma)
Kristen's advice: Westlake's school situation is genuinely complex, you have three strong options and the "right" one depends on where in town you buy, whether you get a Westlake Academy lottery spot, and what your family values most (IB curriculum, traditional Carroll Dragon experience, or Keller ISD's broader program). Verify your specific address at the district website before making any offer. I check ISD zoning on every property I show in Westlake, call me before you fall in love with a house.

Carroll ISD Attendance Zones →  ·  Westlake Academy Admissions →

Compare Carroll ISD vs. All 36 DFW Districts →

Niche Category Grades: Carroll ISD

Academics A+ College Prep A+ Teachers A+ Sports A+ Clubs A+ Good for Families A+ Diversity B Resources B+

Source: Niche.com — Carroll ISD Profile (2025)


Where to Live

Best Neighborhoods in Westlake for Families

Westlake has no apartment complexes, no starter-home subdivisions, and no "affordable" entry point, the town is almost entirely composed of gated estate communities. Every neighborhood here is luxury by definition. The meaningful distinctions come down to community feel (golf-and-club lifestyle vs. wooded privacy), lot size (1–5+ acres vs. standard estate), ISD zone (Carroll vs. Keller), and price tier ($2M entry vs. $5M+ custom). Here's the honest breakdown of the town's main residential communities.

Search Current Westlake Listings →

$3M–$8M+ · Guard-Gated Golf Community

Vaquero

The signature Westlake community, approximately 298 homes spread across 525 acres surrounding a private Tom Fazio-designed golf course. Vaquero Club offers invitation-only membership with golf, tennis, a fishing lake, resort dining, and concierge services. Developed by Discovery Land Company starting in 2001. Sits within Keller ISD, but Westlake Academy is available via lottery. The most recognizable address in Westlake and one of the most exclusive in all of DFW.

Guard-GatedTom Fazio GolfPrivate ClubKeller ISD / WLA option525 Acres
$2M–$5M+ · Wooded Estate Enclave

Glenwyck Farms

Eighty-two one-acre wooded estate lots in a private setting with mature trees, natural ponds, and a community running trail, one of the most genuinely tranquil neighborhoods in the Metroplex. Built-out community with very limited resale inventory; new-build opportunities are essentially nonexistent. Carroll ISD zoning throughout. Popular with families who want privacy, space, and access to Carroll schools without the mandatory club membership of Vaquero.

82 Wooded LotsNatural PondsRunning TrailCarroll ISD1-Acre Lots
$3M–$7M+ · New Custom Construction

Terra Bella

The newest residential community in Westlake, a 28-lot, 54.7-acre gated development with a dedicated 22.6-acre open space and nature preserve with hike-and-bike trails woven throughout. If you want a true custom-build opportunity in Westlake today, Terra Bella is the primary option. Carroll ISD zoning. Lots are generous; the preserve makes this the most nature-integrated of Westlake's communities. Limited inventory by design.

28 Custom Lots22-Acre PreserveHike & Bike TrailCarroll ISDGated
$2M–$4M+ · Ultra-Private Enclave

Paigebrooke & Aspen Lane

Paigebrooke is an 8-lot private subdivision where every home has a pond view, exceptionally rare and private even by Westlake standards. Aspen Lane features estate lots of five-plus acres, offering the most rural and expansive setting in town. Both communities offer extreme privacy and low-traffic character. If acreage and seclusion matter more than a private club, these are worth knowing about. Carroll or Keller ISD depending on address, verify before making an offer.

8-Lot EnclavePond Views5+ Acre LotsVerify ISD ZoneExtreme Privacy

Not seeing what you're looking for? Westlake's inventory is genuinely thin, only about 24 homes sell per year across the entire town. Many of the best properties are sold quietly before hitting the MLS. Call me before you start searching online — the off-market network matters here more than anywhere else in DFW.


Market & Money

Cost of Living: Westlake vs. Where You're Coming From

Westlake is not a value-per-square-foot play, it's an elite-schools, ultimate-privacy, tax-efficiency play for a specific buyer profile. The median home price of ~$4.9M exceeds even San Francisco Bay Area medians, so the "cost of living" comparison works differently here than it does for most DFW suburbs. The financial argument for Westlake is almost entirely about income tax savings for high earners and the school premium that would otherwise be paid for private education.

Category San Francisco Bay Area New York Metro Chicago Suburbs Westlake, TX
Median Home Price ~$1.3M ~$750K–$1.1M ~$380K–$550K ~$4.9M (ultra-luxury)
State Income Tax 9.3%+ (up to 13.3%) 4–6.85% state + NYC tax 4.95% flat $0, No state income tax
Property Tax Rate ~1.1–1.2% (Prop 13 capped) ~1.5–2.5% ~2.0–3.5% 1.30% (Carroll) · 1.46% (Keller)
Tax on a $3M Home ~$33K–$36K/yr (Prop 13 value may be lower) ~$45K–$75K/yr ~$60K–$105K/yr ~$39K–$44K/yr
School Quality Variable; top publics require premium zip codes or private school ($35K–$60K/yr) Private schools dominate at $40K–$65K/yr Strong suburban publics; top districts competitive Carroll ISD #1 in TX + free public IB (Westlake Academy)
Avg. Commute 45–90+ min 45–90+ min 40–70+ min 14 min to DFW Airport · 27 min to Ft Worth
Avg. Tax Burden ~13–16% of income ~14–17% of income ~11–14% of income ~6–9% of income (no state income tax)
The income tax math for Westlake buyers: Households earning $500,000/year in California pay roughly $45,000+ in state income tax. At $1M income, that exceeds $100,000 annually. In Texas, that's $0. For the buyer profile typical of Westlake, C-suite executives, financial services professionals, founders, and high earners working at the adjacent corporate campuses, the no-income-tax advantage often covers a meaningful portion of annual carrying costs. Add the elimination of private school tuition (Carroll ISD is free), and the math shifts significantly from what the sticker price suggests.

Property Tax Breakdown: Westlake (Tarrant County)

Taxing Entity Carroll ISD Zone Keller ISD Zone Notes
ISD Rate~$0.9294 / $100~$1.0852 / $100Carroll ISD has lower rate than Keller ISD
Town of Westlake$0.1850 / $100$0.1850 / $100Same town rate regardless of ISD zone
Tarrant County~$0.2240 / $100~$0.2240 / $100Same county rate
Hospital / Other~$0.14 / $100~$0.14 / $100JPS Health Network + other taxing entities
Base Total~$1.30 / $100~$1.46 / $100On a $4M home: ~$52K (Carroll) or ~$58K/yr (Keller)

Rates are 2024 certified. Texas homestead exemption applies ($40,000 off assessed value for primary residence). Always confirm current rates and ISD zone for a specific address. Source: Texas Comptroller · Tarrant County Tax Office.


Employment

Major Employers In and Near Westlake

Westlake is one of the few DFW suburbs where major Fortune 500 campuses exist inside town limits. Circle T Ranch, a 2,500-acre master-planned development anchored by Hillwood, houses the Fidelity Investments regional campus (5,000+ employees), the Charles Schwab corporate headquarters, and Deloitte University. Residents can, quite literally, walk or bike to work at some of the largest financial services firms in the country.

In Westlake

EmployerIndustry
Fidelity InvestmentsFinancial Services (~5,000+ on campus)
Charles Schwab HQFinancial Services (corporate HQ, 2,500+)
Deloitte UniversityProfessional Services / Executive Training
Marriott Solana HotelHospitality / Conference Center
Hillwood (Perot)Real Estate Development / Asset Management

Nearby Corridor (5–30 min)

EmployerIndustry
Sabre Corporation HQTravel Technology (Southlake, ~5 min)
NokiaTechnology / Telecom (Southlake, ~8 min)
American Airlines Group HQAviation (Fort Worth, ~27 min · 13,000+ HQ)
Bell TextronAerospace / Defense (Fort Worth, ~30 min)
Alcon LaboratoriesMedical Devices (Fort Worth, ~25 min)
USAA Regional OfficeInsurance / Financial Services (~20 min)
For Fidelity and Schwab employees relocating to DFW, Westlake is the obvious candidate, no commute required. I regularly work with financial services professionals from both campuses finding their first Texas home. If you're coming for work at one of these campuses, I can walk you through the Vaquero vs. Glenwyck Farms vs. Terra Bella decision in detail based on your ISD preference and commute needs.

Family Life

What Life Actually Looks Like in Westlake

Vaquero Club

Westlake's private membership community features the Vaquero Club, a gated golf and social enclave with a PGA-caliber course, equestrian facilities, tennis, resort-style pool, and club dining. A luxury lifestyle without ever leaving your neighborhood.

Southlake Town Square: 5 min

Westlake itself has no commercial district, and doesn't need one. Southlake Town Square is a 5-minute drive: walkable open-air retail, Whole Foods, dozens of restaurants, a luxury movie theater, weekly farmers market, and year-round event programming.

Bob Jones & Bear Creek Trails

Bob Jones Nature Center (Southlake, 5 min) offers 738 acres of forested trails and wildlife habitat. Keller's Bear Creek Park, Southlake's Bicentennial Park, and Trophy Club Park are all within 10 minutes. Genuine outdoor access from an estate setting.

Westlake Academy Arts & IB Culture

Westlake Academy's full K–12 IB curriculum creates an intellectual community throughout the town. Fine arts, music, theater, and inquiry-based learning define student life here, and that energy shapes the broader neighborhood character in a way that's uncommon in DFW suburbs.

14 Minutes to DFW Airport

Westlake has DFW's best residential runway to the airport. For C-suite executives, consultants, and military families managing frequent travel, the ability to leave home at 7:45am for an 8:55am flight is genuinely rare in suburban DFW.

Small-Town Intimacy

With ~1,500 residents and no commercial development inside the town proper, Westlake functions more like a private estate community. Neighbors know each other. HOA culture is active. Town events are intimate. This is what people who've outgrown "big suburb energy" actually want.

The honest tradeoff: Westlake's lifestyle is exceptional, but it's outsourced. You'll drive to Southlake or Keller for groceries, dinner, coffee, and kids' activities. The town itself is quiet by design. Families who thrive here want the private, estate-like feel and are comfortable car-centric. If walkable neighborhood energy matters to your family's daily rhythm, Southlake is a better fit for the main residence.

Getting Outside

Recreation, Walkability & Outdoor Life

Westlake is a car-dependent community, a Walk Score of 49 reflects that honestly. No sidewalk grid, no commercial walkability, no public transit. What it offers is access: within 10 minutes you can reach some of North Texas's best outdoor spaces, and private community amenities (Vaquero Club, neighborhood pools) compensate for what the public infrastructure lacks.

Walkability & Transportation Scores

49
Walk Score®
Car-Dependent, daily errands require a car. The town has limited sidewalks and no commercial zones. Southlake Town Square (5 min) provides the walkable retail experience.
36
Bike Score®
Somewhat Bikeable, limited infrastructure within Westlake itself, but connections to Southlake's trail network make recreational cycling practical.
N/A
Transit Score®
No public transit of any kind. Every household needs at least one vehicle; two-car households are the norm. DFW Airport is 14 minutes for air travel.

Scores reflect Westlake's overall character. Source: Walk Score® Walk Score

Parks, Trails & Green Space

Westlake has limited public park infrastructure, the town's character is intentionally low-density and undeveloped. Circle T Ranch preserves open space with natural landscape, longhorn cattle, and ranch-style land woven between corporate campuses. For structured parks and trails, residents rely on adjacent communities.

Bob Jones Nature Center (Southlake)

738-acre nature preserve with 4+ miles of forested hiking and mountain biking trails, a nature education center, and meadow habitats. One of the finest preserved natural areas in Northeast Tarrant County, 5 minutes from central Westlake.

Bear Creek Park (Keller)

Keller's flagship park, athletic fields, splash pad, miles of connected trails, and picnic areas. Connected to the Bear Creek Greenbelt corridor. About 8 minutes from Westlake via Ottinger Road.

Southlake Bicentennial Park

9 acres with playgrounds, tennis courts, sand volleyball, a pavilion, and trail connections. Hosts a Saturday farmers market during spring and fall. One of Southlake's most-used community parks, 5 minutes from Westlake.

Trophy Club Park & Lake Grapevine

Trophy Club Park sits on Lake Grapevine's shoreline, fishing, kayaking, and boating access for families with waterfront interests. Roanoke's developing trail network adds additional options within 10–15 minutes.

Recreation Centers & Facilities

FacilityWhat's InsideDistance / Notes
Vaquero Club (Private) Golf, equestrian, tennis, pool, club dining Inside Westlake, members only; included for Vaquero homeowners
Southlake YMCA Fitness, pools, youth programs, group classes, basketball ~5 min · Family memberships ~$80–100/mo · Most Westlake families use this as their primary rec facility
Keller Community Center Fitness equipment, aerobics, multi-purpose courts ~8 min · City-operated, affordable rates
Carroll Senior HS Aquatic Center Competition and recreational pools, swim lessons ~7 min · Carroll ISD students + community off-hours access
Trophy Club Country Club Two golf courses, pool, tennis, dining ~10 min · Membership club; popular secondary option for Westlake families

Youth Sports & Activities

Westlake Academy fields competitive athletic teams in Carroll ISD regional competition. Families typically enroll kids in leagues through adjacent Southlake or Keller city programs, both systems are excellent.

Carroll ISD Dragon Athletics Southlake Youth Lacrosse Keller Soccer Association Carroll ISD Swim / Dive Westlake Academy IB Sports Southlake YMCA Leagues Junior Golf (Trophy Club CC) Equestrian (Vaquero Club) Lake Grapevine Kayaking / Sailing
Parent reality check: Westlake has no public recreation center, no community pool, and no organized city parks system to speak of. Private amenities inside gated communities (Vaquero's club, neighborhood pools) fill the gap for those residents. For families outside those gates, Southlake's and Keller's systems become your primary recreational infrastructure, which is excellent, but always requires driving.

See the Full Westlake Activities Guide →


Crime & Safety

How Safe Is Westlake?

Westlake is a very safe community. A town of ~1,500 people with gated enclaves, private security in some neighborhoods, and essentially no commercial traffic through the residential core means absolute crime numbers are extremely low. Niche rates it B for crime and safety, lower than neighboring Southlake and Carroll ISD communities, primarily because of small sample size, not any meaningful crime concern. A single incident in a 1,500-person town can move per-capita statistics significantly.

~2.7
Violent crimes per 1,000 residents
(U.S. avg: ~4.0)
~16
Property crimes per 1,000 residents
(Texas avg: 22.4)
B
Niche Crime & Safety Grade
Small sample, statistical noise, not risk

Sources: Niche Crime & Safety · NeighborhoodScout · Westlake DPS. Note: In very small communities, one or two incidents can produce outsized per-capita rates — interpret the B grade accordingly.


Real Estate

Westlake Real Estate Market: What to Expect

Typical $400K to $700K $670K ≈ 1,562 sq ft · $429/sq ft 0% of sales · 0 closed
Most homes sell here Luxury $1M and up $5.1M ≈ 7,196 sq ft · $703/sq ft 100% of sales · 26 closed

In Westlake, the heart of the market is the luxury band: 100% of homes sold in the past year landed at $1M and up, where a median of about $5.1M buys roughly 7,196 square feet. True entry-level inventory under $400K is scarce here. About 100% of sales were $700K or more, so move-up and luxury buyers have real selection. Price per square foot climbs from about $429 at the entry level to $703 at the top, which is what you are paying for in larger lots, newer builds, and higher finish levels.

Median Sale Price

$5.06M

12-month rolling avg · single-family

Average Sale Price

$4.87M

12-month rolling avg · single-family

Price per Sq Ft

$703

Median · 12-month rolling

Sale to Original List

91.9%

12-month rolling · share of original list price

Days on Market

98 days

Median · 12-month rolling

Months Supply

15.7 mo.

Buyer market · 12-month

Active Inventory

40

Current active supply · single-family

Closed Sales

26

12-month total · single-family

A few more numbers worth knowing if you are weighing an offer in Westlake. Over the trailing 12 months, single-family homes sold for a median of $5.06M and an average of $4.87M, which works out to about $703 per square foot. Homes here sold for roughly 91.9% of their original list price, which gives you a sense of how much room buyers have typically had to negotiate. As of the latest data, about 40 single-family homes were actively listed. These are NTREIS figures (the price metrics are 12-month rolling, inventory is current active supply), and your own price per square foot and negotiating room will vary by neighborhood, age of home, and finish level.

Source: NTREIS via 10K Research · All figures are 12-month rolling periods · Updated April 2026

Demand Read Buyer-friendlier
Months Supply
15.7 mo.
Ample supply
Days on Market
98 days
Slower to sell
Sale to Original List
91.9%
Room to negotiate
What these numbers tell you: Westlake is a buyer-friendlier market. Single-family homes are averaging about 98 days on market and selling at roughly 92% of their original list price, with around 15.7 months of supply. In plain terms, buyers have real leverage here. Homes take longer to sell and there is more room to negotiate, so you can take your time and lean on the inspection.
Why Westlake is priced where it is: The value is anchored by Carroll ISD, which earns an A+ overall and an A+ for college prep, so school-driven demand stays strong year after year. It is a heavily owner-occupied community (about 98%) where roughly 4 in 10 households have school-age kids, and with 34 parks and green spaces mapped. The tradeoff, and there is always one, is the commute: a typical drive runs about 31 minutes, longer than the inner-ring suburbs, which is part of why your dollar buys more square footage in Westlake than closer to the core.

Westlake's market is among the thinnest and most exclusive in all of DFW. Only about 24 homes sell per year, roughly two per month. The MLS data is statistically fragile: a single outlier sale can move the median dramatically. Many Westlake transactions happen off-market through private agent networks and direct outreach. If you're buying or selling here, access to off-market intelligence isn't a nice-to-have, it's essential.

With 16.5 months of supply, this is technically a buyer's market, but that's because the qualified buyer pool is exceptionally small, not because of distress or overpricing. The 96-day average days on market reflects considered, deliberate selling to a highly specific audience.

Search Current Westlake Listings →


Honest Assessment

Pros & Cons of Living in Westlake

I won't oversell Westlake. Very few families belong here, and those who do know exactly why they're paying for it.

✓ What Westlake Does Well

  • #1 schools in Texas, Carroll ISD (95/100 TEA) and Westlake Academy (public K–12 IB) give Westlake the strongest school combination in DFW.
  • Privacy and exclusivity, Gated enclaves, estate-sized lots, no commercial traffic, no drive-through development. Genuinely private.
  • Corporate campuses next door, Fidelity and Schwab employees live 5 minutes from work, with DFW Airport 14 minutes the other direction.
  • No state income tax, For C-suite and executive earners from CA, NY, or IL, Texas's zero income tax is a six-figure annual financial advantage.
  • Access without isolation, Southlake, Keller, Trophy Club, and Fort Worth are 10–30 minutes. Seclusion without sacrifice.
  • DFW Airport 14 min, Best residential runway to DFW in all of North Texas. Daily-life advantage for frequent travelers.
  • Long-term prestige, Westlake's cachet as an ultra-luxury address has grown consistently. Adjacent Fortune 500 campus investment continues.

- What to Weigh Carefully

  • Ultra-thin resale market, ~24 sales/year means fragile comparables, price volatility, and longer listing windows (96 days avg). Selling is a deliberate process.
  • Off-market dependency, Many transactions never touch the MLS. Without an agent with off-market relationships, you'll miss inventory.
  • No walkability, no amenities in town, No grocery store, coffee shop, or restaurant inside Westlake. You are always driving.
  • Split ISD complexity, Carroll ISD (east) vs. Keller ISD (west) depends on exact address. Westlake Academy is lottery admission, not guaranteed by residency.
  • Property tax at $4M+, Carroll ISD zone (~$1.30/$100): ~$52,000/yr. Keller ISD zone (~$1.46/$100): ~$58,000/yr on a $4M home.
  • No public recreation, No city parks system, no community rec center. Non-Vaquero families rely on Southlake/Keller facilities.
  • HOA standards are rigorous, Gated communities take architectural and maintenance standards seriously. Review CC&Rs carefully before offer.

Side by Side

How Westlake Compares to Nearby Suburbs

Families considering Westlake typically compare it to Southlake, Colleyville, Trophy Club, and Keller. Here is how it stacks up on the metrics that matter most for relocating families.

Scores computed from Niche, NTREIS, WalkScore, and Census ACS · Updated 2026 · Compare all DFW suburbs →

Common Questions

Westlake, Texas: Frequently Asked Questions

For the right family, yes, Westlake is exceptional. Carroll ISD (ranked #1 in Texas) and Westlake Academy (a rare public K–12 IB charter) give Westlake one of the strongest school combinations in the state. The community is private, safe, and estate-like in character. But it requires a very specific profile: a family who can absorb a $3M+ price point, doesn't mind being car-dependent, and values schools and seclusion over walkability and neighborhood energy.

It depends entirely on your specific property address. Eastern Westlake (Glenwyck Farms, Terra Bella, and most of the residential core) is served by Carroll ISD, ranked #1 in Texas with a TEA score of 95/100 and an A+ Niche grade. Western Westlake, including the Vaquero community, falls within Keller ISD, also a strong district. All Westlake residents may apply to Westlake Academy, a public K–12 IB charter school, via lottery, but attendance is not guaranteed by address. Always verify ISD zoning for a specific address before making an offer.

Westlake Academy is a public, tuition-free charter school operated directly by the Town of Westlake. It serves grades K–12 and offers the full International Baccalaureate curriculum: Primary Years Program (PYP), Middle Years Program (MYP), and IB Diploma. It's one of the only public schools in Texas offering the complete IB sequence from kindergarten through graduation. Enrollment is approximately 888 students. Niche grades it A+, GreatSchools gives it 10/10. Average ACT is 30. Admission is by lottery, all Westlake residents are eligible to apply, but there is no guaranteed spot based on residency alone.

Property taxes in Westlake vary by ISD zone. In the Carroll ISD zone (eastern Westlake), the combined base rate is approximately $1.30 per $100 of assessed value, covering Carroll ISD (~$0.93), the Town of Westlake ($0.185), Tarrant County (~$0.22), and other entities (~$0.14). On a $4M home, that's roughly $52,000/year in base taxes.

In the Keller ISD zone (Vaquero and western Westlake), the base rate is approximately $1.46 per $100. On a $4M home: ~$58,400/year. All rates are 2024 certified. The Texas homestead exemption ($40,000 off assessed value) applies to primary residences. Always verify the current rate for a specific address before closing.

Several converging factors: (1) Carroll ISD + Westlake Academy, the combination of #1 public district and a public IB K–12 is unique in Texas; (2) privacy and exclusivity, ultra-low density, gated neighborhoods, no commercial development; (3) on-campus major employers, Fidelity and Schwab employees pay a premium to live where they work; (4) DFW Airport proximity, 14 minutes to Terminal D, unmatched for frequent flyers; (5) controlled supply, only ~24 homes sell per year. When scarcity meets demand from financial services executives and C-suite relocators, prices clear at $3M–$8M+.

Yes, Westlake is very safe. In a town of ~1,500 residents with gated communities, private security in some neighborhoods, and no commercial traffic through the residential core, absolute crime numbers are extremely low. Niche's B grade should be interpreted with caution for such a small community: a single incident can skew per-capita rates significantly. In practice, Westlake residents overwhelmingly cite safety and privacy as primary reasons for choosing the town.

Westlake's Circle T Ranch development houses three major employers: Fidelity Investments (~5,000+ on campus), Charles Schwab corporate headquarters (~2,500+ in Westlake), and Deloitte University (a 700-acre executive learning campus). Nearby: Sabre Corporation HQ (Southlake, 5 min), American Airlines Group HQ (Fort Worth, 27 min · 13,000+ employees), Nokia (Southlake), Bell Textron (Fort Worth, 30 min), and Alcon Laboratories (Fort Worth, 25 min).

Westlake has four primary residential communities. Vaquero is the most prestigious, guard-gated golf and equestrian community in the Keller ISD zone, largest lots, highest price points, most amenities. Glenwyck Farms is in Carroll ISD, semi-custom and custom estates at $2–5M+, known for tree-lined streets and strong neighborhood cohesion. Terra Bella offers newer custom construction in Carroll ISD at slightly more accessible price points. Paigebrooke Farms / Aspen Lane is smaller and somewhat more approachable. All four have very limited inventory, off-market relationships matter here.

Southlake and Westlake are two of DFW's top family destinations, but they serve different priorities. Southlake is a full-service town, walkable Town Square, Carroll ISD (same district for east-zone Westlake), city parks, recreation centers, and a broader price range ($900K–$5M). Westlake is more exclusive and private, smaller, no commercial development, Westlake Academy option, Fidelity/Schwab employment, but no walkable amenities of its own. Southlake is the better choice if neighborhood energy and daily walkability matter. Westlake is the better choice if you're paying specifically for schools, privacy, and employer proximity.

Westlake's market is among the thinnest in DFW, roughly 24 single-family sales per year (about two per month). Median sale price is approximately $4.9M; days on market average 96 days. With 16.5 months of supply it's technically a buyer's market, but that reflects a small qualified buyer pool, not distress or overpricing. Many transactions happen off-market. If you're considering a purchase here, working with an agent who has established off-market relationships inside the town's agent community is not optional, it's how inventory gets found.


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Westlake is one of the most deliberate buying decisions in DFW. The combination of school options, employer proximity, and ultra-private living doesn't exist anywhere else in the Metroplex. Most families I work with here are comparing Westlake to Southlake or Colleyville, and the right answer depends on what your family values most. Before we look at a single listing, we talk through school zones, ISD options, the off-market landscape, and what each neighborhood's day-to-day life actually feels like. No pressure, no sales pitch.

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Kristen Carpentier  ·  (602) 405-4115  ·  Kristen@whymovetodallas.com
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Kristen Carpentier | Licensed Texas Realtor® #760457 | Brokered by eXp Realty, 15950 Dallas Pkwy #400, Dallas, TX 75248
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Information on this page is provided for educational purposes and is believed to be accurate as of May 2026. School district ratings, property tax rates, crime statistics, home prices, employer information, and community details change over time. Always verify ISD zoning by specific property address before making real estate decisions. Tax rates: Texas Comptroller 2024. TEA ratings: txschools.gov. Niche grades: niche.com. GreatSchools: greatschools.org.
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