If you’re thinking about buying a home in Austin, TX, there’s one question you should ask early in your search: “How are the schools?” Even if you don’t have kids, homes located in top-rated school zones tend to appreciate faster and sell more easily. In Austin, where the housing market is highly competitive and constantly evolving, school quality plays a huge role in shaping neighborhood demand and home values.

This guide ranks some of the top-rated elementary, middle, and high schools in the Austin metro and breaks down the best neighborhoods to consider near each. Whether you’re a parent looking to give your kids the best start or a savvy buyer seeking long-term value, this list will help you house-hunt smarter.

A Quick Overview of Austin-Area School Districts

The Austin metro area spans several school districts, each with its own strengths, demographics, and community appeal. Here are the primary ones to know:

• Austin ISD — Covers most of Central Austin and parts of South and East Austin. Diverse, with magnet programs and specialized academies. Top neighborhoods: Zilker, Barton Hills, Travis Heights, Circle C Ranch
• Eanes ISD — One of the highest-rated districts in Texas, located in West Austin (Westlake Hills, Rollingwood). Known for small class sizes and academic rigor. Top neighborhoods: Westlake Hills, Rob Roy, Lost Creek, Davenport Ranch
• Round Rock ISD — Serves North Austin, parts of Cedar Park, and Round Rock. Offers a balance of affordability, quality, and strong STEM programs. Top neighborhoods: Brushy Creek, Canyon Creek, Behrens Ranch, Forest Creek
• Leander ISD — Covers Northwest Austin, Cedar Park, and Leander. Fast-growing with newer schools and expanding neighborhoods. Top neighborhoods: Steiner Ranch, Crystal Falls, Avery Ranch, Travisso
• Lake Travis ISD — Located southwest of Austin around Lake Travis. Excellent sports programs and newer facilities. Top neighborhoods: Falconhead, Sweetwater, Lake Pointe, Rough Hollow
• Dripping Springs ISD — West of Austin, known for a small-town feel, newer developments, and strong community engagement. Top neighborhoods: Belterra, Caliterra, Headwaters, Sawyer Ranch
• Liberty Hill ISD — Further northwest and growing rapidly. Popular among buyers seeking more space and newer homes at lower prices. Top neighborhoods: Santa Rita Ranch, Orchard Ridge, Rancho Sienna
• Pflugerville ISD — Northeast Austin and parts of Pflugerville. Offers magnet programs and affordable housing. Top neighborhoods: Blackhawk, Falcon Pointe, Highland Park
• Hays CISD — Covers areas south of Austin including Buda and Kyle. Attracts families with newer schools and growing infrastructure. Top neighborhoods: Sunfield, Shadow Creek, Garlic Creek

Understanding these districts is key when deciding where to buy. Each offers different pros and cons depending on your budget, commute, and lifestyle.

Why School Rankings Matter (Even If You Don’t Have Kids)

• Higher resale value: Homes in top school zones often attract more buyers and command higher prices.
• Community investment: These neighborhoods tend to have better parks, lower crime rates, and stronger HOAs.
• Long-term stability: Even during market shifts, top school areas tend to hold their value better.

How We Ranked These Schools

We pulled data from:

• Niche.com (parent and student reviews + academic scores)
• GreatSchools.org (standardized test performance and college readiness)
• Texas Education Agency (TEA) ratings We focused on academic performance, teacher-to-student ratio, extracurricular opportunities, and community feedback.

Best Elementary Schools in Austin + Where to Buy Nearby

1. Canyon Creek Elementary (Round Rock ISD)

• Rating: A+ on Niche
• Highlights: STEM-focused programs, strong community involvement
• Nearby Neighborhoods: Canyon Creek, Anderson Mill, Balcones Village
• Home Price Range: $500K–$800K

2. Eanes Elementary (Eanes ISD)

• Rating: Among the highest in Texas
• Highlights: Small class sizes, exceptional parent involvement, cutting-edge tech
• Nearby Neighborhoods: Westlake Hills, Rollingwood
• Home Price Range: $1.2M+

3. Laurel Mountain Elementary (Round Rock ISD)

• Rating: Consistently top-ranked
• Highlights: High test scores, active PTA, enrichment programs
• Nearby Neighborhoods: Great Hills, Barrington Oaks
• Home Price Range: $600K–$900K

Best Middle Schools in Austin + Where to Live

1. Hill Country Middle School (Eanes ISD)

• Rating: 9/10 on GreatSchools
• Highlights: Strong academics, music and athletic programs
• Nearby Neighborhoods: Lost Creek, Westwood, Bee Cave Road Corridor
• Home Price Range: $850K–$2M

2. Canyon Vista Middle School (Round Rock ISD)

• Rating: TEA Exemplary
• Highlights: Robust math and science curriculum
• Nearby Neighborhoods: Jester Estates, Spicewood at Balcones
• Home Price Range: $500K–$750K

3. Gorzycki Middle School (Austin ISD)

• Rating: 9/10 on GreatSchools
• Highlights: Excellent facilities, strong parent support
• Nearby Neighborhoods: Circle C Ranch, Shady Hollow
• Home Price Range: $550K–$850K

Best High Schools in Austin + Top Nearby Areas

1. Westlake High School (Eanes ISD)

• Rating: A+ across the board
• Highlights: Nationally ranked, powerhouse in academics and athletics
• Nearby Neighborhoods: Rob Roy, Davenport Ranch, Bee Creek
• Home Price Range: $1.5M+

2. Vandegrift High School (Leander ISD)

• Rating: Top 3% nationally
• Highlights: Strong AP program, new facilities
• Nearby Neighborhoods: Steiner Ranch, River Place, Grandview Hills
• Home Price Range: $700K–$1.2M

3. Round Rock High School (Round Rock ISD)

• Rating: Strong mix of academics and extracurriculars
• Highlights: Diverse student body, career prep options
• Nearby Neighborhoods: Brushy Creek, Teravista, Behrens Ranch
• Home Price Range: $400K–$700K

Up-and-Coming School Districts to Watch

• Dripping Springs ISD — Known for small class sizes and community feel
• Lake Travis ISD — Rapid growth, newer campuses
• Liberty Hill ISD — Strong future value potential, affordable new builds

Tips for Buying a Home in a Top School Zone

• Act fast: Homes in these zones sell quickly and often with multiple offers
• Check boundaries: School zones can shift—confirm with district maps
• Balance budget and goals: Consider a slightly lower-ranked but still strong school to get more home for your money
• Work with a local agent: An experienced Austin agent will know which neighborhoods align with your school and lifestyle goals

Final Thoughts About The Best Schools In Austin, Texas

Buying near a top-rated school in Austin isn’t just smart for your kids—it’s smart for your future. These neighborhoods offer strong appreciation potential, great amenities, and a built-in sense of community. Whether you’re eyeing Eanes ISD, Leander, or Round Rock, the right school zone can make all the difference.

Ready to find a home in a top school district? Reach out today to get personalized listings and school zone insights.