Westgate

Affordable Convenience in South Austin. South Austin.

The Vibe

Westgate is a well-established residential neighborhood in South Austin that offers an attractive combination of affordability, convenience, and a down-to-earth community feel. Characterized by its mid-century homes and quiet streets, it provides a peaceful suburban environment while being strategically located near major thoroughfares and shopping centers. It’s a practical and popular choice for homebuyers who work in the city but desire a more relaxed and spacious home life without a hefty price tag.

The Story

The majority of Westgate’s development occurred from the mid-1950s to the late 1960s, giving the neighborhood a cohesive stock of single-family, mid-century homes. Its boundaries are clearly defined by major roads: Ben White Boulevard to the north, Manchaca Road to the east, Stassney Lane to the south, and West Gate Boulevard to the west, placing it in the popular 78745 zip code. The construction of the Westgate Shopping Center in the late 1990s at the intersection of Ben White and South Lamar significantly enhanced the area’s convenience, providing residents with easy access to retail and services. The neighborhood is a diverse community, with a racial breakdown in 2009 of approximately 55% White, 35% Hispanic/Latino, and 5% Black.

The Lifestyle

Life in Westgate is centered on quiet neighborhood living with the benefit of nearby urban amenities. While not a highly walkable neighborhood in terms of direct access to shops from your front door, it is very car-friendly and offers excellent connectivity. Residents are just a short drive—typically 10 to 20 minutes—from some of the best that Austin has to offer, including the vibrant scenes on South Lamar and in downtown. For daily needs, grocery stores like H-E-B and Whole Foods are just a few miles away, as are major retail centers like the Shops at Arbor Trails and Sunset Valley. For a night out, popular South Austin spots like the Armadillo Den and Moontower Saloon are about a 15-minute drive south on Manchaca Road. It’s a lifestyle that values a strong neighborhood feel and the convenience of being close to everything without being in the middle of the hustle and bustle.

The Homes

The homes in Westgate are predominantly single-story, ranch-style houses built in the mid-20th century, often featuring attached garages. These homes are known for their character and are set on small to mid-sized lots, often with mature trees that provide shade and a sense of establishment. In recent years, many of these classic homes have been remodeled and updated, blending their original charm with modern finishes. The neighborhood also has pockets of newer development, offering a mix of options from fixer-uppers to brand-new contemporary builds. This variety, combined with its relative affordability compared to more central neighborhoods, makes Westgate an attractive market for a wide range of homebuyers.

Local’s Guide to Westgate

• For a Seafood Staple: Cherry Creek Catfish Company, a long-standing local favorite for classic Southern-style seafood.
• For Shopping: The Westgate Shopping Center for convenient retail, or the nearby Shops at Arbor Trails and Sunset Valley for a wider selection of stores.
• For a Night Out: A short drive south on Menchaca Road leads to a popular cluster of outdoor bars and food trucks, including Armadillo Den and Moontower Saloon.
• For Groceries: H-E-B on Brodie Lane and Whole Foods at the Shops at Arbor Trails are both convenient options for residents.