You’ve probably heard that “everything’s bigger in Texas,” but as Austin continues to urbanize and apartments and condos become more prevalent within city limits, this ethos doesn’t always apply. However, if you need an easy commute into Austin proper but you don’t want to sacrifice square footage, Central Texas’ suburbs can provide an excellent middle ground. 

A prime example can be found in Bee Cave, a small suburban community featuring excellent shopping, abundant greenspace, good schools, and an easy drive to Austin’s business districts.

History of Bee Cave

Originally founded by settlers in the late 19th century, Bee Cave took its name from colonies of Mexican honeybees that lived in the banks of neighboring Barton Creek. The city wasn’t officially incorporated until 1987 at which time Bee Cave established its own local government.

Today, Bee Cave retains its small-town charm and family-friendly vibe thanks to its rural location. This suburban community is located just 17 miles west of Austin, and the average driving commute (with traffic) takes about 30 minutes in each direction. Motorists can access Austin via Route 71, which merges with the MoPac Expressway to take them across the Colorado River and into the city center. Currently, Austin rail systems don’t reach Bee Cave, making the location prohibitive for those without a car or a carpooling option.

Home Styles and Prices

Befitting a suburban town outside of a major city, the vast majority of Bee Cave’s housing stock comes in a variety of styles from old and new single-family homes to custom-built luxury estates. Bee Cave also has a diverse lineup of neighborhoods and subdivisions such as Homestead with a median home price in the low $600s; Uplands with a median home price in the mid $900s; and Bella Colinas, which is the most affordable with a median home price in the high $400s, according to Neighborhoods.com data.

Top-Rated Schools

For families with school-aged children, Bee Cave’s inclusion in the Lake Travis Independent School District (LTISD) definitely fuels home sales in the area. The LTISD currently boasts a 95 percent four-year high school graduation rate and earned a multi-year streak on the AP District Honor Roll. Schools like Bee Cave Elementary, Lake Travis Middle School, and Serene Hills Elementary all earned high ratings from GreatSchools.

Family-Friendly Amenities

If your kids enjoy spending time outdoors, Bee Cave offers numerous family-friendly greenspace options. Bee Cave Central Park is the most significant public greenspace within city limits, and in addition to the usual picnic grounds and running paths, it also features an attractive sculpture garden a couple of blocks south of the main park. 

For a larger spread of lawn and a greater amount of nature-related activities, Bee Cave residents can easily access the Barton Creek Habitat Preserve, a beautiful 4,000-acre park with scenic flora-and-fauna-spotting trails. If the kids still want to spot more animals after their Barton Creek nature walk, the Austin Zoo is directly adjacent to the preserve.

In addition to its parks and zoo, Bee Cave also provides golf enthusiasts with a large and well-regarded golf club. The Falconhead Golf Club is just a few minutes away and offers members 18 holes of golf on a course designed by PGA Tour experts. 

As more families settle in Bee Cave, a growing number of family-oriented businesses have taken root. Rolly Pollies, a gym and rec center geared towards kids ages six months to 12 years, offers families a popular venue for birthday parties, after-school classes, and summer camp programs. If your kids are musically inclined, instrumental classes designed for very young students can be found at TuneBugz in nearby Barton Hills.

Shops and Restaurants

While Bee Cave’s foodie credibility certainly benefits from its just-outside-of-Austin location, the suburb itself has plenty of dining options along major thoroughfares like Highway 71 and Galleria Circle. Locals can get authentic French croissants and other baked goods that are made fresh daily at Baguette et Chocolat. They can also enjoy Tex-Mex specialities at Rosie’s Tamale House, a rumored favorite of local Austin hero Willie Nelson. Wild Kitchen & Bar is another popular, chic eatery that offers modern American cuisine made from locally-sourced ingredients.

Avid mall visitors in the Central Texas area owe their familiarity with Bee Cave to one major shopping destination: the Hill Country Galleria. This sizable shopping center features big-name retailers alongside local faves like Amy’s Ice Creams. 

What It’s Like to Live Here

Bee Cave combines a distinctly suburban vibe with rural Hill Country vistas and easy access to urban amenities (and to the city proper). Due to its close proximity to Austin, Bee Cave is an appealing option for homebuyers looking for a family-friendly community with good schools, a vibrant shopping and dining scene, new construction, and a central location.

While Bee Cave’s parks present a strong case for bringing your fitness routine outdoors, this suburb also includes plenty of indoor options for breaking a sweat. Hill Country Indoor Sports and Fitness offers top-of-the-line gym equipment alongside full-sized courts and fields for basketball, volleyball, soccer, lacrosse, and more. At the Hill Country Galleria, barre devotees can get their fix at barre3, while indoor cyclists can enjoy a high-octane spin class at RIDE. 

Aside from the Galleria, Bee Cave has numerous options for day-to-day shopping. Just north of the Galleria, you’ll find a Target and a Home Depot, while grocery store chains H-E-B and Randalls are both within Bee Cave and in the neighboring town of Lakeway, making it convenient for residents to access their daily necessities.