Plan on settling down in an exclusive gated community in Austin? From well-established neighborhoods to fun and vibrant 55+ housing, options abound throughout the city. Austin is home to dozens of gated communities that all provide their own unique benefits, amenities, and conveniences. Researching each is paramount in helping you to decide which one best fits your preferences, needs, and lifestyle. No matter which locale you choose, you can expect unrivaled security, prestige, and comfort that isn’t found in a standard neighborhood.
If you are thinking about moving to one of the best gated communities in Austin, take the time to check out our list of the top Austin gated communities.
Pros & Cons of Living in a Gated Community in Austin
Prior to making your final decision to live in an Austin gated community, understanding the pros and cons is a must. While these types of neighborhoods can look good on paper, they aren’t for everyone. Check out what you can expect when residing in one of the city’s top gated communities.
Pro — Top-tier, luxurious amenities
Hands down, one of the main reasons that people decide to live in gated communities in Austin is for the top-tier, luxury amenities. This can include fully-maintained pools, jacuzzis, resident-only parks, dog parks, golf courses, tennis courts, playgrounds, and more.
Pro — Sell your home for more
Back in 2016, a study conducted by the American Real Estate Society revealed that homes within gated communities automatically sell for more than those that are not in a gated community. On average, these houses can fetch approximately $30,000 extra.
Con — Costly homeowners association (HOA) fees
To subsidize the exceptional quality of life found in gated communities, homeowners association fees are assessed monthly or annually. Unlike standard HOA fees in suburban neighborhoods, dues in Austin gated communities are significantly higher. They can range anywhere between $700-$2,000+ per year.
Pro — Enhanced safety
Another of the most desirable aspects of living in gated communities in Austin is the enhanced safety. Offering gated entry — sometimes with a security guard on duty — residents can feel at ease when walking around their neighborhoods.
Cimarron Hills – Country Club Living in a Picturesque Austin Gated Community
Regarded as one of the best gated communities in Texas, Cimarron Hills offers a tranquil and exclusive quality of life for residents. Nestled in a private golf and country club community, those who live in Cimarron Hills enjoy a seemingly endless list of perks and amenities that are only available to members and residents.
What can you expect upon moving into your dream home at Cimarron Hills? Upon rolling up to the entryway, it is impossible to not be delighted by the clubhouse’s breathtaking Tuscan-style architecture and immaculate landscaping. Occupying over 1,000 acres, exploring the grounds is a must. Depending on the day, you can book your tee time on the 18-hole award-winning Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, play tennis, go for a relaxing swim, or simply take in the view from your home’s outdoor space. Additionally, throughout the year, the club hosts social events that are suitable for the entire family.
Houses at Cimarron Hills range in size and style to meet the individual needs and preferences of residents. Properties range in cost between the $500s to well over $2 million.
- Cimarron Hills, Austin homes for sale
- HOA Fee: $160-$400 per month
- Cimarron Hills website
Presidio Station – New, Master-Planned Gated Community in Austin
Comprising stunning single-family and detached two-story homes that exude luxury and sophistication, Presidio Station is another top Austin gated community. Created and built by David Weekley Homes, this is an excellent gated community for those who are seeking a newer, more modern home.
Presidio Station is located between Lyndhurst Street and Rutledge Spur, just off Lakeline Mall Drive. It is minutes down the road from The Homestead Shopping Center — a major complex of retailers and restaurants. It includes Target, Sam’s Club, Kohl’s, and more. Across the street, locals can also shop at the Lakeline Mall, catch a movie at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, or have family-friendly fun at the Urban Air Trampoline and Adventure Park.
Compared to other local gated communities, Presidio Station is somewhat small in size. However, this further adds to the exclusivity of the neighborhood. Resident-only amenities include a community pool, common greenspace, and several parks. Home prices range between $399,000 to over $1 million.
- Presidio Station, Austin homes for sale
- HOA Fee: $148 per month
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Santa Rita Ranch – Stylish, Family-Friendly, and Luxurious Austin Gated Community
Known as one of the Austin area’s award-winning master-planned neighborhoods, Santa Rita Ranch offers a superior quality of life. Family-friendly, quiet, and offering an abundance of resident-exclusive amenities, there are countless reasons to relocate to this community.
Santa Rita Ranch is located in the far northern suburbs of Austin, east of Liberty Hill and west of Georgetown. It is situated approximately seven miles north of Leander and 32 miles north of downtown Austin. In comparison with similar area communities, Santa Rita Ranch is a relatively affordable Austin gated community. The vast majority of homes are priced between $400k and $600k, which is right around the current Austin median home price.
What kinds of amenities can residents of Santa Rita Ranch expect within their community? Families with children are delighted to live within walking distance of four onsite schools. This includes Kids R Kids Daycare, Santa Rita Elementary, Santa Rita Middle School, and Divine Savior Academy. In their leisure time, Santa Rita Ranch residents can enjoy resort-style amenities, including two 18-foot dual waterslides, a leisure pool, lap pool, kids splash zone, a fitness zone, food truck lot, playground, sand volleyball court, and much more.
- Santa Rita Ranch, Austin homes for sale
- HOA Fee: $92-$198 per month
- Santa Rita Ranch HOA Website
Marbella – Brand New Austin Gated Community in the City’s Suburbs
A short drive from Austin, discover the luxury and prestige of living in Marbella — one of the newest Austin gated communities. Located in Leander, this neighborhood is known for its large homes that are all new constructions. Starting at just under $1 million, every house has a minimum of 4,259 square feet of interior space.
Marbella is also part of the coveted Leander ISD, making this a great place to live for families. The area’s closest schools include Pleasant Hill Elementary School, Wiley Middle School, and Rouse High School.
- Marbella, Austin homes for sale
- HOA Fee: $85 per month
Belterra – Luxurious Master-Planned Gated Community in Austin
Featuring gorgeous homes that range in price from $400k to $700k, Belterra is a wonderful gated community for those seeking one of the more affordable options in Austin. Voted the 2015 Best Master-Planned Community in the area, this neighborhood’s amenities and location are top-rate.
Inside Belterra, residents have the privilege of enjoying a myriad of perks that are only available to those living in the community. Acclaimed for its frequent events (including wine nights and community food drives), swimming pools, parks, trails, fitness center, and more, Belterra is a premium gated community in Austin.
- Belterra, Austin homes for sale
- HOA Fee: $500 per year
- Belterra HOA Website
Kissing Tree – Vibrant, Resort-Style Living in a 55+ Gated Community Near Austin
Approximately 35 miles outside of Austin, discover the charm and fun of the Kissing Tree gated community. Featuring single-family homes of all sizes, this active adult community is one of the most popular places to live for those who are 55 and over.
From the moment you step into the common pool area, you’ll feel like you are on vacation. Resort-style vibes flow through the community thanks to the frequently-played live music, palm trees, and lounge areas that residents can enjoy year-round. In addition to relaxing around the pool whenever you feel like it, your status as a resident also affords you access to special events, social clubs, exercise classes, and much more.
- Kissing Tree, Austin homes for sale
- HOA Fees: $238-$412 per month
- Kissing Tree HOA Website
Barton Creek Lakeside – Gated Neighborhood Serving as a Waterfront Oasis
Is lake life calling to you? If so, consider the Austin gated community of Barton Creek Lakeside. Nestled along the Colorado River, residents of this neighborhood have premium access to the waterfront for swimming, boating, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. Locals also enjoy a superior level of peace and privacy that isn’t found in other gated communities.
On top of having direct access to the Colorado River, Barton Creek Lakeside residents can also reserve their tee time minutes away at the Barton Creek Country Club. Members of this club also have access to an abundance of additional amenities, including tennis courts, a modern fitness center, an outdoor pool, and social events.
Map of Gated Communities in Austin
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