Moving to Southwest Austin? Here’s What You Need to Know

Hi there! We’re Justin and Jana Cofield, a husband & wife real estate team, proud Southwest Austin residents, and parents to four full-of-life kids. We don’t just work here; we live, play, and raise our family here too. If you’re thinking about moving to Southwest Austin, welcome! You’re going to love it. There’s a reason so many families, professionals, and retirees are choosing to call this corner of the city home.

Today, we’re sharing a local’s perspective on what you need to know before making the move, from schools and parks to traffic tips and hidden gems.

1. Southwest Austin Offers the Perfect Blend of City and Suburb

Southwest Austin gives you the best of both worlds: quick access to downtown (we’re talking about a 20-30 minute drive) and peaceful, tree-lined neighborhoods that feel a world away from the city's hustle. Whether you’re looking for a cozy starter home, a spacious property with room for a growing family, or a modern condo close to greenbelt trails, you’ll find it here.

Neighborhoods like Circle C Ranch, Meridian, Legend Oaks, and Avana are especially popular for their beautiful homes, active community associations, and abundant amenities.

2. Top-Rated Schools (and So Many Parks!)

As parents, great schools were at the top of our list when we first moved here...and Southwest Austin delivers. Schools like Clayton Elementary, Gorzycki Middle School, and Bowie High School in AISD consistently earn top marks. Some of Southwest Austin is zoned for Dripping Springs School District which boasts every school with top ranks from greatschools.org.  Plus, there are amazing charter and private school options if you're looking for something different.

Outside of the classroom, your kids (and your pets!) will have endless room to roam. The sense of outdoor adventure is one of the biggest reasons we love it here.

3. Local Businesses and Dining You’ll Love

While you can easily hop into downtown Austin for live music or a night out, you honestly don’t have to leave Southwest Austin to have a great time.

Some of our favorite local spots include:

• District Kitchen + Cocktails for date nights

• Mandola’s Italian Kitchen for family dinners

• Patika for an amazing morning coffee

• Alamo Drafthouse Cinema for family movie outings

There’s a true “small town within a big city” vibe here. Local businesses thrive because neighbors support each other, and that community spirit is contagious.

4. Be Ready for Growth (and Plan for Traffic)

Southwest Austin is booming, and while that’s great for home values, it does mean planning ahead for your daily commute. Mopac (Loop 1) and SH-45 are major thoroughfares in the area, and while improvements are ongoing, you’ll want to factor in a little extra drive time during peak hours.

The flip side? This growth brings better shopping centers, new restaurants, and more parks...making life here even sweeter.

5. Every Neighborhood Has Its Own Personality

From the master-planned communities with resort-style amenities to quieter, more rural-feeling neighborhoods tucked along Brodie Lane and FM 1826, there’s something for everyone here.

Choosing the right neighborhood is key...and that’s where we come in! We’ve created a free, detailed Southwest Austin Neighborhood Guide to help you find the perfect fit for your lifestyle, budget, and future plans.

👉 Click here to grab your free Southwest Austin Neighborhood Guide!

We poured our hearts into it, based on years of living here, raising our family, and helping over 120 clients find their dream homes.

Thinking About Making the Move? Let’s Chat!

If you’re considering moving to Southwest Austin, we’d love to be your go-to resource (and neighbors!). Feel free to reach out with any questions...no pressure, just friendly advice from a local family who’s been there.

Justin and Jana cofield
Your Southwest Austin Real Estate Experts
📞 Call or Text: (512) 971-0157
📧 Email: justin@justincofield.com