Is Austin Lake Hills safe?
Austin, Texas · safety score updated nightly
Yes — it is one of the safer places in the metro to walk around.
VibeLoco rates Austin Lake Hills as “Go”.
What makes up this score?Recent news
Gogo's take on Austin Lake Hills
“Go. Austin Lake Hills is an exceptionally safe, scenic residential community along the south shore of Lake Austin. Visitors can explore the lakeside parklands and neighborhood streets without any typical urban safety concerns.”
About the area
Austin Lake Hills is a tranquil, semi-rural residential neighborhood located along Lake Austin off Cuernavaca Drive in western Travis County. The area features winding hill country roads, private boat docks, and lush natural greenery. It is primarily a residential retreat for families and outdoor enthusiasts looking for quiet lake access.
- Lakeside Retreat
- Quiet / Residential
- Wooded / Hill Country
- Car-Dependent
Walking and biking in Austin Lake Hills
Walk score: 12/100 · Bike score: 18/100
There are no dedicated bike lanes or bike-share stations; road cycling on Cuernavaca Drive requires caution due to blind curves, steep grades, and narrow shoulders.
Reasons to go, and reasons to think twice
Pros
- Exceptionally low rates of violent crime and minimal property crime compared to city averages
- High median household incomes exceeding $130,000 and high owner-occupancy rates
- Scenic access to Lake Austin with a quiet, nature-oriented atmosphere
- Close-knit community with very little through traffic on residential streets
Cons
- Steep, narrow, and winding roads often lack sidewalks and streetlights, creating pedestrian hazards at night
- Completely car-dependent with virtually no walkable retail or dining options inside the neighborhood core
- Wildfire risk during dry Texas summers due to dense surrounding hill country brush
Homelessness: Visible homelessness and encampments are not present in this quiet residential lake community.
What Austin Lake Hills is like at each time of day
- Morning · 5a – 11a
- Peaceful and serene with residents walking dogs along roadside easements in broad daylight with no safety concerns.
- Afternoon · 11a – 5p
- Very quiet and safe with occasional local boat traffic and neighbors enjoying outdoor yards and parks.
- Evening · 5p – 10p
- Calm and residential, though pedestrians should wear reflective gear due to dark roads and lack of sidewalks.
- Late night · 10p – 5a
- Extremely low crime, but dark, winding roads and local wildlife make driving cautiously essential.
Transit, parking and getting around
CapMetro does not offer direct fixed-route bus service deep into Austin Lake Hills; the nearest transit hubs require a drive to Bee Cave Road or downtown Austin. A personal vehicle or rideshare is essential for visiting.
Free residential driveway and roadside parking is standard throughout the community, with private permit parking enforced at the neighborhood POA park and boat ramps.
Things to do in Austin Lake Hills
- Launch a kayak or paddleboard from the Austin Lake Hills Property Owners Association park and boat ramp on Lake Austin
- Take a scenic drive or morning run along the shaded, winding curves of Cuernavaca Drive
- Hike and birdwatch in the nearby Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park just minutes away
Local favorites
- Civil Goat Coffee Co. · Coffee Shop · 4.7★ (850)A cozy, beloved local spot serving specialty coffee, house-roasted beans, and breakfast toasts.
- Patrizi's Westlake · Italian Restaurant · 4.6★ (320)Acclaimed family-owned establishment serving handmade pasta and traditional Italian dishes near Cuernavaca Dr.
- Sway - West Lake Hills · Thai Restaurant · 4.4★ (680)Upscale modern Thai dining featuring bold flavors and creative cocktails located a short drive east on Bee Cave Rd.
Neighborhoods near Austin Lake Hills
Common questions about Austin Lake Hills
Is Austin Lake Hills safe to walk at night?
Generally yes — use the same awareness you would anywhere after dark.
Is Austin Lake Hills a good place to live?
On safety, Austin Lake Hills scores 91/100 — safer than most of the areas we score, which is a good start for anyone looking to live here.
How walkable is Austin Lake Hills?
Walk score 12/100 and bike score 18/100. Most trips need a car.
Which areas near Austin Lake Hills are safer?
Senna Hills (95), Davenport Ranch (94), River Place (94) score higher nearby.
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