Vol. 1 · No. 07 · October 2026Field notes from the west side of AustinLake TravisHighway 71West Austin

The Westsider: field notes from the west side of Austin, by Diana Roberts

Lake Travis shoreline at sunset near Lakeway, Texas

Cover story · No. 07 · October 2026

Full again. What the lake level means for lakefront homes.

Lake Travis filled in July for the first time since 2019. How to read 681, the flood pool and a lakefront lot in any year.

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By Diana Roberts · Austin Real Estate Advisor · Compass

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Diana Roberts 10/22/26 Diana Roberts 10/22/26

Full Again: What Lake Travis Water Levels Mean for Lakefront Homes

Lake Travis filled in July for the first time since 2019. What 681 feet and the flood pool mean, and what to check on a lakefront home before the lake drops again.

Diana Roberts 10/3/26 Diana Roberts 10/3/26

What Highway 71’s Next Growth Wave Means for West Austin

Private golf, a wellness resort, a planned town and conservation land are all arriving along Highway 71. What is being built west of Austin, where things stand in October 2026, and what it means if you own or are buying on the west side.