What if your morning included a quiet trail run, a five-minute coffee stop, and an afternoon tee time on a private fairway? If you are looking for privacy, convenience, and a true luxury lifestyle, Westlake delivers it in a calm, small-town setting. In this guide, you will learn where the most coveted neighborhoods are, what amenities shape daily life, and how to navigate pricing, schools, and club or HOA details with confidence. Let’s dive in.
Why Westlake stands out
Westlake is a boutique North Texas town with roughly 1,600 to 1,700 residents and a footprint of about 6.7 to 7.0 square miles, so it feels exclusive without feeling remote. You sit along State Highway 114 between Southlake and Roanoke/Trophy Club, which gives you fast access across the DFW corridor. You are about 10 to 20 minutes from Fort Worth Alliance Airport and about 15 to 25 minutes from DFW International Airport depending on route and traffic, an ideal setup for frequent travelers. For a quick snapshot of the town’s size and location context, review the overview on Westlake’s Wikipedia page and the town’s Demographics and tax basics.
Signature neighborhoods
Vaquero: Guard-gated golf estates
If you picture Westlake luxury, you likely picture Vaquero. This private, guard-gated enclave wraps a Tom Fazio–designed championship course and delivers a resort-caliber experience with custom estates, manicured streets, and a private club culture. Homes range from villas to large estates, with architecture that leans Mediterranean, French-inspired, and transitional. You can learn more about the community on the town’s Residential Subdivisions page and explore the course profile via Golf Digest’s Vaquero Club overview. Club membership is separate from home ownership, and access to amenities depends on membership category.
Entrada: European-inspired, lock-and-leave living
Entrada brings a walkable, Catalonia-style village concept to Westlake, blending pocket plazas, select retail, and smaller-footprint residences. Villas, townhomes, and condominiums anchor the residential piece, giving you true lock-and-leave options inside the Westlake corridor. Development has unfolded in phases, with timing and tenant mix evolving over time. For context on recent progress and changes, see Community Impact’s coverage of Entrada.
Terra Bella, Quail Hollow, Glenwyck Farms, and more
These neighborhoods define Westlake’s variety. Terra Bella emphasizes gated privacy and open space. Quail Hollow offers guarded estate living. Glenwyck Farms is known for wooded lots and trail connections. You will also find boutique enclaves like Granada, Villaggio, and custom acre-lot pockets. For an official neighborhood index, review the town’s Residential Subdivisions.
Lifestyle and amenities
Private club life at Vaquero Club
The Vaquero Club is a centerpiece of the local lifestyle. The Tom Fazio course, private clubhouse, dining, fitness, and curated member programming shape a resort-like rhythm for many residents. Membership is limited and separate from home ownership. For golf and course details, see Golf Digest’s course profile of Vaquero Club.
Parks, trails, and nearby lake days
Inside Westlake, you will find tree-lined parks and trails ideal for a morning run or evening walk. Glenwyck Park is a favorite example of quiet, shaded outdoor space. For bigger adventure, Grapevine Lake and the Corps of Engineers parks are close by, including Murrell Park and the Northshore trail system for hiking, biking, fishing, and boating. Explore local resources on the town’s Residents page and check access and amenities for Murrell Park at Grapevine Lake.
Conveniences, dining, and corporate neighbors
Much of your day-to-day is nearby, with Entrada and the Solana/Plaza office parks offering coffee, dining, and services. Southlake Town Square sits a short drive away for luxury retail and restaurants. Westlake and adjacent lands also host notable corporate anchors like Fidelity, Deloitte University, and a major Charles Schwab presence, which has influenced both local development and demand for executive housing. For background on how this campus corridor evolved, see the DFW Real Estate Review feature.
Homes and architecture
Westlake homes skew upscale and carefully designed. You will see:
- Mediterranean and Spanish-Revival villas, especially in Entrada.
- French-inspired and Mediterranean estates inside Vaquero.
- Modern and transitional custom builds with clean lines and expansive glass.
- Ranch-style and modern farmhouse designs on larger lots.
- Low-maintenance villas, townhomes, and condos that fit a lock-and-leave lifestyle.
If you are deciding between a large estate and a turnkey villa, start with how you want to live each week. Do you want a private pool and generous yard, or do you value a small-footprint home you can close up quickly before a flight? Your daily routine will point you toward the right fit.
Market snapshot and costs
Westlake is a high-end market where most properties fall in the multi-million-dollar band, with trophy estates that can exceed $10 million. Actual pricing shifts by neighborhood, architecture, lot size, and club proximity, so it is wise to review current MLS data before you set expectations. In gated communities, expect HOA and architectural guidelines to shape exterior design and maintenance standards. In Vaquero and certain estate enclaves, full access to amenities depends on separate club membership and policies that you should confirm directly.
Property tax rates vary by lot, neighborhood, and school district. The town publishes municipal rate information and related tax basics on its Demographics page. Always verify current rates, any exemptions, and applicable ISD tax components for a specific address.
Schools and education
Education is a frequent driver for high-end buyers in Westlake. Westlake Academy is a town-operated, open-enrollment charter serving K–12 and following the International Baccalaureate continuum. Portions of Westlake also lie within Carroll ISD, Keller ISD, and Northwest ISD depending on the address. Confirm eligibility and zoning for any property you consider. For program details, visit the Westlake Academy site.
Who chooses Westlake
- Executives and frequent travelers who value fast airport access and a short commute to regional campuses.
- Buyers who want resort-style, private-club living without sacrificing privacy.
- Families who appreciate a small-town setting and the option to apply to Westlake Academy.
- Out-of-area owners seeking a low-maintenance primary or second home near DFW.
Buying smart in Westlake
Use this quick checklist to move efficiently and confidently:
- Define lifestyle first. Choose between estate-scale privacy or a lock-and-leave villa or townhome.
- Map your commute. Time your route to DFW, Alliance Airport, and key office centers during peak hours.
- Verify schools. Confirm Westlake Academy eligibility and ISD zoning for any address.
- Understand costs. Review HOA dues, architectural guidelines, and any club membership requirements.
- Plan taxes early. Confirm the property’s combined tax rate based on its jurisdiction and ISD.
- Get market-ready. Have proof of funds or financing in place for a competitive luxury market.
- Work with a local specialist. A neighborhood expert will flag nuances by enclave, from trail access to club policies.
Imagine a day here
Start with coffee at a nearby plaza and a loop through shaded trails in Glenwyck Park. Mid-morning, head to Southlake Town Square or a local boutique for errands. After lunch, enjoy practice at Vaquero or a workout before a quiet evening in your courtyard. On weekends, you might trade the fairway for the water at Grapevine Lake, then meet friends for dinner in a Westlake village setting. It is a calm, curated pace within minutes of everything.
If Westlake sounds like your next move, let’s talk about the right neighborhood fit, timing, and strategy for your goals. For personal, high-touch guidance in English or Spanish, connect with Martha Sanchez.
FAQs
Is Westlake the same as Southlake?
- No. Westlake is a much smaller town with estate-scale enclaves along Highway 114, while Southlake is a separate city with its own retail core. Many buyers compare both during a home search.
Are there low-maintenance condos or townhomes in Westlake?
- Yes. Entrada was planned with villas, townhomes, and condominiums that fit a lock-and-leave lifestyle. Confirm current availability and HOA details for specific buildings.
Do you need a club membership to live inside Vaquero?
- No. You can own a home in Vaquero without a club membership, but access to club amenities typically requires a separate membership. Confirm categories and terms directly with the club.
How close is Westlake to major airports?
- Very close. Depending on traffic and route, you are roughly 10 to 20 minutes from Alliance and about 15 to 25 minutes from DFW International. Time your preferred route during peak hours.
What schools serve Westlake, including Westlake Academy?
- Westlake Academy is a town-operated, open-enrollment IB K–12 charter. Parts of Westlake also fall within Carroll ISD, Keller ISD, and Northwest ISD. Verify zoning for any address.
What should I know about property taxes and HOAs in Westlake?
- Property tax rates vary by neighborhood and ISD. Many enclaves have HOAs and design guidelines. Review current rates and HOA rules during due diligence.
What price range should I expect in Westlake?
- Westlake is a luxury market where many homes are in the multi-million-dollar range, and select trophy estates can exceed $10 million. Review fresh comps before making offers.
